**1. Introduction**

Postharvest technology is an essential part of agricultural production and utilization system. It is vital in loss reduction, value addition, food security, employment and income generation. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a postharvest technology revolution with strong linkages to proper processing, preservation, storage, marketing and distribution of pepper fruits [1]. Inappropriate postharvest handlings of pepper result in huge losses [2]. Poor handling practices lead to substantial postharvest losses. These practices include;- harvesting at an improper maturity stage, wrong harvesting method, use of inappropriate field packaging materials, harvesting at an ill-chosen time of the day, poor transportation, inadequate storage system and improper processing and preservation methods. Ineffective postharvest handling will reduce fruits' shelf life, hasten postharvest decay and reduce marketability [3, 4]. Physiologically, pepper fruit lacks natural wax at an immature stage, which hastens moisture loss and reduces quality. Postharvest losses have been estimated to be about 26–35 per cent for local markets and 50 per cent for exports [5–8]. Successful storage requires a good product, proper temperature and atmospheric humidity, the right stage of maturity, proper harvesting method, right harvesting time, suitable sanitation procedure and freedom from diseases and injury. These factors

enhance and determine the shelf life of pepper in storage, while impacts of damages such as bruises, rupture and puncture can be reduced by proper handling [9]. Pepper fruits are harvested, handled and stored just as it suits each individual. Postharvest handling method and storage of pepper fruits are based on demand and supply. The consequence is that the system has not led to necessary and efficient postharvest handling and storage of pepper fruits. Due to the absence of a proper postharvest management system, a bulk quantity of the fruits gets damaged during handling, transportation and marketing, resulting in substantial annual losses [10–13].
