International Journal of Horticulture, 2024, Vol.14, No.3, 156-162 http://hortherbpublisher.com/index.php/ijh 161 11 Post-Harvest Management Post-harvest management is a critical aspect of dragon fruit farming, ensuring that the fruit remains fresh and retains its quality from the time of harvest until it reaches the consumer. Proper handling and storage can significantly extend the shelf life of dragon fruits, minimizing losses and maximizing profitability for farmers. Dragon fruits should be harvested when they reach full maturity, which is indicated by a change in skin color to red or yellow, depending on the variety. Harvesting is typically done manually using clean, sharp tools to avoid damaging the fruit. It is crucial to handle the fruits gently to prevent bruising and mechanical injury, which can lead to post-harvest decay. After harvesting, dragon fruits are sorted and graded based on size, color, and external appearance. Fruits are categorized into different grades, with premium grades fetching higher market prices. This step is essential to meet market standards and consumer preferences. Dragon fruits are cleaned to remove dirt, debris, and pesticide residues. This can be done using clean water or a mild detergent solution, followed by rinsing with clean water. Proper cleaning helps in reducing microbial load and enhances the appearance of the fruit. Pre-cooling is an essential step to rapidly remove field heat from the harvested fruits. It helps in slowing down the metabolic processes, thereby extending the shelf life of the fruit. Forced-air cooling or hydro-cooling methods are commonly used for pre-cooling dragon fruits. Packaging plays a vital role in protecting dragon fruits during transportation and storage. Fruits are typically packed in corrugated cardboard boxes with appropriate cushioning materials to prevent damage. Each box should be labeled with relevant information such as grade, weight, and handling instructions. Proper storage conditions are crucial for maintaining the quality of dragon fruits. The ideal storage temperature for dragon fruits is between 6 °C-10 °C with a relative humidity of 85%-90%. Under these conditions, dragon fruits can be kept fresh for up to four weeks. Storage at lower temperatures can lead to chilling injury, while higher temperatures can accelerate ripening and spoilage. By implementing these post-harvest management practices, farmers can significantly improve the shelf life and marketability of dragon fruits, ensuring that consumers receive high-quality, fresh fruits. 12 Challenges for Cultivation The risky character of the new commodities market hampered the crop's adoption process since there would be uncertainty in obtaining the correct price for the produce. The high expense of cultivation was discovered to be the second most critical barrier impeding adoption. Therefore, for better results, the government must offer subsidies, training, and related various extension works through NARC, INGOs, and NGOs. 13 Conclusion In conclusion, dragon fruit farming in Nepal is one of the best prospects for agricultural diversification and overall economic growth. This review describes the prospects of dragon fruits cultivation in Nepal and discusses its high tolerance to unfavorable factors and low demands on resources. There is no doubt that there are constraints of uncertainty in the market and high production cost but with these come the opportunities of enhancing the living standards of small farmers and food security. By combining all synthetic and analytical efforts, there is a big potential for the development of dragon fruit farming as a high-value agricultural enterprise in Nepal through support from government authorities.
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