Post Harvest Update

An Official Publication of

Benevole Welfare Society for Post Harvest Technology

Bhopal, India

A non government organization for promotion of post-harvest technologies to

meet quality food requirement of growing population by eliminating losses,

producing more nutritive value added products from main as well as by

products by proper processing and fortification.

Electronic Newsletter Vol 1. No. 1 Month – January, Year- 2015

From the Editors Desk

Dear All

I am very happy to bring to you the first issue of newsletter of Benevole Welfare

Society for Post Harvest Technology. This society has been formed with a view to aid

efforts of public sector institutions with private sector partnership and to make post

harvest management as a national movement. The food is needed for survival of life of

every living being on the earth and among them the human beings have the

responsibility to behave responsibly to save this natural wealth for survival of the planet.

The post harvest losses in fact are the wastage not only of fruits, vegetables or grains

but also of our valuable inputs, our labor to grow food and inputs from mother nature,

and hence reduction in losses will be the key to reduce the pressure on the nature and

preserve our environment.

India is a nature’s gifted country producing almost all crops and fruits available in

the world. Due to favorable weather condition compared to Americas and Eueope; India

can take up to three crops compared to one crop in snow covered countries. The FAO

statistics shows that India grows more than 20% fruits and vegetables and food grains

from its land to feed 15% of human population and 17% animal population. In spite of

this what makes our situation of non-availability of food for all is the total neglect of

post harvest management of these precious commodities.

Friends, we need to make post harvest management a national movement and for

that everybody will have to contribute in reducing the post harvest losses and increase

consumption of processed foods produced locally. Even though we produce more than

required fruits, its low consumption makes the situation worse. The F&V are highly

perishable and hence their consumption and processing in production catchment need to

be increased. The consumption of at least one seasonal fruit per day by each citizen and

increased consumption of low end processed products like fruit preserves and

dehydrated vegetables will help to save approximately 10% post harvest losses without

much investment in post harvest infrastructrure. Once this trend picks up, the support of

post harvest infrastructure for proper handling and storage will not stop us from being

food basket for the world. Similar is the situation in case of durable crops like food

grains. The traditional grain storage and processing is not in position to handle the

growing and record harvests of grain. Introduction of modern grain processing,

introduction of packaged flours and groceries and acceptance of these products by rising

Indian upper middle class have provided incentives to processors and also growers to

handle these commodities also safely and scientifically.

However, to achieve tangible results in this sector it is essential to accelerate the R

& D efforts in each state as crops grown in each region due to their distinct properties

and regional variations in environments need specific recommendations to achieve

proper post harvest preservation. We here about huge post harvest losses annually to the

tune of Rs 45000 to 90000 crores per year. However when we look into the institutions

working in this sector and amount of money spent for R&D, education and development

it comes hardly to the tune of 500 crores per year. That shows the gap between the

efforts we make and results we wish to see on the ground. Hence my appeal to all state

governments is to take this sector very seriously for produce of their own state and

modernize its handling processing and distribution to reduce losses. I am sure the losses

saved will compensate more than the funds spent to develop infrastructure in public and

private sector for this cause.

With this back ground I will be bringing out issue of this electronic newsletter

every two months so that awareness and involvement of all stakeholders be increased to

reduce post harvest losses and make available healthy food affordable to all.

In this issue I tried to showcase the post harvest institutions working in India and

overseas which shows that compared to efforts in production sector the post harvest

sector is almost negligible and whatever progress has been made so far was more of

demand driven rather than on sound scientific footing.

I welcome the comments and suggestions from all so that I can make this

publication more effective to serve the cause for which this society and newsletter

stands for.

Wishing you all a very happy and prosperous new year

(R. T. Patil)

Chief Editor

Post Harvest Institutions around the world

The ADM Institute for the Prevention of Postharvest Loss

In January 2011, the Archer Daniel Midlands company

(ADM) presented a $10 million gift to the University of

Illinois to found the ADM Institute for the Prevention of

Postharvest Loss (hereinafter Institute). The vision of the

institute is to become the Institute is an international

information and technology hub for evaluating, creating and

disseminating economically viable technologies, practices

and systems that reduce postharvest loss in staple crops such as rice, corn, wheat,

and oilseeds.

Postharvest Technology Center, Department of Plant Sciences-

University of California, Davis

Through the postharvest research and extension programs of 11

Extension Specialists, they provide relevant information to

California growers, shippers, marketers, carriers, distributors,

retailers, processors, and consumers of fresh horticultural crops.

