Caracterización de las pérdidas de frutas y hortalizas en la Empresa Pública Municipal Mercado de Productores Agrícolas “San Pedro de Riobamba" (EP-EMMPA).

Abstract

Losses of fruits and vegetables represent a significant issue affecting society economically and environmentally. Therefore, it is crucial to implement actions that contribute to reducing these losses. In this context, the objective of this research was to characterize the losses of fruits and vegetables in the "EMPRESA PÚBLICA MERCADO DE PRODUCTORES AGRÍCOLAS 'SAN PEDRO DE RIOBAMBA' (EP-EMMPA)." The methodology in this study included descriptive statistics using 315 surveys. The results showed that most respondents were women (66%) who sourced fruits and vegetables daily. Also, December and January were the months with a higher commercial flow. The detected losses were mainly caused by poor handling and long-term storage, with 77% disposed of in trash bins. Quantitatively, there was a total record of 21 tons of weekly losses. Furthermore, 57 merchants expressed willingness to donate 79 kg/week of fruits and vegetables to the food bank. Therefore, it is recommended to coordinate training programs for EP-EMMPA merchants on the importance of donating perishable products to a food bank to increase the number of donors.