Harvesting, handling and transportation

[Virtual Presenter] Harvesting, handling, and transportation are crucial stages of crop production. We will examine the different methods employed in these phases..

[Audio] By the end of this lecture, you will gain knowledge about the various methods employed in harvesting fruits and vegetables, the importance of proper post-harvest handling, and the different transportation techniques used to ensure the quality and safety of these crops..

[Audio] When deciding on the method of harvesting a crop, several factors need to be taken into account. Some crops do not have a choice, as machines have not yet been developed for their harvesting. In other cases, the product may be too delicate, making mechanical harvesting a significant challenge and not cost-effective. On the other hand, if human labor is abundant and inexpensive, hand-picking may be the most economical option..

[Audio] Harvesting by hand has been a common practice in all horticultural crops since ancient times. This method is still widely used today due to limited mechanization, small-scale farming, and the diversity of crops grown by small farmers. In many developing countries, most produce is harvested by hand for local consumption in both rural and urban areas. This approach is crucial for crops that are easily damaged by machinery, such as soft fruits like grapes, litchis, jamun, and strawberries, which grow on low-lying plants..

[Audio] Hand harvesting has several advantages. One advantage is that it enables accurate selection of maturity, resulting in a higher quality product with minimal damage. This process also allows for accurate grading, where damaged or diseased fruits can be discarded immediately. Moreover, hand harvesting is less expensive compared to using machinery. However, it depends on the availability of labor. Another challenge is that harvesting small fruits and those from thorny plants can be a significant obstacle. On the other hand, immature or small-sized fruits could be left on the plant for the next harvest..

[Audio] Mechanized harvesting is a common practice in regions where labor costs are high. This is because it allows for faster processing of crops, which reduces the likelihood of damage and subsequent spoilage. Additionally, mechanized harvesting can reduce costs per ton harvested. However, it's essential to note that this method is not suitable for all crops, particularly those that require multiple harvests. The risk of mechanical damage makes it necessary to carefully select the crops that can benefit from mechanized harvesting..

[Audio] Post-harvest technology of fresh fruits and vegetables combines biological and environmental factors in the process of adding value to a commodity. This stage of crop production follows harvest, including cooling, cleaning, sorting, and packing. As soon as a crop is removed from the ground or separated from its parent plant, it starts to deteriorate. The treatment given to the crop during this period largely determines its final quality, whether it's sold for fresh consumption or used as an ingredient in a processed food product..

[Audio] Precooling, also known as prompt cooling, is a crucial step in the post-harvest process. Without proper precooling, our fruits and vegetables can deteriorate significantly in just one hour at a temperature of 32 degrees celsius. The cooling requirements for each crop can vary depending on several factors such as the air temperature during harvesting, the stage of maturity, and the nature of the crop itself. Various methods of precooling include cold air, cold water, direct contact with ice, evaporation of water from the produce, and a combination of vacuum and hydro-cooling. Chemicals such as nutrients, growth regulators, and fungicides can also be mixed with the water used in hydro-cooling to improve the nutrient status of the crop and prevent the spread of post-harvest diseases. Quality loss after harvest occurs due to physiological and biological processes, which are greatly influenced by the temperature of the product. Maintaining market quality is essential for the success of the horticultural industry, and it is crucial to cool the produce as quickly as possible after harvest..

[Audio] As we continue our discussion on harvesting, handling, and transportation, we will now turn our attention to different cooling methods commonly used in the industry. On slide number 9, we can see three different figures representing different cooling techniques: room cooling, forced air cooling, and cold wall cooling. Figures are often used to represent complex concepts or processes in a more visual and concise manner. In this case, these figures help us understand the different methods available for cooling harvested crops. Firstly, we have room cooling, which involves storing the harvested crops in a designated room or space. This method relies on the natural temperature and air circulation of the room to cool down the crops. While this method may be more cost-effective, it also requires careful monitoring and maintenance to ensure proper temperature and humidity levels are maintained. Next, we have forced air cooling, which uses fans or blowers to circulate cool air around the harvested crops. This method is more efficient and allows for quicker cooling of the crops. However, it also requires a higher initial investment in equipment and energy. Lastly, we have cold wall cooling, which involves storing crops in a refrigerated room or container. This method is the most effective in terms of temperature control but also comes with a higher cost. It is important to note that the cooling method used may vary depending on the type of crop and its specific cooling requirements. Therefore, it is essential to carefully assess and choose the best cooling method for each crop to ensure maximum quality and shelf-life..