The Postharvest Education Foundation, Oregon, USA

The Specific Purposes of the Foundation include providing (a)

educational programs aimed at reducing food losses, maintaining

quality, market value, nutritional value and food safety, and (b)

access to references, resources, training activities and mentoring

services for young professionals in the field of postharvest

technology.

The Postharvest Education Foundation is involved in providing technical advice,

mentoring and training activities for extension workers, change agents and

small-scale farmers, traders and marketers.

Feed the Future Innovation Lab for the Reduction of Post-Harvest

Loss, KSU, USA

Kansas State University is receiving an initial

five-year, $8.5 million award from the U.S.

Agency for International Development, or

USAID, to establish the federal government's

new Feed the Future Innovation Lab for the

Reduction of Post-Harvest Loss. The Innovation

Lab for the Reduction of Post-Harvest Loss is

part of the U.S. government's global hunger and

food security initiative, called Feed the Future. This newest lab will focus

initially on helping the countries of Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Ghana and Guatemala

reduce their postharvest losses and food waste for grain and oil seed crops,

tuberous root crops, and peanut and legume crops.

As a way to prevent postharvest losses, researchers will investigate prevention of

stored product insect pests and mycotoxins as well as improved measurement,

drying and storage techniques. They also will use innovative communication,

training and education approaches and look at incorporating micronutrients in

grain foods to help improve nutrition.

Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI), Mysore

It is a nodal institute of Council of Scientific and Industrial

Research established in 1950 with the great vision to pursue

in-depth research and development in the areas of food

science and technology. The CFTRI has collaborations with

the Institute of Food Technologists (USA), UN University

(Tokyo), European Economic Commission (Belgium), National Science

Foundation (USA) and many more for human resource development and R&D

partnerships. The mission of the institute is Generate and apply knowledge of

food science and food technology for optimal conservation and utilisation of the

nation's food resources. The mission of the institute is to 1. Integrate scientific

and technological knowledge into conventional and traditional systems and

practices, and local and regional realities, 2. Add value and utility to agro-

resources through R&D and contribute to sustained development, food security

and food safety, 3. Aid and promote the development of food industry through

inter-disciplinary, innovative and state-of-the-art solutions, 4. Set national

standards for food quality, and spread food quality consciousness all around, 5.

Integrate the food supply chain from the cultivator to the consumer so that

cultivators get optimal returns from processing, and consumers get the food that

they want, when they want, where they want, in whatever form they want and at

affordable cost.

Central Institute of Post Harvest Engineering and Technology,

CIPHET, Ludhiana, India

The Central Institute of Post-Harvest Engineering and

Technology (CIPHET) established in 1989 is a nodal institute of

Indian Council of Agricultural Research at Ludhiana to

undertake researches in the area of the post-harvest engineering

and technology appropriate to agricultural production catchment

and agro-industries. The institute’s second campus was established on 19 March

1993 at Abohar, Punjab, India. Which is primarily responsible for conducting

research and development activities on fruits and vegetables, and commercial

horticultural crops. CIPHET is also headquarters for two All India Coordinated

Research Projects (AICRPs) viz. AICRP on Post-Harvest Technology (PHT) at

38 Centres and AICRP on Applications of Plastics in Agriculture (APA) at 11

Centre's

Volcani Institute Post-Harvest Innovations, Israel

This institute of Postharvest and Food Sciences consists of two departments:

Postharvest Science of Fresh Produce and Food Quality and

Safety. The main research topics of the Institute involve the

quality, security and healthiness of fresh and processed animal

and plant products, both for export and for local consumption.

Basic and applied research projects combine to develop and

expand the markets for Israeli agricultural products, while ensuring both

consumer health and farmer income.

Prominent research areas of the Institute include: 1. Extending the storability and

shelf-life of fresh harvested agricultural produce, 2. Extending the shelf life of

fresh-cut and processed plant and animal products, 3. Developing controlled

atmosphere protocols to delay ripening, senescence and rotting in fresh produce

and to control pests in stored grains, 4. Alternate methods for chemical control

of pathogens, 5. Enhancing vase life and quality of cut flowers, ornamental

branches,

pot plants and propagation material, 6. Improving sensory attributes and

nutritional levels of fresh produce, 7. Improving the safety of fresh, fresh-cut and

processed plant and animal products, 8. Improving the quality of milk and dairy

products, 9. Methods to prevent fungal infestation and mycotoxin contamination

in fresh and dried produce and 10. New technologies in silage production

The Post Harvest Project, Seattle, USA

It is a non-profit corporation founded in 2011 on the basis that

businesses and NGOs can work with governments to eliminate

hunger from the planet. The company seeks to bring innovative

solutions to those in need by involving people in creating, implementing and

maintaining long term, sustainable options.

