The document outlines best practices for tomato farming in Tanzania, focusing on harvesting techniques, post-harvest handling, storage, and transportation. It emphasizes the importance of optimal fruit maturity indicators, careful handling during harvest, and specific practices to ensure quality and shelf life, such as sorting, cleaning, and appropriate storage conditions. Following these methods can help maximize the market value of tomatoes.

1. TOMATO
FARMING IN TANZANIA
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LESSON 10: HARVESTING AND POST-
HARVEST MANAGEMENT

2. TABLE OF CONTENTS
Harvesting Techniques and Fruit Maturity
Post-Harvest Handling Practices
01
02
Storage and Transportation Considerations
02

3. HARVESTING TECHNIQUES AND FRUIT MATURITY
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Proper harvesting ensures that tomatoes are picked at the
optimal stage of maturity. Consider the following guidelines:
• Fruit Maturity Indicators: Harvest tomatoes when they
have reached their full color development and have
firm, fully ripe fruits. Look for uniform color, glossy
appearance, and the desired size for the specific variety.
• Harvesting Methods: Use a sharp knife or pruning
shears to cut the fruit from the plant, leaving a short
stem attached to the tomato. Avoid excessive handling
or dropping, as it can cause bruising or damage.
• Harvesting Frequency: Harvest ripe tomatoes regularly
to prevent overripening or spoilage on the vine. Aim for
frequent picking intervals, especially during peak
harvest periods.

4. POST-HARVEST HANDLING PRACTICES
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Proper post-harvest handling is crucial for maintaining
the quality and extending the shelf life of tomatoes.
Consider the following practices:
• Sorting and Grading: Sort harvested tomatoes
based on size, shape, color, and quality. Remove
damaged, diseased, or overripe fruits to prevent the
spread of spoilage.
• Cleaning and Washing: Gently clean tomatoes using
water or a mild disinfectant solution to remove dirt,
debris, and surface contaminants. Avoid excessive
water contact to prevent fruit damage or decay.

5. • Drying: Allow tomatoes to dry naturally after
washing. Excessive moisture can promote the
growth of fungi or bacteria.
• Packaging: Pack tomatoes in suitable containers,
such as ventilated crates, baskets, or cartons, to
allow airflow and minimize bruising. Avoid
overcrowding to prevent compression and
damage.
POST-HARVEST HANDLING
PRACTICES
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6. Proper storage and transportation practices help maintain
tomato quality and extend shelf life. Consider the following
guidelines:
• Temperature and Humidity: Store tomatoes at
temperatures around 10-13°C (50-55°F) and relative
humidity of 85-90%. Avoid chilling injury by keeping
temperatures above 10°C (50°F).
• Ventilation: Provide adequate airflow to remove
excess heat and moisture, preventing condensation
and mold growth. Proper ventilation helps maintain
fruit quality during storage and transportation.
• Ethylene Management: Tomatoes are sensitive to
ethylene gas, which accelerates ripening and softening.
Keep tomatoes away from ethylene-producing fruits
like bananas or apples to avoid premature ripening.
STORAGE CONSIDERATIONS
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7. • Handling and Transportation: Handle tomatoes
carefully to minimize bruising or mechanical damage.
Use appropriate cushioning materials during
transportation to prevent fruit movement and
reduce impact.
• Monitoring and Quality Control: Regularly inspect
stored tomatoes for signs of decay, disease
development, or ripening. Remove damaged or
spoiled fruits promptly to prevent further
deterioration.
By implementing proper harvesting techniques, post-
harvest handling practices, and storage considerations,
you can maintain the quality, extend the shelf life, and
maximize the market value of your tomatoes.
TRANSPORTATION CONSIDERATIONS
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8. CONGRATULATIONS
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