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Far REPORT ON

POSTHARVEST LOSSES FOR LITCHI & TOMATO

“Identificationof Appropriate Postharvest Technologies


for Improving Market Access and Incomes for Small
Horticultural Farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa and South-
Asia”

By
BRIJMOHAN REGAR
MBA AGRIBUSINESS
MANAGEMENT

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(WORLD FOOD LOGISTIC ORGANISATION)
REPORT ON

Company guide Submitted to


Dr. Sunil Saran Ms. Swati Sharma
(Sr. Vice Chairman) (Faulty guide)

Submitted by
Brijmohan Regar
MBA Agribusiness 2008-2010

A report submitted in partial fulfillment of


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the requirements of
MBA AGRIBUSINESS MANAGEMENT
PROGRAMME (Class of 2009)
Amity Business School
Amity University Rajasthan
Rajasthan

This is to Certify that this report is prepared based on the summer internship project
undertaken by me in ASTIF from 10/06/2009 to 24/07/2009, under the prestigious guidance
of Dr. SUNIL SARAN (Sr. Vice Chairman) ASTIF, AMITY UNIVERSITY UTTAR
PRADESH, NOIDA in partial fulfilment of the requirement for award of degree of Master
of Business Administration (Agri. business).

Date ___________________

………….. …………… ………………


Signature Signature Signature
Mr.HEMANT KUMAR Ms. SWATI SHARMA Dr. MUDDU VINAY
Student Faculty Guide Deputy-Director (ABS)

AMITY BUSINESS SCHOOL


AMITY UNIVERSITY RAJASTHAN, JAIPUR CAMPUS
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To, Date:
Director,
Corporate Resource Centre,
Amity University, RAJASTHAN,
JAIPUR
NH-08, KANT KALWAD,
JAIPUR (RAJ.)

Dear Sir,
This is to certify that Mr.Brijmohan Regar a student of (Semester & Programme) MBA
(AB), 2nd Semester of your University has undergone a summer internship project with us
under my guidance from 10/06/2009 to 24/07/2009. The project entitled “Identification of
Appropriate Postharvest Technologies for Improving Market Access and Incomes for
Small Horticultural Farmers in and South-Asia.” has been completed by the student to my
entire satisfaction.

Signature of the Company Guide:-

Name: - Dr. SUNIL SARAN

Designation-Sr. Vice Chairman (ASTIF)

Seal of Company

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S.no Title Page
N
o
.
1. Executive Summary 1-13
2. Company Profile 7
3. Industry Profile 14
4. Objectives of the Project 15
5. Introduction 17-53

 Introduction of mutual fund 17-25


26-32
 Introduction of ICICI PRUDENTIAL 33-35
36-39
product 40-51
52-53
 S.W.O.T Analysis of ICICI PRUDENTIAL
 Financial planning
 Investment planning

 Equity Market Snapshot


20-54
6. Crop cultivaton
7. Methodology of study 54
8. Questionnaire ,Bibliography
61-62

73
9. Conclusion
10. Limitations 74
11. Recommendations 75
12. Appendices 76-82
13. Bibliography 83

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KNOWDGEMENT
One of the most pleasant aspects of writing an acknowledgement is the opportunity to
thank all those who have contributed to it. Unfortunately, the list of expression of
gratitude- no matter how extensive – is always incomplete and inadequate. This
acknowledgement is no exception.

First of all, I wish to express my sincere gratitude to MISS. SWATI SHARMA (Faculty)
ABS, Jaipur, for giving me opportunity to do research under her profound guidance.
Because of her inspiring guidance, motivation, positive criticism, continuous
encouragement and untiring supervision this work could be brought to its present shape.
Secondly I acknowledge our sincere gratitude and indebtedness to Dr. Sunil Saran (Head
of the organization) for giving us invaluable opportunity to make this project report and
there after providing me constant guidance. I would be thankful to Dr. N. P. Singh
(Director Amity Centre for extension services), Dr. Kuldeep Singh (soil scientist) and Dr. s.
k. roy (Horticulture scientist) for their constant help, guidance and encouragement during
this project, which has been a great learning experience. I also want acknowledge my
colleagues who provide me with time support and inspiration needed to prepare this
project.

I would also like to thank all the members of wholsellers, retailors and farmer who spent
their valuable time to cooperate with me.

I would like to thank all of them who in one way or the other have helped me.

BRIJMOHAN REGAR

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ABSTRACT
Fruits
and Vegetables have a short life in ambient conditions. Thus to enhance the shelf life and
quality, proper post harvest operations are required. This results in fresh, clean and firm
fruits and vegetables and makes them free from incipient disease, dirt, chemical residue,
insect or other foreign matter, physiological defects, malformations, or any other
detracting characteristics.
In most of the studies, it has been observed that 25-30 per cent of perishable produce,
mainly fruits and vegetables, are wasted due to lack of proper post-harvest management
facilities. To reduce these losses, there is a need for setting up of post-harvest infrastructure
for fresh fruit and vegetable in the production belts.

India continues to rank as the second largest producer of fruits in the world with an annual
production of 43 million tonnes from an area of 4 million hectares and contributes to more
than 9 per cent of global fruit production.
It also holds analogous status in vegetable production by being the world's second largest
producer with 80.26 million tonnes, next only to China and accounting for about 9.3 per
cent of the world's vegetable production.

Most losses of fresh produce occur between leaving the farm and reaching the consumer.
Losses during this period have been estimated to be about 20% of the total crop. These
losses may be caused by complete wastage of the product or by lower prices due to a
reduction in quality. The cost of these losses is also important as the value of the product
increases several fold from the farm gate to the final consumer, so in dollar terms
postharvest losses are even more significant

COMPANY PROFILE

Background and History of the Organization

The production, processing, and distribution of refrigerated and frozen foods continue to achieve new
levels of technological sophistication. To serve the needs of the food industry, warehousing/distribution
specialists must offer the same degree of sophistication plus the scientific background, experience, and
access needed to unravel the complexities of quality maintenance in food preservation. The World
Food Logistics Organization supplies this strategic element to the frozen food chain.

The World Food Logistics Organization (WFLO) is a non-profit organization dedicated to

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the proper handling and storage of perishable products and the development of systm and
best practices for the safe, efficient, and reliable movement of food to the people

of the world. Founded in 1943 as The Refrigeration Research Foundation (TRRF), the
foundation took its initial support from contributions from refrigerated warehouse
professionals. The name was changed in 1995 to The Refrigeration Research and
Education Foundation (TRREF), to better reflect the increasingly important education
functions of the foundation. In 1999 the name was changed again to more clearly depict
the broad scope of the organization’s work. The foundation then became known as the
World Food Logistics Organization.

The WFLO Board of Governors is comprised of refrigerated warehouse, distribution, and


logistics professionals and academic, civic, and business leaders interested in promoting
the distribution of perishable commodities to consumers, particularly the citizens of less
developed nations. The WFLO headquarters in Alexandria, Virginia, is supported by a
Scientific Advisory Council comprised of leading food scientists.

WFLO membership includes all active members of the International Association of


Refrigerated Warehouses (IARW) plus many companies in other areas of the food
industry which support WFLO goals.

WFLO offers a variety of educational programs, including an annual four-day training


Institute serving refrigerated warehouse professionals and other food industry personnel.
Since 1969, the Institute has been held on the campus of the University of Oklahoma. A
similar program, the WFLO European Education Program has been held since 1998.

WFLO also supports a wide variety of research projects in food science, over 140 in the
past 57 years, on such subjects as food packaging, tempering parameters, temperature
control during transportation, mobility threshold temperatures, refrigeration technology,
and shelf life determination, as well as a computer program for determining freezing
times.

WFLO publishes periodicals and manuals, such as the Commodity Storage Manual, which
contains critical information on the handling and storage of more than 200 different food
products. CSM descriptions cover temperature, humidity, freezing points, storage periods,
shelf life, diseases, disorders, canning, drying, preparation, and processing. Questions
which are not specifically addressed in the CSM can be referred to the WFLO inquiry
service and channeled to a food scientist specializing in the particular commodity.

The WFLO Information Center comprises both physical and virtual materials on
handling temperature-sensitive products, operating a public refrigerated warehouse, and
other related topics. WFLO continues to invest in this important resource, which will

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soon be available to members online.

WFLO members have special expertise in the safe and proper handling and storage of
foods throughout what is now called “the cold chain.” WFLO offers an international
education and consultancy program to assist government agencies, companies, and
industries in implementing safe and improved food distribution. WFLO has provided
major support in establishing professional associations of refrigerated warehouse
professionals in China, Japan, and Vietnam and has been recognized by the US
Department of Agriculture for assisting in missions in Brazil, China, the Dominican
Republic, the Philippines, Thailand, and other emerging markets.

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Corey

WFLO BOARD OF GOVERNOR & Rosenbusch


Vice President
MEMBER x 213,
crosenbusch@gc
ca.org

J. William (Bill) Hudson Colleen Caster


President and CEO Director of
x205, bhudson@gcca.org Education and
Training
x207,
ccaster@gcca.or
g

Rita Haley Tori Miller


Executive Assistant and Office Manager Director of
x203, rhaley@gcca.org Communications
ext. 208,
tmiller@gcca.org

Megan Kalaski Al Rickard


Meeting Planner Editor In Chief,
ext. 209, mkalaski@gcca.org COLD FACTS
arickard@associa
tionvision.com

Benjamin Milk Andrea Ryan


Policy and Programs Consultant Programs
ext. 204, bmilk@gcca.org Coordinator
Editor,
eNewsletters
ext. 219,
aryan@gcca.org

Lowell Randel Richard Tracy


Director of Government Affairs Director of
ext. 220, lrandel@gcca.org International
Programs
ext. 215,
rtracy@gcca.org

INDIA DIVISION
10, Sunder Nagar
New Delhi-110003 India

tel +91 11 24355047/24351798


fax +91 11 41507155

Atul Khanna Devna Khanna


Co-Director
dkhanna@gcca.org
Director
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Mobile: +91 98100 59597

akhanna@gcca.org
Over view of wflo

Core Partners

Core Partners of the Global Cold Chain Alliance (GCCA) are organizations that are managed
from headquarters in Alexandria, Virginia, USA and supported by the same staff. Members of
Core Partner organizations have direct access to all GCCA services.
International Association of Refrigerated Warehouses (IARW)
IARW excels as the leading association in the world that promotes and supports excellence and
professionalism in the controlled-temperature warehouse and logistics industry by increasing
the knowledge, effectiveness, and image of association members for the benefit of their
customers and society.