National Institute of Fisheries Post Harvest Technology and

Training (NIFPHATT), Cochin, India

The Institute has its Head Quarters in Cochin

and a unit in Visakhapatnam. The current

objectives are 1. Value added product

development by way of process and product

diversification from all varieties of fish

including low value, unconventional species and

seasonally abundant fishes. 2.Technology

development and transfer to beneficiaries

consisting of rural fishermen community, small

scale industries and Export Processing Houses through consultancy and job

work. 3. Imparting training in the field of post harvest technology, refrigeration

technology, Quality control and value added products. 4. Providing

consultancies and training for rural development programmes / women

empowerment programmes in fish processing, supporting local fish farmers, self

help groups of fisher community, fishermen’s cooperative societies functioning

under Panchayath Raj Institution. 5. Popularisation and test marketing of value

added products of all fish varieties including low value, unconventional species

and seasonally abundant fishes. And 6. Extension of the activity of

popularization and test marketing of value added products to new areas and

develop markets in all states in a phased manner with added attention to rural

areas and enthusing entrepreneurs to enter into sea food processing industry.

College of Agricultural Engineering & Post Harvest Technology

(CAEZ&PHT), Gangtok, India

The College of Agricultural Engineering and Post Harvest Technology

(CAEPHT), located in Ranipool, Gangtok (Sikkim), India. It aims to provide

qualified technical human resource in agricultural and food process engineering

to the public and industrial sector of northeast India through its undergraduate

and postgraduate programmes. The aim of all the efforts of the NIPHT is that the

farmers must become self-reliant in terms of Post Harvest Technology,

Agricultural Marketing and precision and hi-tech farming. The Indian farmer

must receive due global recognition and must play a vital role in the world

market.

Institute of Horticulture Technology, Noida

This institute has been set up under Akhil Bhartiya Grameen Vikas Sansatha and

is located at Greater Noida in National Capital Region (NCR) of New Delhi. The

institute has State-of-the Art facilities like hortorium, a greenhouses for practical

demonstration for the cultivation of vegetables, flowers and horticulture,

nurseries etc. The institute has already organized trainings on different aspects of

horticulture for farmers, entrepreneurs and horticulture officers of various states,

e.g. Andaman and Nicobar, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Mizoram and

Uttarakhand.

Horticulture Training Center, Pune.

The MSAMB in collaboration with the Practical Training Center of The

Netherlands started this advanced training center. The project of development of

Center of Excellence at NIPHT has been sanctioned under the scheme of

Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana of Govt. of India, Department of Agriculture and

Cooperation, New Delhi. The cost of the project is Rs. 17.07 crore.

Indian Institute of Crop Process Technology, Thanjavur

Considering the vital importance of

strengthening R & D efforts in the post-

harvest processing, preservation and value

addition of raw agricultural produce, the

Ministry of Food Processing Industries

(MoFPI) established the Indian Institute of Crop Processing Technology (IICPT)

at Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu. The IICPT with its modern laboratories equipped

with hi-tech instruments, is engaged in the R&D of food grain processing, value

addition, by-product utilization through bio-processing, process and product

development. Institute has NABL accredited Food Testing Laboratory and a hi-

tech and cottage level food processing incubation cum training center. Hands-

on-training on different food processing technologies, renting facilities and other

supports are offered all thought the year to help the entrepreneurs to put in their

innovative ideas for the development of new products along with offering

B.Tech., M.Tech. and Ph.D. programs in Food Process Engineering.

National Research Centre for Meat, Hyderabad

India possess diverse livestock resources including meat

animals. Indian meat sector contributes significantly to

sustain livestock production. India produces about 68 lakh

tonnes of meat utilizing about 10 crore meat animals such

as cattle, buffaloes, sheep, goat and pigs and 21 crores

poultry. Meat group contributed 17 percent at Rs. 40399

crores to the value of output from livestock sector during

2007-08. Meat exports accounts for 77% of total animal products exports.

However, India with 16% of worlds livestock population produces only 2.2 % of

world meat production and average meat consumption as low as 5kg per annum.

There is considerable demand for meat products from the growing income

elastic urban population, but remained constricted due to lack of adequate

processing facilities. Lack of education, training and attention towards sanitary

and phyto-sanitary measures risking the spread of diseases due to

microorganisms and accumulation of chemical residues in the products affect

quality and safety of meat and meat products intended for public consumption

.Incidence of meat adulteration, under utilization/ improper disposal of

slaughterhouse by-products further affects the image of meat sector. This calls

for technological support and the crucial adoption of technologies through

participatory approach of farmers, meat processors and scientists to usher in

livestock revolution in the country. With this challenging backdrop, Indian

Council of Agricultural Research has visualized the need for establishing an

exclusive research centre on meat .

