A Low Cost Commercial Technology for Pineapple Handling and Transportation to Boost Rural Economy of Northeastern States

Aradhya, S. M. and Swaroop Kumar, H. M. and Matche, R. S. and Keshava Prakash, M. N. (2004) A Low Cost Commercial Technology for Pineapple Handling and Transportation to Boost Rural Economy of Northeastern States. Journal of Rural Technology, 1 (3). pp. 129-133.

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Abstract

Pineapple is one of the commercially important fruits grown in India with a production of 11 lakh tonnes. Nearly 41% of total production in India is contributed from Northeastern states viz. Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur, Tripura and Nagaland. Nearly 40-45% of postharvest losses were estimated to occur from production centre to marketing place. Improper handling, lack of postharvest treatments was identified as factors responsible for spoilage. Harvesting at advanced stage of maturity and transportation resulted in rapid ripening and reduced both vertical and horizontal compression strength. Harvesting pineapple at 80-85% maturity resulted in delayed ripening and maintained required vertical and horizontal compression strength and therefore was found to be more suitable for long distance transportation. The fruits after transportation were found to ripen normally adhering the set quality parameters. Post harvest dip treatment using Benomyl (500 ppm) for 5 minutes within 6 hours after harvest resulted in 90% reduction in fungal spoilage caused by Thielaviopsis paradoxa. Commercial trials of transportation of pineapples from Northeastern region to Delhi market using the CFTRI's protocols was found to be successful in reducing loss due to mechanical damage and fungal spoilage. The technology package is ready for commercial exploitation. The post harvest technology protocol comprises appropriate stage of maturity for harvest, postharvest fungicidal treatments and improved transportation systems using locally available materials i.e. development of bamboo based structure for packing pineapples meant for internal transportation and design and fabrication of Corrugated fibre board (CFB) boxes for export. Adoption of this technology will boost the rural economy of Northeastern states and provide rural employment and aids in establishment of organized marketing chain for pineapple trade.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Pineapple, Kew, Queen, Thielaviopsis paradoxa, Transportation
Subjects:	600 Technology > 08 Food technology > 06 Preservation and Storage > 06 Packaging 600 Technology > 08 Food technology > 24 Fruits
Divisions:	Fruit and Vegetable Technology
Depositing User:	Food Sci. & Technol. Information Services
Date Deposited:	25 May 2007
Last Modified:	08 Dec 2016 13:06
URI:	http://ir.cftri.res.in/id/eprint/615

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