Back to: Jss3 Agricultural Science (PVS)

Introduction

Packaging in agriculture is a vital component of the agricultural supply chain that involves the use of various materials and techniques to protect, store, and transport agricultural products. Agricultural packaging plays an essential role in maintaining the quality and safety of products, extending their shelf life, and ensuring their integrity throughout the supply chain.

The main purpose of agricultural packaging is to provide a protective barrier that shields agricultural products from physical, chemical, and biological damage during storage and transport. Agricultural packaging also helps to maintain product freshness, prevent contamination, and facilitate the handling and transportation of products from one place to another.

There are various types of agricultural packaging materials available, including plastics, paper, cardboard, wood, and metal. Each material has its own unique properties, and the choice of packaging material depends on the type of product being packaged, the storage and transportation conditions, and the requirements of the end user.

Agricultural packaging is an important aspect of the agricultural industry, and it has undergone significant changes over the years. Today, there is a growing demand for sustainable and environmentally friendly packaging solutions that are biodegradable and recyclable. As such, there has been a shift towards the use of eco-friendly packaging materials such as bioplastics, which are derived from renewable sources.

Meaning of Packaging

Packaging can be defined as the process of enclosing or protecting a product for storage, distribution, sale, and use. It involves the use of materials, technology, and design to create a container or wrapping that will safeguard the product and enhance its marketability.

Packaging serves several purposes, including protection, preservation, convenience, and communication. It can protect products from damage during handling and transportation, prevent contamination, and extend their shelf life. Packaging can also make products more convenient to use by providing portion control, ease of opening, and resealability. Moreover, packaging can communicate important information about the product, such as its contents, nutritional value, usage instructions, and branding.

Packaging materials can vary depending on the product and industry. Common materials include paperboard, corrugated cardboard, plastics, metals, glass, and textiles. These materials can be combined to create customized packaging solutions that meet specific requirements for strength, durability, flexibility, and sustainability.

PURPOSE OF PACKAGING

Packaging serves various purposes, and some of the most important ones are:

1. Protection: Packaging protects the product from damage, breakage, or contamination during storage, handling, transportation, and distribution.
2. Preservation: Packaging helps to extend the shelf life of the product by preventing exposure to air, moisture, and other environmental factors that may cause spoilage.
3. Convenience: Packaging is designed to make it easy for consumers to handle, open, use, and dispose of the product.
4. Identification: Packaging helps to identify the product and differentiate it from competing products. It also includes information such as product name, description, ingredients, and instructions.
5. Marketing: Packaging is an essential tool for marketing and branding. It can attract the attention of consumers and communicate the brand’s value proposition, benefits, and positioning.
6. Transportation: Packaging is designed to facilitate transportation and logistics by making it easy to stack, store, and transport products safely and efficiently.
7. Sustainability: Packaging can be designed to be environmentally friendly and reduce waste. It can be made from recyclable, biodegradable, or compostable materials.
8. Safety: Packaging helps to protect consumers from harm by providing warnings and safety information on the product packaging.
9. Tamper-evident: Packaging can be designed to provide evidence of tampering or opening to ensure product safety and quality.
10. Convenience: Packaging can also make the product more convenient to use, such as with single-serving packages or resealable pouches.

Criteria for Selecting Packaging Materials

Packaging plays a vital role in the storage and transportation of agricultural products. Here are some important considerations for selecting appropriate packaging materials for agricultural products.

1. The packaging material must be suitable for the type of agricultural products: Different agricultural products have different characteristics and requirements, and therefore, the packaging material should be suitable for the type of product. For instance, fruits and vegetables require breathable packaging that allows air to circulate, while grains and cereals require packaging that is moisture-resistant.
2. Packaging material for animal products should be different from materials used for packaging plants: Packaging materials for animal products such as meat, poultry, and fish should be different from the packaging materials used for plants. Animal products require packaging that is leak-proof and can prevent contamination, while packaging for plants should be breathable to prevent moisture buildup.
3. It must be capable of preventing farm products from breakage, leakage, and damage to the farm: Packaging materials should be sturdy enough to prevent breakage and leakage during transportation. Proper packaging will also help to protect farm products from physical damage and prevent spoilage.
4. The packaging container must enclose the product in a convenient unit for handling and distributing: The packaging container should be designed to enclose the product in a convenient unit for handling and distribution. Properly packaged products make it easier to transport and handle the products, reducing the chances of damage and loss.
5. It must be strong enough to protect the agricultural products from hazards during transportation: The packaging material should be strong enough to protect the agricultural products from hazards during transportation, such as shocks, vibrations, and temperature changes. The packaging should also be able to withstand rough handling during loading and unloading.
6. It must be easily available and cheap: The packaging material should be easily available in the market and should not be too expensive. This will help to reduce the overall cost of packaging and transportation of agricultural products.
7. It must make it easy to carry the Agricultural products in terms of weight and form: The packaging material should make it easy to carry the agricultural products in terms of weight and form. For instance, bags made of lightweight materials will make it easier to carry the products, reducing the labour and transportation costs.
8. It should be easy to dispose of after use: The packaging material should be easy to dispose of after use. Ideally, the packaging material should be biodegradable or recyclable, reducing waste and environmental pollution.

