How to grade and pack my produce to get a better price?

Buyers pay more for produce that is sorted into even, clean, uniform lots, because they know what they are getting and can resell easily. Grading means separating your produce by size, colour, ripeness and quality, and keeping out damaged, diseased, undersized or off-colour pieces. Even simple grading by size into two or three grades usually fetches a better average price than a mixed heap, because the top grade sells high instead of being dragged down by the poor pieces. Clean off soil and trash, and pack in clean, sturdy crates or proper packaging that protects the produce in transit rather than crushing it. Uniform packing also builds a reputation, so regular buyers trust your brand and come back. The effort is mostly labour and crates, which is cheap against the price gain. Check the size grades and packing that your target market or buyer actually wants before you start, since requirements differ by crop and by mandi or exporter. Verify grade standards and any packing norms with your buyer, mandi or local horticulture office.