Report Brijmohan Regar Sem -3

Far REPORT ON POSTHARVEST LOSSES FOR LITCHI & TOMATO

of Appropriate Postharvest Technologies for Improving Market Access and Incomes for Small Horticultural Farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa and SouthAsia

Identification

By BRIJMOHAN REGAR MBA AGRIBUSINESS MANAGEMENT

Brijmohan Regar MBA Agribusiness

Page 1

(WORLD FOOD LOGISTIC ORGANISATION) REPORT ON

Company guide Dr. Sunil Saran (Sr. Vice Chairman)

Submitted to Ms. Swati Sharma (Faulty guide)

Submitted by Brijmohan Regar MBA Agribusiness 2008-2010 A report submitted in partial fulfillment ofBrijmohan Regar MBA Agribusiness Page 2

the requirements of MBA AGRIBUSINESS MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME (Class of 2009) Amity Business School Amity University Rajasthan RajasthanThis 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 Mr.HEMANT KUMAR Student

Signature Ms. SWATI SHARMA Faculty Guide

Signature Dr. MUDDU VINAY Deputy-Director (ABS)

AMITY BUSINESS SCHOOL AMITY UNIVERSITY RAJASTHAN, JAIPUR CAMPUSBrijmohan Regar MBA Agribusiness Page 3

To, Director, Corporate Resource Centre, Amity University, RAJASTHAN, JAIPUR NH-08, KANT KALWAD, JAIPUR (RAJ.)

Date:

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


Page 4

S.no

Title

Page N o .

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Executive Summary Company Profile Industry Profile Objectives of the Project Introduction Introduction of mutual fund Introduction of ICICI PRUDENTIAL

1-13 7 14 15 17-5317-25 26-32 33-35 36-39 40-51 52-53

product S.W.O.T Analysis of ICICI PRUDENTIAL

Financial planning Investment planning Equity Market Snapshot 6. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13.

Crop cultivaton 7. Methodology of studyQuestionnaire ,Bibliography Conclusion Limitations Recommendations Appendices Bibliography

20-54 5461-62

7374 75 76-82 83


Page 5

KNOWDGEMENTOne 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


Page 6

ABSTRACTFruits 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 PROFILEBackground and History of the OrganizationThe 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 Brijmohan Regar MBA Agribusiness Page 7

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), thefoundation 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 organizations 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 Brijmohan Regar MBA Agribusiness Page 8

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.


Page 9

WFLO BOARD OF GOVERNOR & MEMBER

Corey Rosenbusch Vice President x 213, crosenbusch@gc ca.org

J. William (Bill) Hudson President and CEO x205, [email protected]

Colleen Caster Director of Education and Training x207, [email protected] g Tori Miller Director of Communications ext. 208, [email protected]

Rita Haley Executive Assistant and Office Manager x203, [email protected]

Megan Kalaski Meeting Planner ext. 209, [email protected]

Al Rickard Editor In Chief, COLD FACTS arickard@associa tionvision.com

Benjamin Milk Policy and Programs Consultant ext. 204, [email protected]

Andrea Ryan Programs Coordinator Editor, eNewsletters ext. 219, [email protected]

Lowell Randel Director of Government Affairs ext. 220, [email protected]

Richard Tracy Director of International Programs ext. 215, [email protected]

INDIA DIVISION10, Sunder Nagar New Delhi-110003 India tel +91 11 24355047/24351798 fax +91 11 41507155

Atul Khanna Director Brijmohan Regar MBA Agribusiness Mobile: +91 98100 [email protected]

Devna Khanna Co-Director [email protected]

Page 10

Over view of wflo Core PartnersCore 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.


Page 11

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 PartnersSupporting 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


Page 12

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 SUMMARYThis 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 retailers 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. Brijmohan Regar MBA Agribusiness Page 13

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 membersfrom 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 competenciesmaintaining 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 Page 14


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 Page 15


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 produceavailable 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.


Page 16

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 thats why we couldnt 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, packaging, 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 countrys gross domestic product.

Current scenarioIndia 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.


Page 17

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 199192 to 6.76 MH during 200405. 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


Page 18

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

GradingGrading 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

StorageThe 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 EquipmentBrijmohan Regar MBA Agribusiness Page 19

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 MethodSterilize 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


Page 20

INTRODUCTIONTomato is the worlds 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 ketchup, sauce, chutney, soup, paste, puree etc.

