Post-Harvest Losses In Sweet Oranges In Khall Valley Of District Dir Lower, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Abstract

This study is conducted in Khall valley of district Dir Lower of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with the objectives to estimate quantity of post-harvest losses in sweet oranges and to determine the factors responsible for post-harvest losses. Primary data is collected from a total number of 62 growers/farmers of sweet oranges by using cluster sampling technique through a well design structure questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and linear regression model are used for analysis of data. Main findings of the study reveal that after harvest, on average 277-420 dozen orange per acre are lost. Result of regression model showed that experience of the farmers, income and number of active family member in farming was negative related with response variable, while distance to market was positively related to post-harvest losses in oranges. The study concludes that accessibility to market reduce the post-harvest losses in the sweet oranges. To overcome post-harvest losses in the area there is a need for assistance of poor farmer financially; improvement in the infrastructure, hiring of labors and identification of model growers will lead to reduce the post-harvest losses in sweet oranges.