Post-harvest technology is as important as production technology, since it helps to avoid or reduce losses of crops produced. There are some post-harvest technologies, which should be disseminated globally in order to increase food security, particularly in developing countries.
One important element of the Information Network on Post-harvest Operations (INPhO) is the Post-harvest-Compendium. The Post-harvest-Compendium describes issues of paramount importance to post-harvest operations or post-production activities for staple foods and edible crops.
The Post-harvest-Compendium is designed to be used through the Internet: to provide technical and updated information about how, when and what is done after production of the crops in different communities around the world. It also provides information on other aspects associated with post-harvest activities. These include crop and family labour, tools and basic equipment involved in production and postproduction, main causes of losses, pest control, socio-economic issues, gender issues, commercialisation, nutritional value, processing techniques, by-products, product quality and so forth.
Development of the Post-harvest-Compendium has been initiated. Several chapters related to specific crops and specific post-harvest information are currently in preparation by crops expert under the supervision of recognised institutions such as IRRI, CIAT, INDDA, APCC, and others.
This information will provide global support to post-harvest activities, and will improve food security in the future.
Any comments, suggestions, or recommendations relevant to the Post-harvest-Compendium are welcome.
Post-harvest Management Group
AGSI-FAO-Rome
October 1999