Types of Packaging Material for Agricultural Products

1. Jute or Calico Sacks: These are commonly used for packagings dried agricultural products such as maize, rice, cowpea, millet, sorghum, dried cocoa, and beans, among others. Jute sacks are made from natural fibre, which makes them biodegradable and eco-friendly. They are strong, durable, and can withstand heavy weights. Jute sacks also have good breathability, which allows for proper ventilation and reduces the risk of moisture buildup. Calico sacks are made from unbleached cotton and are also ideal for packaging dried products.

2. Plastic or Polythene bags: These are commonly used for packaging flour products such as maize flour, cassava flour, among others. They are lightweight, easy to handle, and can be sealed tightly, which helps to keep the products fresh for longer periods. However, plastic bags are not eco-friendly, and their disposal can contribute to environmental pollution.

3. Brown Krafts: These are commonly used for packaging small quantities of dried grains such as rice, beans, and maize, among others, which are displayed for sale on shop shelves. Brown Krafts are made from unbleached paper, which makes them eco-friendly and biodegradable.
4. Cardboard Boxes and Trays: These are commonly used for packaging products such as eggs, pineapples, mangoes, and bananas. Cardboard boxes and trays are strong, durable, and can be recycled, which makes them eco-friendly.

5. Hard Plastic Containers: These are manufactured specifically for carrying vegetables. They are strong, durable, and can withstand heavy weights. Hard plastic containers also have good ventilation, which helps to keep the vegetables fresh for longer periods.
6. Plastic Wrappers: These are commonly used for wrapping bread and dressed chicken for sale in shops and markets. Plastic wrappers are lightweight, easy to handle, and can be sealed tightly, which helps to keep the products fresh for longer periods.

7. Wooden Crates: These are commonly used for packaging fresh fruits such as tomatoes, mangoes, and avocado pear, among others. Wooden crates are strong, durable, and can be reused, which makes them eco-friendly.

8. Plastic Bottles: These are commonly used for packaging liquids such as vegetable oil and milk, among others. Plastic bottles are lightweight, easy to handle, and can be sealed tightly, which helps to keep the products fresh for longer periods.
9. Glass Bottles and Jars: These are commonly used for packaging liquids such as honey, palm wine, coconut oil, and palm oil, among others. Glass bottles and jars are eco-friendly, recyclable, and can be reused.

10. Metal Drums and Cans: Metal drums are commonly used to package large quantities of liquids such as vegetable oil, palm oil, and corn oil, among others. Metal cans are used for packaging fish such as sardines and mackerels. Metal drums and cans are strong, durable, and can be recycled.

11. Baskets: These are locally made from raffia, and palm fronds, among others. They are very useful in packaging fruits and vegetables. Baskets are eco-friendly, reusable, and can be recycled. They are also aesthetically pleasing and can be used as decorative items in homes and offices.
12. Vacuum-sealed Bags: These are commonly used for packaging fresh meat, fish, and other perishable food items. Vacuum-sealed bags use a special technique to remove air and create a seal, which helps to preserve the freshness of the food for longer periods.
13. Tin Cans: These are commonly used for packaging foods such as canned fruits, vegetables, and soups. Tin cans are strong, and durable, and provide excellent protection against external elements that may affect the quality and safety of the food.

14. Foil Pouches: These are commonly used for packaging products such as coffee, tea, and snacks. Foil pouches provide excellent protection against moisture, oxygen, and other external elements that may affect the quality and freshness of the product.

15. Plastic Clamshell Containers: These are commonly used for packaging fresh produce such as berries, cherry tomatoes, and grapes. Plastic clamshell containers provide excellent protection and prevent the product from getting crushed during transportation and storage. They are also reusable and recyclable.