Post-harvest loss assessment of custard apple (Annona squamosa L.) in Andhra Pradesh: A case study

Abstract

The study to elicit information on post-harvest losses in custard apple at different stages of fruit handling was carried out in Anantapuramu and Chittoor districts of Andhra Pradesh during 2015-16. The data was collected from growers, wholesalers/mandi merchants, transporters and retailers through personal interview by using a pre-structured questionnaire. The aggregate post-harvest loss of 29.98 per cent fruits was recorded in custard apple from farm level to retailer’s level. The mean post-harvest fruit loss of 7.65 per cent, 8.87 per cent and 13.46 per cent was observed at farm level, wholesale/mandi level including transit and retailer’s level, respectively. The major share of fruit loss occurred at retailers level (44.89 per cent) followed by wholesale/mandi level (29.59 per cent).