Two-week training programme was focused on Production and Processing Technology for Value Addition of Horticultural Products
Ludhiana, May 14: A two-week training programme for ASEAN member states on Production and Processing Technology for Value Addition of Horticultural Products was held at the Central Institute of Post Harvest Engineering and Technology (CIPHET) Ludhiana & Abohar from 30th April to 12th May 2012. Total of six participants from ASEAN member countries including Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysiya, Cambodia and Philippines attended the programme.
Notably, CIPHET is a nodal institute for lead research and advisory in the area of Postharvest Engineering and Technology appropriate to the agricultural and food processing industries, for setting up pilot plants, industrial liaison, technology transfer, national and international cooperation.
The training modules covered major topics including Advances in cultivation of important vegetables, Poly house design and construction for production of off season vegetables, Nursery operations and orchard management, High density plantation and canopy management of fruit crops, Improvement of post harvest quality of horticultural produce using bio-technological tools, Harvesting and grading of fruits and vegetables, Post harvest diseases and disorders of fruits and their control, Modified Atmosphere Packaging and storage of fruits and vegetables, Cold chain management of horticultural crop produce, Storage of fruits and vegetables and low cost storage structures design, Minimal processing of fruits and vegetables, Processing and value addition of fruits, Non-chemical & non-thermal processing of fruits and Horticultural waste utilization for production of value added products vegetables.
Besides, training programme also included visits to fruits and vegetables handling and processing industries, research laboratories and departments. Dr. R.K. Gupta was Course Director and Er. R.K. Vishwakarma was Co-Course Director for the programme. Director CIPHET Dr U.S Shivhare and Head Transfer of Technology Division Dr Deepak Raj Rai said, “CIPHET is now offering training programmes in post harvest to experts of other countries also. This shows our strength in research and transfer of technology.”