Advances in Multi-Fruit and Vegetable Grading: A Comprehensive Review
Mahendra Daheriya *
Department of Post Harvest Process and Food Engineering, College of Agricultural Engineering, JNKVV Jabalpur, M.P., India.
D. K. Verma
Department of Post Harvest Process and Food Engineering, College of Agricultural Engineering, JNKVV Jabalpur, M.P., India.
Eresh Kumar Kuruba
Department of Agricultural Engineering, College of Horticultural, Dr. YSRHU, A.P., India.
K. C. Mahajan
Department of Post Harvest Process and Food Engineering, College of Agriculture - Ganj Basoda, India.
Neerav U. Joshi
Department of Post Harvest Process and Food Engineering, College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, Junagadh Agricultural University, Gujrat, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Grading fruits and vegetables has become essential for cross-border trade. There are various methods and technologies used for grading fruits and vegetables. In India, fruit growers mainly rely on manual grading, which is costly, labour-intensive, and affected by seasonal labour shortages. Manual grading is inefficient, inconsistent, and time-consuming. Grading of fruits and vegetables in ensuring the quality of produce and meeting consumer demands. The World Trade Organization (WTO) emphasizes high-quality graded products, prompting farmers to seek agricultural produce-grading machines for labour alleviation, time savings, and improved quality. Fruit grading enhances value, packaging, handling, and overall marketing. Typically, fruits are graded based on size, making them more desirable for export. Size-based grading methods include various types of graders. Weight grading is based on density and specific gravity. Market responsiveness necessitates improved grading and sorting practices to ensure quality assessment. Size variations in vegetables like potatoes and onions serve as the basis for categorization according to each country's market requirements.
Keywords: Grading, size, shape, colour, manual sorting