harvest

Harvest is the process of gathering mature crops from fields, and it can refer to the act itself, the season in which it occurs, or the resulting yield. In agriculture, harvest marks the culmination of plant growth and is followed by processing, storage, and distribution.

Crops differ in their harvest timing. Cereals and pulses are typically collected after reaching optimum dry matter and color, with moisture content carefully managed to reduce spoilage. Fruits and vegetables depend on traits such as size, ripeness, and firmness. Weather conditions, pests, and disease can influence when harvesting begins or ends, and delays can increase losses or reduce quality.

Common methods range from manual to mechanical. Manual harvest uses hands, knives, or sickles and is still widespread for delicate fruits and vegetables. Mechanical harvesters, including combine harvesters for grains and specialized tree or vine harvesters for fruits, speed up collection over large areas. After harvest, crops may undergo threshing, winnowing, or other separations, followed by drying, curing, sorting, and storage to extend shelf life and maintain quality.

Economic and cultural aspects accompany harvest. It often involves seasonal labor, affects local and national markets, and can drive price fluctuations. Many cultures observe harvest-related festivals and rituals to celebrate abundance and community effort, reflecting the social significance of gathering crops.

Etymology and usage: the term harvest derives from Old English hærfest, meaning autumn, and later came to denote the act of gathering crops during that season.