For horticultural crops, timing the harvest based on clear maturity indicators is critical to ensuring the produce can withstand transport and storage. Crops must be harvested when they are fully mature but not overripe. Standard indices include:

  • Leafy Greens: Grade based on crop age, leaf size, and uniform plant height.
  • Tomatoes: Harvest at the mature-green stage, just as the skin shows initial pink or red colour breaks.
  • Tree Fruits (Mango/Citrus): Harvest when firm and mature-green, or as the skin begins to turn yellow or change color.
  • Plump Fruits (Banana/Plantain): Harvest when the fingers are full and plump, and the green skin begins to lighten alongside drying of foliage.