World Food Logistics Organization (WFLO)


WFLO dedicates itself to the proper handling and storage of perishable products and the
development of systems and best practices for the safe, efficient, and reliable movement of food
to the people of the world.

International Institute of Ammonia Refrigeration (IIAR)


IIAR is the world's recognized leading technical resource and advocate for the safe, reliable and
efficient use of ammonia and other natural refrigerants for industrial applications. IIAR provides
advocacy, education, standards, regulatory guidance and information for the benefit of the
ammonia refrigeration industry worldwide.

International Refrigerated Transportation Association (IRTA)


IRTA supports the needs and interests of organizations involved in the transportation sector of
the cold chain. It fosters good commercial and trade relations between transportation
companies, their suppliers, and customers; gathers and disseminates data and information to
members; and protects the interests of its members from unlawful and unjust measures and
practices.

International Association for Cold Storage Construction (IACSC)


IACSC supports the needs and interests of organizations involved in the construction of cold
storage facilities. It provides a forum for innovative ideas, promotes standards of practice for the
cold storage construction industry, sponsors professional education programs, conducts studies
on solving industry challenges, and promotes the interests of the industry in political, legal and
regulatory arenas.

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Affiliate Partners
Affiliate Partners are organizations that pay an affiliation fee to GCCA. Members of
Affiliate Partner organizations have access to Alliance services through the Partner.
• Refrigerated Warehouse & Transport Association of Australia
• Chinese Association of Refrigerated Warehouses
• Shanghai Association of Refrigeration Warehouses
• Egyptian Cold Chain Association
• Assosiasi Rantai Pendingin Indonesia
• Japan Association of Refrigerated Warehouses
• Cold Chain Association of the Philippines
• Food Storage and Distribution Federation (United Kingdom)
• South African Refrigerated Distribution Association
• Irish Cold Storage Federation
• European Cold Storage and Logistics Association
• Brancheforeningen for Danske Frysehuse (Denmark)

Supporting Partners
Supporting Partners are food processors, retailers, and other food companies who desire to have
a corporate relationship with GCCA and its international members and partners. This
relationship empowers them to participate in, and prosper from, the rapid growth of the cold
chain in all regions of the world. Become a Supporting Partner.
• Advance Food Company
• Alexia Foods, Inc.
• Amy's Kitchen
• ConAgra Foods
• Dreyer's/Edy's Grand Ice Cream
• FoodProcessing-Technology.com
• Gorton's Seafood
• Hatfield Quality Meats Inc.
• High Liner Foods, Inc.
• Kellogg's
• Maersk Sealand
• McCain Foods USA, Inc.
• Menu Inspirations
• Perdue Farms
• Pinnacle Foods Corp.
• Ruiz Food Products
• USA Poultry & Egg Export
• White Wave, Inc.
• Wild Flavors, Inc.

Strategic Partners

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Strategic Partners are organizations who participate with GCCA in information exchange,
programs, conferences or projects and share common cold chain interests and objectives.

Trade Press
• The Cold Link
• Food and Drink Quarterly
• Food Logistics
• Fresh Digest
• Frozen Food Age Magazine
• Frozen Food Digest
• Journal of Commerce

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This project was under WFLO (World Food Logistic Organization) which is funded by Bill and
Melinda Gates Foundation America. This organization dedicated to the proper handling and
storage of perishable products and the development of systems and best practices for the safe,
efficient, and reliable movement of food to the people of the world. The critical purpose to start
this Project to reduce the post harvest losses and give awareness to farmers to reduce the Post
harvest Losses, which was affecting the farmers at a broad level and they was mute witness for
this losses. The main aim to start this activity was to enhance the productivity as well as
production by decreasing the postharvest losses.
In this training period I briefly studied various types of post harvest losses at wholesell, retailer and
farm levels..Our main objective was to explore the current scenario of quantity and quality losses
of fruits and vegetables after the harvest. For that I have conducted survey at wholesell, retail and
farm level in U.P.region.

For data collection I have used questionnaires and personnel interviews as some shopkeepers and
farmer were not able to answer in writing.
Three different questionnaires were used for wholesalers, retailers and farmers. .In these I have
included 29 questions for farmers, 28 questions for

Wholesalers and 28 questions for retailers. Sample size is 150 total respondents with equal of
farmers, wholesalers and retailers. Various bar graphs and pie charts were used to analyses the
data.

It is found from the research that customers are not much aware about farm gate price and
retailer’s prices so more campaigning is required. Also some other retailers get double price to
customer comparison to farm gate price so there is lot of space between farmers and retailers.
• Iconsider my proud privilege to express deep sence of gratitude to prof. Dr.Kuldeep Singh
for his admirable and valuable guidance , keen interest , encouragement and constructive
suggestions during the course of the project.

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• I would also like to express my hearty gratitude to the project cordinator Dr.Sunil Sharan
and Dr S. K. Roy,Dr. Subarwal ,Dr. N.P. Singh and my faculty guide Mr. Manish Chobai
faculty of Amity Business School,Amity University Rajasthan Jaipur for there valuable
guidence and sincer cooperation which helped me in completing this summer project .

• I would also like to thanks farm workers, farm owners, dealers, sales person for their valuable
advice, guidence and their service received during completing this work.

• Last, but not the least, I sincerely thank all the members of my department for their immense
support and assistance extended during the course of this project and in making it a valuable
experience.

Company Vision

• The Global Cold Chain Alliance will be the recognized authority in forging a universally
strong cold chain where every product retains quality and safety through each link.
• Company Mission
• The Global Cold Chain Alliance unites partners to be innovative leaders in the
temperature-controlled products industry.

Company Story
• The International Association of Refrigerated Warehouses (IARW) and the World Food
Logistics Organization (WFLO) have an impressive history of serving the food industry
through the twentieth century and the impressive development of refrigeration in the
movement of food products.
• Moving towards and into the twenty-first century, many of these organizations’ members
had found a need to adapt business models in response to an acceleration of changing
global conditions. This response represented an increased integration of the cold chain
industry. This had, in turn, initiated closer relationships among all players in the supply
chain. Developments such as dedicated distribution facilities and public refrigerated
warehouse (PRW) investment in trucking assets bore witness to this trend.
• Three strong influences were changing this industry:
• Increasing integration in the business models of our members—from warehousing to
logistics providers. Refrigerated warehouses have invested in trucking assets and perused
varied arrangements and structures with customers.
• Recognition of international business structures. As we did more work in emerging
economies, we saw that a single company would operate all aspects from food production
to food delivery. In many countries, the third party provider is a developing concept.
• Need for core competencies—maintaining proper temperatures and instilling best
practices. The cold chain had to take on the development of all links from post harvest
handling/processing to retail.
• Discussions on these issues formalized late in 2005 when IARW and WFLO began to
garner support for a bold new initiative from partner organizations the International

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Refrigerated Transportation Association (IRTA) and the International Association for
Cold Storage Construction (IACSC). By the close of 2006, the boards of all four
organizations had elected to move forward with the creation of the Global Cold Chain
Alliance (GCCA), an umbrella organization which would create partnerships among
associations, governments, institutions, and private companies spanning each link of the
cold chain.
• The GCCA officially launched in April 2007. The GCCA now acts as the platform for
communication, networking and education for each link of the cold chain. It serves as the
focused voice of the cold chain industry.
• In March 2009, the International Institute of Ammonia Refrigeration (IIAR) formally
joined the Global Cold Chain Alliance as a Core Partner.

Objective of the Study


• To identify the current scenario of postharvest management in India

• To study the sorting, grading & packaging system in over all supply chain

• To evaluate the economic gap in the over all supply chain

• To identify the critical stages of post harvest losses

• To suggest the measures for better postharvest management to farmers, wholesalers,


retailers.

INTRODUCTION

POST HARVEST TECHNOLOGY IN INDIA...


• The total production of fruits and vegetables in the world is around 370 MT. India ranks
first in the world with an annual output of 32 MT. While there are almost 180 families of
fruits that are grown all over the world, citrus fruits constitute around 20% of world's
total fruit production. Major Indian fruits consist of mango, banana, citrus fruits, apple,
guava, papaya, pineapple and grapes.
• Last decades have seen the number of Indian fruit vegetables suppliers and fruits
vegetables exporters rising to an all time high.
• India with its current production of around 32 million MT of fruit, accounts for about 8%
of the world's fruit production. The diverse agro-climatic zones in the country make it
possible to grow almost all varieties of fresh fruits and vegetables in India. The fruit
production in India has recorded a growth rate of 3.9%, whereas the fruit processing

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sector has grown at about 20% per annum. However, the growth rates have been
extensively higher for frozen fruits & vegetables (121%) and dehydrated fruits &
vegetables (24%).
• India is the second largest producer of vegetables in the world (ranks next to China) and
accounts for about 15% of the world's production of vegetables. The current production
level is over 71 million MT and the total area under vegetable cultivation is around 6.2
million hectares which is about 3% of the total area under cultivation in the country. In
case of vegetables, potato, tomato, onion, cabbage and cauliflower account for around
60% of the total vegetable production in the country.
• Since liberalization and withdrawal of excise duty on fruit and vegetable products there
has been significant rise in the growth rate of the industry. Since, fruits and vegetables
are highly perishable, efficient Post Harvest Management has become an absolute
necessity. It is also important for effective exploitation of export potential of fruits and
vegetables.
• But India loses about 35-40% of the produce due to improper Post Harvest Management.
A loss estimated at Rs 40,000 crores per year! India wastes fruits and vegetables every
year equivalent to the annual consumption of the United Kingdom.
• To avoid the Post Harvest Losses a chain of cold storages, need to be created along with
Post Harvest Management practices like pre cooling, cold storages and refrigerated
transport.
• The Post Harvest Technology & Service Industry is one of the emerging businesses in
India. With the avowed national policy on agriculture being pursued by the government
to derive maximum benefit out of this key economic sector, there is bound to be manifold
growth in the coming years...Post Harvest will be the key branch where new technology,
services and opportunity will emerge. The Summit

Scope of the research:-


“Post harvest management refers to the chain of operation handled in course making in produce
available to the consumer after harvesting it includes activities like washing, sorting, grading,
preservative treatment, packaging, marketing and transportation.”
Post harvest technology is interdisciplinary science and technology applied to agriculture
produce after harvest for its protection, conservation, processing, packaging, distribution,
marketing and nutritional requirement of the people in relation to their needs.
Some specific importance of post harvest management:-
1. The loss% of post harvest of fruits and vegetables is 25%-30% annually that is very more it
can be prevent through the proper post harvest management of fruits and vegetables.
2. In India processing of fruits and vegetables is just only 1%-2% that can be increase through a
proper management of the fruits and vegetables.

