Long distance transportation of cabbage – effect of improved package

Cabbage grown in Punjab is presently packed and transported in jute bags and baskets. This results in loss of postharvest handling period and the commodity suffers loss of quality. For the sake of reduction of postharvest losses in cabbage a simulated transportation study was done on the cabbage using CFB boxes already designed and tested for packaging and transportation of cauliflower. Effect of package on weight loss, colour loss and appearance of the cabbage was observed. The study has shown an increase in the postharvest handling period of cabbage in CFB boxes by 6 to 10 days as compared to the cabbage packed conventionally in jute bags. This extension in the postharvest shelf life of cabbage packed in CFB boxes can make possible the long distance marketing of cabbage within the country and abroad.