REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES

Department of Education
PUBLIC TECHNICAL-VOCATIONAL
HIGH SCHOOLS

COMPETENCY-BASED
LEARNING MATERIAL
FOURTH YEAR

HORTICULTURE NC II
Unit of Competency: PERFORM POST HARVEST OPERATIONS OF
FRUIT-BEARING CROPS
Module No. 6 Module Title: PERFORMING POST HARVEST
OPERATIONS OF FRUIT-BEARING CROPS

0
 MODULE VI

QUALIFICATION TITLE : HORTICULTURE NC II

UNIT OF COMPETENCY : PERFORM POST-HARVEST
OPERATIONS OF FRUIT-
BEARING CROPS
MODULE TITLE : PERFORMING POST-HARVEST
OPERATION OF FRUIT-
BEARING CCROPS
NOMINAL DURATION : 20 HOURS

WHAT IS THIS MODULE ABOUT?

This module covers the knowledge, skills and attitudes required in

performing post harvest operations of fruit-bearing crops. It includes
trimming and cleaning, sorting and grading, packaging, transporting,
and marketing fruits.

WHAT WILL YOU LEARN?

Upon completion of this module, you are expected to:

1. conduct post-harvest operations of fruit-bearing crops; and
2. market fruits.

WHAT DO YOU ALREADY KNOW?

Pre-Test:

Choose the letter of the best answer in the following sentences.

Write your answers on your quiz notebook.
1. The process by which fruits are grouped and classified according to
size and weight is termed as ___________.
a. trimming
b. classifying
c. sorting and grading
d. drying
2. The following are some operations involved in the post-harvest
handling of fruits, EXCEPT ____________.
a. cleaning
b. sorting
c. bagging
d. packaging

1
3. An act of moving a product from the point of production to the
point of consumption is called ___________.
a. harvesting
b. transporting
c. marketing
d. post-harvest handling
4. A type of market where the farmer sells his product by bringing to
another town or municipality is called _____________.
a. local market
b. nearby town market
c. farm market
d. none of the above
5. Which of the following methods of marketing fruits is advisable
when the point of consumption is far from the point of production?
a. retailing
b. wholesaling
c. selling in the farm
d. selling though cooperatives
6. The people who get the biggest profit from fruit crop production are
the ____________.
a. farmers
b. businessmen
c. middlemen
d. retailers
7. Which of the following methods of post harvest handling of fruits
involves wiping of the product with a dry cloth?
a. grading
b. sorting
c. cleaning
d. transporting
8. Proper handling of harvested fruits must be observed in order to__.
a. increase its marketability
b. maintain the good quality of fruits
c. prevent so much damage in fruits
d. all of the above
9. The marketing method that involves an organization of people who
receive equal shares is____________.
a. wholesaling
b. retailing
c. cooperatives
d. none of the above
10. A method of marketing wherein products are sold directly to
consumers is called _____________.
a. wholesaling
b. retailing
c. cooperative
d. none of the above

2
LESSON 1

CONDUCT POST-HARVEST OPERATIONS

WHAT IS THIS LESSON ABOUT?

This lesson deals with the different post-harvest operations for fruit
crop production. It includes trimming and cleaning, sorting and grading,
and proper packaging and transporting.

WHAT WILL YOU LEARN?

At the end of the lesson, you should be able to:

1. handle harvested fruits properly;
2. clean and wash fruits thoroughly;
3. classify fruits according to size, shape, ripeness and color; and
4. package fruits based on standards.

LET US STUDY

Let us Define

sorting – process of separating small fruits from big ones.

grading – the process of classifying fruits according to size, shape,
ripeness and color.
post-harvest handling – the different operations to be done right after
harvesting to maintain the good quality of fruits.
Fruit crops need carefully handling specially after harvesting to
ensure its good quality that will command a better price. Thus, a farmer
should not only know how to market his products properly, but he
should also know how to handle his harvest in order to provide
consumers with excellent products. Likewise he will gain good reputation
and more profit. Proper handling of harvested crops includes the
following techniques:
1. Use containers or crates with liners.
2. Never toss harvested fruits. Lay them down gently.
3. Place harvested crops in temporary shed to prevent from wilting
and sun scalding.
Generally, commercial crops such as fruit crops undergo the
following post harvest handling processes before they are sold:
1. Cleaning. Fruit crops are cleaned by washing before they are
disposed. This process removes dirt, freshens the produce, and
3
 removes spray residues; thus the market quality of the product. In
some cases, wiping the product increases with a clean, dry and soft
cloth gives better result than washing.
2. Sorting and grading. Harvested fruits should be sorted properly
before grading. Fruits should be graded according to size, shape,
and color. It is important that the fruits be packed uniformly.
Grading increases the market potential of products.
3. Packaging. After fruits have been sorted and graded accordingly,
they are packed carefully in smooth containers. When packaging
fruits for the market, they must be arranged properly in containers
according to the sizes and quality. Make sure not to mix and pack
fruits of different grades in the same container.
Proper handling of the fruits must be observed in the process
to prevent blemishes and other slight damages to the fruits.
Products, when attractively packed, will surely catch the eyes of
consumers, and will definitely command a good price.

