Farmers who gather chico mango etc that are not fully ripe bury them in a rice bin why do they this try to explain how works?

Farmers bury unripe fruits, such as chico mangoes, in a rice bin to accelerate the ripening process. This technique, known as "rice ripening," leverages the natural properties of rice to create an enclosed environment with elevated levels of ethylene, a plant hormone responsible for fruit ripening.

Here's how it works:

Ethylene Production:

Rice grains naturally produce ethylene gas during respiration. When unripe fruits are buried in a rice bin, they are exposed to this concentrated ethylene environment.

Ethylene Absorption:

The unripe fruits absorb the ethylene gas through their skin. This triggers the fruit's natural ripening mechanisms.

Ripening Process:

The ethylene stimulates several biochemical changes within the fruit. It breaks down starch into sugars, resulting in increased sweetness. It also softens the fruit's texture, alters the color (from green to yellow or red), and enhances the fruit's aroma and flavor.

Insulating Properties of Rice:

Rice acts as an insulator, maintaining a relatively stable temperature within the bin. This prevents the fruits from becoming overripe or spoiled due to temperature fluctuations.

Moisture Control:

Rice helps regulate moisture levels within the bin. It absorbs excess moisture released by the fruits during ripening, preventing them from rotting.

The combination of ethylene exposure, temperature regulation, and moisture control creates ideal conditions for the fruits to ripen evenly and quickly. This allows farmers to harvest and market their fruits earlier, maximizing their profits and meeting consumer demand for ripe, flavorful produce.