ASEAN Member States Seeks to Reduce of Post-harvest Food Losses below 30%

Bogor of West Java (B2B) – Indonesia offers ozone technology to reduction of post harvest losses of chili under 15%, chili losses on average 30% to 40%, it was presented by Indonesia in ASEAN cooperation projects, the ASEAN PHL-Project, to share knowledge and experience in postharvest technology applications, the goal is to reduce PHL at the farm level, and guarantees for consumers to get fresh chili and safe to eat.

“The results of the Indonesian pilot project at the chilli production center in Magelang district of Central Java province will be formulated at the next meeting in Bali in August, and will be a recommendation for 10 ASEAN member states,” said Evi Savitri Iriani, senior researcher at the Indonesian Ministry of Agriculture´s R & D Agency here on Tuesday (July 24).

Ozone technology begins with the use of chili color chart as a guide for farmers during the harvest. Utilizing crates as chili containers in transport to collectors or packing, the ozone system as antimicrobials, packaging of perforated cardboard boxes, and the use of refrigerated transport for long distance distribution.

“The combined ozone-cooling system with the coolant lasts 28 days to three months, without ozone chili only lasting two weeks,” said Evi Savitri.

According to her, Production loss in post-harvest and storage activities at the global level is estimated to be above 40%. While at the processing, distribution and consumption levels above 30%, and Indonesia in the pilot project of the ASEAN PHL-Project succeeded in reducing losses by 15%.

Indonesia did not work alone, two other ASEAN countries after it was agreed in a regional consultation, Thailand handles pilot projects for fruits namely pineapple, and Vietnam related grain, especially rice.

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ASEAN Member States Seeks to Reduce of Post-harvest Food Losses below 30%