The Effect Of Post-harvest Handling On The Quality And Marketability Of Locally Harvested Tomato In Aks
[CASE STUDY OF UYO SENATORIAL DISTRICT]

1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Many agricultural practices such as types of nutrient, water supply, and harvesting methods are also believed to be factors influencing both pre- and postharvest quality of tomato (Melkamu, 2008). Many postharvest quality losses are as a result of many pre-harvest factors. Controlling the number of flowers, fruits, or fruit trusses in tomatoes is an effective way of reducing the competition between fruits. Water loss from harvested fruit produce is predominantly caused by the amount of moisture present in the ambient air expressed as relative humidity (Suslow, et al 2009). Respiration and metabolic activities within harvested climacteric fruits like tomatoes are directly related to the temperatures of the ambient environment. High temperatures can hasten the rate of respiration (CO2 production) in harvested or stored fruits products. It is in view of this that the researcher intend to investigate the effect of post-harvest handling quality and marketability of tomato in Akwa Ibom state 

1.3 OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY

The main objective of this study is to ascertain the effect of post-harvest handling on the quality and marketability of locally harvested tomato in Akwa Ibom state. But for the successful completion of the study, the researcher intends to achieve the following objective;

i) To ascertain the effect of post-harvest handling on the quality of locally harvested tomato

ii) To ascertain if there is any relationship between post-harvest handling quality and the marketability of the product

iii) To ascertain the impact of post-harvest handling technique on the durability of the product 

iv) To investigate the handling technique that aid easy marketability of the product

1.4 RESEARCH HYPOTHESES

For the successful completion of the study, the following research hypotheses were formulated by the researcher;

H0:there is no significant effect of post-harvest handling technique on the quality of the tomato

H1:there is a significant effect of post-harvest handling technique on the quality of the tomato

H0:there is no significant relationship between post-harvest handling technique and the marketability of tomato

H2:there is a significant relationship between post-harvest handling technique and the marketability of tomato

1.5 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

At the completion of the study, the finding will be of great importance to the ministry of agriculture as the study seeks to elaborate on better ways of handling tomato after harvest to minimize the rate of breakages and loss. The study will also be of great importance to farmers as the study seek to proffer solution to effective post-harvest handling technique of the agricultural product.The study will also be of great benefit to students of the department of agriculture and crop science in educating them on better post-harvest handling technique.  Finally the findings of this study will also be immense benefit to government, academia, scholars, researchers and the general public.

1.6 SCOPE AND LIMITATION OF THE STUDY

The scope of the study covers the effect of post-harvest handling technique on the quality and marketability of locally harvested tomato in Akwa Ibom state. In the course of the study, there are some factors which limited the scope of the study;

a) AVAILABILITY OF RESEARCH MATERIAL: The research material      available to the researcher is insufficient, thereby limiting the study.

b) TIME: The time frame allocated to the study does not enhance wider         coverage as the researcher has to combine other academic activities        and examinations with the study.

c) FINANCE: The finance available for the research work does not     allow for wider coverage as resources are very limited as the        researcher has other academic bills to cover.

1.7 DEFINITION OF TERMS

Tomato 

The tomato (see pronunciation) is the edible fruit of Solanumlycopersicum, commonly known as a tomato plant, which belongs to the nightshade family, Solanaceae.The species originated in Central and South America. The Nahuatl (Aztec language) word tomatl gave rise to the Spanish word "tomate", from which the English word tomato originates.Numerous varieties of tomato are widely grown in temperate climates across the world, with greenhouses allowing its production throughout the year and in cooler areas. The plants typically grow to 1–3 meters (3–10 ft) in height and have a weak stem that often sprawls over the ground and vines over other plants. It is a perennial in its native habitat, and grown as an annual in temperate climates. An average common tomato weighs approximately 100 grams (4 oz). Its use as a food originated in Mexico, and spread throughout the world following the Spanish colonization of the Americas. Tomato is consumed in diverse ways, including raw, as an ingredient in many dishes, sauces, salads, and drinks. While tomatoes are botanically berry-type fruits, they are considered culinary vegetables, being ingredients of savory meals

Harvesting

Harvesting is the process of gathering a ripe crop from the fields. Reaping is the cutting of grain or pulse for harvest, typically using a scythe, sickle, or reaper. On smaller farms with minimal mechanization, harvesting is the most labor-intensive activity of the growing season.

Post-harvest 

In agriculture, postharvest handling is the stage of crop production immediately following harvest, including cooling, cleaning, sorting and packing. The instant a crop is removed from the ground, or separated from its parent plant, it begins to deteriorate.

1.8 ORGANIZATION OF THE STUDY

        This research work is organized in five chapters, for easy understanding, as follows. Chapter one is concern with the introduction, which consist of the (background of the study), statement of the problem, objectives of the study, research questions, research hypotheses, significance of the study, scope of the study etc. Chapter two being the review of the related literature presents the theoretical framework, conceptual framework and other areas concerning the subject matter.     Chapter three is a research methodology covers deals on the research design and methods adopted in the study. Chapter four concentrate on the data collection and analysis and presentation of finding.  Chapter five gives summary, conclusion, and recommendations made of the study.