Enhancing crop quality

In this article, we will share insights on how vegetable and fruit farmers can increase their earnings by cultivating high-quality products. By effectively managing pre-harvest and post-harvest processes in vegetable production, farmers can yield nutritious and superior products, leading to a potential 30% increase in earnings compared to standard prices.

1. Pre-harvest:

• Ensure food safety by carefully checking the expiration date on spray bottles before use.
• Inspect for pathogens and remove old leaves.

2. Harvest:

• Systematic harvesting is crucial, preferably during cool mornings or evenings.
• Store harvested crops in shaded areas.
• When picking fruits, cut from 1-3 cm from stems or branches.

3. Categorizing and Selecting:

• After harvesting, categorize vegetables based on type and quality.
• Remove insect and rodent-infested produce.
• Separate ripe and unripe items, and cut off damaged leaves for leafy vegetables.
• Classify products into at least three categories based on quality.
• Gently rub vegetables with a wet cloth if placed on the ground.

4. Packaging and Quality Check:

• Pack products systematically, categorizing by color and ripeness.
• Avoid pressing on vegetables to maintain quality.
• Use old newspapers (or banana leaves) underneath, limiting each pack to less than 10 kg for easy transportation.

5. Storage and Transportation:

• Store vegetables in a cool, dry area, avoiding contact with water.
• When transporting, refrain from stacking vegetables on top of each other.

Wishing our farmers increased yields and income.