Basic Knowledge in Agriculture #75
Explain in detail the term Harvesting
Harvesting involves picking of the farming produce when they are already of the right age. It is the last stage in the agricultural production cycle after planting, cultivating and maturing. Harvesting may be done manually through use of tools like sickles and knives or through machines such as harvesters, combine harvesters, etc. Harvesting is highly sensitive also since the crops should be when they are fully mature yet not over ripe since it guarantees high quality, taste, and nutritional value.
Various crops have to be harvested differently. The example is that grains such as rice and wheat are typically cut and threshed in order to prevent destructions, whereas fruits and vegetables are often picked manually. In contemporary agriculture, the high-tech machinery assists farmers to collect big fields within a short time and effortlessly lowering the amount of labor and time.
What is the importance of Harvesting in Agriculture?
It is difficult to overestimate the role of harvesting in agriculture. First, harvesting must be carried out in a proper manner to have maximum yield. When crops are prematurely harvested they might be immature and not valuable. When harvested late, they could either spoil, fall or be ruined by pests and weather condition. Thus, proper timing assists the farmers to achieve the best yield of their work.
Secondly, harvesting will influence the agricultural produce. Harvested crops are tastier, more attractive, and healthy. This is particularly significant to those fruits and vegetables that are sold naturally in the markets. Produce with high quality will fetch higher prices, and this will boost the income of the farmers.
Third, effective harvesting minimizes after harvest losses. The method of harvesting crops could cause damage, bruising, or contamination of the crops making them waste. It is better with the help of appropriate tools and methods to preserve the crops and increases their shelf life.
Further, harvesting is important in food security. Farmers help in having a stable food supply to the population by ensuring that the crops are collected effectively and at the right time. This plays an important role in the prevention of shortages and affordable food prices.
Last but not least, the land is also ready in harvesting to be planted again. After harvest, the farmer is free to empty the field and deal with the remnants and to start preparing the soil to be used later. By so doing, harvesting does not only mark the end of one cycle but a new beginning of another cycle in agriculture.
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