Innovations for Safe Vegetable Production and Reduction in Food Loss

Innovations for Safe Vegetable Production and Reduction in Food Loss

In support of Action Track 2 (Shift to Sustainable Consumption Patterns) this independent dialogue reviews important innovations developed in collaboration with the USAID-funded Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Horticulture and experts in Cambodia, Honduras, and Rwanda.  These are innovations that continue to be researched and scaled for production of nutritious fruits and vegetables and for reduction in food loss. Presenters share experience with screen house production of safe vegetables, small-scale cold rooms to facilitate markets and reduce food loss as well as other post-harvest handling innovations.  The following specific technologies are highlighted:

• • Small Scale Cold Rooms: CoolBot™ technology is incorporated into small cold storage rooms providing an affordable way for small-scale farmers to cool crops on farm.
  • DryCard: The DryCard is an inexpensive device used to measure relative humidity in containers to prevent mold growth. The DryCard is currently being marketed in 11 countries.
  • Chimney Solar Dryer: The unique design of this solar dryer combines solar heat collection with rapid air flow for efficient drying of fresh produce, allowing farmers to efficiently dry fruits, vegetables and other foods for long-term storage. Training materials to permit building of the chimney solar dryer have been developed and tested in multiple locations.