Post-harvest management of potatoes

Abstract

Potato production in India has seen a steady increase over the years, making India the secondlargest producer globally after China. This article emphasizes the significance of potatoes as a staple food crop in India and the importance of meticulous post-harvest management to meet domestic and international demand. With India currently producing 55 million tonnes of potatoes annually,
effective post-harvest management is crucial to minimize losses and ensure year-round supply of ware and processing potatoes. The article discusses various aspects of post-harvest management, highlights the major factors contributing to post-harvest losses and provides insights into mitigating these losses through improved practices. Additionally, the article discusses different storage
methods, including refrigerated and non-refrigerated options, and emphasizes the importance of proper ventilation, humidity control, and temperature management in preserving potato quality. Furthermore, it addresses specific challenges associated with storage at intermediate temperatures for processing and ware potatoes, including the risk of low-temperature sweetening and sprouting. The article concludes by underscoring the importance of adopting improved technologies and scientific approaches in post-harvest management to minimize losses and meet the diverse needs of farmers, consumers, and processors in India and beyond.