Harvesting, handling and transportation

[Virtual Presenter] At harvesting, handling and transportation, these three words are crucial components of the entire process of bringing fresh produce from the farm to our tables. Let's dive into the world of post-harvest management..

[Audio] Harvesting, handling, and transportation of fruits and vegetables is an essential aspect in the agricultural industry. At the end of this lecture, students will be able to understand the different methods of harvesting, as well as the post harvest handling techniques for fruits and vegetables. Various transportation methods used during post harvest handling will also be covered. The main focus will be on learning objectives, which are specific goals aimed to be achieved through this lecture. By the end, students should be able to identify and explain the various methods of harvesting, understand the importance of proper post harvest handling, and recognize the different transportation methods used in this process..

[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] Accurate selection of maturity results in a higher quality product with minimal damage. This advantage is achieved through careful consideration of the optimal harvesting period, ensuring that the fruit is mature enough to meet market standards. However, this process can be more time-consuming than other methods. Another benefit of accurate selection of maturity is that it allows for accurate grading, where damaged or diseased fruits can be discarded immediately, reducing waste and increasing the overall value of the harvested crop. On the other hand, this approach depends on the availability of labor, which can be a limiting factor in some cases. Additionally, this method is less expensive compared to other harvesting techniques. Nevertheless, there are certain challenges associated with hand harvesting, particularly when dealing with small fruits or those grown on thorny plants. In such cases, immature or small-sized fruits may need to be left on the plant for future harvests..

[Audio] Mechanical harvesting is a common practice in regions where labor costs are high, as it enables faster processing of crops while reducing costs per ton harvested. This method is particularly suitable for crops that require a single harvest, as the risk of mechanical damage is minimized. However, it's crucial to note that mechanized harvesting can cause damage to the produce, leading to faster deterioration..

[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 is crucial for most fruits and vegetables because they can deteriorate significantly within one hour at 32 degrees Celsius. The cooling requirements for a crop vary depending on the air temperature during harvesting, the stage of maturity, and the nature of the crop. There are several methods of precooling, including cold air, cold water, direct contact with ice, evaporative cooling, vacuum cooling, and combinations of these methods. Additionally, some chemicals can be added to the water used in hydro-cooling to improve the nutritional 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 primarily influenced by product temperature. Maintaining market quality is essential for the success of the horticultural industry, requiring not only cooling but also rapid cooling after harvest..

[Audio] There are various methods of cooling fruits and vegetables after harvest. One method is room cooling, where the produce is cooled using the natural convection of air in a room. Another method is forced air cooling, where a fan blows air over the produce to speed up the cooling process. A third method is cold wall cooling, where the produce is placed near a cold surface, such as a wall or floor, to absorb heat. These methods can help maintain the quality of the produce by slowing down the rate of physiological and biological processes that occur after harvest..

[Audio] It is important to clean harvested fruits and underground vegetables to get rid of dirt, soil, and secondary roots. This can be done by gently rubbing them with a wet cloth or dry air to avoid damaging the skin. After cleaning, it is crucial to wash the produce thoroughly to eliminate any remaining impurities. Failure to clean the produce can lead to the growth of bacteria and fungi, which can cause problems during transportation and storage..

[Audio] The washing process involves removing adhering dirt, stains, insects, molds, and sometimes spray residues from fruits and vegetables. This step is crucial in maintaining their freshness and appearance. Not only does washing clean the produce, but it also extends its shelf life. By doing so, we ensure that our fruits and vegetables remain healthy and safe for consumption..

[Audio] Dressing, also known as trimming, is an essential step in the harvesting process. It involves removing any undesirable leaves, stems, stalks, roots, or other non-edible or unmarketable parts from the vegetable or flower. This process makes the product more attractive and marketable. Trimming is particularly important for vegetables and flowers, where it helps to remove unwanted, discolored, rotting, or insect-damaged parts. By doing so, we can prevent these parts from causing further deterioration or damage during subsequent handling..

[Audio] Sorting is an essential step in the harvesting process. It involves removing fruits and vegetables that are unsuitable for market or storage due to various reasons such as mechanical injuries, insect damage, disease, immaturity, over-maturity, or misshape. This process is typically carried out manually, usually before washing, to prevent secondary contamination. By separating damaged produce from healthy ones, we can reduce losses and ensure that only high-quality products reach the market. Sorting can take place at the farm level or in packhouses, and when evaluating produce, only sensory quality parameters are considered..

[Audio] Sizing produce involves various mechanisms. One such mechanism is the diverging belts rope grader, where different belt speeds cause produce to rotate while moving forward until its diameter matches the belt rope separation. This technique is commonly used for cucumbers, gherkins, pineapples, and large root vegetables. Another approach is sizing rollers, where the space between rollers increases, allowing for the separation of produce based on size. This method is often employed for citrus fruits. Handheld templates can also be used to manually size produce by placing rings of known diameter around the produce. Sizing by weight is another popular method, particularly for crops like citrus, apples, and pears, where weight-sensitive trays automatically sort produce into categories based on mass. Furthermore, mesh screens can be used to separate produce based on size, as seen in the case of potatoes, onions, and other irregularly shaped fruits and vegetables..

