User:Nf Tian/sandbox

This is a message page of Taro (Colocasia esculenta) about marketing, thanks for reading!! Nf Tian (talk) 16:26, 10 November 2023 (UTC)

Marketing
Taro has the fifth largest production among root and tuber crops worldwide, and its annual production is about 12 million tons. The average yield of taro is currently around 7 tons per hectare. Over the past twenty years, there has been a significant expansion in the harvested area designated for taro production, indicating a substantial increase in its cultivation. Africa is a major contributor to taro production globally, accounting for over 70% of the worldwide output.

Taro generally commands a higher market price in comparison to other root crops, so the quality control measures throughout the production process are rather essential. The sizes found in most markets are 1–2 kg and 2–3 kg. The best size for packaging and for consumers is 1–2 kg. To guarantee the product meets the expected high standards upon reaching the consumer, there are some common grading standards for fresh corms :


 * No excess soil, softness and decay.


 * No bruises and deep cuts.


 * Spherical to round shape.
 * No major abnormal deformities.


 * No roots.


 * Approximately 5 cm of petiole left attached to the corm.


 * No double tops.

Due to the high moisture content of the corms, mold and disease can easily develop, causing decay. To prolong their shelf life, the corms are usually stored at cool temperatures ranging from 10 to 15 degrees Celsius and maintained at a relative humidity of 80% to 90%. For packaging, the corms are commonly placed in polypropylene bags or ventilated wooden crates to minimize condensation and 'sweating.' During export, a weight allowance of approximately 5% above the net weight is included to account for potential shrinkage during transit. For commercial shipping and export purposes, refrigeration is utilized. For instance, corms with 5 to 10 centimeters of petiole remaining are exported from Fiji to New Zealand in wooden boxes. And then they are transported in refrigerated containers set to around 5 degrees Celsius. The corms can be maintained for up to six weeks in good condition.