Quantifying postharvest loss in vegetables along the supply chain in Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos

Abstract

This study provides an overview of the postharvest loss situation of selected vegetable crops as perceived by the various supply chain actors in Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos. It investigates the volume and value of vegetable losses upstream along the supply chain, and identifies the main reasons and the preventive measures undertaken at each stage in the supply chain to abate postharvest losses. Loss estimates are compared by supply chain actor, country and crop. This study finds that the average loss of the selected vegetables is about 17%, and that farmers are the most vulnerable group compared to middlemen and retailers who both have more control on product prices. It recommends developing measures to contain disease problems for farmers, and improving marketing efficiency through standardisation of product quality for middlemen and retailers.