MODERN APPROACHES TO STORAGE AND TRANSPORTATION OF AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS

SCHOLAR ISSN: 2181-4147 VOLUME 3 | ISSUE 9 | 2025 https://t.me/openscholar Multidisciplinary Scientific Journal Oktyabr, 2025 64 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17274547 UDC: 656.02 MODERN APPROACHES TO STORAGE AND TRANSPORTATION OF AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS Shahrizoda Zayniddinova Nozima Abdumalikova ABSTRACT In this article, the losses observed in the processes of storage of agricultural products after harvesting and delivery to the consumer in Uzbekistan were analyzed in depth. The results of the research showed that 20-25 percent of the harvest is lost due to the insufficient development of the infrastructure at the stage of storage and transportation. This has a negative impact not only on the stability of prices in the domestic market, but also on the export potential. The article compared traditional storage methods - earth warehouses, ventilation systems based on natural cooling - with modern technologies - cold chain logistics, vacuum packaging (MAP), digital monitoring systems. According to the comparative results presented on the basis of the experience of China and Turkey, by increasing the coverage of the cold chain from 20% to 50%, losses can be reduced by more than half. Also, during the research, the SWOT analysis method was used to determine the strengths (resources, state support), weaknesses (lack of transport, low qualification of personnel), opportunities (new markets, investments), threats (competition, energy shortage) of Uzbekistan's agrologistics system. According to the conclusions of the study, purely technical modernization is not enough - a comprehensive approach combining the system's SCHOLAR ISSN: 2181-4147 VOLUME 3 | ISSUE 9 | 2025 https://t.me/openscholar Multidisciplinary Scientific Journal Oktyabr, 2025 65 human resources, management model and energy efficiency is needed. In this case, Uzbekistan can become an agro-logistics center in Central Asia. Key words: Agro-logistics, Storage of agricultural products, Cold chain, postharvest losses, Vacuum packing, Digital monitoring systems, Export logistics, Farms, Green logistics, Energy efficient storage methods. Introduction The process of growing agricultural products is as important as their storage and delivery to the consumer. In the modern world, the principle that "growing a crop is half of success, delivering it in good quality is the other half" is widely used. Because the hard-earned produce of farmers quickly loses its value in the market if it is not properly stored or transported in suitable conditions. Any mistake in this process will have a negative impact not only on economic losses, but also on the entire food chain. According to the FAO, an average of 1.3 billion tons of vegetables and fruits grown worldwide are wasted each year due to various storage and logistical problems. In developed countries, this figure is 15-20 percent, while in developing countries, losses reach 40-45 percent. Especially perishable products such as tomatoes, strawberries, grapes, watermelons with high humidity can completely lose their quality within 3-5 days if they are not consumed in a short period of time or if they are not stored in a cold environment. Uzbekistan, as a country rich in agricultural potential, produces millions of tons of agricultural products every year. But the existing logistics system does not allow full use of these resources. According to statistics, 30-35% of fruits and vegetables grown in the country are lost during storage and transportation (FAO). As population consumption is seasonal, most of the products are released to the markets at the same time and cause a sharp drop in prices. The export potential of products is not being fully developed due to the lack of cold warehouses, the lack of special containers and refrigerated vehicles. SCHOLAR ISSN: 2181-4147 VOLUME 3 | ISSUE 9 | 2025 https://t.me/openscholar Multidisciplinary Scientific Journal Oktyabr, 2025 66 Nowadays, innovative technologies such as "cold chain logistics", "smart storage", "vacuum packaging", "modified atmosphere" are widely used in international experience. With the help of such technologies, the product's natural moisture, vitamins and taste are preserved for several months. The gradual introduction of these approaches in the conditions of Uzbekistan will give a great advantage for foreign markets. Therefore, within the framework of this article, modern approaches to the storage and transportation of agricultural products are studied from a scientific-theoretical and practical point of view. The main goal of the research is to analyze existing problems, identify effective models from international experience, and develop proposals suitable for the conditions of Uzbekistan. Food security is becoming one of the most important problems on a global scale due to population growth, acceleration of urbanization and environmental factors. According to UN forecasts, the population of the Earth will reach 10 billion by 2050, and the current production volume will be increased by at least 60%. However, it is not always possible to open new lands or to increase productivity dramatically. Therefore, maintaining the existing crop and minimizing losses is becoming a higher priority. In many countries, losses are observed not only in storage of agricultural products, but also during harvesting from the field. For example, in India, 12% of the onion crop dries up in the field, another 10% is