Method of Minimizing Post Harvest
Controlled Atmosphere (CA) storage
It is based on the principle of maintaining an artificial atmosphere in storage room which has higher concentration of CO2 and lower concentration of 02 than normal atmosphere
This reduces the rate of respiration and thus delays aging
This method of storage is very effective when combined with low temperature storage
Wax coating
It is used as protective coating for fruits and vegetables and help in reduction in loss in moisture and rate of respiration and ultimately results in prolonged storage life
Evaporative cool storage
It is the best short-term storage of fruits and vegetables at farm level
It helps the farmers to get better returns for their produce
In this structure, horticultural crops reduce shriveling and extend their storage life
Pre-packaging
This technology controls the rate of transpiration and respiration and hence keeps the commodity in fresh condition both at ambient and low temperature
It can able to bring revolutionary progress in our trade practice and also benefit the consumer and the producer because of its low cost and ready availability
Cold storage
These structures are extensively used to store fruits and vegetables for a long period and employ the principle of maintaining a low temperature, which reduces the rate of respiration and thus delays ripening
Cold chain
Following cold chain handling system for fresh horticultural crops from farm to consumer
It helps in reducing wastages and retention of quality of commodities
Irradiation
It is the newer technologies that can be gainfully employed during storage to reduce post-harvest losses and extend storage life of fruits and vegetable
When fruits and vegetables expose to ionizing radiation (such as gamma-rays) at optimum dosage delays ripening minimizes insect infestation, retards microbial spoilages, control sprouting, and rotting of onion, garlic and potato during storage
It is also used as a disinfection treatment and controls fruit fly on citrus, mango seed weevil and papaya fruit fly
Edible coatings
These are continuous matrices prepared from edible materials such as proteins, polysaccharides and lipids
They can be used as film wraps and when consumed with the food, become an ingredient of the food
They not only minimize the post harvest losses but also need for energy intensive operations and controlled atmosphere storage.
They can control migration of gases, moisture, oil, fat, and solutes, as well as retain volatile flavouring compounds
An edible coating improves structural integrity and mechanical handling and carry product so that they help to maintain quality and inhibit microbial growth causing deterioration of the product
Others
Facilities/ services like grading, washing, cleaning, scientific harvesting and the like, in respect of perishables at the farm level
Cold storage facilities should be extended to tropical fruits and vegetables
Handling protocols should be established for crops other than mango, citrus, grapes and capsicurn to improve the shelf life and export
The issue relating to increasing the shelf life of horticultural products needs to he addressed
Appropriate packaging material for export of fresh fruits, vegetables and for modified atmosphere packaging should be developed
Value addition needs to be viewed in a wider perspective than mere processing to ensure better return to the producer/ farmer, besides providing better quality product to the consumer
