What Are The Losses That A Farmer May Incur During And After Harvesting Oranges?

Some losses arising from rotting are experienced where fruits are kept in farm storage for a number of days.  This specifically happens in situations where traders give the impression that they prefer fruits that had spent some time in farm storage because the peel would develop some resistance to breakage and, thus minimise damage during transportation.

What are the other key factors to note?

• Budded or grafted plants start producing fruits at about 2-3 years from planting.
• Full productivity is reached in about 10 years.
• Oranges stay on the tree from 6 to 9 months depending on the variety and climate conditions.
• Maturity is indicated by color change to slightly yellowish.
• Harvest citrus fruits by clipping or pulling from the tree.
• The use of picking bags or baskets is recommended to collect the fruit and to prevent contact with the ground to reduce lowered quality.
• The average yield in Uganda is 10-12 tonnes/ha/year.
• With good management, one can get 40 tons/ha/year.
• One tree can produce 2 sacks (90-130kg)/tree per season.