damaged during loading and unloading, and the remaining 20% is lost during storage. In China, due to the modernization of the logistics system, losses were reduced from 35 percent to 8 percent. These numbers show that management approach, not technology, is an important factor. In the conditions of Uzbekistan, there is another important factor - seasonality. Perishable products such as cherries, apricots, grapes, and strawberries are grown in large quantities in a short period of time, but there is not enough infrastructure to store or export them. As a result, the price drops sharply during the season, and rises again during the off-season. This has a negative impact on market stability. If there were SCHOLAR ISSN: 2181-4147 VOLUME 3 | ISSUE 9 | 2025 https://t.me/openscholar Multidisciplinary Scientific Journal Oktyabr, 2025 67 enough networks of cold storage and processing centers, it would be possible to supply products at the same price all year round. Also, the quality of packaging plays a big role. Nowadays, many farmers are transporting the product in bulk in packages or bags. This not only causes damage, but also deteriorates the appearance of the product. In European countries, special containers (individual plastic or wooden boxes, containers with ventilation holes) are used for each type of product. This method allows the product to breathe and helps keep it fresh for a long time. So, as can be seen from the introduction, improving the system of storage and transportation of agricultural products is not only a matter of logistics, but a strategic direction directly related to economic stability, export potential and food safety. METHODS In this article, comparison, statistical analysis, content analysis and practical observation methods were used to analyze the processes of storage and transportation of agricultural products. First, traditional storage methods (underground warehouses, simple ventilated warehouses, natural cooling methods) and modern technologies (cold chain logistics, vacuum packaging, modified atmosphere storage, smart monitoring systems) were compared based on the comparison method. Advantages, disadvantages and economic efficiency of each method were evaluated in a separate table. Secondly, using the method of statistical analysis, the interdependence of product loss levels, capacity of storage infrastructure and logistics costs was analyzed based on the data of FAO, Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Uzbekistan, World Bank and Statistics Agency. As an example, the experiences of Uzbekistan, China and Turkey on onion, potato, grape and tomato products were compared. Thirdly, international scientific articles (from Google Scholar, ResearchGate platforms), as well as FAO reports entitled "Cold Chain Development" and "PostHarvest Losses" were studied through the method of content analysis. From these SCHOLAR ISSN: 2181-4147 VOLUME 3 | ISSUE 9 | 2025 https://t.me/openscholar Multidisciplinary Scientific Journal Oktyabr, 2025 68 sources, the most effective models for reducing losses in storage and transportation were selected. Fourthly, as a practical observation, the working processes of some cold warehouses and fruit and vegetable exporting logistics enterprises operating in the Fergana and Samarkand regions of Uzbekistan were analyzed. Technical parameters for temperature control, humidity level and storage cycles of warehouses were recorded. As a methodological approach, "SWOT-analysis" (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) was also used, and the strengths and weaknesses of the agrologistics system of Uzbekistan, existing opportunities and threats were determined. This helped to summarize the research results more clearly. RESULTS 1. Comparison of storage methods in terms of efficiency According to the results of the research, there are significant differences between traditional storage methods and modern technologies. The average rate of loss of products in normal warehouses and storage conditions based on natural ventilation was 25-35%. On the contrary, in cases where cold chain logistics, modified atmosphere or vacuum packaging are used, this indicator is reduced to 5-10%. As an example, a comparative analysis of grape and tomato products massproduced in Uzbekistan showed that: Storage method Average loss (%) Energy consumption Storage period Normal warehouse (underground / ventilated) 30% Low 1–2 months Cold storage (– 1°C / +4°C) 12% Medium 3–6 months Vacuum or MAP technology 7% High 6-9 months SCHOLAR ISSN: 2181-4147 VOLUME 3 | ISSUE 9 | 2025 https://t.me/openscholar Multidisciplinary Scientific Journal Oktyabr, 2025 69 These results show that modern storage technologies are economically more profitable in the long run, even if the initial investment is high. Maintaining product quality, especially in products intended for export, appears as the main factor that increases competitiveness. 2. Level of losses based on statistical analysis According to FAO, the World Bank and the Statistical Agency of Uzbekistan, on average 20-25 percent of agricultural products harvested in Uzbekistan are lost during storage or transportation. The experience of China and Turkey was studied for comparative analysis: Country Average annual loss (%) Cold chain coverage (%) Share of logistics costs in gross value (%) Uzbekistan 22-25% 18% 14% Turkey 12-15% 47% 10% China 8-10% 65% 8% It can be seen that as the coverage of cold chain logistics increased, the loss rate decreased. In China, 65% of agricultural products are transported in temperaturecontrolled transport, which significantly increases the shelf life and quality of products. In Uzbekistan, this indicator does not exceed 18%, which is the main reason for the high level of losses. In addition, the quality of road infrastructure plays a significant role. Although there are high-quality highways on the Tashkent-Samarkand or Fergana Valley routes, the inability of transport in many local areas to maintain the temperature during long journeys leads to early spoilage of products. 