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.