Plant starts yielding by 70 days after transplantation. Harvesting is done depending upon purpose like for fresh market, long distance transport etc. Mature green tomatoes, 1/4th fruits portion gives pink color are harvested for long distance markets. Almost all fruits turn into pink or red color but having firm flesh are harvested for local markets. For processing and seed extraction purposes, fully ripe fruits with soft flesh are used.
POST-HARVEST
After harvesting, grading is done. Then fruits are packed in bamboo baskets or crates or wooden boxes. To increase shelf-life of tomato during long distance transport pre-cooling is carried out. From ripe tomatoes several products like Puree, syrup, juice and ketchup are made after processing.
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