3. State of local logistics system As of 2024, Uzbekistan has more than 1,100 cold storage facilities with a total capacity of over 1.5 million tons. However, most of these warehouses lack quality SCHOLAR ISSN: 2181-4147 VOLUME 3 | ISSUE 9 | 2025 https://t.me/openscholar Multidisciplinary Scientific Journal Oktyabr, 2025 70 monitoring systems, meaning that temperature and humidity levels are often monitored manually. There are also problems with means of transport. The share of refrigerator trucks that meet the requirements of the cold chain in the republic is only 12-15%. In most cases, transportation is carried out by means of ice on ordinary trucks, which does not guarantee consistent maintenance of quality. Although large export companies (for example: Agro Fresh Logistics, UzExim Fruits, Global Export Group) have modern ISO-certified warehouses and vehicles, traditional storage methods still prevail in small farms. 4. Summary of SWOT analysis On the basis of the following analysis, the strengths and weaknesses of Uzbekistan's agro-logistics system, existing opportunities and potential threats were determined: Category Content Strengths • Thanks to the fertile soil and different climatic zones, it is possible to grow crops in all seasons of the year. • Export of fruits and vegetables is supported by the state. • Large logistics centers are being formed in Tashkent, Samarkand and Fergana. Weaknesses • Lack of cold chain transport. • Most warehouses do not have modern control systems. • There is a lack of knowledge on conservation technologies among farmers. SCHOLAR ISSN: 2181-4147 VOLUME 3 | ISSUE 9 | 2025 https://t.me/openscholar Multidisciplinary Scientific Journal Oktyabr, 2025 71 Opportunities • There is a high demand for Uzbek products in the markets of China, UAE, Saudi Arabia and Russia. • It is possible to attract private investments and international grants. • Technologies for implementing smart logistics and digital monitoring systems are becoming cheaper. Threats • Demand for storage conditions is increasing due to climate change. • Competing countries - Turkey, Iran and Morocco can occupy the export markets. • Cold storage costs increase as energy rates increase. This analysis shows that the system of storage and transportation of agricultural products of Uzbekistan has great economic potential, but it is necessary to expand and digitize the modern logistics infrastructure. Through proper investment and management policies, it is possible to reduce product losses from 25% to 10%. DISCUSSION The obtained results show that, although the system of storage and transportation of agricultural products in Uzbekistan has not yet been fully digitized and developed in line with modern logistics standards, the existing potential and market demand create ample opportunities for the development of this direction. Especially for exportoriented fruits and vegetables, the issue of maintaining quality has become the most important factor. SCHOLAR ISSN: 2181-4147 VOLUME 3 | ISSUE 9 | 2025 https://t.me/openscholar Multidisciplinary Scientific Journal Oktyabr, 2025 72 According to the results of the statistical analysis, Uzbekistan loses about a quarter of the produced crop every year in the process of storage or transportation, which causes great damage to the economy. The experience of China and Turkey shows that expanding the coverage of cold chain logistics leads to a reduction of losses by more than half. So, technological modernization not only improves quality, but also ensures economic efficiency. However, modernization should not be limited to infrastructure upgrades. The efficiency of storage and transportation processes also depends on the human factor - that is, the skills of specialists. Small farmers still rely on traditional practices to transport produce in plastic bags or in simple vans filled with ice. Therefore, it is necessary to increase the culture of logistics, that is, to provide training, manuals and subsidies to farmers and exporters. Another important aspect is the introduction of digital monitoring and control systems. In many developed countries, product temperature, moisture level and transit time are monitored online through mobile applications. In Uzbekistan, this system is just developing. If sensors based on IoT (Internet of Things) are installed in each cold storage and they are integrated with the national agro-logistics platform, product quality control will be much easier. In addition, energy efficiency is a crucial factor, and cold storage facilities often face high electricity costs. Some countries are solving this problem with solar panels or geothermal cooling systems. Since the climatic conditions of Uzbekistan are also suitable for the use of these technologies, the introduction of the concept of green logistics can be of strategic importance. In general, scientific analyzes confirm that the biggest losses in the agricultural chain in Uzbekistan occur at the stage of storage and transportation, and it is by modernizing this link that the greatest economic benefits can be obtained in the short term.