Post-harvest losses and final destination of fruit in commercial segments of Teresina (PI)

Abstract

Post-harvest losses represent a high cost to the commercial sector and cause negative environmental impacts. The environmentally inappropriate disposal of organic waste is a problematic issue in Brazil, where more than 50% of its total waste is with these characteristics and less than 2% of these are recycled through composting. There is a lack of information on post-harvest losses and the destination of organic waste to several brazilian states, notably Piauí. Thus, the aim was to conduct a survey of the socioeconomic profile, commercialization scenario, post-harvest losses, disposal and final destination of fruits in commercial segments in Teresina (PI). For this, interviews were carried out in 10 supermarkets, 20 Ceasa establishments and 40 fair sellers from two open markets, through a questionnaire composed of 40 objective questions. It was found that the commercialization scenario presents fruits from other states (95%), mainly from Ceará, drained on paved roads through tarpaulin-loaded trucks. These are usually 1 to 5 days exposed for commercialization, with little or no investment for conservation. Supermarkets offer between 157 and 2450 kg week-1; Ceasa, 1 and 364 kg week-1; open markets, 2 and 450 kg week-1. High losses were significant in the three segments: open markets (91%), supermarkets (64%) and Ceasa (45%). For climacteric fruits, papaya 'Formosa' is the most lost in supermarkets (16%), while avocado in Ceasa (15%) and guava in open markets (37%). Among non-climacteric fruits, the green grape is the most lost, with emphasis on occurrence in open markets (26%). These losses are discarded separately from other waste, especially in supermarkets (100%). Most of these organic residues (55 to 60%) have an environmentally inappropriate final destination, as they are sent to a controlled landfill regardless of the segment studied. There is a need for better training and awareness of traders regarding the adoption of good post-harvest practices, management of commercial activity and environmental education, as a way to reduce financial losses and environmental impacts.