Reefer Container Temperature for Elephant Yam

Why is a reefer container temperature for elephant yam important?

When it comes to exporting your elephant yam, you must book a reefer container with controlled temperature to maintain its freshness and quality throughout the transit. The reefer container temperature for elephant yam helps prevent spoilage, slows down the ripening process, and preserves the yam's texture, taste, and nutritional benefits. This is of utmost importance for international shipments, where lengthy transit durations and varying climate conditions could deteriorate the crop's quality. By using reefer container temperature for elephant yam, exporters can stay worry-free to ship their perishable commodities in the optimal condition suited for market profitability.

The main guidelines to maintain a reefer container temperature for elephant yam are

The initial stages of the elephant yam:

• Climate Requirement: Elephant yam, being both a tropical and subtropical crop, typically prefers hot and humid conditions. A good distribution of annual rainfall can boost its overall productivity.
• Soil: Well-drained and red, muddy fertile soil is good for elephant yam healthy growth. The soil with a range of 5.5 to 7.5 pH is ideal for yam cultivation.
• Propagation: Elephant yam is propagated through the division of the corm.
• Preparation of Land, Spacing, and Planting: Yams are sown in February so the corms can germinate with the pre-monsoon rains. Planting is typically done in April and May by digging pits 20–25 cm deep with a spacing of 75×75 cm between them. The corms are manually planted deep in the pits, which are about 60 cm x 60 cm x 45 cm in size.
• Intercropping: Cowpea vegetables can be a suitable option for intercropping elephant yam cultivation. Yams can also be intercropped with banana, coffee, rubber, and coconut plantations with a space of 90 x 90 cm for their shade tolerance property. Half of FYM (12.5 t/ha) and one-third of NPK (27:20:33) are sufficient for the intercrop plantation.
• Irrigation: Regarding the large-scale growth of the elephant yams, irrigation is a vital need when there is no chance of rain. Keep in mind that excess water stagnation can hamper the crops.
• Application of fertilizers: You need to apply 25 tons of FYM (farmyard manure) per hectare during the final plowing. The NPK dose is 80:60:100 kg per hectare. After 45 days of planting, apply 40:60:50 kg of NPK per hectare, along with weeding and intercultural operations post-planting of 45 days. After one month, add 40 kg of nitrogen and 50 kg of potassium while carrying out light intercultural work.
• Pest and Disease:

a) Leaf spot: This disease can be controlled by spraying Mancozeb at 2 g/L.

b)Collar Spot: This disease is caused by the soil-borne fungus known as Sclerotium rolfsii, which thrives in waterlogged conditions and poor drainage. Firstly, it starts with brown lesions on the base, which spread throughout the plant, causing it to turn yellow. In severe cases, it can lead to complete crop degradation.

• Weed Management: Whenever it is necessary, weeding and earthing should be followed.
• Harvesting: When the plant stems and dry leaves begin to fall, it indicates that harvest time is approaching. For export, it's best to start harvesting yams from 6 months onward.
• Yield: Yielding of the crops is based on the farm management and yam varieties. Yielding of 30–35 t/ha can be expected in about eight months for elephant yam cultivation.

What are the benefits of booking a reefer container?

There are several benefits of using a refrigerated container to ship your perishable goods . These include the following:

• Optimal Temperature: Maintaining an optimal temperature range to transport your elephant yam from India to other countries can preserve the quality and freshness.
• External Atmospheric Conditions: Adverse weather conditions and humidity levels can affect the internal reefer carrier’s temperature. Proper humidity levels can prevent condensation and fungal growth, thereby safeguarding the perishables throughout the shipping.
• Maintenance of Reefer: Before loading the cargo into a reefer container, issues like insulation deficiencies and container leaks should be thoroughly checked. An improved reefer inspection can prevent any damage or spoilage of the exported goods.
• Good Packaging: Keep in mind to pack the elephant yams in an organized manner. The proper packaging will protect the goods from physical damage and can resist the temperature fluctuations during the transit.
• Pre-Cooling Method: The method of pre-cooling must be followed before loading the cargo in the reefer. This process reduces the thermal shock, and the reefer container can maintain it at a constant temperature.
• Stowage and Cargo: If the type and quantity of your perishable goods don't fit in a reefer container, then there might be temperature disruption. The goods should be stacked properly to distribute cooling and air circulation.
• Sufficient Ventilation: Adequate ventilation and a good air supply are important to retain the goods integrity.
• Careful Handling: Take special care of the goods that are intended to be exported. In the event of rough use or any damage to the reefer, the elephant yams can lose the market demand. Ensure you set your reefer container temperature for elephant yam in a desired range.
• Strict Temperature Guidelines: For international shipping, the required temperature guidelines should be followed. Failing to abide by these rules can result in heavy fines, penalties, legal cases, and rejection or confiscation of the goods by the importing nation.

Conclusion

Booking the right reefer container with precise temperature control is essential for exporting elephant yam. A balanced temperature preserves the yams' quality and extends their shelf life, ensuring they remain fresh and in optimal condition throughout the export process.

At Citrus Freight , our cutting-edge reefer containers ensure delivery of your perishable goods on time. Consult with our reefer specialists right away!