How to reduce post-harvest losses in the tomato value chain.

How to reduce post-harvest losses in the tomato value chain. This is a crucial point to tackle if profit in tomato business is to be experienced. Value addition is a method of reducing losses, harvested tomatoes can be processed immediately ,see Tomatoes can also be preserved by extending the shelf-life especially when transporting from rural region to urban and the journey is for days or months. There is a new innovative method to stop tomato losses by using ash. Tomatoes can be stored in ash for up to 5 months without spoiling and there is no side effect of storing in ash thus its safe. The use of ash is safe,economical and increases profit margin. When tomatoes are harvested,they can be stored in crates with ash and then transported any where or can be stored for months before selling. This method not only prevent losses but also creates a niche market for farmers that can produce tomatoes ahead of peak periods and sell for additional income. This method of keeping tomatoes in the ash for a period of five to six months, then sell them in December, January, or February when the price has risen—since tomatoes are rare and become expensive during this period. see