Haryana Enters Agreement for Enhanced Post-Harvest Management of Horticultural Crops
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Synopsis
The Haryana government has signed an agreement with the University of Birmingham to create a Haryana-UK Centre of Excellence focused on Sustainable Crop Post-Harvest Management and Cold Chain for horticulture crops, aiming to significantly reduce waste and enhance quality.
Key Takeaways
- Memorandum of Understanding signed with the University of Birmingham.
- Centre aims to reduce post-harvest losses significantly.
- Located in Panchkula, Haryana.
- Will provide testing and research facilities for students.
- Focus on developing cold chain technology and sustainable practices.
Chandigarh, Feb 19 (NationPress) In a significant move to improve horticultural practices, the Haryana government has officially entered into a memorandum of understanding with the University of Birmingham to set up the pioneering Haryana-UK Centre of Excellence on Sustainable Crop Post-Harvest Management and Cold Chain for horticultural crops.
The centre will be situated in Panchkula and aims to drastically decrease post-harvest losses while preserving the quality and freshness of horticultural products from the farm to the end consumer.
The agreement was finalized in the presence of Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini and Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shyam Singh Rana.
On behalf of the Haryana government, the memorandum was signed by Additional Chief Secretary (Agriculture) Raja Shekhar Vundru, while Prof Robin Mason, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (International) at the University of Birmingham, represented the university.
During the signing ceremony, the Chief Minister remarked that Haryana, recognized as the food bowl of India, is swiftly transitioning towards a focus on fresh fruits and vegetables. This shift necessitates the efficient management of the cold chain to minimize post-harvest losses.
He emphasized that this centre of excellence would be pivotal in ensuring quality, minimizing waste, and providing support to the agricultural community. The centre will function as a thorough research and testing facility under one roof, aimed at enhancing post-harvest management of fruits and vegetables.
Furthermore, it will offer essential research and testing services for students and researchers from CCS Haryana Agricultural University in Hisar and Maharana Pratap Horticulture University in Karnal, enabling them to conduct studies and experiments in post-harvest management and cold chain technology.
The primary objectives of the centre include minimizing post-harvest losses through the formulation of guidelines and protocols; promoting innovations in cold chain technology by providing testing facilities; supporting technology start-ups with incubation for cold chain advancements; promoting sustainable practices via research on energy-efficient cold chain solutions; and establishing a national framework for cold-chain practices and post-harvest management to reduce horticultural product waste.
The government has allocated 15 acres adjacent to the Directorate of Horticulture in Sector 21, Panchkula, for the establishment of this centre.
Experts from the University of Birmingham are at the forefront of leading a consortium that includes UK and international universities, offering technical support in the development of the centre.
The consortium comprises Heriot-Watt University, Cranfield University, London South Bank University, and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
