Models adopted for commercializing new postharvest technology for minimizing postharvest loss of fruits in Sri Lanka

Three new technologies were developed/adapted by members of the project team at the Industrial Technology Institute, as part of an international collaborative research programme funded by Global Affairs Canada (GAC) and the International Development and Research Centre (IDRC) Canada, for “Enhancing Preservation of Fruits using Nano Technology”. The technologies included a) the postharvest application of two new wax formulations for maintaining fruit quality and extending storage life, b) a pre-harvest spray treatment for retention of fruits on trees to stretch the harvest season and extend the period of availability of mango, c) a banana fibre-based fruit wrap to maintain quality of fruits during storage and transportation. The models adopted for commercialization of the technologies included interaction with both home garden producers of fruits and large scale growers, together with a large scale distributor/manufacturer of agrochemicals, a medium scale processor of banana fibre and a banana growers, producers and processors co-operative. The models were chosen so as to ensure that the benefits of the technology would contribute to income generation, employment opportunities for women and better returns for farmers while contributing to overall food security in rural communities. The focus of this paper is on the experience of implementing the different models for technology transfer, the challenges faced, and the impact and lessons learnt.