Ensuring proper post-harvest treatment is essential for avocado farmers once the fruits are harvested from trees to minimise losses.
In this episode of Farmer’s Inside Track, Lily Siachitema, a post-harvest technology consultant and owner of Consule, delves into the intricacies of post-harvest treatment for avocados.
Siachitema unpacks crucial aspects such as cleaning, sorting, storing, packaging, and transportation. Regardless of the specific methods employed in the farming operation, the overarching goals remain constant, she shares. That is to reduce yield losses, maintain high-quality produce, and minimise labour costs.
“The lower your labour costs, the higher returns you’re going to get for your produce. So typically, a harvester needs to carry a big bag, a picking stick, some clippers, gloves and they need a ladder,” she explains.
Siachitema acknowledges that in more extensive operations, machinery is often utilised. However, she underscores the necessity of human involvement in climbing the trees, clipping the avocados, and placing them in bags, emphasising that harvesting remains a fundamental process.
In this episode, she also discusses:
- Key topics related to avocado post-harvest treatment;
- The cleaning and sorting processes;
- Packaging procedures; and
- Methods for preserving avocados.
Catching up with this week’s #SoilSista
This week we celebrate the remarkable journey of Moji Kodisang, a #SoilSista whose unwavering spirit and dedication have transcended challenges. Her inspiring efforts are shaping a new era of agricultural resilience and community upliftment in Thaba Nchu, Milton Farm in the Free State.
Want to know more? Listen to the full episode of Farmer’s Inside Track.
Option 1: Click here to listen on Spotify (all mobile and other devices).
Option 2: Click here to listen on any Apple device.
Option 3: Click here to listen on Google Podcast.
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