Importance in DietTomato 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 Betacarotene pigments.

Nutritive Value of TomatoConstituents Moisture Energy Protein Fat Carbohydrate Fibre Vitamin A b Carotene Thiamine Riboflavin Niacin Ascorbic acid Magnesium Oxalic acid Phosphorus Sodium Brijmohan Regar MBA Agribusiness Nutritive value 93.1g 23k.cal 1.9g 0.1g 3.6g 0.7 g 320 I.U 192mcg. 0.7mg 0.01mg 0.4mg 31mg. 15 mg 2 mg 36 mg 45.8 mg Page 21

Potassium Copper Sulphur Chlorine Calcium Iron

114 mg 0.19 mg 24 mg 38 mg 20mg 1.8mg

Area under Tomato CultivationThe 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 01-02 02-03 03-04 04-05 05-06 06-07 07-08

Area( in 000 HA) 458.1 478.8 502.8 505.4 534.5 1743. 1786

Production 7462.3 7616.7 8125.6 8825.4 9361.8 28600 34463

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


Page 22

Geographical DistributionTen 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 Crops1. Short duration vegetable crop. 2. Tomato is one of the mostly widely grown solanaceous vegetable crops grown worldwide under outdoor and indoor conditions.


Page 23

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.

HistoryPreviously 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 CropAs 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 RequirementsTomato 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 doesnt 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 RequirementSr. Stages No. 1. Seed germination 2. Seedling growth 3. Fruit set (day) Brijmohan Regar MBA Agribusiness Temperature (0C) Minimum Suitable Maximum 11 16-29 34 18 21-24 32 10 15-17 30 Page 24

(night) 4. Red colour development

18 10

20-24 20-24

30 30

Soil RequirementTomatoes 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 seedsAfter 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 sowingTomato 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


Page 25

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.

FertilizersAs 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 ppm 0.30-0.60 3.0-4.5 1.25-3.2 0.4-0.65 Boron Copper 0.65-1.4 Zinc Page 26

Manganese Iron


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. Brijmohan Regar MBA Agribusiness Page 27

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 OperationsPre-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.


Page 28

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


Page 29

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 -tomatowatermelon and paddy-peas-tomato have been proved economical systems. Palak or radish can be grown as inter-crop in tomato successfully.

Integrated Pest ManagementLife 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.

WeedsBlack 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 ManagementAgriculture 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 Brijmohan Regar MBA Agribusiness Page 30

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 controlEcosystem 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 cultivationThere 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 growingUse 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. Brijmohan Regar MBA Agribusiness Page 31

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

Bacterial spot

fruit On leaves small, water soaked, Streptocycline Spraying 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. Page 32


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% brown spots with concentric rings develop first on old leaves. Spotted leaves die prematurely leading to early defoliation. Leaves and fruits are affected. Mancozeb @ 0.2% 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. Foliar spray

Late blight

Foliar spray

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% 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 Foliar spray

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. Brijmohan Regar MBA Agribusiness Page 33

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 MethodThe 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 TransportationTomatoes 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.

WashingtomatoesBrijmohan Regar MBA Agribusiness Page 34

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 SizingTomatoes 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.

EthylenetreatmentIn 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.

StorageTomatoes 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).

PackagingMature 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.


Page 35

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. INTRODUCTIONThe 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 chickentongue 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 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.th th

PRODUCTION SCENARIO OF LITCHI


Page 37

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 LITCHILitchi fruits produced by a fine quality cultivator rank among the worlds 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 AprilBrijmohan Regar MBA Agribusiness Page 38

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 Indias share would amount to less than 1%.

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

LITCHI FRESH FRUITS EXPORTYEAR 1994 1995 1996 Quantity in tons 10 30 Nil Country Where Sent England France, Nitherland Lac Of Quality Lichi Page 39


1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003

20 20 30 25 53 42 Lichi Fresh 50 Lichi Juice 46 Lichi Fresh 170 Lichi Juice

England, France England, France England, France England, France England, France, Dubai(Gulf Country) Dubai,England Nepal England, Spain, Netherland,France Nepal

