अमूर्त

Consumption pattern, processing, exporting status and policy prospects of fruit and vegetables in Ethiopia: A review

Mawardi Yusufe Adame*, Getachew Neme Tolesa, Tilahun Seyoum Workneh

The paper reviews the consumption, processing, export status and policy prospects of fruit and vegetables to assist policymakers in developing interventions to increase the agricultural sector's contribution. Diet plays an important role in controlling disease, improving health and maturing a generation. A high intake of fruit and vegetables has been linked to a lower risk of chronic diseases, according to the research report. Due to its wide variety of agro climatic conditions, Ethiopia is ideal for growing horticultural crops. There are many strategies and policies in development for the horticultural sector in Ethiopia, which is the fastest growing sector. The proximity of Ethiopia to neighbouring countries and the availability of the crop year round contribute to an increase in foreign exchange from time to time. As a result of their nature, these crops suffer postharvest losses from field to fork. Such losses affect the income and diets of growers in unindustrialized countries. The lack of know how about production and selling skills, drought and the infancy of processing plants limit productivity and production in Ethiopia. Horticultural crops can be processed to extend their shelf life. In Ethiopia, there are few fruit and vegetable processing industries. More than half of babyish and breastfeeding women suffer from anaemia due to micronutrient deficiencies. Production, processing and exporting quantity of fruit and vegetables have no contribution to farmers and countries. Many studies are undertaken in Ethiopia, none can address the consumption practice, processing, exporting status and policy prospects of fruit and vegetable.