[Audio] Cleaning fruits and underground vegetables is essential after harvesting. This involves gently rubbing them with a wet cloth or using dry air to remove soil and secondary roots. It's important to properly wash them to eliminate any bacteria and fungus that may have accumulated during harvesting. Failure to clean them can result in significant damage during transportation and storage..

[Audio] The process of washing fruits and vegetables involves removing attached dirt, stains, insects, molds, and, at times, spray residues. This is important in preserving their freshness and appearance. In addition to cleansing the produce, washing also prolongs its shelf life by stopping the growth of microorganisms..

[Audio] Dressing, or trimming, is a crucial step in the harvest of vegetables and flowers. It entails removing any unwanted parts such as leaves, stems, roots, or damaged sections to make the product more appealing and easier to sell. Trimming is especially important for vegetables and flowers as it helps get rid of discolored, rotting, or insect-damaged areas. This prevents further damage during handling..

[Audio] Sorting is a crucial step in the harvesting process. It is the act of removing fruits and vegetables that are not suitable for sale or storage due to reasons such as mechanical injuries, insect damage, disease, immaturity, over-maturity, or misshape. This process is usually done by hand, before washing, to prevent further contamination and decrease losses. Sorting can occur on the farm or in packhouses. When assessing produce, only sensory quality factors are taken into account..

[Audio] There are various methods used for sizing produce. One technique is the diverging belts rope grader, which uses different belt speeds to rotate produce and match its diameter with the belt rope separation as it moves forward. This method is commonly used for cucumbers, gherkins, pineapples, and large root vegetables. Another approach is sizing rollers, where the space between rollers increases to separate produce based on its size. This method is often used for citrus fruits. Handheld templates are also an option for manual sizing, by placing rings of known diameter around the produce. Sizing by weight is another popular method, especially for weight-sensitive crops like citrus, apples, and pears, where trays automatically separate them into different sizes. Finally, mesh screens can be used for sizing irregularly shaped produce such as potatoes, onions, and other fruits and vegetables..

[Audio] Today we will be discussing the important steps of harvesting, handling, and transportation in the production of crops. Grading plays a crucial role in ensuring that the final product meets the desired standards of quality. This is achieved by separating the produce into different grades based on factors such as surface color, shape, size, weight, soundness, firmness, cleanliness, maturity, and freedom from foreign matter, diseases, insect damage, and mechanical injury. The industry commonly uses two grading systems: static and dynamic. In a static system, the produce is inspected on a table and any units that do not meet the requirements for the desired grade are removed. In a dynamic system, the produce moves on a belt and defective units are removed by sorters. Proper training of personnel is important for accuracy and consistency in the grading process, which ultimately affects the quality of the final product. Let's move on to the next slide to continue our discussion on the remaining steps of harvesting, handling, and transportation..

[Audio] Slide number 16 in our presentation covers the importance of curing in preserving the quality of hardy vegetables, specifically onion, garlic, and sweet potato. These vegetables are prone to losing water during storage, which can significantly impact their shelf life and overall quality. To address this issue, we use the method of curing, which involves allowing the vegetables to dry out before storage. It is important to note that the curing process for root crops differs greatly from that of bulbous crops like onions and garlic. For onions and garlic, the curing process primarily focuses on drying out the necks and outer scales of the bulbs to prevent the growth of mold and bacteria, which can affect the vegetables' quality during storage. To carry out this process, the bulbs are left in the field after harvesting and placed under shade for a few days. This allows the green tops, outer skins, and roots to fully dry out before storage. Properly curing our vegetables greatly reduces the risk of water loss and maintains their quality during storage. So, when handling and transporting your crops, keep this in mind. Let's now move on to the next slide..

[Audio] We will now discuss the important process of harvesting, handling, and transportation on slide number 17. This process is essential in agriculture as it directly impacts the quality and shelf life of crops. The first figure illustrates the method of field curing for yams, which involves drying out the harvested yams in the field to develop a protective layer on their skins. This helps prevent spoilage and maintains the overall quality of the yams. The second figure shows a typical curing house for roots and tubers, designed to provide optimal conditions for curing such as controlled temperature and humidity levels. To prevent the growth of mold or bacteria, proper ventilation is crucial in these structures. Proper handling and transportation are important to maintain the freshness and quality of crops. This includes using appropriate tools and techniques during harvesting and packing to minimize damage, as well as selecting suitable transportation methods to prevent bruising or spoilage. Ultimately, the success of any agriculture operation relies on understanding and implementing proper techniques for harvesting, handling, and transportation. Let's move on to the next slide..

