Impact of Varietal choice on the postharvest quality of Tomato

Project Description The main objectives of this study are to recognize varieties that could keep optimum quality during postharvest life and to recognize which quality parameters affect the extension of postharvest life. In this study, nurseries are established for 6 varieties (King Kong, Tomato 1014, Red Bullet, Padma, Platinum, T245) and. After harvesting, tomato fruits…

Bringing Transparency to Tomato Wholesale Pricing – A Hedonic Analysis

Project Description A study conducted using qualitative interviews with tomato wholesalers at the Dambulla Dedicated Economic Center (DDEC) Expected Outcome The study will bring transparency to tomato wholesale price dynamics leading to better informed decision making among stakeholders. The study will optimize stakeholder operations and market efficiency by understanding the quality attributes affecting tomato pricing.…

Exploring Contractual Agreements between Mango Producers and Collectors in Sri Lanka.

Project Description This study will be based on island-wide primary surveys and interviews with mango producers and Agricultural Instructors (AI) across Sri Lanka in collaboration with Hector Kobbekaduwa Agrarian Research and Training Institute (HARTI). Expected Outcome The study will yield a comprehensive understanding of contractual agreements between mango producers and collectors. The study will provide…

Unlocking the Potential of Women-led mango farming: Evaluating the impact of production clusters on economic empowerment of women in mango production systems

Project Description This action research study anticipates the participating women (members of a given cluster) to experience a distinctively improved productivity compared to those operating individually. This could be attributed to shared resources, knowledge exchange, and coordinated efforts in activities. Increased awareness among women farmers regarding opportunities and the benefits of coordination will be built…

Factors Underpinning Women’s Participation and Empowerment in Fruit Value Chains: A Systematic Review

Project Description Crucial roles in fruit value chains are played by women, who were often engaged in tasks requiring care, precision, and attention to detail, such as quality evaluation and nurturing social ties. Despite their significant contributions, barriers such as household responsibilities, limited access to high-value positions, and societal perceptions/cultural norms that undervalue their contributions…

Postharvest Losses and Quality Variations of Tomatoes in Wholesale Markets: A Case Study of Sri Lankan Supply Chain

Project Description This commodity systems assessment of Tomatoes in the wholesale market has the main objectives of recognizing the quality variation of the tomatoes in the wholesale market; recognizing which origins provide the best quality tomatoes; recognizing the reasons/postharvest practices affecting such differences (traceback); and recognizing the parameters that contributed to the postharvest loss. In…

Towards Sustainable Postharvest Management of Mangoes in Sri Lanka; Evaluating Current Practices, Latest Research, and Future Interventions

Project Description Literature survey on Mango focusing on existing production practices, latest research and future intervention needs Key Findings Significant gap between recommended and currently practiced postharvest practices in Sri Lanka Inadequate preharvest strategies, and postharvest handling operations Insufficient postharvest treatments, ripening protocols, and transportation methods Limited research on postharvest practices for local mango varieties…