ABSTRACT
Global vegetable production is around 900 million tones. Asia is the leading cultivator of vegetables in the world with 61% of the total volume. China cultivating over 22 million hectares of vegetable crops is the lead producer, followed by India. Only around 3% of total vegetables produced are traded globally. The limited international trade in vegetables indicates high level of regional self-sufciency, and also limitations due to the perishable nature of the commodity. Climate-controlled storage and distribution is often required to maintain the postharvest quality of fresh vegetables. Processing provides a good alternative to increase the shelf life of vegetables and also convenience at the consumer or industry levels (Capps et al. 1985; FAO 1995a,b, 1997; Ragaert et al. 2002, 2004). Distribution channels between supplier and consumer consists of wet markets, supermarkets, specialty shops, home delivery, restaurants, or canteens. There are numerous smaller enterprises involved in the processing and trade of vegetables. The fragmentation of the industry and the small size of most individual growers do not give them a strong position with respect to their larger buyers such as retail chains, which require large, uniform volumes, preferably all year-round. Co-operatives-based approach may be a possible solution to these issues. New processing and packaging technologies also enable the supply of fresh vegetables in a convenient form while maintaining their quality and safety aspects (Peleg 1985; Rubatzky and Yamaguchi 1997). Some commercial constraints in vegetable trade include trade barriers, phytosanitary requirements, and perishability. High transportation costs to distant markets and legal measures such as protectionist policies are the major trade barriers. International agreements for the liberalization of trade have helped in relaxing many legal trade barriers through reducing tariffs and harmonizing the technical barriers to trade as adopted by the USDA. Under phytosanitary requirements, importing countries set the standards that potential trade partners must meet to protect human health or prevent the spread of pests and diseases. Infestation by insects such as fruit ies (Tephritidae: Diptera), which is quite common in the tropics, is a major constraint to the production and export of tropical horticulture produce.
