A professional approach to packing of vegetables and fruits is needed
By Dr Gamini Kulatunga Ph.D
The strong objections raised by the transporters of fruits and vegetables could have been avoided if pilot runs and a careful study was made before enforcing the rule on the plastic crates. All the missing links and the extra cost involved would have then surfaced and could have been dealt with. By agreeing to delay the use of the plastic crates, government has admitted its mistake. There is now a window of opportunity to look at all the aspects of this subject and implement a rational policy. Success will only be achieved if good sense prevails.
My knowledge is based on the experience I have gained working with mango-pickers who use wooden-crates for transport. They ripen the harvested mangoes and arrange the distribution to the end-users matching their needs with the condition of the fruits supplied.
The decision to enforce the use of plastic crates may have various reasons. One factor would have been to decrease postharvest losses and ensure that transport will be facilitated using these containers. The outcome would then be that prices will come down benefitting the consumer. One must be guarded against simplifying the issue as there are so many other factors also to be considered.
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