[Audio] Produce is separated into different grades based on various characteristics such as surface color, shape, size, weight, soundness, firmness, cleanliness, and maturity. Additionally, it is also considered whether the produce is free from foreign matter, diseases, insect damage, or mechanical injury. There are two main systems used for grading: static and dynamic. In a static system, the produce is placed on an inspection table where sorters carefully examine each unit and remove those that do not meet the required standards for a particular grade or quality category. On the other hand, in a dynamic system, the produce moves along a belt in front of the sorters, who then remove any defective units. It's essential that personnel involved in this process receive proper training to ensure accurate grading and minimize errors..

[Audio] Curing is an effective operation to reduce water loss during storage from hardy vegetables such as onion, garlic, sweet potato, and other tropical root vegetables. The curing methods employed for root crops are entirely different from those used for bulbous crops like onions and garlic. Onions and garlic are cured to dry their necks and outer scales. To cure onions and garlic, the bulbs are left in the field after harvesting under shade for a few days until their green tops, outer skins, and roots are fully dried..

[Audio] Harvested yams need careful curing to keep them fresh. First, any dirt or debris on the surface must be removed. Then, the yams should be dried and stored in a well-ventilated area. Specialized structures like curing houses can also be used to preserve the yams. These facilities create a controlled environment where the yams can be cured optimally..

[Audio] The performance of waxing depends on the method of application. It is crucial to get it right. The amount of wax applied and its uniformity are extremely important factors. Fruits should be damp-dry before applying wax to prevent dilution. Moreover, waxes should never be diluted with water. When fruits and vegetables move along the roller conveyor, they are sprayed with a water-wax emulsion..

[Audio] Packaging plays a crucial role in assembling fruits, vegetables, and flowers into convenient units for better handling. This process aims to protect the produce from physical, physiological, and pathological deterioration throughout storage, transport, and marketing. As consumers increasingly demand convenience, appeal, information, and branding, packaging has become an essential component of the supply chain for horticultural crops..

[Audio] Packaging plays a crucial role in the harvesting, handling, and transportation of fruits, vegetables, and flowers. Its benefits are multifaceted. Firstly, it serves as an efficient handling unit, allowing for easy movement and management of the produce. Secondly, it functions as a convenient storage unit, keeping the products organized and protected during storage. Additionally, packaging protects the quality and reduces waste by shielding the produce from mechanical damages, moisture loss, and other forms of degradation. Furthermore, it may provide a beneficial modified atmosphere, ensuring the produce remains fresh and healthy. Moreover, packaging provides clean produce, preventing contamination and spoilage. It also helps prevent pilferage, safeguarding the producer's investment. Beyond these practical advantages, packaging can motivate sales and services, reducing the costs associated with transportation and marketing. Finally, it facilitates the use of new modes of transportation, enabling the efficient and safe movement of goods over long distances. The primary function of packaging is to assemble the produce into convenient units for handling, protecting it during distribution, storage, and marketing. This is achieved through three key aspects: presentation, preservation, and containment. Presentation refers to the attractive display of the packaged produce, while preservation ensures its quality and freshness. Containment, on the other hand, involves the package containing the product within it, preventing leakage and other forms of damage. By understanding the importance of packaging, we can appreciate its vital role in the harvesting, handling, and transportation of fruits, vegetables, and flowers..

[Audio] Transportation methods used during post harvest handling of fruits and vegetables include open vehicles, refrigerated vehicles, box trucks, and tractor trailers. These vehicles play a crucial role in maintaining the quality and freshness of the produce by providing adequate temperature control, ventilation, and protection from physical damage..

[Audio] Pre-cooling is essential for most fruits and vegetables because they can deteriorate rapidly at temperatures above 32 degrees Celsius. The cooling requirement for a crop varies depending on the air temperature during harvesting, the stage of maturity, and the type of crop. There are several methods of pre-cooling, including room cooling, forced air cooling, hydro-cooling, direct contact with ice, evaporative cooling, and vacuum cooling. Some chemicals can also be added to the water used in hydro-cooling to prolong the shelf life by improving the nutritional status of the crop and preventing the spread of post-harvest diseases. Quality loss after harvest occurs due to physiological and biological processes, which are influenced primarily by product temperature. Maintaining market quality is crucial to the success of the horticultural industry, so it is essential to cool the product as quickly as possible after harvest..

[Audio] Before we conclude our discussion on harvesting, handling and transportation, let's review some key points related to the safe transportation of perishable goods. It's crucial to ensure that all components of the trailer are functioning properly. We must check the air delivery chute, door seals, side door seals, door, wall, and front bulkhead for any signs of damage. Moreover, we need to verify that the floor is clean, floor drains are open, inside width and height are adequate for the load, door height is suitable, and load bars are securely holding the cargo in place. Additionally, it's essential to precool the trailer before loading and ensure that the refrigeration unit operates satisfactorily. By following these guidelines, we can minimize the risk of damage or spoilage during transportation..