HARVEST
1. Harvest of horticultural produce at right stage of maturity is very essential to maintain
quality ,r maximum returns and for attaining the longest post-harvest life
2. Importance of maturity indices:
Ensure sensory quality (flavor, color, aroma, texture) and nutritional quality.
Ensure an adequate postharvest shelf life.
Scheduling of harvest and packing operations
3. Delayed harvesting of fruit and vegetables can increase higher susceptibility to decay,
resulting in higher postharvest loss.
Post-Harvest
1. Proper post-harvest care can add value and provide benefit to the producers and
consumers and maintain freshness, nutrient content, taste and quality.
2. Both quantitative and qualitative losses occur at all stages in the post-harvest handling
system of perishables (harvesting, handling, packing, storage and transportation).