[Audio] We will now discuss the performance of waxing in the harvesting, handling, and transportation of fruits. This is slide number 18 out of 23 in our presentation. The success of waxing is heavily influenced by the method of application, the amount of wax applied, and the uniformity of the application. It is crucial to apply the correct amount of wax and ensure that it is evenly spread on the surface of the fruits. This will effectively protect the fruits during transportation and storage. It is important to note that the fruits should be damp dry before waxing to avoid dilution of the wax solution. Dilution can decrease the effectiveness of the wax and may not provide adequate protection for the fruits. Furthermore, waxes should never be diluted with water as it can make the wax too thin, affecting its ability to prevent moisture loss and maintain fruit quality. During transportation, a water-wax emulsion is sprayed onto fruits and vegetables moving on a roller conveyor, ensuring even distribution of the wax. This can be seen in the accompanying figure. To summarize, the success of waxing in harvesting, handling, and transportation relies on the method of application, amount of wax applied, and uniformity of application. Remember to ensure that fruits are damp dry before waxing and never dilute the wax with water. Let's move on to the next slide..

[Audio] Slide 19 out of 23 focuses on the importance of packaging in the horticultural industry. Packaging serves two main functions to assemble produce into convenient units for easier handling and to protect the produce. A good package should not only be visually appealing but also protect the produce from physical, physiological, and pathological deterioration during storage, transport, and marketing. In recent times, packaging has become an essential part of the horticultural supply chain due to consumer demand for convenience, appealing packaging, information, and branding. Packaging is crucial in ensuring that produce reaches consumers in good condition and serves as a marketing tool for the product. Therefore, careful consideration of packaging for horticultural crops is necessary to meet consumer needs and preferences. The next slide will cover the different types of packaging materials used in the horticultural industry..

[Audio] Packaging is an essential aspect of the post-harvest process, serving as an efficient handling unit, convenient storage unit, and protector of produce quality and reducing waste. It safeguards against mechanical damages, moisture loss, and pilferage, while providing clean and hygienic produce. Packaging assembles produce into convenient units for handling, protects during storage and marketing, and presents attractively, providing important information such as nutrition labels and expiry dates. It also serves as a sales motivator, influencing consumer purchasing decisions, and helps reduce the cost of transport and marketing by maximizing space and minimizing additional packaging or handling. Furthermore, packaging facilitates the use of new modes of transportation, such as refrigerated trucks or containers. Overall, packaging plays a critical role in ensuring the quality and safety of our produce, while also providing service and sales motivation..

[Audio] The harvesting methods, post-harvest handling, and transportation methods used in the agricultural industry involve the use of various types of vehicles. According to slide 21, these include open vehicles, refrigerated vehicles, box trucks, and tractor trailers. Open vehicles are suitable for non-perishable produce, while refrigerated vehicles are necessary for transporting perishable items. Box trucks are ideal for shorter distances and smaller loads, whereas tractor trailers are used for longer distances and larger quantities. The choice of vehicle depends on the type of produce being harvested and transported, ensuring its quality upon arrival..

[Audio] The harvesting, handling, and transportation of agricultural products involve the use of primary containers such as wooden crates, which provide a protective barrier for the products during transportation. Canvas covers are also used to further protect the products from external elements like rain or wind. Air flow is another critical factor to consider, as proper air flow ensures the products remain fresh and do not spoil during transportation. Wooden crates are preferred due to their ability to facilitate adequate air flow..

[Audio] Before concluding our discussion on harvesting, handling, and transportation, let's review some key points related to the safe transportation of perishable goods. It is crucial to ensure that all components of the trailer are functioning properly. This includes checking the air delivery chute, door seals, side door seals, and wall integrity. We also need to verify that the floor is clean and free of debris, and that the floor drains are open and clear. Moreover, we must confirm that the inside dimensions of the trailer are suitable for the load, including the door height and width. Furthermore, it is essential to use load bars to secure the load and ensure that the refrigeration unit is operating correctly. By taking these precautions, we can minimize the risk of damage or spoilage during transportation..