Post Harvest Management of Horticultural Crops

Importance of post harvest technology

Fresh fruits and vegetables (F&V) have been part of human diet since the dawn of the history.
The systematic nutritional value of the some F & V was recognized in the early 17th century in England. One example is the ability of the citrus fruit to cure scurvy, a diseases wide spread among naval personnel.
An example of the importance of the field to post-harvest handling is the discovery that ripening of fruit can be delayed, and thus their storage prolonged, by preventing fruit tissue respiration. The knowledge of the fundamental principles and mechanisms of respiration, leading to post-harvest storage techniques such as cold storage, gaseous storage, and waxy skin coatings. Another well known example is the finding that ripening may be brought on by treatment with ethylene.
Fruits and vegetables are being rich in vitamins and minerals, known as protective foods. Due to their high nutritive valve, ready availability, and being inexpensive they make significantly contributes to human well-being. Realizing the worth of fruits and vegetables in human health ICMR recommend consumption of 120g of fruits and 280g of vegetables per capita per day.


• F&V are rich in ascorbic acid which have beneficial effects of wound healing and antioxidant. Dietary source of Vit.C is essential, since human beings lack the ability to synthesize it.
• Some F&V are excellent source of beta -carotene (provitamin A) which is essential for the maintenance of eyes health; and folic acid which prevents anemia.
• These also prevent degenerative diseases which are prevalent in people with sedentary lifestyle. Concern about obesity and coronary heart diseases have led to reduced levels of fat intake. Antioxidants, phenolic compounds and dietary fiber are considered to be beneficial in reducing risk of various cancers.
• Many F&V have neutraceuticals properties.

F & V provide variety in the diet through difference in colour, shape, taste, aroma and texture that distinguish from the other major food groups of grains, meats and dairy products. Sensory appeal of F&V is not confined to consumption but also has market value. Diversity in their colour and shape is used by traders in arranging product displays to attract potential purchasers; and chefs have traditionally used F & V to enhance the attractiveness of the prepared dishes or table presentations; to adorn meat displays and F & V carvings have becomes an art.

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The ornamental provide sensory pleasure and serenity, derived from the colors, shape and aroma of individual species. Garden plants, cut flowers, foliage and flowering plants are increasingly used in exterior and interior decoration. Considerable commercial opportunities arise from their role in social, religious and economic ceremonies and special greeting occasion such as festivals, Valentine’s day and others occasion.

In India > 90 types of individual F&V are being produced by utilizing its varied agro climatic condition. India has now emerged as the largest producer of fruits relegating Brazil and 2nd largest producer of vegetables next to China.
The Indian total production during the year 2008-09 was of the order of 68.46 mill. ton fruits and 129.00 mill. ton vegetables and total horticultural produce was 214.71 mill. ton (Agri. Ministry, GOI, 2010). India accounts for about 8.40% and 9.10% of global production of Fruits and Vegetable respectively (except potato and onion where it accounts for 7.60% and 9.70% respectively). Crop wise consideration shows that it has largest producer of mango, accounting to 66% of world production; holding record highest productivity in grapes; contributing to 11% of world banana and; 3rd largest producer of coconut; largest exporter of cashew nut(production + import of raw nut and than export) and 1st in spice trade

India's Exports of Horticultural Products ( in crores)

Items	2007- 08	2008- 09	2009-10
Fresh Fruits	1447	1946	2269
Fresh Vegetables	1473	2454	2904
Processed Vegetables	605	711	752
Processed Fruit Juices	769	1099	1156
Miscellaneous Processed Items	1362	2077	2137
(Source-Ministry of Agri. GOI-2010)

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India share in global trade of horticultural produce is miniscule and it is < 1% and only 2.2% of the total horticultural produce is being processed. Due to inadequate post harvest handling 20-30% of horticultural produce are lost annually and such loss in terms of monitory values goes to about Rs.27700 crores per annum(India, Science and Technology 2008). This loss of great magnitude not only robs labour and resources of the farmer and the nation but also dwindle away a big profit of the farmer. Managing the post harvest losses is very much important. Preservation of the produce is one of the ways to manage post harvest losses.

Fruits and vegetables used for processing in different countries

Sl.No.	Countries	%
1	Malaysia	83
2	SaudiArabia	80
3	Philippine	78
4	Brazil	70
5	Australia	60
6	USA	40
7	UK	50
8	India	2.20
Though India produces large quantity of horticultural produce in the world, per capita consumption is very low for our over a billion population. Major portion is being wasted at various stages of from production till it reaches end-user and its mainly due to inadequate facilities for processing. Delay in the use of harvested produce will affect its – fresh ness, palatability, appeal and nutritive value.

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