Office of Agriculture EconomicsAugust 2013

Outline

Percentage of crop production area in four regions of Thailand in 2011

Source: Amara Chinaphuti, Department of Agriculture

Fruits Vegetables

MangoPineapplelongan,PummeloDurianMangosteenRambutanKluaikai banana Lychee

Chinese cabbagehead cabbagetomato, chiliginger, potatoonion, garlicLettuce, sweet pepperbasil leafwater spinach, parsleycucumber, yard longbean, baby corn and

cauliflower.

Major Fruits & Vegetables of Thailand

Source: Department of Agriculture

Post-harvest Losses of some Selected Fruits in Thailand

Mango CitrusHarvest 10-50% 5-30%Transport 14-47% 1-4%Market 10-40% 2-20%

Post-harvest losses (%)Process

Source: Department of Agriculture

Losses of Vegetable from Farm to the Wholesale Markets in Thailand (%)

Crop Weight loss Defect Crop Weight loss DefectGourd 1.33 1.48 Kale 3.41 4.83Bitter gourd 1.59 2.19 Lettuce 2.87 2.58Cucumber 2.55 3.77 Rape 2.87 2.35Sweet pepper 4.88 5.13 Chive 2.88 2.35Pepper 3.26 3.96 Chinese cabbage 1.57 3.32Tomato 3.33 6.89 Parsley 8.47 7.73Cabbage 1.49 3.19 Spring onion 4.81 4.49Source: Amara Chinaphuti

The Status of Post harvest Technology in Thailand: Post harvest Loss (PHL)

Major Causes of PHL

Lack of proper knowledge and technology transfer to the farmers.

Postharvest infrastructure and technologies are costly and sometimes does not give a economic returns.

Less funds are available for R&D. Lack of investment/involvement of local

manufactures in constructing small scale need based postharvest infrastructure

Less awareness of policy makers and general public for the need to reduce/prevent food losses after harvest

Problem

ProblemLow prices on the local market which discourage

the farmer to use the proper packaging and transportation.

High packaging and transportation cost.After harvesting, most of farmers are not aware

of methods to prepare the produce in proper manners such as cleaning, grading and trimming are not carried out systematically.

Less co-operation among the stakeholders in quality management system along the production chain

Policies and StrategiesThe Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives (MOAC) has

launched its Food Security Strategic Framework (2013-2016)

The MOAC’s Food Security Framework consists of 4 Strategic Trusts.

1 2 3 4Produce adequate

food for

sustainable domestic

consumption

Support everyone to have an access to food

Enhance quality of food

production,

reduce waste

and utilize

properly

Maintain food

stability

3. Enhance quality of agri. food production, reduce waste and utilize properly Guide lines:Reduce the losses in agri. food production by support

R&D and promote (1) food processing technologies in order to increase value-added of food and agricultural product (2) post-harvesting technologies to maintain quality and shelf life of food as long as possible.

Support reducing the loss of food waste from the unnecessarily consumption, by raising awareness about an impact on food security and campaign throughout local and national level

Develop agricultural information system and access to information (Create network of agri. info, Develop of agriculture media as ways for transferring agriculture technology and innovation to farmers)

Suggestions for APEC CooperationStrengthen the information system projects within

the framework of international cooperation.

Support a joint research and study on food waste food losses in APEC economy.

Continue to provide forum for discussion on knowledge, best practice and technologies to reduce post-harvest loss in region.

Develop joint initiatives and efforts to reduce food losses.

Thank you