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Ayushree

Asked: May 8, 2026In: Class 9 Science

A farmer, Deepa, was very happy with the harvest of amla (Indian Gooseberry) and lemons on her farm. However, she could sell only one fourth of the produce in the local market. Recognising that a significant amount of produce may be lost post-harvest, she employed a traditional yet scientifically sound method to extend the shelf life of amla and lemons. She turned perishable produce into profitable products, such as pickles and sharbat. She used the excess produce to prepare pickles, murabbas and sharbat by adding appropriate amounts of salt, sugar or jaggery to small pieces of fruit and their juices. These were then stored in small glass bottles for sale, helping her prevent the wastage of post-harvest produce. This shift from farming to agro-processing would strengthen food security and boost the local economy, creating a sustainable model that cuts waste while increasing her income. Based on the above passage answer the following questions: (i) Which scientific concept has the farmer applied in the preservation of the farm produce? (ii) How does the addition of high concentrations of salt and sugar create an environment that prevents the growth of spoilage-causing bacteria and fungi? (iii) Suggest a healthy recipe of this kind for food preservation. (iv) What are the scientific values addressed in this case?

(i) Osmosis concept. (ii) High salt or sugar removes water from microbes, stopping growth. (iii) Lemon pickle or amla murabba. (iv) Scientific thinking, resource management, sustainability and prevention of food wastage.