POST-HARVEST LOSSES AND MARKETING OF GRAPES IN PAKISTAN

This study was designed to evaluate the overtime trends in grape acreage and production at the regional and national levels; to examine the marketing practices for grapes in the mountainous areas of Balochistan, Pakistan; and to estimate the post-harvest loss at various stages of grape marketing and distribution. Quetta, Pishin and Mastung districts were purposively selected for the study. Data were obtained during November 2005 from 33 producers and 31 market intermediaries/retailers by using pre-tested questionnaires. Significant quantity of grapes produce is traded to all parts of the country mainly to Punjab and Sindh provinces. Results indicated that farmers realize a higher price in distant market sales even while incurring higher marketing costs. The aggregate postharvest losses in grapes range from 16-23%, depending on methods of marketing. Losses are mainly due to improper packing and transportation for having poor marketing infrastructure. The large shares of grape losses were borne by consumers. Majority of the producers were selling grapes to the contractors. The major constraints reported by the farmers were low price, high transportation cost and distant markets.