Bhindi-Harvest and storage

Okra reaches harvesting stage within 3 months after planting. The fruits are harvested when the pods are young and tender. The best time of harvest being 6 to 7 days after opening of flower.

The 7 to 10 cm long tender fruits should be harvested every alternate day. Frequent picking promote fruit development and enhances yield. Mature pods are fibrous, tough, and unfit for human consumption.

Harvesting is done with a knife or by bending pedicel with a jerk.  For harvesting, cotton cloth hand gloves should be used to protect fingers from stinging effect.

It is advisable to harvest in morning hours since fruit hairs will be soft.  Sprinkling water on pods during night will keep them cool and fresh for market.