Packaging of Tomatoes in Corrugated Carton Boxes
1. Function : To package the tomatoes suitable for handling.
2. Specification
(a) Overall dimension : Sizes depending on the pack size.
(L x B x H )
(b) Capacity : 0.5, 1.0 and 2 kg packs.
3. General Information
In this system of packaging, compartments are provided in the corrugated carton boxes for each fruit. By this, the load of the tomato from top layers, due to self weight is not transmitted to the tomato in the bottom layers. For packaging of tomatoes using carton boxes, the dimensions of the boxes and the compartment are designed for two grades classified according to diameter, with 50 – 60 mm as first grade, 40 – 50 mm diameter as second grade. These corrugated carton boxes with compartments developed for 0.5, 1 and 2 kg packs were evaluated for losses during handling and transportation. The total losses were only 14 and 18% for the hybrids and improved varieties. This reduction in the total loss is achieved by packing the tomatoes by the farmers in these boxes and not opened in the market network till it reaches the customers.
4. Cost of the unit (approx) : Rs. 4.00 per kg.
5. Salient features
- Packaging is made of corrugated carton boxes, which are easily degradable and recyclable.
- Use of carton boxes in place of wooden crates preserves the forest.
- Handling for sorting and packing is avoided at various stages of market network.
- The farmers can grade and pack in the boxes and without opening and further handling in the market network it
- can reach the consumers.
- The post harvest loss is reduced to 18 and 14% for improved varieties and hybrid against 32 and 25% in the traditional method using bamboo baskets.
- This method of packaging is more suitable during the seasons with higher selling price.
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