ICAR IIHR organizes Hands on Training to farmers on Processing and Value Addition on 3 November 2026

The programme commenced with registration at 10.00 AM. During the technical sessions, Dr. S. Bhuvaneswari, Principal Scientist, Division of Post-Harvest Technology and Agricultural Engineering (PHT & AE), provided hands-on training on vegetable processing and the development of value-added products using BESSTHORT technologies. She demonstrated the preparation of tomato puree and tomato powder, explaining the operation of various processing equipment, including slicers and dryers. Farmers were also given an opportunity to operate the equipment and prepare the products themselves, providing valuable practical exposure.

In Post lunch session, Dr. Vijay Rakesh Reddy, Senior Scientist, explained the protocols for establishing fruit and vegetable processing units, highlighting the important aspects of setting up processing facilities and business models for fruit-based value-added products. Subsequently, Dr. Preethi P., Senior Scientist, delivered a session on processing and value addition of major fruits, explaining the scope and opportunities in fruit processing, ICAR-IIHR's low-cost fruit ripening technology and various value-added products from different fruit crops. The farmers also visited the BESSTHORT Sales Counter at ICAR-IIHR and observed the various value-added products developed by the institute.

The valedictory session was held at 4.00 PM. Dr. R. Senthilkumar, Principal Scientist and Head, Division of Social Sciences and Training, welcomed the participants, followed by the training programme report presented by Dr. B. Balakrishna, Principal Scientist and PI, DST-SCSP Project. The resource persons, Heads of Divisions and participants shared their feedback. Dr. Tusar Kanti Behera, Director, ICAR-IIHR, presided over the session and highlighted the importance of processing and value addition in reducing post-harvest losses and enhancing farmers’ income. Dr. Preethi P. proposed the vote of thanks. As part of the programme, Arka Seed Kits and Kisan Kavach PPE Kits were distributed to the participating farmers.

The training programme provided valuable practical exposure to farmers on fruit and vegetable processing, preparation of value-added products and opportunities for establishing small-scale processing units. The programme aimed to promote entrepreneurship, reduce post-harvest losses and enhance the income and livelihood security of SC farm families through the adoption of scientific processing and value-addition technologies.