Packaging of agricultural products

This low-cost, practical manual is clearly structured and laid out, with a wealth of illustrative figures, check lists and photos. Divided into nine chapters, it describes methods and materials that can be used to package agricultural products. It covers foods that are grown and/or processed on farms and then transported to wholesale markets or processors, or in some cases to retailers for sales to customers.
Chapter 1 discusses the reasons for packaging agricultural products and the costs and challenges involved. It also provides two case studies to show how better packaging can improve both the quality of fresh produce sent to market and the farmers’ and traders’ incomes. Chapters 2 to 6 outline the packaging requirements and options for different groups of agricultural products such as cereals, legumes, cooking oils, and horticultural and animal products. Chapters 7 and 8 describe the properties and comparative advantages of different packaging materials, while chapter 9 covers filling/sealing equipment. Two annexes list sources for further reading and support organisations.
An invaluable source of information for small-scale farmers and traders, this booklet can usefully be read in conjunction with Agrodok 31: Storage of tropical and agricultural products.

Packaging of agricultural products
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