Reaction to the 2007 and 2008 quality management activities

All fifteen growers interviewed reacted positively to the quality management activities especially the

„best practice‟ guides.

De-sapping with lime wash was one of the unique techniques discovered in this project.

(Grower 2)

Mango picking through poles, collecting fruit in plastic tubs, avoiding piles in the open sun were critical issues to look after for better appearance of mangoes. (Grower 4)

Belly shape packing resulted in fruit injury and poor image of mango quality (Grower10)

The five core participant growers who were directly involved in providing fruit from their orchards for the experimental trials exhibited a deeper understanding of both on-farm as well as off-farm quality losses than the non-core growers.

The demonstration of fruit maturity through Brix level (6.5-8 TSS level), breaking stem in 0.5 per cent lime solution for de-sapping, and temperature management between 15-20 C along the chain were some important issues needed to be managed for better quality.

(Grower 1)

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The majority of growers (twelve out of fifteen) recognized the disconnect that existed between their current levels of post-harvest quality management and market requirements.

My father was involved in renting orchards for years but I realised I should take control myself…partially or completely…I have better understanding now. (Grower 3)

However three of the non-core growers dismissed these „best practices‟ as being unworkable in their situation where they relied on contractors to harvest their crop.

…. quality management training (workshops) could be feasible for small growers of 4-5 acres of land because they can handle it easily while we deal in huge production for which picking through poles and de-sapping is nothing except hassle. (Grower 14)

As the contractors were largely controlled by commission agents as to what practices they could physically change and afford to change, they appreciated the benefits of improved practices but acknowledged the reality of the situation.

Harvesting with stem, collecting in plastic bins, placing under the tree shades and de-sapping are new for us but need to be pushed with the commission agents whom are our main concern. (Contractor 1)

Three of the four commission agents interviewed expressed a positive attitude towards the „best practice‟ guidelines but doubted if the traditional marketing system with its existing infrastructure was capable of change.

All practices introduce by the ASLP project are excellent in reducing wastage but did not achieve success in changing the views of people particularly in domestic markets for carbide ripening… people still believe that mangoes will not ripen in cardboard packing therefore wooden packing will prevail in our markets …. Poor facilities at the market level need to be addressed. (Commission Agent 3).

The core respondent exporters were also positive in their reaction to the quality management activities being undertaken.

Seeing de-sapping technique developed by UAF people, along with information about quality losses in perspective of a consumer attitude which we were incurring in our traditional packing and grading practices were unique and new ways of learning through on farm workshop. (Exporter 3)

The cool chain management studies are very important to improve the shelf life of the fruit. (Exporter 1)

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Reefer containers could be the option for distant markets e.g. Germany… particularly when the protocols for CA shipments will develop… we are much interested in CA shipment and I have already developed a mango harvest and washing platform in 2007.

(Exporter 2)

However as one core respondent exporter observed, a critical element in quality management was temperature management and although the „best practice‟ guides attempted to address this at the farm level, the absence of adequate cool storage infrastructure was a major limiting factor.

Without having proper cool chain system…cargo facilities at the airport level these kinds of activities (trial shipments) are worthless. (Exporter 2)

While this comment referred specifically to a lack of temperature controlled infrastructure at the airports the problem existed along the entire supply chain as identified in the Scoping Study.

In addition two core respondent exporters indicated a need for additional research in the areas of ripening and storage.

It would not be practically feasible to do some consignments with improved practices such as picking properly, or de-sapping at the farm level unless the proper ripening and shelf life management procedures were developed, this is the missing link so far.

(Exporter 1)

The ripening and storage issues had been identified in the out-turn reports from the trial shipments conducted in 2007 and 2008

The out-turn (of UK trials) was good having fruit that was clean but not well coloured,…its appearance was quiet sound but it was not properly ripe, shelf life was improved but no additional dollar value resulted and we sent feedback to Pakistani counterparts for further communication to the stakeholders. (Australian ASLP Team Member 2)

Mixed maturity, mixed colour and shorter shelf life fruit was observed in Dubai market.

(Australian ASLP Team Member 3)

The interest in ripening and storage research was driven by the high level of interest in sea freight which had the potential to reduce transport costs by shipping mangoes to export market rather than by more expensive air freight. Research had been initiated in these areas as part of the on-going the ASLP research being conducted at UAF.

Storage studies for different varieties (Chaunsa, Sindhri) are under process and recommendations are expected in year 2009. Ethylene Injection Assembly plant for

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ripening, and Amistar (a chemical use for ripening) has been imported from Australia to study the disease control. (Research Scientist 1)

Another aspect of quality management identified in the Scoping Study was the feedback from importers concerning inconsistency in grading and packing standards. While there was no specific activity planned to address this problem, observations made by the ASLP Project Team visiting an exporter‟s processing facility in June 2007 led to a pack-house management activity being initiated.

This activity was largely funded by the core group of exporters with assistance from PHDEC.