Title: Quality and safety issues for horticulture produce in Bangladesh

Biography:

M A Rahim holds Ph.D. degree in Vegetables Physiology and Post-doctorate in vegetables breeding from University of London, UK and University of Wisconsin, USA, respectively. He is now the Advisor of Aquaculture-Horticulture Collaborative USAID program in Bangladesh. He is now the Director of HORTEX Foundation in Bangladesh- a government organization for Horticulture production and export. His expertise is in the area of improvement, irrigation water market, conservation of agriculture, food safety and nutritional security, and mechanization in postharvest managements, varietals development of nutrient rich high value fruits and vegetables. Now he is working at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, USA with the horticulture research team. Now he is working in the Feed the Future (FtF) working areas in Bangladesh in collaboration with AAS-World Fish, Blue Gold, Solidaridad, and Government organization. He is also working with University of Wisconsin for adopting the wild crops relatives in saline and drought areas of Bangladesh.

Abstract

Fruits and vegetables are rich sources of vitamins, minerals, dietary fibers. Per capita consumption is still lower (212 g day-1) than desirable amount (400 g day-1). There exists food-phobia in the society. Consumption of fruits and vegetables has been dropped due to perceived health risks due to consumption of adulterated or unsafe foods. There are also reports of rejection of export consignments.  Postharvest loss is substantial. Assurance of quality and safety is a challenge in the context of nutrition security, public health and export. Presence of chemical residues in food is a major food safety concern. Food Safety Act 2013 and establishment of BFSA are noticeable steps to deal with this deep-rooted problem. Consumption of safe fruits and vegetables and expansion of export can only be achieved if quality and safety controls are in place.  Quality and safety issues in horticultural chains to be prioritized for domestic marketing and export. Postharvest loss is substantial. The present paper deals with the safe horticultural production, policy, post-harvest loss reduction and nutritional food security.