POSTHARVEST LOSSES OF DHAKKI DATES DURING SUPPLY CHAIN IN PAKISTAN.

Pakistan is considered as one of the top ten ranked countries in date palm fruits production. This study was conducted to assess losses at farm, wholesale and retail levels in supply chain of Dhakki dates in D.I. Khan, Pakistan. Furthermore, physical and chemical characteristics of dates were also determined. For the observation of losses all the samples were randomly collected at farm level. Dates were conventionally packaged and transported in open mini trucks to wholesale market and retail out- lets/vendors in Peshawar city and losses were noted. Results indicated that overall percent losses in Dhakki dates at farm level were 29.6%, while losses at wholesale and retail level were observed as 41.33% and 35.33%, respectively. Major factors for causing losses during supply chain are insect's infestation, birds attack, sunburn, cracking, mechanical damage, fermentation, decaying, bruising and fungal attack. Proper determination of physical parameters including linear dimensions, volume, bulk density, porosity and fruit mass can reduce the mechanical injuries, bruising, cracking and decaying of Dhakki dates during picking and sorting at farm level as well as packaging, transportation and storage at wholesale and retail level. Timely estimation of firmness has key role in minimizing bruising and other defects in date fruits. Moreover it is recommended that suitable cushioning materials can play a vital role in packaging of Dhakki dates during entire supply chain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]