INDIKA Fernando is assessing thousands of bananas as part of his PhD research into avoiding damage to the fruit on its supply chain journey.
His is one of many interesting research projects at the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture, part of the University of Tasmania.
The institute is specialising in impact-driven research to support prosperous, innovative and sustainable agriculture and food sectors, and a healthy bioeconomy.
In 2017, Indika followed 30,000 bananas across three key supply chain locations: the pack house, distribution centre, and retail outlets.
In particular, he tested sensor devices (to collect data about potential physical injuries to bananas) and made initial observations of operations in farms and pack houses.
This year Indika has been checking accelerometer data and GPS tracking devices in preparation for collecting shock and vibration data from banana trucks travelling from Queensland to Melbourne.
Indika is also in the process of inspecting around 25,000 bananas in Queensland pack houses and retail outlets in Melbourne.
Source: www.ausfoodnews.com.au
