Implications of Post-Harvest Losses and Acreage Response of Selected Up-Country Vegetables from Nuwara-Eliya District in Sri Lanka on Sustained Food Security

Purpose: Up-country vegetable sector is sensitive in achieving food security as a prominent sub sector within the Sri Lankan agriculture. But a high post-harvest loss (PHLs) along traditional supply chains and competitiveness of alternative crops are a couple of great challenges on availability of these vegetables. This study estimated PHLs of carrots, cabbage and leeks along the most prominent supply chain from Nuwara-Eliya to Dambulla Dedicated Economic Center followed by an acreage response analysis which has a timely importance. Research Method: The most prominent supply chain in Nuwara-Eliya district which has track record on highest production of up-country vegetables was identified by a pilot test. Multi stage purposive sampling technique was used to track key players and data on estimated PHLs were collected through questionnaire surveys. Acreage response analysis was done by secondary data with the application of Nerlovian expectation model. Findings: Incidence of PHLs of leeks was the highest (44%) and major contributing causes were trimming of lengthier but fresh leaves while bundling followed by mechanical damages. Incidence of PHLs of cabbage was 43% and mainly it was due to trimming of outer leaves. PHLs of carrots (30%) were mainly due to rots and mechanical damages. Acreage response analysis revealed that farmers were responsive to yester year prices of vegetables and potato; an alternative crop. Unit increase of vegetable price can increase the acreage of up-country vegetable by 0.21 hectares while unit increase of potato price can reduce acreage of up-country vegetables by 0.26 hectares. Research Limitations: This study was constrained a little bit by lack of time and logistical limitations. Originality/value: Relationships established between the scale of farming operation and the PHLs was a novel finding of this study. PHLs of upcountry vegetables along their common supply chain were also quantified. Policy formulations must be mainly focused on price controlling of vegetable crops to minimize the relative fluctuations in the extents cultivated and preventing high PHLs which may seriously affect food security of the country