Postharvest loss estimation of cut rose (Rosa hybrida) flower farms: economic analysis in East Shoa Zone, Ethiopia. (1st January 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Aman, Mohammed
• Is Part Of: International journal of sustainable economy. Volume 6:Number 1(2014)
• Page Start: 82
• Page End: 95
• Publication Date: 2014-01-01
• Subjects: sustainable use of resources -- postharvest loss -- greenhouse -- rose cut flowers -- postharvest operations -- refrigerated storage -- contract input -- East Shoa Zone -- Oromia -- Ethiopia; Sustainable development -- Periodicals; Economics -- Periodicals; 338.92705
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1756-5804

Abstract

Despite the sector's role of sustaining economic growth, there is considerable loss in rose cut flower production due to improper postharvest handling. This study's survey was conducted from first week of February to last week of April, 2011 in three districts of East Shoa Zone, Ethiopia for estimating farm level postharvest loss in rose cut flower production. The postharvest loss at farm level was estimated to be 4 stems/m 2 . The maximum postharvest loss (31.88%) was obtained for harvesting stage, while the least loss (2.89%) for storaging stage due to use of refrigerated storage. Besides, distance of the farm from the airport, age of the flower plant, farm manager's experience and education, access to contract input were found to be determinants of postharvest loss. To ameliorate the postharvest loss of rose cut flowers, there should be training for workers, intensification of production, improving road transport infrastructure and encouraging contract farming among producers.