Post-production system: Himachal apples

Abstract

A dynamic continuous mathematical model for post-production system of Himachal apples has been ade. The model includes all operations from harvesting to arrival in the wholesale market at Delhi. Beta density function appears appropriate to define harvesting schedule that drives the model. Parameters used in the model are built on the basis of insights gained from published literature and discussions with the officials handling Himachal apples. The model is capable of indicating in advance the resource requirement (labour, trucks, boxes etc) at any or all nodal points in the post-production phase. It can readily show the effect of constraint on any of the resources.At present APMC market, Delhi is the only source of definitive statistics on apples. The model is therefore tested against data from the records of APMC for the season of 1987. In particular, the arrivals in Delhi as computed from the model and as recorded by APMC are compared. The form of curve resulting from computations and that of the actual are similar. When realistic constraint of shortage of trucks (inferred from APMC data) is imposed, besides the form, magnitudes of arrivals also come close. Thus, the model appears satisfactory. The model can be useful to large orchardists, cooperatives or other corporate bodies. It can also be useful to forwarding agents, cold storage facility owners and the APMC market. Design engineers working on mechanization of harvest, grading and handling will also find it useful.