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3. Population is increasing day by day that is also important factor that inhibit to meet the
proper food achievement level.
4. Population is increasing so that’s why we couldn’t achieve the nutritional requirement.

POST HARVEST LOSSES STUDY

• To identify the current scenario of postharvest management in India

DEFINATION:

 Post Harvest Technology is inter-disciplinary “Science & technique” applied to


agricultural produce after harvest for its protection, conservation, processing, pack-
aging, distribution, marketing & utilization to meet the food & nutritional
requirements of the people in relation to their needs.

PRESENT STATUS

 India ranks second in fruits with annual production of 48.57 million tones,
accounting for about 10.3% of total fruit production.
 Second largest producer of vegetables next to China, with an estimated
production of about 93.92 million tonnes, 13.5 % of the world.
 Among fruits, the percentage of world share in banana is 29%, mango 44% and
papaya 30%.
 In vegetable production, India is one of the largest producers of cauliflower
sharing 34% of the world and pea 38% of the world share.
 It is estimated that fruit production will touch 98 million tonnes by the year 2020-21 with
vegetable production of 220 million tonnes.
 In fact horticultural crops covering only 6.1% of the area under cultivation,
contribute as much as 18.8% of the country’s gross domestic product.

Current scenario
India is the fruit and vegetable basket of the world. India being a home of wide variety of fruits
and vegetables holds a unique position in production figures among other countries. Over 90% of
India's exports in fresh products goes to west Asia and East European markets. However, it needs
to augment its food and processing industry at a mega scale, according to an agriculture
consultant.

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The covered area under the fresh fruits in India was 5510000 Ha with the production of
58740000 MT in 2005-06. The major fruits grown in India are Mangos, Grapes, Apple, Apricots,
Orange, Banana Fresh, Avocados, Guava, Lichi, Papaya, Sapota and Water Melons. This is due
to its potential in different agro climatic zones India's Export of Fresh Fruits has increased from
Rs. 225.67 Crores (USD Million 50.98) in 2005-06 to 256.43 Crores (USD Million 56.88) in
2006-07. The Major countries which import Fresh fruits from India are U.K, Netherlands, U.A.E,
Russia, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bangladesh, Nepal.

Total vegetable production in India before independence was 15 million mt and since
Independence for decades the growth rate was stabilized around 0.5%. The impetus on vegetable
research and policy intervention to promote vegetable crops witnessed a sudden spurt in growth
rate of 2.5%, a hike of five times during the last decade. Major vegetables grown in India are
Potato, Onion, Tomato, Cauliflower, Cabbage, Bean, Egg Plants, Cucumber and Garkin, Frozen
Peas, Garlic and okra.

The potential technological interventions with improved gene pool and precise management can
take growth rate to nearly 6% per annum. The area under vegetables increased from 5.59 MH in
1991–92 to 6.76 MH during 2004–05. The production in this period increased from 58.53
million mt to 101.43 million mt. During the period, productivity of vegetables increased from
10.5 mt/ hectare to 15.0 mt/hectare. While West Bengal continues to be the leading State in area
and production, the productivity is higher in Tamil Nadu followed by Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.

India's exports of Fresh Fruit and Vegetable has increased from Rs. 1658.72 Crores (USD
Million 374.68) in 2005-06 to Rs. 2411.66 Crores (USD Million 534.97) in 2006-07.

India ranks fifth in the world in cropped area under cultivation and production of potatoes. India
produces 41% of world's mangoes, 23%bananas, 24% cashew nuts, 36 % green peas and 10%
onion The total export value of the main exporting fruit crop from India is mango. Exports of
mangoes, grapes, mushrooms have started going to the United Kingdom, Middle East, Singapore
and Hong Kong. and among vegetable, onion occupies first position Potatoes and green
vegetables like okra, bitter gourd, green chillies have good export potential.

India is 2nd largest onion growing country in the world. Indian onions are famous worldwide for
their pungency. The Gulf countries are the main importers of the onion bulb, and neighboring
Pakistan and China are India's main competitors in the global market. India's Export of Onion
has increased from Rs. 708.15 Crores (USD Million 159.96) in 2005-06 to Rs.1163.30 Crores
(USD Million 258.05) in 2006-07. Bangladesh, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, U.A.E, Pakistan and Nepal
are the Major market of Indian Onion.
Mango, called the king of fruits in India, accounts for 40 percent of the national fruit production
of 22.168 million tonnes a year. It occupies 42 percent of the country's 24.87 million hectares
land under fruit cultivation. India exported 79,060.88 MT of fresh mangoes with the value of Rs.
141.93 Crores (USD Million 31.48) in 2006-07. The major varieties of mangoes exported
include Dashehri, Alphonso, Kesar, Banganpalli, Kesar, Dusheri, Langra, Chausa, Mallika and.
Swarnrekha. The major markets for Indian mangoes are U.A.E, Bangladesh, U.K, Saudi Arabia
and Nepal. India is estimated to account for about 60 percent (9.5 million tonnes) of the world's

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mango production of 15.7 million tones. The major production areas in the country are in the
States of Andhra Pradesh,Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka,Bihar,Gujarat and Maharashtra.

• To study the sorting, grading & packaging system in over all supply chain

Grading

Grading is done according to the size of the fruits. The damaged, sun-burnt and crackedfruits are
sorted out before packing. In the past, our farmers did not grade their produce. Many a times, it
was not paying also.. However, in recent years, with rapid urbanization, consumers prefer the
produce of an uniform and good quality. So, farmers are compelled to grade their produce. They
have experienced that grading brings in more money as compared to ungraded produce. By
grading the produce, one can send the produce to different markets. Lower quality produce can
be sold in the small, local market.
As indicated earlier, it is very important aspect in export. One has to strictly observe the grades
and standards fixed by a particular country

Storage
The fruits cannot be stored at room temperature for more than a few days. It loses its
bright red colour and turns brown within 2 – 3 days after harvesting. Mature litchi fruits
can be stored for a period of 8 to 12 weeks at the temp. of 1.6 to 1.70C and relative
humidity ranging between 85 to 90%.

Packing
Horticulture commodities (fruits, vegetables, and ornamentals) are highly perishable. Therefore,
proper postharvest technology is needed to prolong their shelf life.

Semi-processed technology is a postharvest technique in between fresh handling and processing.


The purpose of semi-processed technology is to minimize processing of horticulture products
through the use of packaging method (Fig. 1).

Benefits of Packaging

• To avoid microorganism contamination (inhibiting fermentation process/decay).


• To decrease contact with air (suppressing oxidation process).
• To maintain freshness.
• To stimulate consumer's interest.

Materials and Equipment

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In packaging vegetables and fruits, products should be in good condition. Following are the
materials and equipment needed:

• Vegetables and fruits, such as chili, tomato, maize


and jackfruit;
• Chlorine solution 100 ppm and 200 ppm;
• Calcium chloride (CaCl2) 300 ppm and 0.75%;
• Washbasin, tray, spoon;
• Cutting board;
• Filter;
• Styrofoam plate; and
• Stretch film plastic/ wrapping plastic.

Packaging Method

• Sterilize equipment (knife, spoon, etc.) and hand by


soaking in washbasin containing chlorine solution (100
ppm) for 15 seconds.
• Soak cleaned vegetables in chlorine solution (200
ppm) for 20-30 seconds.
• Drain materials for 30 seconds.
• Re-soak vegetables in washbasin containing
calcium chloride (300 ppm) for 15-30 seconds.
• Re-drain vegetables for 30 seconds.
• Re-soak vegetables once more in calcium chloride
(0.75%) for 5-10 seconds.
• Re-drain vegetables for 30 seconds;
• Lift and arrange vegetables on styrofoam plate and
cover with stretch film plastic/ wrapping plastic

CROP CULTIVATION OF TOMATO

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INTRODUCTION

Tomato is the world’s largest vegetable crop and known as protective food both because of its
special nutritive value and also because of its wide spread production. Tomato is one of the most
important vegetable crops cultivated for its fleshy fruits. Tomato is considered as important
commercial and dietary vegetable crop. Botanical name of tomato is Lycopersicon esculemtun
and belongs to family Lycopersicae. Tomato is protective supplementary food. As it is short
duration crop and gives high yield, it is important from economic point of view and hence area
under its cultivation is increasing day by day. Tomato is used in preserved products like ketch-
up, sauce, chutney, soup, paste, puree etc.

Importance in Diet
Tomato is a rich source of minerals, vitamins and organic acid, essential amino acids and dietary
fibers. Tomato is known as productive as well as protective food. It is a rich source of vitamin A
and C, it also contains minerals like iron, phosphorus. Tomato contains Lycopene and Beta-
carotene pigments.

Nutritive Value of Tomato

Constituents Nutritive value


Moisture 93.1g
Energy 23k.cal
Protein 1.9g
Fat 0.1g
Carbohydrate 3.6g
Fibre 0.7 g
Vitamin A 320 I.U
b –Carotene 192mcg.
Thiamine 0.7mg
Riboflavin 0.01mg
Niacin 0.4mg
Ascorbic acid 31mg.
Magnesium 15 mg
Oxalic acid 2 mg
Phosphorus 36 mg
Sodium 45.8 mg

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Potassium 114 mg
Copper 0.19 mg
Sulphur 24 mg
Chlorine 38 mg
Calcium 20mg
Iron 1.8mg

Area under Tomato Cultivation

The estimated area and production of tomato for India are about 3,50,000 hectares and 53,00,000
tons respectively. In Maharashtra area under tomato cultivation is 43,600 hectare. The average
productivity of tomato in our country is merely 158q/ha while its productivity in USA is
588q/ha, in Greece 498q/ha, in Italy 466q/ha and 465q/ha in Spain.

