Food and Nutritional Security through Minimization of Postharvest Losses and Value Addition in Agricultural Commodities

Abstract

At present, one of the main global challenges is how to ensure food security for a world growing population whilst ensuring long term sustainable development. Current world population is projected to reach 10.5 billion by 2050 (UN March, 2013), further adding to overall food security concerns. This raise translates into 33% more human mouths to feed, with the greatest claim growth in the poor communities of the globe. According to Alexandratos and Bruinsma [1] food supplies would need to boost by 60% in order to meet the food demand in 2050. Food production has been steadily increased in almost all developing countries due to advancement in production technology, but improper post harvest management (PHM), processing, value addition and storage results in high losses in agricultural produces. Unfortunately, having such a huge production a considerable postharvest loss to the tune of 10-25%, occur annually mainly due to inefficient postharvest management practices