In the heart of India’s mango belt, a simple yet innovative technique is revolutionizing the way farmers cultivate one of the country’s most beloved fruits. Pre-harvest bagging, a practice that involves covering mango fruits with various materials before they are harvested, is proving to be a game-changer for the agriculture sector. A recent study published in *Scientific Reports* has shed light on the significant benefits of this method, particularly for the Mallika variety of mangoes.
The research, led by Ishu Kumari from the Division of Fruits and Horticultural Technology at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, evaluated the impact of pre-harvest bagging on yield, quality, shelf life, and disease incidence. The study assessed six different treatments using various bagging materials, including brown paper, white paper, ordinary brown paper, butter paper, newspaper, and a control group with no bagging.
The results were striking. Fruits bagged with organic/UV/water-resistant brown paper showed the highest fruit weight, pulp weight, and total soluble solids (TSS). “The improvement in fruit attributes was remarkable,” Kumari noted. “We observed a significant enhancement in fruit weight, pulp weight, and TSS, which are critical factors for marketability and consumer acceptance.”
But the benefits didn’t stop at physical attributes. The study also revealed a notable increase in phytochemical composition, including carotenoids, flavonoids, and phenolic content, particularly with the use of brown and white paper bags. These compounds are not only essential for the nutritional quality of the fruit but also contribute to its overall health benefits. “The enhanced phytochemical profiles indicate that bagged fruits are not just larger and more attractive but also more nutritious,” Kumari explained.
One of the most significant findings was the extension of shelf life and reduction in post-harvest diseases. Fruits bagged with brown paper had a shelf life of up to 11.67 days, a substantial improvement over unbagged fruits. Moreover, the incidence of major post-harvest diseases such as anthracnose, stem-end rot, and sooty mould was significantly reduced. This is a crucial development for farmers, as post-harvest losses can be a major economic burden.
The economic implications of this research are substantial. The study found a 53.18% higher net return and an improved benefit-cost ratio for bagged fruits compared to unbagged ones. This means that pre-harvest bagging is not just a sustainable practice but also a profitable one. “This technique offers a sustainable and profitable solution for enhancing mango quality and reducing pesticide usage,” Kumari stated. “It meets global market demands for high-quality, residue-free fruits.”
The study also highlighted the positive correlations between yield, fruit weight, and quality traits, while disease resistance was negatively correlated with fruit quality attributes. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) revealed that bagging techniques enhance mango fruit quality and reduce post-harvest diseases, with the first principal component explaining most of the variation.
As the global demand for high-quality, residue-free fruits continues to grow, pre-harvest bagging offers a promising solution for farmers. This technique not only enhances the quality and nutritional value of mangoes but also reduces the need for chemical pesticides, making it an eco-friendly and sustainable practice. The research conducted by Kumari and her team provides a strong foundation for future developments in the field, paving the way for more innovative and sustainable agricultural practices.
In the ever-evolving landscape of agritech, pre-harvest bagging stands out as a simple yet effective technique that has the potential to transform the way we cultivate and consume our favorite fruits. As farmers and researchers continue to explore its benefits, we can expect to see a greener, more prosperous future for the agriculture sector.