Post-harvest losses of fruits and vegetables represent a major challenge to food systems in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. Estimates indicate that between 30-50% of fresh produce is lost between the stages of harvest and consumption. These losses result in significant economic costs and the wastage of natural resources, particularly water and energy, and they undermine efforts to achieve food security in a region that relies heavily on imports. 

In response to the climatic conditions of the Arabian Peninsula, including high temperatures and elevated humidity in coastal areas, Dr. Pankaj Pathare, from the College of Agricultural and Marine Sciences, conducted a study aimed at providing a data-driven critical assessment of the causes of post-harvest losses in the Gulf region. The study focused on identifying weaknesses across the stages of harvesting, handling, storage, and transportation, and proposed innovative engineering solutions to reduce these losses. 

The study examined six principal research areas developed to address these challenges through advanced and sustainable technologies. The first involved the use of computer vision systems to assess mechanical damage in apples, demonstrating effectiveness in the early detection of bruising and its association with quality deterioration and weight loss during storage. The study also investigated the application of cold plasma technology as a non-thermal preservation method for dates, with results showing notable improvements in product quality, a reduction in microbial load, and an extension of shelf life under refrigerated conditions. 

In the field of sustainable processing, the research team developed a hybrid dryer combining hot air and infrared radiation for drying courgette slices. This system achieved high time and energy efficiency while maintaining the physical properties and overall quality of the final product. In addition, the susceptibility of bananas to mechanical damage was evaluated using pendulum impact tests, an engineering method used to simulate impacts experienced during handling. The findings established a relationship between impact intensity, temperature, and accelerated ripening and quality loss, thereby providing a scientific basis for defining safe handling thresholds. 

With regard to transport and packaging, vibration studies indicated that packaging design plays a more critical role than material thickness in reducing damage during transportation, highlighting the need for improved structural design of packaging systems. The study also addressed the drying of small fish using enhanced solar drying techniques, demonstrating their effectiveness in reducing moisture content and water activity, as well as improving microbial and sensory quality compared with conventional drying methods. 

Based on these six experimental investigations, this qualitative study concludes that addressing post-harvest losses in GCC countries requires the adoption of integrated, data-driven engineering solutions. These solutions should combine intelligent technologies, advanced preservation methods, and sustainable processing approaches, thereby enhancing the efficiency of food supply chains and supporting long-term sustainability and food security objectives.