The secret to low post-harvest losses while growing vegetables

Mr Peter Kariuki, a tomato farmer in Githabai area in Kingop sorts out his tomatoes after harvest.The farm produce is starting to rot due to lack of market despite the fact that other parts of the country are experiencing drought. PHOTO BY JAMES MUNYEKI

Fresh vegetables are extremely perishable and have relatively short shelf lives. Being able to maintain a level of freshness from the field to the dinner table presents many challenges.

A grower who can meet these challenges, will be able to expand his or her marketing opportunities. Special skills are required for proper harvesting, handling, grading and packaging of vegetables to insure optimum produce quality at the marketplace.