Year Area( in 000 HA) Production


01-02 458.1 7462.3
02-03 478.8 7616.7
03-04 502.8 8125.6
04-05 505.4 8825.4
05-06 534.5 9361.8
06-07 1743. 28600
07-08 1786 34463

Area and Production of Tomato in India (2001-2008)

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Geographical Distribution

Ten most promising States of the country for tomato crop have been identified and utilized for
further study on various aspects of tomato crop. Bihar State is at leading position followed by UP
and Orissa in terms of area under tomato crop. The maximum production and productivity have
been shown by UP followed by Karnataka, Punjab, West Bengal and Assam. However,
Maharashtra has increased area under tomato crop significantly as about 110% increase from
years 90-91 to 95-96 and Bihar, UP with 72%, 44% respectively. Punjab is able to obtain about
114% increase in production for a considered period.
About 8.3% increase has been achieved by UP followed by Assam (75%) and Karnataka (72%)
in terms of the tomato production. An increase of about 90% in area has been observed for
Maharashtra for the period 90-91 to 91-92 while studding proportionate increase in successive
years followed by Bihar (48%) and Karnataka (33%). Only two States has shown more than 15%
increase namely UP (24%) and Punjab (19%) from 91-92 to 92-93, while West Bengal,
Karnataka and Punjab show increase in the next period with 25%, 21%, 17% respectively.
However, the proportionate increase of about 72%, 46%, 31% have been observed in tomato
production from 90-91 to 91-92 for Maharashtra, Punjab, Assam respectively. UP, Bihar and
Karnataka have improved their production figures for the period 91-92 to 92-93. Only
Maharashtra State exhibits consistent increase for remaining periods.
This significant achievement in tomato production is possible due to by development of high
yielding varieties/hybrids, breeding for biotic and abiotic stresses, resistance and heterosis
breeding.

Advantages of Growing Tomato over Other Crops


1. Short duration vegetable crop.

2. Tomato is one of the mostly widely grown solanaceous vegetable crops grown worldwide
under outdoor and indoor conditions.

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3. The plant growth characteristics range from indeterminate to highly determinate type.
The branches of indeterminate plants keep growing and producing fruits until frost kills
the plant.

4. Tomato is well fitted in different cropping systems of cereals, grains, pulses and oilseeds.

5. Give more yields hence high economic value.

6. Tomatoes are nutritionally valuable for their high pro-vitamin A and vitamin C content
and rank number one in their nutrient contribution to human diet.

7. Numbers of processed items are prepared on large scale for consumption as well as for
export purpose.

History
Previously Tomatoes were grown only in season-wise, but the picture has been changed since
last three years. Now days Tomatoes are grown round the year.

Future of the Crop


As Tomato are grown round the year, and growing belts of tomato are also increasing day by day
(Gujarat, Punjab, Haryana etc.), it leads to easy availability of product all over India. Here
Farmers are getting price of Rs 1.00/Kg. - 1.50/Kg. in a season. Due to increasing consumption
tomato products the future for this crop is good.

Climatic Requirements
Tomato is a warm season crop, it requires warm and cool climate. The plants cannot withstand
frost and high humidity. Also light intensity affects pigmentation, fruit colour, fruit set. The plant
is highly affected by adverse climatic conditions. It requires different climatic range for seed
germination, seedling growth, flower and fruit set, and fruit quality. Temperature below 100C
and above 380C adversely affects plant tissues thereby slow down physiological activities. It
thrives well in temperature 100C to 300C with optimum range of temperature is 21-240C. The
mean temperature below 160C and above 270C are not desirable. The plant doesn’t withstand
frost, it requires low to medium rainfall, and does well under average monthly temperature of 21
to 230C. Avoid water stress and long dry period as it causes cracking of fruits. Bright sunshine at
the time of fruit set helps to develop dark red coloured fruits.

Temperature Requirement

Sr. Stages Temperature (0C)


No. Minimum Suitable Maximum
1. Seed germination 11 16-29 34
2. Seedling growth 18 21-24 32
3. Fruit set (day) 10 15-17 30

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(night) 18 20-24 30

4. Red colour development 10 20-24 30

Soil Requirement
Tomatoes do very well on most mineral soils, but they prefer deep, well drained sandy loams.
Upper layer of soil should be porous with little sand and good clay in the subsoil. Soil depth 15
to 20cm proves to be good for healthy crop. Deep tillage can allow for adequate root penetration
in heavy clay type soils, which allows for production in these soil types.
Tomato is a moderately tolerant crop to a wide pH range. A pH of 5.5- 6.8 is preferred. Though
tomato plants will do well in more acidic soils with adequate nutrient supply and availability.
Tomato is moderately tolerant to acid an soil that is pH of 5.5. The soils with proper water
holding capacity, aeration, free from salts are selected for cultivation.

Soils extremely high in organic matter are not recommended due to the high moisture content of
this media and nutrient deficiencies. But, as always, the addition of organic matter to mineral
soils will increase yield.

Choice of seeds
After seed production, diseased, broken seeds are discarded. The seeds for sowing should be free
from inert matter. Early germinating, bold, uniform in shape and size, seeds are selected for
sowing. Hybrid seeds from F1 generation are advantageous for sowing as it gives early and high
yield uniform fruity, resistant to adverse environmental conditions.

a) Seed and sowing


Tomato is generally cultivated by transplanting seedlings on ridges and furrows. At the time of
transplanting seedlings are harder by exposing to open weather or by withholding irrigation. A
seed rate of 400 to 500g/ha is required.
Seeds are treated with Thiram @ 3g/kg of seed to protect from seed born diseases. Seed
treatment with B. naphthoxyacetic acid (BNOA) at 25 and 50 ppm, gibberllic acid (GA3) at 5-20
ppm and chlorophenoxy acetic at 10 and 20 ppm was found to improve the growth and yield of
tomato.
Seeds are sown in June July for autumn winter crop and for spring summer crop seeds are sown
in November. In the hills seed is sown in March April. The spacing recommended for the autumn
winter crop is 75 x 60cm and for spring summer crop 75 x 45cm.

Nursery Preparation and Care

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The ideal seedbed should be 60cm wide, 5-6cm long and 20-25cm high. Clods and stubbles
should be removed from the seedbed. Add sieved FYM and fine sand on the seedbed. Bring them
to fine tilth. Drench the bed with /Dithane M-45 @ 2-2.5 g/lit of water. Draw the lines 10 to
15cm apart throughout the length of the seedbed. Sow the seeds thinly spaced in lines, press
gently, cover with fine sand and then cover the bed with straw. Irrigate with rose can. Irrigate the
seedbed twice a day till the seeds germinate. Remove the straw after the seeds germinate. Apply
a little Thimet at 4-5 leaf stage. Spray the seedlings with Metasys /Thiodan @ 2-2.5 ml/lit water
and Dithane M-45 @ 2-2.5 g/lit water.

Fertilizers
As the fruit production and quality depends upon nutrient availability and fertilizer application so
balance fertilizer are applied as per requirement. The nitrogen in adequate quantity increases fruit
quality, fruit size, color and taste. It also helps in increasing desirable acidic flavor. Adequate
amount of potassium is also required for growth, yield and quality. Mono Ammonium Phosphate
(MAP) may be used as a starter fertilizer to supply adequate phosphorus during germination and
seedling stages. Calcium availability is also very important to control soil pH and nutrient
availability. Sandy soils will require a higher rate of fertilizer, and more frequent applications of
these fertilizers due to increased leaching of essential nutrients. The seedlings are sprayed with
starter solution of micronutrient. Before planting farm yard manure @ 50 ton per hectares should
be incorporated. Normally tomato crop requires 120kg Nitrogen (N), 50kg Phosphorus (P2O5),
and 50kg Potash (K2O). Nitrogen should be given in split doses. Half nitrogen and full P2O5 is
given at the time of transplanting and remaining nitrogen is given after 30 days and 60 days of
transplanting.
Soil and tissue analyses should be taken throughout the growing and production season to insure
essential nutrients are in their proper amounts and ratios. Tissue analysis of a nutritionally
sufficient plant will show the following nutrient status:
Nitrogen Phosphorus Potassium Calcium Magnesium Sulphur
% 4.0-5.6 0.30-0.60 3.0-4.5 1.25-3.2 0.4-0.65 0.65-1.4

ppm Manganese Iron Boron Copper Zinc

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30-400 30-300 20-60 5-15 30-90
In the present situation it has been realized that the use of inorganic fertilizers should be
integrated with renewable and environmental friendly organic fertilizers, crop residues and green
manures.

Irrigation

Tomatoes have been observed to withdraw water from depths up to 13 feet in a well structured
soil. Tomato plants require adequate moisture throughout their growth period. First irrigation is
required soon after seedlings are transplanted. Frequent water is necessary in root zone when
plants are small. In summer irrigation at intervals of 3-4 days and 10-15 days water is necessary
to maintain wet soil. Erratic moisture conditions can cause radial and concentric cracking on
fruit.

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Implements for
Interculturing
Operations

Generally interculturing operations like hand hoeing, weeding, mulching, staking is followed in
tomato. Implements like hand-hoe, khurpi, land leveller etc. are used.

Inter Culture Operations


Pre-emergence applications of herbicides like metribuzin at 0.35 kg/ha, fluchloralin 1.25 kg/ha
has been found effective to increase the tomato yield significantly in comparison to traditional
method of hand weeding. Also plastic mulching (black or transparent) can be used to control the
weeds. Weeds can be controlled successfully by mulching plus use of herbicides (pendimethalin
@ 0.75kg ai/ha or oxyflorophen @ 0.12kg ai/ha).
Spraying of PCPA at 50 ppm, IAA at 50 ppm or borax 1% gave the fruit set in summer season.
PCPA spray at flowering stage was observed to create favorable conditions for fruit set in low as
well as high temperatures.

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Staking of Tomato

Due to staking there is better growth of tomato plant and branches, increased fruit bearing, and
improved quality of fruits. Cultural operations like fruit picking, spraying, weeding, fertilisers
application and earthing up etc. for staking can be done by two methods. In first type, at each
plant sticks of 1.5-2meter length and 2.5cm thickness are placed and plant of tomato is staked as
it is growing. In second type, a network of wire and bamboo is form and with the help of sutali
(small rope) branches of plant is spread. Secondary branches should be cut upto 30 cm and from
30 cm height keeping two main branches plant should be allow to spread on this network.

