International Journal of Horticulture, 2017, Vol.7, No. 19, 154-162
161
Continued Table 11
Existing Value Chain (EVC)
Unit Price (NRs.)
Total Price (NRs.)
B. Cost
1. Cost of CFB boxes (N=500)
60
30000
2. Cost of fruits at collection centre (NRs./kg)
50
250000
3. Labor cost of for packaging and handling (NRs./CFB)
35
17500
4. Warehouse cost (NRs./CFB)
40
20000
5. Labor cost for unloading and handling at warehouse (NRs./CFB)
10
5000
6. Cost of Styrofoam (NRs./CFB)
32
16000
7. Total cost (Sum of B1-B6)
338500
C. Net Return (A3-B7)
286500
D. Benefit Cost Ratio (A3/B7)
1.78
E. Potential Added Benefit per truckload (C of IVC – C of EVC)
95250
F. Potential Added Benefit per truckload (US $)*
899
Note: No1 US $=NRs.106
4 Conclusions
Based on the above results, we can conclude that packaging of apple fruits in CFB boxes arranging in layers
separated by deck plate, wrapping of individual fruits with styrofoam, trimming of fruit stalks and making proper
ventilations was the appropriate packaging method for transportation of apples from production sites to distant
markets and warehouse by truck. This method is most desirable, efficacious and can be accepted by farmers
groups, cooperatives, traders and consumers in Nepalese context because of minimum postharvest loss due to low
scratching, brushing and spoilage damage; better retention of physical appearance, crispiness, taste, aroma,
firmness and juice content; high storability; high net return; high benefit cost ratio, convenience in handling and
affordable price for the consumers. Thus, packaging of apple fruits in CFB boxes of 5 ply 160 psi, 10kg capacity
by using deck plate between layers, wrapping individual fruits with styrofoam, trimming of stalks and making
proper ventilation in the CFB box has high shock bearing capacity during long distance transportation in rough
road. Economic analysis shows that if the traders replace the conventional system of packaging fruits by
improved one, they can gain additional benefit of NRs. 95250 (US $ 899) per truckload. Higher packaging cost
could be an important obstacle in adoption of improved technology, hence provision can be made from the
government to subsidize for packaging materials to encourage adoption of improved technology.
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