Grading means sorting of unlike lots of produce into different lots according to quality specification laid down. Each lots has substantially the same characteristics as far as quality is concerned. Grading is an important function of standardization. It implies the division of products into classes made up of unit possessing similar characteristics of size and quality. Grading is mostly done in case of raw materials, mineral products and agricultural products. There is no need to divided industrial product as they are produced according to pre- determined standards. There may be difference in quality or size or shape or characteristics of the products. The grade standards for commodities are laid down first and than the commodities are sorted out according to accepted standards. Grading helps the producer to get proper prices for these products because different price may be fixed for different lots.
Grading is categorizing the produce into different lots, each containing similar characteristics. The characteristics could be one or more of the following type:
Size – Big, medium, small, long, short, roundish, oblong etc.
Flavour – which in turn speaks of taste or class
Ripeness – raw, semi-ripe, ripe in case of fruits, oil seeds, pulses and cereals.
Length of staple – in case of cotton and jute.
Location oriented – like Goa Alfanso, Bydagi chillies, Baiganpalli mango, and Nagpur orange
Nasik grapes – having specific tastes, shape, colour etc.
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