Intercropping

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Tomato is well fitted in different cropping systems of cereals, grains, pulses and oilseeds.
Cropping systems rice-tomato, rice-maize, okra-potato-tomato, tomato-onion are popular in
various parts of India. Cauliflower- okra –sunflower –cabbage –tomato –maize -tomato-
watermelon and paddy-peas-tomato have been proved economical systems. Palak or radish
can be grown as inter-crop in tomato successfully.

Integrated Pest Management


Life cycles and monitoring and control practices for some of the common insect pests in the
southern U.S. are described in Integrated Pest Management. In the humid climate of the south,
foliar diseases are very hard to control on tomatoes without fungicides. This is a particular
problem in areas with cool nights during the summer, such as the mountains of North Carolina,
Tennessee, and Georgia. Dew formed overnight wets the leaves well into the morning,
promoting foliar diseases such as early blight and late blight. Some of the important diseases of
vegetables in the South and their control are described in Disease Management. The general
principles of insect and disease IPM programs are also described in their respective chapters.
Cultivar resistances to the more common insects and diseases in the south are listed below so
growers can select cultivars with multiple resistances. The list is not meant to be inclusive,
however, as new resistant cultivars are constantly being released.

Weeds
Black nightshade, which is in the same family as tomato, and perennial weeds in general are hard
to control. Mechanical control of nightshade is the only effective control once the tomato crop is
in the field. Rotation and other long-term IPM practi ces are discussed in Weed Management.
Experiments in New York tested different five weed control strategies in tomato:
• cultivation until July

• cultivation until August

• cultivation until September

• treated with herbicides to keep weed-free

• given no weed control treatment.

The highest yields were found in plots kept weed-free by cultivation until August 1. Plots kept
weed-free with herbicides yielded 38 percent less than those cultivated only until August 1.

Pest Management
Agriculture has witnessed diverse changes in recent years. Employment of sophisticated tools
can produce amplified productivity. Also use of organic manures can produce efficient retrieval
of lost nutrients. In any crop cultivation, pest control seems to be daunting task to be carried out
by the cultivators. Use of proper pest control methods can eliminate the pests completely from

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the field enabling better growth of plant. This in turn can influence increased productivity. One
can witness measurable change in the amount of output obtained from a field when he/ she
carries out efficient pest control techniques

Need for pest control


Ecosystem has been balanced with help of several food chains. This can also produce implied
changes in agriculture. Presence of pests in the food chains affects the growth of crops in the
field. So in order to have better growth of crops, one needs to have pest control techniques. The
pest control techniques differ based on the type of crop that is cultivated. Hence it is the duty of
the cultivator to take care of the pests that affect plants and hinder growth.

Pests in tomato cultivation


There are several pests that are involved in the building of obstacles in tomato cultivation.
Common pests that can be related with tomato cultivation can be studied. Aphids that are present
beneath the leaves tend to eat up all the green leaves making it unfit. It tends to produce
premature foliage in the tomato plants. Also local infections are caused in the stems of these
plants enabling invasion of other pests too. Hornworms can also be observed in tomato plants.
These are long worms that feed on the leaves. These tend to migrate from one to plant to another
causing severe damage to leaves.

Pest control at tomato growing


Use of insecticide soaps is regarded to be best method of pest control in tomato cultivation.
These pests can be controlled also by pruning them. Also handpicking of these pests are also
possible enabling better control of pests. One can also rely upon use of Neem oil to reduce the
effect of pests on tomato plants.

Following are the few major pest of tomato :


Control measures of tomato pest are given as below: -

1. Leaf eating caterpillar

Control measure
Spraying of cypernethrin at the rate of 3-4 ml or for Phosphamidon (85 SL) 5 ml per 10 liter of
water at the interval of 8-10 days.
2. Tomato fruit eating catre piller/tomato fruit borer
Control measure
Spraying of monocrotophos (36 SL) 5 ml/ 10 litre of water at the interval of 8-10 days.
Trichograma and campoletic cloride as a predator and heliocil as biological control.
3.Aphids
It can be control by spraying dimethoate (30 E.C.) 10 ml/10 litre of water.

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The controls vary from state to state and region to region. The local agricultural chemical manual
will list controls and rates for each pest.

Fungicides / Incidence of diseases


Following are the diseases of tomato, which control by following methods of fungicide
application: -
Disease Symptoms Fungicide Method of
application
Anthracnose Recognized by its sunken spots Rotation is the -
(Colletotrichum on the fruit major control for
phomoides) this disease.

Bacterial fruit On leaves small, water soaked, Streptocycline Spraying


spot brown spots appear on the (100PPm) or copper
older leaflets. Under fungicides
favourable conditions these
spots may coalesce to form
dark streaks. The affected
leaves turn yellow and
blighting of the foliage may
take place.
Tomato leaf curl Leaf curl disease is Disease is Soil
characterized by severe transmitted by application,
stunting of the plants with whitefly hence to treating the
downward rolling and check the whitefly nursery beds
crinkling of the leaves. The population use with granular
newly emerging leaves exhibit insecticides fuadan insecticides.
slight yellow colouration and or disyston @1kg
later they also show curling ai/ha.
symptoms, older leaves become
leathery and brittle.
Tomato big bud The youngest fruit truss, Metasystox (0.02%) Spraying
instead of becoming recurved or nuvacron
as in normal plants, assumes (0.05%) at ten days
an upright position. The buds intervals to control
on the truss also point in a the insect vector
vertical direction, the calyx (leaf hopper)
segments remain united almost population.

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to the tips, and the whole calyx
enlarges to a form like a
bladder with a toothed opening
at the top.
Early blight On established plants, dark Mancozeb @ 0.2% Foliar spray
brown spots with concentric
rings develop first on old
leaves. Spotted leaves die
prematurely leading to early
defoliation.
Late blight Leaves and fruits are affected. Mancozeb @ 0.2% Foliar spray
Irregular greasy greyish areas
develop on leaves. Under moist
conditions these areas expand
rapidly and a white downy
growth appears on the lower
surface of the affected leaves.
Affected leaf dries and shrivels
quickly.
Septoria leaf spot Appearance of numerous, Mancozeb @2 g/kg. Seed treatment
small, grey coloured circular 0.2% Dithane Z-78 Foliar spraying
leaf spots with dark margin is
the characteristic symptom of
the disease.
Leaf mould/black It is recognized by the Mancozeb @ 0.2% Foliar spray
mould presence of a yellowish area on
the upper leaf surface with
brown mouldy growth on the
lower surface. As the lesions
develop, the leaves wilt and
die.
Wilt It is characterized by yellowing 0.1% carbendazim Soil drenching
and wilting of leaves and or benomyl
finally the entire plant wilts
and dies prematurely. Often
the stem tissue is discoloured
throughout the plant.
Powdery mildew A white talcum like covering Dinocap at 0.1% or Spraying
on the lower surface of the Wet sulphur at
leaves while the corresponding 0.2%
upper surface turns yellow.
Premature dropping of
infected leaves are common.

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Bacterial wilt Infected plant parts when cut Streptocycline Seed treatment
and immersed in clear water, a (1g/40 lit) for 30 min.
white streak of bacterial ooze Bleaching powder @ Dusting/soil
coming out from the cut ends 15 kg/ha. application.
is visible.

(Caution:-This is a general information and you are requested to read the product information carefully
before use and you should consult a expert if you have any doubt or questions.)

Harvesting Time and Method


The harvest of tomatoes is dependent on the closeness to the market. Stages of tomato
harvesting: -

• Mature green fruit:- Fruits are bulk packed in ventilated containers for
shipment. Those picked to be shipped are picked at the mature green stage and sprayed
with ethylene 48 hours prior to shipping. Immature green tomatoes will ripen poorly and
be of low quality. However, tomatoes harvested at the mature green stage will ripen into
a product indiscernible from vine-ripened fruit. A simple way to determine maturity is to
slice the tomato with a sharp knife. If seeds are cut, the fruit is too immature for harvest
and will not ripen properly.
• Pink colour fruits :- For Local sale of tomatoes may be vine ripened to a
firm ripe or a full red color before harvesting.
• Vine-ripened tomatoes should be harvested at the breaker stage to ensure the
best quality. Fruit at the breaker stage, which have some interlocular gel and a pinkish red
color on the inside, are sure to be mature. Such fruit can be handled and shipped better
than that which has more color, and it will often bring a higher price than less mature
tomatoes. If tomatoes are to be vine-ripened, fields should be harvested often and
thoroughly to narrow the range of ripeness.
• Fully ripe :-Processing tomatoes are picked fully ripe.
Harvesting every day may be desirable during the peak of the season. Remove all diseased,
misshapen, and otherwise cull tomatoes from the vines as soon as they are discovered. Remove
discarded tomatoes from the field to avoid the spread and buildup of diseases and insect pests.

Means of Transportation
Tomatoes are highly perishable in nature hence quick means of transportation is necessary.
Tomatoes are transported by road through tractors, trucks and also by rail and air to distant
markets. Village produce is transported to the near by towns and city market only by road. The
cargo services are also available for transportation. Processed tomatoes are having high export
potential hence transported to different countries like USA, Saudi Arabia and Japan etc.
Washingtomatoes

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Water for washing tomatoes should be at or above the temperature of the tomatoes. Water with
cooler temperatures will be absorbed by the fruits. Wash water management practices should be
an important consideration during the handling process, to prevent the spread of post-harvest
diseases. Decayed fruit should be culled to eliminate potential sources of inoculum. Wash water
is chlorinated at 150 ppm and fruits are held in this water for no longer than 2 minutes as a single
layer of floating tomatoes.

Presizing, Sorting and Sizing


Tomatoes with a diameter of less than 2 inches are culled. This operation is carried through an
automatic pre-sizer in large commercial operations. Sorting and grading is conducted visually in
the packing house by separating tomatoes based on USDA color stages. This operation takes on a
double effort when sorting out tomatoes with irregular ripening symptoms brought about by
sweetpotato whitefly feeding on the crop during the growing season. Larger commercial
operations in the mainland are moving toward the use of automatic electronic color sorters such
as the ones developed for apples. Tomatoes are then sized based on market classifications and
conveyed to the packing line. Tomatoes are normally packed in 25 lb cartons and unitized in
2000 lb pallets.

