Source: SEAMEO BIOTROP's Research Grant | 2016
Abstract:
The objectives of the research were (a) to obtain informations on postharvest handling methods of Arabica coffee beans (C. arabica) conducted by farmers, collectors, traders, and exporters; and (b) to investigate the degree of fungal infection (including ochratoxin A or OTA producing fungi) and OTA contamination of stored Arabica coffee beans (C. arabica) collected from various stages of the delivery chain in Tana Toraja and North Toraja Regencies, Makassar Municipality, South Sulawesi Province. The moisture contents and physical quality were also determined, because they affect fungal infection. Surveys and sampling of Arabica coffee beans were conducted in May and July 2016. Interviews were conducted during the surveys to get information on postharvest handling methods of coffee beans at various stages of the delivery chain. The total number of respondents was 45 (24 farmers, 10 collectors, 7 traders and 4 exporters. Total number of coffee bean samples was 64 (27 samples from farmers, 15 samples from collectors, 13 samples from traders, and 9 samples from exporters). Shelling of coffee berries, drying and storing of coffee beans conducted by farmers were not appropriate. Postharvest handling process at collectors were conducted faster. Unappropriate postharvest handling method conducted by traders and exporters was on storing of coffee beans. Based on total defective value, grade of coffee beans collected from farmers was the most diverse than other levels. Moisture content of coffee beans collected from farmers and collectors were higher than maximum tolerable limit determined by SNI