PRODUCTION OF FRUITSSR. NO. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 LITCHI GUAVA LEMON BANANA OTHERS BLOC MANGO K AR PRO AR PRO AR PRO AR PRO AR PRO AR PROD NAME EA DUC. EA DUC. EA DUC. EA DUC. EA DUC. EA UC. MUSH 100 860 17040 AHARI 2 MINAP 518 10210 895 UR BOCH 367 AHAN 7190 420 6098 5442 2425 1527 1658 2930 2325 2120 2948 101 .5 83 89 79. 5 46 67 77. 5 88. 5 86 3000 2500 2580 2400 1450 1920 3235 2565 2500 38. 5 39. 5 39. 0 34. 5 27. 5 34. 5 45 49 28 292 300 296 260 208 260 344 376 100 369 18450 379 18950 385 19250 312 15650 348 17400 288 14400 387 19400 293 14700 288 14450 89 89 54 64 46 58 68 74 48 890 890 540 640 440 580 680 740 480

AURAI 770 15240 264 KATR A 635 7200 283

GAIGH 776 15400 491 AT MURA 620 12250 413 UL SAKAR 807 15960 367 A KURH 697 13800 500


Page 40

ANI 10 12 13 14 15 KANTI 124 105 24760 6 3 5372 4232 2776 1902 2000 82 90 57 70 58 2720 2640 1700 2200 1680 38 33. 5 39 19. 5 13. 5 255 250 302 136 96 206 10350 387 19400 329 16400 393 19500 486 24250 53 68 53 80 88 530 680 530 800 880

SARAI 603 11900 648 YA PAROO 530 11550 456 SAHEB 344 GANJ MOTIP 468 UR 6720 9500 319 317

INFRASTRUCTURE/PROCESSING UNIT SR.NO. NAME OF UNIT Litchika International Shyama Agroindustry LOCATION AREA OF OPERATION CAPACITY ACTIVITY Litchi Squash,Litchi Canning & Litchi Honey Squash & Canning Squash & Canning Squash & Canning Pasturised Litchi Juice

1

BelaMuzaffarpur

Mushahari

500 Tons

2

Ratwara Muzaffarpur

Bandra block,Muraul block

200 Tons

3 4

Premier Food Khabra Road Mushahari,saraiya,kanti Products Thakur Litchi Industry Radha Krishna Implex Pvt. Ltd. Muz. Bochahan Bochahan block

200 Tons 200 Tons

5

Muzaffarpur

Muzaffarpur

500 Tons

Cultivation of litchisBrijmohan Regar MBA Agribusiness Page 41

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.

DrainageBrijmohan Regar MBA Agribusiness Page 42

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.

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

Mauritius groupThis 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 groupThese 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 groupThese 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 qualityA 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 treesTrees can also be propagated by means of grafting.


Page 43

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 samplingA 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 packingMix 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.


Page 44

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.

ResultsThe 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 preparationExamine 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.

PlantingRemember 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.


Page 45

Planting distanceA 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 treesLitchi 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 analysisLeaf 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.


Page 46

Sample either of the 2 leaves coloured in the illustration

FertilisationDO FERTILISER SHOULD ONLY BE APPLIED 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.ABOUT NOT FERTILISE NEWLY- TRANSPLANTED TREES TOO SOON .

APPLICATION AND QUANTITIESFERTILISERSHOULD 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 applicationQuantity of fertiliser per tree per year according to age (g) Age years 1 2-3 4-5 6-7 LAN 28 % Superphosphate N 200 250 500 250 1 000 250 1 500 500 Potassium chloride 50 100 200 300Page 47


8-9 10 - 11 12 - 13 14 - 15 15 and older

2 000 2 500 3 000 3 500 4 000 Remember:

500 750 750 1 000 1 000

400 500 750 1 000 1 000

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: Brijmohan Regar MBA Agribusiness Page 48

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 fertiliserKraal 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 (years) 1 2-3 4-5 6-7 8-9 10 - 11 12 - 13 Maximum

Kraal manure (kg/tree/year) 5

Time of application

1 kg every 6 weeks from September to April 15 Give 5 equal dressings between 25 September and April 40 55 Give 1/2 the quantity before 70 blossoming and the remainder 80 after harvesting 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. Page 49


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 BrowningBrowning of the pericarp occurs at ambient temperatures of 20-30C 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-CrackingIt 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.


Page 50

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.o

Insect pests

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

HarvestingLitchi 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 Brijmohan Regar MBA Agribusiness Page 51

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.

YieldA 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.

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

Litchi processingAt 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


Page 52

India to export fresh litchi to US for first timeWe 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 countrys 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 countrys 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

Report Brijmohan Regar Sem -3

Documents

Transcript of Report Brijmohan Regar Sem -3