Ethylenetreatment

In Hawaii, some green picked tomatoes are treated with ethylene to enhance and promote
ripening uniformity. Some growers have moved to ethylene treatment to overcome the irregular
ripening caused by the sweetpotato whitefly. However, preliminary research conducted at the
University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources did not show
improved ripening uniformity with ethylene treatment, instead it indicated the need to improve
harvesting techniques and training of the harvesting crew to pick fruit at the same stage of
physiological maturity. Optimum ripening is obtained when the ripening rooms are maintained at
68F and 90-95 relative humidity at ethylene concentrations of 150 ppm. Ethylene is normally
applied with on-site catalytic generators or with flow-through systems.

Storage
Tomatoes should be stored at temperatures above 55F (13C). To delay ripening of tomato at a
particular stage they can be held in a room below 68F (20C). Chilling injury occurs below 50F
(10C).

Packaging
Mature greens are sold in 25 lb bulk-packed cartons. Fruits are packed in each carton based on
fruit number per row and column in a two layered tomato package. Pink and vine-ripe tomatoes
are packed in two-layer lug or tray packs. Cherry tomatoes are packed in flats holding 12 1-pint
boxes. Plum tomatoes are preferably packed in quart boxes, 8 per carton. To avoid bruising don's
stack more than two layers high. Also pack the fruit stem up, to protect the shoulders.

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Article Summary:
Tomato cultivation can be profitable only if efficient pest control measures are taken up. There
are several pest control techniques adopted in the tomato cultivation. Use of insecticide soaps
can be handful to eliminate pests like Aphids. Also application of neem oil over the tomato
leaves can prevent most of pests. Handpicking can also be adopted to remove pests to certain
extent

1. INTRODUCTION
The lychee (Litchi chinensis Sonn) an important sub-tropical evergreen fruit crop belonging to
family Sapindaceae, is believed to have originated in China, where it has been grown in Southern
Guangdong state for thousand of years. It is highly specific to climatic requirements and
probably due to this reason its cultivation is restricted to few countries in the world. In India,
lychee was introduced in the 18th century through Burma, and from there, it spread to many
countries. India and China account for 91 percent of the world lychee production but it is mainly
marketed locally. In India, 428,900 metric tonnes of lychee is produced annually from 56,200
hectares. Lychee being exacting in climatic requirement is confined to a few states with 74
percent of production recorded in Bihar. In this state, lychee is the livelihood for millions of
people as it provides both on-farm and off-farm employment. Small and marginal farmers get
additional income from lychee plants in their homesteads. Thus, lychee cultivation is the
livelihood security for a large population, especially in the state of Bihar.

The lychee tree is handsome, dense, round-topped and slow growing with evergreen leaves
having 6-9 elliptic oblong and lanceolate abruptly pointed leaves. Colour of leaves varies from
light green to dark green. Greenish white or yellowish flowers are borne in clusters. Fruits are
round or heart shaped having thin, leathery skin. The colour of fruits varies with cultivar, and is
red or rose or pinkish. The edible portion or fruit is the aril, which is immediately beneath the
skin. Flavour of the aril varies with cultivar, which is distinctive. Seeds are bold but in some
cultivars seeds are partially developed, due to failure of pollination, referred to as ‘chicken-
tongue’ seed. The trees with small seeded fruits are prized because of the greater portion of pulp.

Considering the importance of this fruit crop in the region, efforts are made to provide
technological support through research and promoting production, post-harvest management and
marketing, including export, through development programmes. Lychee has also been identified
as an important crop for export. Currently, Indian export of lychee remains quite small due to
expanded domestic market. The product for export and distant domestic markets is typically
packed in 2 kg cartons after pre-cooling and sulphuring. Domestic marketing generally receives
lychee in 10 kg wooden cages or 15 to 18 kg baskets. The growing of lychee in different states
under various climatic conditions has advantages in terms of earliness and extended harvest.
With a narrow genetic base, under given climatic conditions, fruits are available only for 3-4
weeks. However, due to the spread of cultivation over a wide range of climate there is possibility
for extending the cropping period from the first week of May to the first week of July. Evidently,
with an expanding market, there is ample potential for increasing area and production with

Brijmohan Regar MBA Agribusiness Page 36


improved production technology and efficient post-harvest management and storage.
This paper deals with the current status and identifies the constraints which are required
to be addressed.

In India, lychee ranks 7 in area and 9 in production among fruit crops (Table 1), but in
th th

value terms, it ranks sixth. At national level banana and mango are the most important
fruit but in Bihar state, lychee is considered to be the most important fruit as it
contributes significantly to its total fruit production.

PRODUCTION SCENARIO OF LITCHI

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Presently the area of under fruit is around
3 lakhs hectare with annual production of
about 18 lakhs tones. In this state litchi is
mainly cultivated in the districts of
Muzaffarpur, Vaishali, Sitamarhi, West
& East Chaparan, Darbhanga,
Samastipur. Litchi was grown in area of
about 25.27 thousand hectare with total
production of about 3 Lakhs tones.Thus
Bihar produces 70% of total litchi
production of the country & occupies
nearly 54% of the area under litchi
plantation in the country. Area under
litchi in Muzaffarpur district is about
8000 Hectare with a production of about
75000

EXPORT SCENARIO OF LITCHI

Litchi fruits produced by a fine quality


cultivator rank among the world’s finest
fruits. It fetches fancy price in the export
markets in fresh as well as processed
form. In 1981 Hong Kong imported 500
tones of litchi of which 80% came from
China & remaining from Taiwan. 96 %
of fruit enterd between June & July
indicating that litchi is regarded as a
summer crop through its harvesting
season varies considerably. In southern
hemisphare in countries like ( South
Aferica & Australia) litchi is harvested
during December-January. This fairly
extend the availability of this fruit in the
world market with two distinct seasons of
availability.Singapore imports 90% of
fruit from Taiwan & 10% from China.
Australia has also entered into litchi
export & is supplying the fruits to
Singapore & other countries. The United
Kingdom,France & The Fedral Republic
Of Germany imported about 800 tones of
litchi in 1984. The main source of supply
were South Aferica,Mauritius &
Medagaskar. Fruits were also inported
from Reunion,Israel & Taiwan. In April-

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May 1993 NAFED of India exported 5
tones of litchi to U.K. which were well
received. In 1994 10 tones of litchi was
sent to U.K. from Muzaffarpur. 10 to 30
& gradually 56 tones of litchi were
exported in subsquent years from
Muzaffarpur. The quality of litchi
exported from India is considered to be
best. Even India’s share would amount to
less than 1%.

PRODUCTION OF LITCHI

PRODUCTION YIELD
YEAR AREA HEC.
TONs. TON/HEC.
1970 1330 5320 4
1975 1876 8629 4.5
1980 2522 11349 4.5
1985 2702 16212 6
1990 6045 36270 6
1995 7088 44643 6.29
1998 7288 44653 6.12
1999 7467 43804 5.86
2000 7467 61000 8.02
2001 7517 74000 10
2002 7667 53000 6
2003 7667 75000 9.7

LITCHI FRESH FRUITS EXPORT

YEAR Quantity in tons Country Where Sent


1994 10 England
1995 30 France, Nitherland
1996 Nil Lac Of Quality Lichi

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1997 20 England, France
1998 20 England, France
1999 30 England, France
2000 25 England, France
2001 53 England, France, Dubai(Gulf Country)
42 Lichi Fresh Dubai,England
2002
50 Lichi Juice Nepal
46 Lichi Fresh England, Spain, Netherland,France
2003
170 Lichi Juice Nepal

PRODUCTION OF FRUITS

BLOC MANGO LITCHI GUAVA LEMON BANANA OTHERS


SR.
K AR PRO AR PRO AR PRO AR PRO AR PRO AR PROD
NO.
NAME EA DUC. EA DUC. EA DUC. EA DUC. EA DUC. EA UC.

MUSH 100 101 38.


1 860 17040 6098 3000 292 369 18450 89 890
AHARI 2 .5 5
MINAP 39.
2 518 10210 895 5442 83 2500 300 379 18950 89 890
UR 5
BOCH 39.
3 367 7190 420 2425 89 2580 296 385 19250 54 540
AHAN 0
79. 34.
4 AURAI 770 15240 264 1527 2400 260 312 15650 64 640
5 5
KATR 27.
5 635 7200 283 1658 46 1450 208 348 17400 46 440
A 5
GAIGH 34.
6 776 15400 491 2930 67 1920 260 288 14400 58 580
AT 5
MURA 77.
7 620 12250 413 2325 3235 45 344 387 19400 68 680
UL 5
SAKAR 88.
8 807 15960 367 2120 2565 49 376 293 14700 74 740
A 5
9 KURH 697 13800 500 2948 86 2500 28 100 288 14450 48 480

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ANI
124 105
10 KANTI 24760 5372 82 2720 38 255 206 10350 53 530
6 3
SARAI 33.
12 603 11900 648 4232 90 2640 250 387 19400 68 680
YA 5
13 PAROO 530 11550 456 2776 57 1700 39 302 329 16400 53 530
SAHEB 19.
14 344 6720 319 1902 70 2200 136 393 19500 80 800
GANJ 5
MOTIP 13.
15 468 9500 317 2000 58 1680 96 486 24250 88 880
UR 5

INFRASTRUCTURE/PROCESSING UNIT

NAME OF AREA OF
SR.NO. LOCATION CAPACITY ACTIVITY
UNIT OPERATION
Litchi
Litchika Bela- Squash,Litchi
1 Mushahari 500 Tons
International Muzaffarpur Canning &
Litchi Honey
Shyama
Ratwara Bandra block,Muraul Squash &
2 Agro- 200 Tons
Muzaffarpur block Canning
industry
Premier Food Squash &
3 Khabra Road Mushahari,saraiya,kanti 200 Tons
Products Canning
Thakur Litchi Squash &
4 Bochahan Bochahan block 200 Tons
Industry Canning
Radha
Krishna Pasturised
5 Muzaffarpur Muzaffarpur 500 Tons
Implex Pvt. Litchi Juice
Ltd. Muz.