4. Transporting. In transporting fruits to market, proper procedure

should also be followed strictly. Careful handling and transporting
of packed fruits prevent them from being damaged; hence, their
quality is maintained in order to attract consumers to purchase the
products. The following are some tips to be followed in hauling or
transporting packed fruits.
a. Gently lay down the box or crate containing the fruits to prevent
cracks or blemishes.
b. Put the small containers on top of the big containers/boxes.
c. Do not make a pile too high to prevent containers from falling.
d. Never step on the pile that you make.
e. Drive the vehicles carefully to prevent damages to the products.

LET US REMEMBER

Proper handling of harvested fruits must be strictly observed to

maintain the good quality to increase its marketability. Honesty in
packaging should also be practiced to expect the loyalty of consumers in
patronizing the farmer’s products.

HOW MUCH HAVE YOU LEARNED?

Choose the letter of the best answer in the following sentences.

Write your answers on your quiz notebook.
1. Which of the following post harvest methods involves classifying
according to size and weight?
a. trimming
b. classifying
c. grading
d. drying
4
 2. The following are some operations in the post harvest handling of
fruits, EXCEPT ___________.
a. packaging
b. cleaning
c. sorting
d. drying
3. Proper handling of harvested fruits must be observed to
___________.
a. increase its marketability
b. maintain the good quality
c. prevent damages in fruits
d. all of the above
4. The process of separating small fruits from big ones is referred to
as _____________.
a. sorting
b. grading
c. trimming
d. packaging
5. In transporting fruits to the market, observe the following tips
EXCEPT__________.
a. Don’t make the pile too high.
b. Never step on the pile that was made.
c. Pile the small containers at the bottom.
d. Lay the fruit boxes gently to prevent cracks or damages on the
fruits.

LET US APPLY WHAT YOU HAVE LEARNED

With your teacher, visit a nearby fruit farm where post-harvest
operations of fruits are in progress. Ask the farmer to let you assist in the
conduct of the different post-harvest operations. Do the following
activities. Let the farmer assess you.
1. Clean some harvest by washing them or wiping them gently with a
piece of cloth.
2. Sort and grade the fruits according to standards.
3. Pack the graded fruits in a basket or container.
4. Haul the packed fruits to a nearby shed.

RESOURCES

basket or containers with liners

packaging materials such as boxes, packing tape, straw thread and
old newspapers

REFERENCES

Principles of Crop Production

by Mendiola
Technology and Home Economics IV
Agriculture and Fishery Technology
Plant and Crop Production II
5
LESSON 2

MARKET FRUITS

WHAT IS THIS LESSON ABOUT?

This lesson deals with the different methods of marketing and ways
of maintaining the good quality of fruits.

WHAT WILL YOU LEARN?

At the end of the lesson, you are expected to:

1. identify the different methods of marketing fruits;
2. maintain the good quality of fruits;
3. practice the different methods of marketing; and
4. value the importance of proper marketing of fruits.

LET US STUDY

Let us Define

market – a place where people meet to sell and buy things

marketing – the transfer of products from the point of production to the
point of consumption
retailing – selling directly of products to the end-users
wholesaling – selling of products through middlemen
cooperative – a voluntary organization wherein a group of people get
together on equal terms for their own benefit
A market is a place where people sell or buy commodities. If the
market is within the town or city, it is called local market. A farmer can
also sell his produce directly to the consumers by bringing the produce to
another town or municipality. This type of market is called nearby town
market.
Marketing of fruits sometimes creates a problem among small
farmers. Big-time businessmen monopolize the production and
processing of fruits in the country and dictate its market price while
buying the produce of small farmers at a low price. To prevent such a
monopoly, cooperatives should be organized by small farmer raisers. In
the absence of cooperatives, farmers should know the current price of the
products, estimate transportation costs, and determine the risk and
labor involved in marketing. It is also important to know the condition of
the product, to determine the shrinkage, to bid or to canvass for higher
prices. It is also important to consider the economic principle of the law
of supply and demand.
6
Different methods of marketing:

There are several methods or systems of selling farm products

including fruit crops. The method of marketing depends upon the
producer’s convenience and advantage.
In most cases, this depends upon the present economic status of
the farmer. These methods are:
1. Retailing directly to consumers. This method of marketing is
commonly used by small-scale growers of fruit crops. They sell
directly to the consumers by bringing their produce to the local or
nearby markets. Since the farmer does all the job of transporting
and marketing his produce, he gets all the profits from his crops.
However, one disadvantage of this method is that the farmer
devotes more time and spends more money in marketing his own
produce.
2. Selling to middlemen or wholesalers. Some farmers sell their
produce to wholesalers or middlemen who come to the farm,
harvest the crops themselves and sell them to the market. In the
Philippines, we call this “pakyawan” system of marketing. This is
advisable when the point of consumption is far from the point of
production. This method assures the farmer of a ready market and
is relieved of the many risks of losing money because of
shrinkages, damages, changes in prices and costs of
transportation.
3. Selling in the farm. This method is commonly practiced by small
scale fruit crop farmers and consumers. Sales are negotiated on a
face-to-face and on cash-and-carry basis. Prices are specified at
the times of the sale. Sales are for immediate delivery or for
continuous supply over an extended period.
4. Selling through cooperatives. This method of marketing usually
operates at a low cost so that a farmer member gets enough profits
and the end-users get cheaper commodities. Marketing through
cooperatives is carried on usually in the barrio or town where
farmer-members deliver their produce at the buying station. The
members are assured of a market of their produce and are relieved
of the risks of marketing operations. This method of marketing has
been proven to be effective and helpful to producer and consumers
with limited capital.

LET US REMEMBER

Having excellent quality, fruits can command a good price and

patronage among consumers. This maybe attained if fruits are marketed
at an appropriate time.

7
HOW MUCH HAVE YOU LEARNED?

Identify the following and write your answers in your quiz

notebook.
1. It is a place where people sell and buy things or products.
2. It is an act of moving the products from the point of production to
the point of consumption.
3. It is a method of marketing wherein products are sold directly to
end-users.
4. It is a method of marketing the products at a low cost for the
benefit of farmer-members to get more profit.
5. It refers to the selling of products through middlemen.

LET US APPLY WHAT YOU HAVE LEARNED

Do one of the following:

1. Go to a nearby fruit raiser in your community and ask him what
method of marketing he uses to sell his products. Is his method
effective? Why?
2. Visit a roadside fruit stand in your community and ask the owner
to allow you to assist him in handling the fruits and selling
through retailing to consumers. Share your idea to the class.
3. Go to your assigned orchard/garden and properly harvest the
matured fruits. Demonstrate to your classmates the proper
procedure in maintaining the good quality of your produce. Do the
selling of your harvest through retailing or selling directly to end-
users.

RESOURCES

basket or container s with liners

boxes
packaging materials

REFERENCE

Modern Agriculture for Tropical Schools

Cheah Kok Kheong et.al.
Oxford University Press: 1979

8
POST TEST:

Choose the letter of the best answer in the following sentences.

Write your answers in your quiz notebook.
1. The process by which fruits are grouped and classified according to
size and weight is termed as __________.
a. trimming c. sorting and grading
b. classifying d. drying
2. The following are some operations involved in the post-harvest
handling of fruits, EXCEPT ___________.
a. cleaning c. bagging
b. sorting d. packaging
3. A series of services in moving a product from the point of
production to the point of consumption is called
a. harvesting c. marketing
b. transporting d. post-harvest handling
4. A type of market in which the farmer sells his product by bringing
to another town or municipality is called __________.
a. local market c. farm market
b. nearby town market d. none of the above
5. Which of the following method of marketing fruits is advisable
when the point of consumption is far from the point of production?
a. retailing
b. wholesaling
c. selling in the farm
d. selling through cooperatives
6. The people who get the biggest profit from fruit crop production are
the ___________.
a. farmers c. middlemen
b. businessmen d. retailers
7. Which of the following methods of post harvest handling of fruits
involves wiping of the product with a dry cloth?
a. grading c. cleaning
b. sorting d. transporting
8. Proper handling of harvested fruits must be observed in order to
___________.
a. increase its marketability
b. maintain the good quality of fruits
c. prevent so much damage in fruits
d. all of the above
9. Which of the following marketing methods involves an organization
of people having equal terms for their own benefit?
a. wholesaling c. cooperatives
b. retailing d. none of the above
10. A method of marketing wherein products are sold directly to
consumers is called ___________.
a. wholesaling c. cooperative
b. retailing d. none of the above

9
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

CONTENTS
PAGE

MODULE 6. Performing post harvest operations

of fruit-bearing crops............................... 1

What is this module about?.................................. 1

What will you learn?............................................. 1
What do you already know?.................................. 1

LESSON 1. Conduct post harvest operations................ 3

What is this lesson about?................................... 3

What will you learn?............................................ 3
Let us study......................................................... 3
Let us remember.................................................. 4
How much have you learned................................ 4
Let us apply what you have learned..................... 5
Resources............................................................ 5
References........................................................... 5

LESSON 2. Market fruits............................................. 6

What is this lesson about?.................................... 6

What will you learn?............................................. 6
Let us study.......................................................... 6
Let us remember................................................... 7
How much have you learned................................. 7
Let us apply what you have learned...................... 8
Resources............................................................. 8
References............................................................ 8
Post test................................................................ 9

10