Investigating Determinants of Post-Harvest Losses and Assessing Economic Impacts on Tomato Retailers:
A Case Study in the Kandy District, Sri Lanka

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is a vital agricultural commodity in Sri Lanka, with a significant
presence in the country's agricultural landscape. However, the tomato value chain faces substantial
economic challenges, particularly at the retailer level. One of the primary hurdles that retailers encounter is
the significant post-harvest losses associated with the perishable nature of fresh tomatoes. In addition to the
impacts on the economic viability of tomato businesses, these losses have broader effects on national
economy and food security.