Cutting-edge solutions to reduce waste during the production of root crops
It is estimated that 30-60 % of the economic value of cassava and yams is lost post-harvest. The losses may be due to physical damage and disease, discounted or low-value products, or non-use of waste streams like discarded peelings. The EU-funded GRATITUDE (Gains from losses of root and tuber crops) project addressed these losses by developing new systems and technologies. Overall, the aim was to significantly reduce physical and economic losses as well as biowaste. Researchers assessed the value chain of cassava and yam farming in Ghana, Nigeria, Thailand and Vietnam. This led to a greater understanding of the levels and causes of post-harvest losses in order to identify and evaluate other options for reducing such losses. Technologies to lessen the post-harvest losses of fresh produce were developed and validated. Project partners focused on the storage losses of yam by examining major causes. They introduced viable processing options for both crops to reduce post-harvest losses and boost the income of small farmers. To generate value added products and increase food security, the project team developed technologies for making food products from waste, in the form of food products, animal feed or mushrooms made from composting waste. To ensure the safety of these products, it then developed suitable food safety and quality management systems for processing. GRATITUDE introduced better storage and processing techniques. These solutions will help to reduce waste and turn it into something of value during the production of yam and cassava. These two vital crops are a part of the staple diet for about 700 million people in disadvantaged regions worldwide.
Keywords
Root crops, cassava, yams, post-harvest, tuber crops
