How to Manage Crop Yields? Here are Some Ways to Do It

How to manage the harvest? (Photo: Pixabay)

YOGYAKARTA - Harvesting is the moment that farmers are most looking forward to. In order for the results to be long-lasting, the processing of the harvest must be carefully considered. So, how do you manage the harvest properly?

Quoted from the book "Sentuhan Teknik Nuklir dalam Aktivitas Industri" by Muklis Akhadi, harvesting is a series of activities to collect the results of cultivation based on the age of plants or animals. The results of cultivation will be processed and distributed to meet the food needs.

Most of the harvest is classified as organic material with a short shelf life. Therefore, farmers need to understand how to manage the harvest to last longer.

Taken from the book Physiology and Post-Harvest Technology by Ali Zainal Abidin Alaydrus, processing the harvest is an alternative way to anticipate abundant production.

The processing of crops is carried out to provide added value to cultivated products by turning them into various forms of processed products. With proper processing, the quality and competitiveness of products in the international market can be increased, thereby increasing the income and economy of farmers.

How to process food products can be done with food technology. Food technology can include several activities, for example fermentation, drying, freezing, canning, to canning. Below are some ways to process crops to be more durable and have high selling value.

The most common technique for processing the harvest is drying. Drying is done to reduce the water content in the product, so that it will extend the shelf life and prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi that can cause product damage.

The drying process is usually done in two ways, namely natural drying with sunlight or machine drying using an oven or dehydrator. The result of drying can be in the form of powder or dried fruits and vegetables.

Some examples of food products that can be processed with drying techniques include banana chips, raisins, garlic, chili, ginger, turmeric, and other spices.

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Another technique for processing the harvest that is often done is sugar. Sugar processing includes processing the harvest by adding sugar to the product to extend shelf life and add sweetness.

The coating is usually applied to fruits, such as strawberries, oranges, cherries, and blueberries.

Fermentation is a food processing process that involves microorganisms to make it more durable. Fermentation is generally carried out on cultivated plants that are easily damaged, such as fruits, vegetables, or processed milk.

The fermentation process involves the action of microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, or yeast on raw materials to convert certain chemical compounds into compounds that are more nutritious, aromatic, and have better durability.

Examples of fermentation can be found in food products such as tape, pickles, vegetable kimchi such as pickles or kimchi, cheese and wine.

The freezing process is carried out by putting the product into a refrigerator with a temperature below the freezing point. The purpose of freezing is to extend the shelf life and quality of the product.

The water content in frozen vegetables and fruits will decrease because the water has turned into ice crystals. This process will prevent bacteria and enzymes that can trigger decay.

Some food products that can be processed with freezing techniques include fruits and vegetables.

Canning is a processing technique for harvested products that is widely carried out for import purposes. This technique can prevent rotting of fruits and vegetables so that the nutritional value of the food can be maintained.

The harvest that is often preserved with canning techniques is usually in the form of vegetables and fruits. For example, frozen vegetables (peas, carrots, and potatoes), tomato sauce, and pickled cucumbers.

That's the review of how to manage the harvest properly. Hopefully useful. Visit VOI.id for other interesting information.