Post-harvest technology management system of selected fruits for export

Dissertations

College of Industrial Education Doctor of Philosophy in Technology Management Technological University of the Philippines 2020

The business of exporting Philippine fresh fruits is beset with the problem of non-compliance with the quality standard requirements that are imposed by importing countries. A consequence of this non-compliance is the risk of the fruits getting detained at the entry port of the importing country, resulting in losses for the local exporter. The losses include fruit spoilage due to long storage period, shipping cost and storage fines, and loss of export opportunity. The failure to meet strict phyto-sanitary standard requirements being imposed by key import markets is the major reason for the decline of the export of fresh Cavendish banana and Carabao mango in recent years.
The study assessed the current post-harvest operations and technology management practices of stakeholders or exporters within the supply chain of Cavendish banana and Carabao mango for export with the main objective of establishing a post-harvest technology management system that will improve overall performance and operational sustainability. Current and best post- harvest operations, technology management practices and challenges were investigated in order to establish factors that could possibly impact the implementation of a sustainable post-harvest operations and technology management practices. The readiness of exporters within the supply chain of said fruits in adopting a post harvest technology management system were likewise considered.Descriptive and inferential statistics were used and respondents were
selected via purposive sampling. The study covered six (6) exporters and data were gathered using survey questionnaires and focus group discussions then treated in Statistical Package for Social Sciences.
The outcome of the study points out that all the stakeholders involved in post-harvest operations adopt traditional practices characterized by insufficient machineries and lacking in good manufacturing practices. In contrast, among the best practices considered is the adoption of sufficient machineries and guided by post-harvest technology management tools and standards, such as Good Manufacturing Processes, Good Agricultural Practices and Hazard Analysis of Critical Control Points.
With regards to the readiness of personnel in adopting new technology in post-harvest in the light of sustainability for Cavendish banana and Carabao mango personnel, the study demonstrates statistically significant outcomes, with correlation coefficient results computed for justification.
Moreover, the dissertation shows statistically significant relationship indicating the acceptance of Cavendish banana and Carabao mango personnel in adopting new technology in exchange for traditional practices, with Odds Ratio results calculated for confirmation.
The different challenges that can be encountered in implementing the system include cooperative efforts to provide the personnel with continuing education and continuing training as momentum to improved productivity in post- harvest operation when combined with work experience. This also calls for a re-orientation program for personnel of post-harvest industry. Specifically, barriers
in Cavendish banana and Carabao mango post-harvest to new technology comprise the following: lack of technology transfer, no assurance as a source of living and in maintaining profit, inadequate facility and lack of practical knowledge in transitioning to Industry 4.0 and in economic growth that serve as challenges for future gains.
Post-harvest technology management framework each for Cavendish banana and Carabao mango was described and schemed for both fruits. Significance of TOWS analysis was valued for the construction of the systems. The frameworks were established on risk analysis, correlation and regression analyses. Action plans were laid accordingly.
The result of the study also indicates that the exporters are in a position to adopt post-harvest technology management systems: a technology management framework/model, one each for Cavendish banana and Carabao mango as established by this study with the end in view of improved performance and operational sustainability. The system also incorporates technology-aided orientation program, post-harvest facility sharing, continuous improvement blue-print in preparation for Industry 4.0. Finally, the study recommends the updating of a strategic post-harvest technology management system for the export of Cavendish banana and Carabao mango.-Author's abstract.