Hort381

Why post-harvest management matters for reducing losses, protecting quality, and improving value realization.

Maturity indices, harvesting.

Maturity and Ripening process.

Factors affecting ripening.

How pre-harvest environment, nutrition, water, and crop management influence post-harvest behavior.

Primary and secondary causes of post-harvest losses in fruits and vegetables.

Ripening Chemicals.

Methods of Storage.

Packaging functions, packaging materials, and modern methods for shelf-life extension of produce.

Packaging Technology.

Why value addition matters in reducing waste, extending shelf life, and improving income from horticultural produce.

Principles of preservation.

Site selection, layout planning, utilities, sanitation, and hygiene requirements for fruit and vegetable processing units.

Preservation through canning.

Principles and practical steps involved in preparing jams and similar fruit preserves.

Spoilage of canned products.

Role and use of preservatives, colours, and food additives in processed fruit and vegetable products.