Due to rainy days, this year’s apple harvest in southern Banat has been extended, but producers are optimistic that this will not affect the quality and quantity of the crop. They are satisfied with the purchase prices, especially industrial apples, which they sell for RSD 18 per kilogram. The dry period and long hot summer did not leave negative consequences on the orchards of the Kutanjac family, because they applied all the necessary agrotechnical measures in time.
Đorđe Kutanjac, the owner of the orchard, states that thanks to the irrigation system, they had no problems with drought and high temperatures. They harvested about 100 tons of apples on their 3.5-hectare property. They grow four different varieties of apples, of which the gala is the best, but it is sold less. In addition, the Kutanjac family does not face a labor shortage either, because they hire experienced pickers, whose daily wage is 4,000 dinars. The pickers are trained to pick the apples carefully, without squeezing or plucking them, respecting the rule that the stem remains intact and properly turned.
Worker Elida Hadžibrahimović emphasizes the importance of picking apples properly, while Tamara Ambruš adds that her work is not difficult, except when the weather conditions are unfavorable, such as rain or dew. These pickers contribute to maintaining the high quality of the fruits.
Apple is stored ideally
A modern cold store with a capacity of 2,500 tons was built in Pančevo, where plums, apples and pears are currently stored. This refrigerator uses advanced storage technology, known as smart fresh technology. This system allows the apples to remain unchanged for six to eight months. This is possible thanks to a controlled atmosphere with carbon dioxide and a low temperature of 1°C. In addition to apples, there are also 500 tons of frozen plums in the cold store. The plums in question will be cut and packed for export to Germany at a price of 0.45 cents per kilogram.
Ljupko Kutanjac, the owner of the cold store, plans to fill all the storage capacities next year. In addition to domestic fruits and vegetables, imported southern fruits will also be stored there. The goal is to sell this fruit out of season in local supermarkets. In this way, the Kutanjac family not only ensures the long-term preservation of their fruits, but also expands their business through the storage of various types of fruits and vegetables, which contributes to the stability of their income and the expansion of the market.
Source: AgroTV
Source: boljazemlja.com
