POST HARVEST HANDLING AND TRANSPORTATION OF PAWPAW (Carica papaya) IN EKITI STATE, SOUTHWESTERN NIGERIA.

Abstract

The method of post harvest handling and transportation of pawpaw was conducted in Ekiti State, Southwestern Nigeria. Questionnaires schedule and personal interviews were used to collect data from ten Local Government Areas in the state. Seventy seven structured questionnaires were administered to both whole sellers and retailers within the state. The study identified quite a number of lapses in the post harvest handling and transportation of pawpaw in Ekiti State where the handlers single out storage, loading, transportation system and marketing as the most important factors that contribute to the high post harvest loss of pawpaw fruits in Ekiti State. Recommendations on how to improve the handling, transportation system, storage as well as marketability to reduce the high post harvest loss are made.