Cultivation of litchis

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Temperature and humidity
• The average maximum temperature in the litchi-producing areas of South Africa should
be at least 23 °C during October and 24 °C during November, with a relative humidity of
50 % and higher.
• The average monthly minimum temperature in areas where litchis are produced should be
above 6 °C. Areas where heavy frost occurs are not suitable for litchi production. It
should, however, be cold and dry enough in winter to ensure good dormancy.
• The minimum temperature in some Lowveld areas (Malelane and Komatipoort) does not
drop low enough in winter to give the trees the proper dormancy period. Trees can be
forced into dormancy by withholding water/irrigation during the 3 coldest months of the
year. Producers must, however, ensure that especially young trees do not dry out.

Soil
• Litchis grow very well, especially in sandy soil in the cooler subtropical areas.
• However, the trees also grow and produce well in clay soil in warmer areas.
• Litchis are well adapted to different soil types.

Water supply

• Because of the varying root distribution in different soils (deep in sandy soils, shallow in
clay soils) water is very important for the optimum development of the plant.
• In sandy soils short irrigation cycles with small quantities of water are usually effective.

• In clay soils water is available for longer periods, but it is important that the soil does not
become too wet or too dry.

Drainage

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• Poorly-drained soil or soil with impenetrable layers shallower than 1 m below the surface
is not suitable for litchis.
• Although gravelly or rocky soils drain well, these do not supply enough water to the trees
because of poor waterholding capacity. Good irrigation practices, such as wetting the soil
more frequently with small quantities of water will make these soils more suitable.

Cultivars
Litchis were originally imported from China, India, Taiwan and Florida, USA. Cultivars grown
in South Africa are divided into the following groups:

Mauritius group

This group is usually planted locally as well as abroad and produces satisfactory yields and fruit
of good quality, e.g. H.L.H., Mauritius, Muzaffarpur, Late Large Red, Hazipur, Saharanpur and
Rose-Scented.

Chinese group
These trees produce very poor yields, but the fruit is of excellent quality and has a high
percentage of chicken-tongue seeds. Cultivars include Haak Yip, Shang Shou Huai, Kontand,
Glutinous Rice and Three Months Red.

Madras group
These trees bear colourful red fruit, but fruit quality is poor. Cultivars include Kafri, Shorts
Seedless, Johnstone's Favourite, Emmerson, Durbhanga, Maries, Mooragusha, Madras 19,
Hazipur/Saharanpur, Red McLean, Brewster and Bedana.

Tree quality
A good air-layer tree has a single erect stem. The first scaffold branches should branch
horizontally at a height of about 200 mm. Any acute forks that branch lower than 200 mm should
be avoided.
In grafted trees the graft-union height should be about 200 mm from the ground so that the first
scaffold branches can branch at 300 mm. The graft union must be strongly attached and
nurserymen must remove the grafting strip so that girdling cannot occur.

Aftercare of grafted trees


Trees can also be propagated by means of grafting.

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Weekly aftercare is very important and suckers and wild shoots that develop on the rootstock
below the graft wound must be removed.
After 5 to 6 weeks the buds start swelling and growing. A small cut can then be made through
the plastic next to the bud. The bud grows through this cut, but the plastic strip must not be
removed too soon. Once the first new growth has hardened off, the strip can be removed.
Grafted trees have a better root system than trees developed from air layers and therefore show
rapid initial growth. Air layering is, however, preferred to grafting because of a better end
product.

Soil sampling
A representative soil sample should be taken for analysis. A soil sample must represent a
homogeneous area where there are no visible soil differences. If there are colour or texture
differences the land should be subdivided and separate samples of the different parts should be
taken. Use a spade to take the samples.

How deep?
Take soil samples up to 300 mm below the soil surface.
Take subsoil samples from 300 to 500 mm below the soil surface.

How many?
A sample should consist of not less than 10 subsamples.
The area represented by the sample should not exceed 3 ha.

Where?
The samples must be taken evenly over the entire area.

Mixing and packing


Mix the subsamples of a particular land thoroughly in a clean container (not a fertiliser bag).
Keep the topsoil (0-300 mm) separate from the subsoil (300-500 mm).
A 2-kg sample of this mixture is then packed into clean plastic bags or suitable containers. Use
separate containers for the top and subsoil.

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Put a label on the outside of the container to prevent it from becoming illegible. On the label
must appear:
- Your name
- The number of the land
- The depth at which the sample was taken.

Results
The results will provide valuable information on the type and quantity of fertilisation that should
be applied before planting. Remember to incorporate the required quantity of lime about 6 to 12
months before planting if a large quantity is required and phosphate about 3 months
before planting.

Soil preparation
Examine the soil for suitability in respect of depth, drainage and compacted layers. It should
preferably be 1 to 2 m deep.
Prepare the soil according to the results of the soil analysis, especially when large quantities of
lime are required.
If the soil is suitable for litchi production, it must be prepared well in advance.
Before planting, the soil must be tilled as deep and as thoroughly as possible so that it will not be
necessary to make the planting holes too big.
If the soil is very acid, heavy lime applications may be necessary. Two-thirds of the
recommended quantity of lime must be scattered over the planting area, mixed with the topsoil
and then ploughed in as deep as possible, at least 9 to 12 months before planting. Calcium (lime)
moves very slowly downwards into the soil and must therefore be worked in to the depth of the
root zone.
A cover crop can then be planted and ploughed in about 6 months later to improve the organic
matter content of the soil. The remaining lime (one third) and all the required phosphate must be
scattered and incorporated at the same time. The trees can be planted 3 months later.
If a lighter lime application (2_4 t/ha) is required, the lime can be worked into the soil at least 3
months before planting and phosphate 1 month before planting.

Planting
Remember that litchi trees have a long life and become large.

• Trees should be planted far apart to eliminate competition and to prevent branches of
adjoining trees from growing into each other.
• The entire outer area of the tree must be exposed to sunlight and air movement.

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Planting distance
A 25-year-old tree can reach a crown diameter of 12 m. If trees are widely spaced and later
become uncontrollably big an economic yield will not be possible. If the trees are to be spaced
closely together, size must be controlled from the start by pruning. Try to plant as many
controllable trees as possible per hectare. The ideal planting distance is 9 x 6 m.

Planting the trees


Litchi trees can be transplanted any time of the year, but the best time is during spring or at the
beginning of the rainy season.
Planting holes should be square (in deep-ploughed soil 300 x 500 mm and in nonploughed soil
500 x 500 mm).
Mix the topsoil with compost and put it back into the bottom of the hole.
When planting the tree, remove the container and loosen the soil around the roots without
damaging the roots.
After planting, compress the soil slightly by standing on it.
Wet the soil around the tree immediately after planting.
Place a mulch around the newly-transplanted tree.
Irrigate young trees regularly after planting. They must never suffer from a water shortage or too
wet conditions.

Leaf analysis
Leaf analysis is the only technique according to which sensible fertilisation can be applied to a
specific planting. The following aspects are important:
The correct time for sampling is from mid-September to mid-November.
The correct leaf must be sampled (see figure).
The first leaf sample of a specific planting must be accompanied by a soil sample.
A leaf and soil sample must represent a planting of not more than 3 ha.
The sampling method is important:
- Select about 20 healthy trees, well distributed throughout the planting.
- The trees must be of homogeneous appearance and representative of the average trees in the
planting.
- Sample 4 leaves per tree.
- Do not take samples from obviously good or weak trees.

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Sample either of the 2 leaves coloured in the illustration

Fertilisation
DO NOT FERTILISE NEWLY- TRANSPLANTED TREES TOO SOON . FERTILISER SHOULD ONLY BE APPLIED
ABOUT 1 YEAR AFTER TRANSPLANTING. THE APPLICATIONS MUST BE VERY LIGHT AND BROADCAST
EVENLY , BUT NOT AGAINST THE STEMS OF THE TREES . IRRIGATE AFTER APPLYING FERTILISER.

APPLICATION AND QUANTITIES


FERTILISER SHOULD BE BROADCAST EVENLY ABOUT 0,2 M FROM THE STEM TO 0,5 M OUTSIDE THE DRIP
AREA OF THE TREE .
IRRIGATE LIGHTLY IMMEDIATELY AFTER APPLICATION. FERTILISERS MUST NOT BE WORKED INTO THE
SOIL .
AS SOON AS THE TREES ARE ESTABLISHED AND START GROWING, FERTILISER MUST BE APPLIED
REGULARLY ACCORDING TO THE QUANTITIES GIVEN IN THE TABLE .

Time of application
Quantity of fertiliser per tree per year according to age (g)

LAN 28 % Potassium
Age years Superphosphate
N chloride
1 200 250 50
2-3 500 250 100
4-5 1 000 250 200
6-7 1 500 500 300

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8-9 2 000 500 400
10 - 11 2 500 750 500
12 - 13 3 000 750 750
14 - 15 3 500 1 000 1 000
15 and older 4 000 1 000 1 000
Remember:

This is only a guideline; correct fertilisation can only be


applied according to the soil analysis for young trees and soil
and leaf analyses for fruit-bearing trees.

Nitrogen (N)

First year

- divide the nitrogen fertiliser into 8 equal monthly applications of 25 g each and
apply during summer (September to April).

Second to fifth year

- divide the nitrogen fertiliser into 5 equal applications and apply during summer
(September to April).

Sixth year and older

- half of the nitrogen fertiliser is applied immediately before flowering and the
remainder just after harvesting.

Phosphate (P)

All the phosphate is applied immediately after harvesting.

Potassium (K)

Half of the potassium fertiliser is applied just before flowering and the remainder
after harvesting.

Zinc (Zn) and boron (B)


Zinc must be applied at least 4 times a year. The following substances and concentrations are
recommended per 100 l of water:

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• Zinc oxide at 200 g or
• Nitro-Zn at 150 ml or
• Agri-zinc at 50 ml.

Spray the trees from soon after planting with 100 g borax or 75 g Solubor/100 l
water every 2 years.

Organic fertiliser
Kraal or chicken manure can be used as additional fertiliser at 2 or 1 kg respectively per mature
(10 years) tree, spread evenly in the drip area. However, if no other fertiliser is available, kraal
manure can be applied as follows:

Tree age Kraal manure


Time of application
(years) (kg/tree/year)
± 1 kg every 6 weeks from
1 5
September to April
2-3 15 Give 5 equal dressings between
4-5 25 September and April
6-7 40
8-9 55 Give 1/2 the quantity before
10 - 11 70 blossoming and the remainder
12 - 13 80 after harvesting
Maximum 100

Water requirements
• Litchi trees need regular watering and therefore it is essential that enough
water must be available from the flowering stage until after the
February/March flush following the harvest.
• Because the edible portion of the litchi fruit has a water content of 86 %, the
availability of water remains important during the development period.
• A water shortage will delay development of the fruit and adversely affect the
size, mass and quality of the litchis.
• Irrigation must continue after harvesting to ensure that a normal growth flush occurs
during February/March, just before the beginning of the dormant period.
• During dormancy (April to July) irrigation should be reduced, but the tree should not
suffer drought.
• Young trees that are not producing yet are irrigated throughout the year.

