Capacity Building program on ‘Post harvest technologies in mango and other fruits’ for the officers of Kerala

The training programme comprised a series of expert lectures, technical discussions, and practical exposure sessions in Laboratories were organized at ICAR–IIHR. Head In charge (Post-Harvest Technology and Agricultural Engineering) Dr. D.V. S. Rao delivered an informative session on Post harvest management of major fruit crops, emphasizing scientific post-harvest handling practices, grading, storage methods, ripening techniques, transportation, and reduction of postharvest losses in major fruit crops.

The session on Processing Technologies for Fruit Beverages and functional fruit products was handled by Dr.Pushpa C.K. Senior Scientist, who explained various processing technologies for the preparation of fruit beverages, value-added products and functional foods utilizing different fruit crops.Dr. R. Senthil Kumar and Dr. V. Sankar presented the ICAR–IIHR Technologies session, highlighting innovative technologies, entrepreneurial opportunities, and technology transfer initiatives developed by IIHR for the benefit of farmers and stakeholders.Dr. S. Bhuvaneswari delivered a lecture on Extrusion Processing and Packaging Technologies for Fresh and Processed Fruit Products. The session focused on extrusion processing methods, advanced packaging technologies, shelf-life enhancement, and maintenance of product quality in processed fruit products.A detailed lecture on Dehydration and Emerging Processing Technologies in Fruit-Based Products was delivered by Dr. Preethi P. She explained dehydration techniques and emerging processing technologies that contribute to preservation, product diversification, and improved marketability of fruit-based products.Dr. K. Ranjitha conducted a session on Minimal Processing and Fermentation Technologies of Fruits, covering hygienic handling practices, minimal processing technologies, fermentation techniques, and development of fermented fruit products with enhanced nutritional value.

The lecture on Farm Machinery and Mechanization in Fruit Crop Post harvest Operations was delivered by Dr. Carolin Rathina Kumari. The session provided insights into farm machinery and mechanization technologies used in harvesting, grading, sorting, processing, and postharvest handling operations of fruit crops.Participants were also introduced to Products Developed in IIHR and Services Available at Bio-resource Centres through a session conducted by Dr. M. V. Dhananjaya. The lecture highlighted various products, technologies, and services available for farmers, entrepreneurs, and stakeholders.As part of the programme, the participants visited Post Harvets Lab, BESST-HORT& Nursery, where they gained practical exposure to startup incubation activities, innovative horticultural technologies, entrepreneurship opportunities, and commercialization initiatives in the horticulture sector. At the end of the programme, AMC (Arka Microbial Consortium) were distributed to all the 21 Agricultural Extension Officers from Kerala as part of the capacity-building initiative.The training programme provided comprehensive exposure to recent advancements in post-harvest management, processing technologies, value addition, mechanization, and entrepreneurship opportunities in fruit crops. The participants actively interacted with the scientists and gained practical knowledge that would support the dissemination of improved post-harvest technologies among farming communities in Kerala. The programme concluded successfully with positive feedback from all the participants.

The programme was coordinated by Dr. V. Sankar, Principal Scientist, Dr. K. Ranjitha, Senior Scientist, and Dr. P. Anbukkani, Senior Scientist, ICAR-IIHR, Bengaluru.