Considering the significance of post-harvest operations in enhancing market value of produce and reducing post-harvest loss, a Day-long Hands-on Training on “Post-harvest Management in Fruit crops” was organized by CHES (ICAR-IIHR) on May 25, 2022, under the RKVY project. The program was attended by about 100 fruit growers of Dhenkanal, Angul and Khordha districts of Odisha. While addressing the program, Dr. G. C. Acharya, Head I/c, highlighted the significance of post-harvest management in fruits and vegetables. He advised the farmers to avail the facilities available at the CHES (ICAR-IIHR), Bhubaneswar for getting better market value of mango, banana, pineapple, guava and sapota. Dr. Kundan Kishore, highlighted the importance of washing, grading, hot water treatment, ethylene-mediated ripening and packaging. Dr. Kishore also emphasized the standards for export of fruit crops. Dr. S. Bhuvaneswari, (IIHR, Bengaluru) gave detailed information on suitability and utility of machinery for post-harvest operations including processing though online mode. The importance of pre-harvest operations in ensuring better fruit quality of mango, guava, pineapple, custard apple and sapota was highlighted by Dr. Deepa Samant. Dr. P. Srinivas highlighted the importance of value addition in fruit crops.
Sorting, washing, and grading of fruits and hot water treatment of mango were demonstrated. Participants were also exposed to ethylene-mediated fruit ripening and significance of cold chamber in the storage of fruits. Packaging and labelling were also demonstrated. Participants voluntarily participated in the post-harvest operations and realized the need of post-harvest facilities near their sites of fruit production, to ensure better market value. The program was coordinated by Dr. Kundan Kishore and Dr. Deepa Samant with the active support of Mrs. Suchitra Behera and project workers. The support of Deputy Director/Asstt. Director (Horticulture) of Dhenkanal, Angul and Khurdha district was duly acknowledged for facilitating the growers for the training program.
