Vol. 8, Issue 9, Part N (2024)

Post-harvest losses hinder global food security and sustainability, causing economic and environmental harm. Engineering improvements can solve these issues throughout the post-harvest supply chain. Modern storage technology has transformed perishable commodities preservation. Modified atmosphere storage (MAS) and controlled atmosphere storage (CAS) systems maintain appropriate temperature, humidity, and gas composition, prolonging food shelf life and preventing spoiling. With smart sensors and IoT connectivity, these systems can monitor and control storage conditions in real time, allowing quick interventions and lowering environmental losses. Transportation engineering has increased food delivery efficiency and safety. Advanced packaging materials include biodegradable and active packaging defend against physical damage and spoilage. Refrigerated transport systems keep perishable commodities cool from farm to consumer, while route optimization algorithms and GPS monitoring devices prevent delays and spoilage. These advances improve distribution, reducing food loss. Processing technology also help reduce post-harvest losses. Precision sorting, automated grading, and enhanced drying have changed food processing. Optical sorting machines employ advanced cameras and sensors to precisely detect and discard faulty or undesired materials, guaranteeing that only quality goods advance in processing. Freeze-drying and high-pressure processing preserve food's nutritional content and shelf life, reducing waste and optimizing produce utilization. Engineering improvements are crucial to solving post-harvest losses and complex issues. These technologies improve storage, transportation, and processing, boosting food quality and durability and making the food supply chain more sustainable and efficient. These technical solutions must be developed and used to reduce post-harvest losses and ensure food security. Investing in post-harvest management research and development can help overcome emerging difficulties and meet global food security goals.