Tropical and subtropical vegetables (2+1)

Storage and marketing

• Fruits could be stored at 7-90C temperature and 70-75% RH for a couple of days without much loss in colour, texture of weight. The pods can be stored at room temperature for 2-3 days if water is sprinkled on the pods during day and once in night to keep them cool and fresh. Larger lots of harvested fruits suitably packed, reach the auction hall of vegetable market during night and are auctioned early in the morning. Transport of the produce to large or small mandis depends on the size of the lot and their requirement. Smaller producers form groups and come into contact with transporters.
• The producer pays the cost of transport and the commission agent charges some percentage of auction value from the wholesale purchaser who again pays 1% towards free of the mandi administration. The produce action by lots packs or bags of known size. The purchased produce is again channelized to sellers in different areas directly to the retailers or sub agents of the area.