Sustainable Strategies for Post-Harvest Management and Utilization of Horticultural Surplus in India

Post-harvest management and sustainable utilization of surplus horticultural produce are vital for
addressing food security, reducing agricultural waste, and promoting environmental
sustainability. Fruits and vegetables, being highly perishable face significant post-harvest losses
impacting economic stability and environmental health. With a growing global population and
strained natural resources, innovative strategies are essential to extend shelf life, minimize waste,
and create economic value. This review focuses on two objectives: first, assessing current post-
harvest management practices including advanced storage technologies, packaging innovations
and treatments to maintain quality and reduce losses. Techniques such as cold storage, modified
atmosphere packaging, and chemical/biological treatments are examined. Second, it explores
sustainable approaches to transform surplus produce into value-added products like processed
foods, bio-based materials and industrial goods. Emerging technologies, including edible
coatings, nanotechnology and precision agriculture, offer promising solutions to minimize losses.
The review highlights critical research and practice gaps, emphasizing the need for integrated
approaches that consider environmental, economic, and social dimensions. However, scaling
these technologies faces persistent challenges, including economic barriers, infrastructure gaps,
and technical limitations in resource-constrained regions. Furthermore, achieving optimal trade-
offs between treatment efficacy, safety compliance, and consumer acceptability of novel
solutions remains scientifically and commercially challenging. Effective post-harvest
management and surplus utilization enhance resource efficiency, reduce waste and contribute to a
sustainable agricultural system. Investments in research, infrastructure, and policy frameworks
are crucial to improving post-harvest systems and fostering a circular economy in horticulture,
driving innovation, reducing waste, and promoting sustainability for economic and
environmental benefits.