India is the second largest producer of Fruits and Vegetables. According to data, 18 percent of India’s fruit and vegetable production –valued at Rs 133 billion (€1.69 bln)– is wasted annually. Two of the biggest contributors to food losses are the lack of refrigerated transport and the lack of high quality cold storage facilities for food manufacturers and food sellers. 

Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU) has developed two Nano Formulations to help protect yield and enable farmers get better price. Two nano formulations – Fruity Fresh and Nano Sticker and Nano Pellets – out of the seven products that are in different stages of testing are expected to hit the agro market soon. According to Dr SD Sivakumar, Director, Agri Business Development, TNAU these products are cost effective also.

The ‘Fruity fresh’ and ‘Nano Stickers and Nano Pellets’ would increase the shelf life of fruits and vegetables and protect them against post-harvest diseases, said Director of Research, K.S. Subramanian.

The ‘Fruity fresh’, when sprayed 15 - 30 days before harvest, helped growers retain fruits and vegetables for six to 12 days compared to those fruits and vegetables that were not sprayed. Likewise, dipping mango post-harvest in a ‘Fruity fresh’ formulation extended the shelf life by a similar period under ambient storage condition and for 10 - 15 days under cold storage condition.

The ‘Nano Stickers and Nano Pellets’ had a similar function, Mr. Subramanian said and added the sellers or exporters could use them by placing them inside boxes meant for shipment.