POSTHARVEST HANDLING AND MARKETING OF CACTUS PEAR FRUIT (OPUNTIA FICUS-INDICA) IN TIGRAY, ETHIOPIA - W. Bihon

Mekelle University, Mekelle, Ethiopia

Many varieties of cactus pear (Opuntial ficus-indica) are grown for fruit production, as well as for animal feed, in Tigray, Ethiopia. The fruit represent a very important food source in satisfying the nutritional needs of the population, as it is ready to harvest at the time when most of the people are experiencing a shortage of other food items. However, it is not available throughout the year, since its fruiting period is limited to the summer and there is no technology for storage that would guarantee a continuous supply during the season when there is no production.  Quality and/or storability of the fruit are dependent on pre-harvest management conditions and post-harvest handling methods. The fruit is harvested by locally made tools and by the use of human labor. A sharp nail or sickle-like piece of metal is fitted on the tip of a long stick and the persons collecting the fruit cut the whole cladode which contains a mixture of mature, immature and over-mature fruit. Due to short-comings with regard to harvesting and post-harvest handling, there is about 35% loss of the fruit. Marketing systems are also still traditional in the country. Farmers harvest fruit based on consumer preference and sell it at the road sides of towns or villages, either directly to the consumer or to retailers. There is no cactus pear fruit in the supermarkets of the cities or towns. This study has confirmed that there is a need to improve post-harvest management and marketing of this important fruit.