Particular attention needs to be given to locally important commodities in each area. International assistance to developing countries in the field of post-harvest loss prevention needs to be geared to improve capability of the developing country to handle these programmes. There is a need for an international information network to promote exchange of information on prevention of losses in perishable crops. Links between existing national and international institutions need to be strengthened. Proper management of temperature and humidity of root crops and certain other perishables in the initial post-harvest period is essential to good curing which improves wound healing and minimizes infection by microorganisms.
Refrigeration is an important tool in the temperature management of perishables.
It is desirable to remove field heat as soon as possible after harvest and to store at that temperature which will give the longest shelf-life. However, refrigeration technology should not be adopted as a panacea for all problems connected with deterioration associated with high temperature. A key factor influencing the magnitude of post-harvest losses is the severity of mechanical damage to the crop during harvest and subsequent handling because it provides pathways for invasion by fungi and bacteria. Intervention activities need to be particularly directed to those individuals involved in handling the commodity throughout the post-harvest system and consideration needs to be given to their level of understanding. Any innovation to reduce post-harvest losses introduced to the private sector should be accompanied by a clear financial incentive.