Improving yam postharvest: training manual

Abstract

This manual is an output of the Gains from Losses of Root and Tuber Crops (GRATITUDE Project) conducted by the CSIR-Food Research Institute. The focus of the GRATITUDE Project was to reduce the three types of post-harvest losses in cassava and yam in order to enhance the role that these crops play in food and income security for small-holder households. The project identified three pathways for success as (i) reduction of physical losses - focusing on fresh yams storage, (ii) value added processing reducing physical and economic losses in yam and cassava and (iii) improved utilization of wastes (peels, liquid waste, spent brewery waste) producing products for human consumption including snack foods, mushrooms and animal feed. As part of the first pathway, three technologies to improve yam postharvest have been presented in this manual. These technologies are curing of wounded yam during harvest, bud and sprout control in fresh yam and storage in improved storage structure. These three technologies are in line with the first pathway of the GRATITUDE Project to reduce physical losses in yam. This manual would therefore assist all yam value chain actors such as farmers, harvesters, loaders, transporters, processors, exporters, wholesalers, retailers, consumers to improve yam in Ghana