Office of Agriculture Economics August 2013

Outline Current Status ( focus on Losses in Fruits and Vegetables ) Policies and StrategiesSuggestions for APEC Cooperation Problem

Percentage of crop production area in four regions of Thailand in 2011 Source: Amara Chinaphuti, Department of Agriculture

Fruits Vegetables Mango Pineapple longan, Pummelo Durian Mangosteen Rambutan Kluaikai banana Lychee Chinese cabbage head cabbage tomato, chili ginger, potato onion, garlic Lettuce, sweet pepper basil leaf water spinach, parsley cucumber, yard long bean, baby corn and cauliflower. Major Fruits & Vegetables of Thailand

Post-harvest losses in Thailand Fruit: 20-50%Vegetable: 30%Rice: 30% Source: Department of Agriculture

Post-harvest Losses of some Selected Fruits in Thailand Source: Department of Agriculture

Losses of Vegetable from Farm to the Wholesale Markets in Thailand (%) Source: Amara Chinaphuti

The Status of Post harvest Technology in Thailand: Post harvest Loss (PHL) Physiological factor Biological factor Physical factor Major Causes of PHL

Physiological factors Inferior fruit quality due to immature fruit occur at the harvest time Uneven ripeningBrowning and chilling injury of fruit and vegetableWater loss due to transpiration rateEthylene effects

Biological factors DiseasesInsect pest Physical factors Mechanical injuryPoor harvesting practicesInappropriate packaging Poor temperature and humidity control Poor transportation and road infrastructure

Losses due to Poor Handling and Packaging

Losses due to Poor Storage

Lack of proper knowledge and technology transfer to the farmers. Postharvest infrastructure and technologies are costly and sometimes does not give a economic returns. Less funds are available for R&D. Lack of investment/involvement of local manufactures in constructing small scale need based postharvest infrastructure Less awareness of policy makers and general public for the need to reduce/prevent food losses after harvest Problem

Low prices on the local market which discourage the farmer to use the proper packaging and transportation. High packaging and transportation cost. After harvesting, most of farmers are not aware of methods to prepare the produce in proper manners such as cleaning, grading and trimming are not carried out systematically. Less co-operation among the stakeholders in quality management system along the production chain

Policies and Strategies The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives (MOAC) has launched its Food Security Strategic Framework ( ) The MOAC’s Food Security Framework consists of 4 Strategic Trusts Produce adequate food for sustainable domestic consumption Support everyone to have an access to food Enhance quality of food production, reduce waste and utilize properly Maintain food stability

3. Enhance quality of agri. food production, reduce waste and utilize properly Guide lines: Reduce the losses in agri. food production by support R&D and promote (1) food processing technologies in order to increase value-added of food and agricultural product (2) post-harvesting technologies to maintain quality and shelf life of food as long as possible. Support reducing the loss of food waste from the unnecessarily consumption, by raising awareness about an impact on food security and campaign throughout local and national level Develop agricultural information system and access to information (Create network of agri. info, Develop of agriculture media as ways for transferring agriculture technology and innovation to farmers )

Suggestions for APEC Cooperation Strengthen the information system projects within the framework of international cooperation. Support a joint research and study on food waste food losses in APEC economy. Continue to provide forum for discussion on knowledge, best practice and technologies to reduce post-harvest loss in region. Develop joint initiatives and efforts to reduce food losses.

Thank you