Post harvest Management of Horticultural Crops (2+1)

Functioning chain of PHT

Function chain of Post harvest technology

Effective management during the postharvest period, rather than the level of sophistication of any given technology, is the key in reaching the desired objectives. Many simple practices have successfully been used to reduce losses and maintain produce quality of horticultural crops in various parts of the world for many years.

There are many interacting steps involved in any post harvest system. Produce is often handled by many different people, transported and stored repeatedly between harvest and consumption. While particular practices and the sequence of operations will vary for each crop, there is a general series of steps in post harvest handling systems that are often followed.

• Harvesting and preparation for market
• Curing root, tuber and bulb crops
• Packinghouse operations
• Packing and packaging materials
• Decay and insect control
• Temperature and relative humidity control
• Storage of horticultural crops
• Transportation of horticultural crops
• Handling at destination
• Packing and Packaging Practices