Abstract
An experiment was performed to assess the effect of two plant powders and six storage methods on the proximate composition of potato tubers stored under ambient conditions to find a simple technology for storing potato tubers with a minimal nutrient degradation to reduce postharvest losses by smallholder farmers. Two plant powders and six storage methods were used in the study, which was designed as a 3 x 6 factorial experiment laid out in a completely randomized design (CRD) and replicated three times. The application of neem leaf powder to potato tubers and storage in the pit significantly (P ≤ 0.05) maintained protein (5.65%), fat (0.91%), fiber (0.75%), ash (2.70%), dry matter (30.63%), moisture (69.34%), and carbohydrate (20.62%) contents. Similarly, the pit storage method has influenced the nutrient content significantly (P ≤ 0.05) and is the best method for retaining protein (5.74%), fiber (0.78%), ash (2.81%), and moisture (69.83%) contents of potato tubers during storage under ambient conditions, and there is no significant (P > 0.05) interaction effect between the plant powder and the storage method. The study has found that the neem leaf powder and the pit storage significantly preserved the nutrient content of potato tubers during the four weeks of storage, which helped minimize postharvest losses.
Keywords: basket, carton, floor, ginger, jute bag, neem, pit, polypropylene bag