College of Food Processing Technology & Bio Energy, Anand

The efficient use of resources is the growing

concern for all involved in food production,

processing, distribution and retailing. The

unique features of the raw materials of the

food processing industries such as seasonality,

perishability and variability in conjunction

with sophistication required for processing to

maintain high quality standards, necessitates special attention towards focused

availability of qualified technical manpower, effective technologies and efficient

machinery. The food industries in the country need modernization to face the

challenges of the globalization.

Considering the huge demand of the specialized human resource for the fast

growing sectors of food industry and the bio-energy, a new College of Food

Processing Technology and Bio-Energy has been established at Anand

Agricultural University, Anand. It develops students with high-tech scientific

knowledge and technical skills to handle various food resources from farm-to-

factory-to-consumers. Efficient production, processing and packaging of various

value added food products of very high quality are the main aspects being taught

to the students. The college produces competent food technologists/engineers to

establish, operate and manage various sectors of food processing industries.

Centre of Food Technology, Allahabad

Centre of Food Technology, Institute of Professional Studies has taken a holistic

view of manpower planning in food industry. The vision encompasses food

science, food production, food processing, food technology, food safety, food

management, entrepreneurship development, food processing and rural

development; agriculture and industry linkage through food processing, quality

assurance for safe food, research and development on functional foods.

Institute of Post Harvest Technology, Anuradhapura, SriLanka

The Institute of Post Harvest Technology (IPHT), operating under the Ministry

of Agriculture, functions as the main Institution in Sri Lanka engaged in

improving the Post Harvest Technology of rice/other grains, field crops, fruits

and vegetables, Spices through research, training & extension, consultancy,

advisory and other development activities such as providing & creating

opportunities for rural sector. The mission of the centre is to enhance

competitiveness of the agribusiness sector through development, dissemination

and commercialization of improved and appropriate post harvest technologies

among the relevant and interest parties.

Post Graduate Institute of Post harvest management, Raigad,

Maharashtra

It is an institution imparting value based education and to undertake research in

the field of Post Harvest Management. It is a constituent Institute of Dr.

Balasaheb Sawant Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth Dapoli. Institute objectives are 1.

To develop human resources for meeting the requirements of post harvest

handling phases of Fruit, Vegetable and flower crops. 2. To develop the skills,

techniques and crop specific technologies suited to local conditions through the

Research and Development. 3. To impart training in Post Harvest Management

to the students, entrepreneurs and farmers of the region

National Institute of Food Technology, Entrepreneurship and

Management

NIFTEM is an institute under Ministry of Food

Processing Industries (MoFPI) to cater to the various

stakeholders such as entrepreneurs, industry, exporters,

policy makers, government and existing institution. It

works actively in assisting in setting food standards,

businesses incubation and information sharing.

Amity International Centre for Post Harvest Technology & Cold

Chain Management, NOIDA, India

This International Centre is running two unique programmes in which

international experts of repute will also deliver lectures, interact with students to

facilitate forging of collaborative research in the thrust areas of post-harvest

technology, cold/cool chain management and food safety. Amity University has

collaboration with Post Harvest Education Foundation, USA, US based

Universities and Global Cold Chain Alliance, USA.

Advanced Food Processing Technology of the Month

High Intensity Pulsed Electric Field

High intensity pulsed electric field (PEF) processing involves the application of

pulses of high voltage (typically 20 - 80 kV/cm) to foods placed between 2

electrodes. PEF treatment is conducted at ambient, sub-ambient, or slightly

above ambient temperature for less than 1 s, and energy loss due to heating of

foods is minimized. For food quality attributes, PEF technology is considered

superior to traditional heat treatment of foods because it avoids or greatly

reduces the detrimental changes of the sensory and physical properties of foods.

Some important aspects in pulsed electric field technology are the generation of

high electric field intensities, the design of chambers that impart uniform

treatment to foods with minimum increase in temperature, and the design of

electrodes that minimize the effect of electrolysis. Studies on energy

requirements have shown that PEF is an energy-efficient process compared to

thermal pasteurization, particularly when a continuous system is used.

For further details contact:

Dr. R. T. Patil (ramabhau@gmail.com, benevole14@gmail.com)

Chairman and Executive Director

BENEVOLE WELFARE SOCIETY FOR POST HARVEST

TECHNOLOGY (Reg. No. 01/01/01/28031/14)

13/14, Shalimar Enclave, E-3 Arera Colony, Bhopal 462016, India

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