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• Producers normally stop irrigating the trees during the coldest months of the year (June
and July) so that they can have a proper dormant period. In areas where it is never very
cold, irrigation should stop to force the trees into dormancy.

Covering litchi fruit clusters


• Covering the fruit with paperbags prevents damage from fruitflies and litchi moths, as
well as sunburn and cracking.
• The best time for covering the clusters will vary from one locality to the next.
• Paperbags are at present the most suitable and also the cheapest covering material.
• The fruit develops a very attractive red colour inside the paperbags.
• Covering the fruit also extends the harvest period because fruit can be left on the tree for
a longer period.
• The paperbag at present used is open at both ends. It is made from reinforced brown
paper that is very resistant to the elements.
• The fruit must, however, be covered in the correct way and during the right time of the
day (not early in the morning or immediately after rain), because of the risk of decay
when covered while still wet. Spray against litchi moth and fruitflies just before covering.
• Remove all the leaves on the cluster stem before covering.
• Do not put more than 25 litchis in one bag.
• The bags must be fixed to hang to an angle to allow water to flow out.

Disorders
Pericarp Browning
Browning of the pericarp occurs at ambient temperatures of 20-30°C within 24 hours of harvest.
Water
loss (desiccation) of litchi results in brown spots on the bright-red shell (pericarp). Under severe
conditions or prolonged exposure, the spots enlarge and coalesce until the surface is completely
brown. Packaging in polymeric films reduces water loss and browning severity.

Sun burning and Fruit-Cracking


It is a serious problem on developing fruits in litchi. Split fruits are unmarketable and thus result
in a
great loss to the grower. High temperatures, low humidity and low soil moisture conditions
during fruit
development promote this disorder. Sharp fluctuations in the day and night temperature coupled
with
heavy irrigation after dry spells contribute towards fruit cracking.
An adequate irrigation to the bearing trees during fruit growth and development is beneficial.
Treatment with 2,4-D at 10 ppm, Gibberellic acid (GA) @20 ppm and Butric acid (BA) @0.4%
proved
effective in reducing fruit cracking.

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o Both sides of the bag must be
closed and, if necessary, a small
opening must be left for rainwater to
run out. The open ends can easily and
quickly be stapled together.
o The paperbags will even keep
fruit bats and birds away.
o Another advantage is that the
fruit is handled less during harvesting
and this limits damage caused by
rough handling.

o When removed carefully, the


bags can be used for another season.

Insect pests
• Important pests include bark borers, litchi moth and fruitflies.
• Consult your nearest extension officer about ways to control these insects.

Harvesting

Litchi tree comes to bearing at the age of 3 to 4 years with proper care and management. The
flowering
starts from later part of January or early February and fruits ripen in April and May when the
atmospheric temperature is high. Harvesting in Uttar Pradesh and Punjab is usually done in May
and
June, however in Bihar it is harvested in early May.
Maturity of the fruits is indicated by the red colour with a fruit size of minimum 25mm diameter.
Besides
colour the maturity of the fruit is indicated when tubercles become somewhat flattened and the
shells
become smooth. Litchi fruits should be harvested fully-ripe because they do not continue to ripen
after
harvest. The fruits for local market should be harvested at the full ripe stage as indicated by the
attractive skin colour while for distant market the fruit is harvested slightly early, when they have
just

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started turning reddish or pinkish. Litchi fruits, like other fruits, are not harvested individually,
but they
are harvested in bunches along with a portion of the branch and a few leaves as it prolongs the
storage
life of fruits. If the individual fruit is harvested, the skin at the stem end is ruptured and the fruit
rots
quickly. Dipping of fruits in Etherel at 250 ppm markedly improves the fruit colour and fruit
ripening is
accelerated by 24 to 36 hours.
Yield
A full-grown litchi tree on an average bears about 80-150 kg of fruits/tree/year,
depending on cultivar grown agro-climatic conditions and orchard
management.

• The stage of maturity at which fruit is harvested is one of the most important factors that
determine the ultimate quality at the point of sale.
• Litchis do not develop further after picking. The fruit must therefore remain on the tree
until quite ripe.
• Litchis harvested too early have an unattractive colour and have a sour taste.

When are litchis ripe?


Ripe fruit has an average mass of between 21 and 25 g. Fruit with a mass of at least
21 g is therefore ready for harvesting during a normal season.

Packing
Litchis are packed as loose fruit and all unnecessary twigs or stems must be
removed to ensure neat packing.

Litchi processing
At around 2 lac MT of production, Bihar accounts for almost 75 % of
national production of this delicious fruit.
Most sought after produce of the State in both national and international
market, Lithci offers an unparalleled range of processing opportunities.
This highly perishable fruit requires a specific climate and soil condition,
found in the area around Muzaffarpur district which remains focal point of
litchi production in the country.
The Brand “ Muzaffarpur Litchi” commands a special respect in the fresh as
well as processed fruit segments

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India to export fresh litchi to US for first time
We are gearing up for export of litchi to US for the first time. The procedures for treating the
fruits have been mutually agreed. Farmers in Bihar, which is the country’s largest litchi
producer, will be the main beneficiary,” said Asit Tripathy, chairman of Agricultural and
Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (Apeda).

Ranjan Kedia, promoter of Radha Krishna Impex, the country’s largest litchi exporter said the
modalities have been worked out and a formal application will now go from Apeda to the
USFDA. Permission is expected by the end of year.

“Currently, we only export processed litchi to US. Now, we shall be in a position to export fresh
litchi as well. We will use sulphur dioxide as a post-harvest fumigant and this will prevent
blackening of skin and will improve shelf life,” said Kedia.

At 250,000 tonnes of litchi production, India is the second biggest producer after China. Bihar
accounts for nearly 80 per cent of the produce. India exports around 1,300 tonnes of fresh and
processed litchi, mainly to Europe and Asian countries.

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

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 SECONDARY DATA:-
Brijmohan Regar MBA Agribusiness Page 54
• Internet
• Company Brochure (Excel Crop Care
Limited)
• Agriculture Magazines
 Companies sites:
• www.wflo.org.in
• www.ikissan.com
• www.yahoo.com

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On farm packaging system of litchi

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On farm grading of Tomato

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On farm packaging of Tomato

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QUESTIONNAIRE
PRE-PRODUCTION:-
Are there any laws and regulations to producing ya marketing
the crop. Yes/No
Are there any organization help in production ya marketing
the crop Yes/No
 Does the local climate or other factors limit the quality of
Production. Yes/No
4. Are seeds or planting materials of adequate quality. Yes/No
5. Can growers obtain adequate supplies when needed . Yes/No
PRODUCTION
6. Do any farming practices in use have an effect on
Produce quality Yes/No
7. Are there any insects, weeds or other pests present that
Effect the quality of produce Yes/No
8. Are you use of pesticides,pruning practices,thinning.
Yes/No/Can't say

Wholesale Level (Postharvest) code:


1. Grading, Sorting and Inspection
a) Do you sort produce?
Yes/No
b) Does value changes quality/size grade change?
Yes/No
c) Do local, regional or national standards exist for inspection?
Yes/No
d) Do you re-use culled produce?
Yes/No
2. Packaging
a) Do you use different kind of packaging material?
Yes/No
b) Are packages appropriate for the product?

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Yes/No
c) Can they be used or recycled?
Yes/No
3. Cooling Yes/No
6.Delays/waiting
a) Are there any delays during handling? Yes/No
b) Does produce wait between steps? Yes/No
c) Does delay affect the quality of produce? Yes/No
7. Other handling
a) Does the produce undergo different types of handling? Yes/No
b) Is there sufficient labour available? Yes/No
c) Is the labour force well trained for proper handling? Yes/No
d) Would alternative handling methods reduce losses? Yes/No

Retail Level (Marketing) code:


1. Marketing intermediaries
a) Are there any handlers between producers and you? Yes/No
b) Does producer directly sell produce to consumer? Yes/No
c) Do you store produce? Yes/No
d) Do you procure produce from primary wholesalers? Yes/No
2.Market information
a) Do handlers and marketers have access to current prices? Yes/No
b) Do you plan marketing strategies acc. to price & vol.? Yes/No
c) Do you maintain recordkeeping? Yes/No
d) Is the information accurate, timely & reliable? Yes/No
3. Consumer demand
a) Do consumer have specific preferences for produce
size & quality grades? Yes/No
b) Are there any signs of unmet demand and/or over supply? Yes/No
c) Have you find any chemical over the produce? Yes/No
4. Export
a) Are you selling the produce which is mostly exported? Yes/No
b) Are you aware with the specific requirement for export? Yes/No
5. Marketing costs
a) Is supporting infrastructure adequate? Yes/No
b) Are prevailing market interest rates at a level that allows
Yes/No/Can'tsay
the borrower to repay the loan and still make a profit?

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 on the farm level packaging system is not proper.
 Cold storage facilities is not available in the fruit and vegetable market.
 Market information is not available to farmers.
 Marginal and small farmers are not done as like- handling ,grading,
sorting.
 Improper availability of transportation in hill areas.
 Most of the farmer not calculate the cost of cultivation.
 Only 20% farmer are awareness of new agriculture technologies .

SUGGESTION
1. Cooling facility should be provide in fruit and vegetable market..
2. Aware to farmer for litchi processing technology.
3. Proper market information provide to farmer .
4. Transportation facility should be provide to farmer in hill areas.
5. Awareness of pre harvest treatment to the farmers in litchi and okra
crop.

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BIBLIOGRAPHY

References:
 www.wflo.org.in

 www.gcca.org

 www.gcca.in

 www.science direct.com

 www.google.com

 www.FAO.com

 FAO CORPORATE DOCUMENT REPOSITORY

 Asian productive organization

 Post harvest management of horticultural crops

 EXIM bank research

 National bank for Agriculture and Rural development Mumbai

Brijmohan Regar MBA Agribusiness Page 62

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