Post-harvest losses: Crops that decay easily, such as perishable fruits, vegetables, and flowers, have a short shelf life. Significant post-harvest losses can occur as a result of spoiling, decay, and quality degradation in the absence of sufficient storage facilities, such as cold storage or refrigeration units. Farmers suffer financial losses as a result, and the market’s supply of fresh produce is decreased.
Limited market access: Farmers may encounter difficulties reaching far-off markets and customers in the absence of adequate transportation infrastructure. Transporting perishable crops effectively and on schedule is essential to preserving their quality and freshness. Farmers may have trouble getting to markets on time if there is insufficient transportation infrastructure, such as well-maintained roads, dependable cold chain logistics, and suitable packaging. Consequently, there may be less market access.
Price volatility: For perishable crops, inadequate infrastructure for storage and transportation can make prices more volatile. Even during times of surplus, farmers may be obliged to sell their crops right away if there aren’t adequate storage facilities. This can cause a market oversupply and a drop in pricing. In contrast, due to restrictions in the transportation infrastructure, farmers may find it difficult to provide perishable commodities at times of strong demand, raising the cost to consumers.
Quality decline: The temperature, humidity, and handling circumstances have a significant impact on the quality of perishable crops. Particularly in hot and humid locations, inadequate storage and transportation facilities can cause quality to decline while in transit. Bruising, rotting, and wilting can all result from improper handling, a lack of temperature control, and lengthy transportation durations.
