Harvesting Techniques

Crop Cultivation & Harvesting

Harvesting means collecting the mature crop from the field. If done too early → yield is low. If done too late → quality suffers. The aim is to harvest at the right stage and with the right method.

🌱 1. Harvesting Leafy Vegetables

Examples: Spinach, Coriander, Methi, Lettuce.

Ready in 25–40 days depending on crop.

  • Cut outer leaves with scissors/knife, or pluck gently by hand.
  • Don't uproot the whole plant unless you want a single harvest.

👉 Tip:

This allows the plant to regrow for multiple cuttings.

🥕 2. Harvesting Root Crops

Examples: Radish, Carrot, Beetroot, Onion, Potato.

Ready in 40–90 days.

Signs: Leaves start turning yellow, tops visible above soil.

  • Harvest by loosening soil with a hoe or spade, gently pull out roots.

👉 Tip:

Avoid forceful pulling — it can break roots or tubers.

🍅 3. Harvesting Fruit Vegetables

Examples: Tomato, Brinjal, Chili, Okra, Cucumbers.

Pick fruits regularly when they are of edible size.

  • Don't wait for full ripening on the plant (especially tomatoes) — harvest at mature stage for longer shelf life.
  • Use a sharp knife or twist gently, Don't pull hard.

👉 Tip:

Regular picking encourages plants to produce more fruits.

🌾 4. Harvesting Cereal Crops (Wheat, Rice, Maize)

  • Wheat: Harvest when grains are hard, plants turn golden-yellow.
  • Rice: Harvest when 80–85% grains in panicle are mature (yellow-brown).
  • Maize: For grain, harvest when husk turns brown and kernels harden.

👉 Tip:

Use sickles, scythes, or mechanical harvesters depending on farm size.

🍎 5. Harvesting Fruit Trees (Mango, Guava, Banana)

  • Mango: Harvest when fruit changes color and sweet smell develops.
  • Banana: Cut whole bunch when fruits are full-sized but still green.
  • Guava: Pick when fruits turn light yellow and soft.

👉 Tip:

Use sharp knives or clippers — Don't shake or pull branches (it damages trees).

🧑‍🌾 Good Harvesting Practices

Follow these for best results:

  • Harvest in the morning or evening, not in peak heat.
  • Handle produce gently to avoid bruising.
  • Use clean tools — prevents infection and rotting.
  • Store in shade immediately, never in direct sun.

✍️ Practical Exercise for You

Try this simple activity:

  • Check one leafy vegetable crop (spinach or coriander). Harvest only outer leaves.
  • Pull out one root crop (radish/carrot) and check maturity.
  • Harvest a tomato or chili when firm and colored, not overripe.
  • Compare — notice how timing affects taste, freshness, and storage life.