Senior Scientist of CAEPHT attend training on Design of Agro processing equipment.

Gangtok, Jan. 18, 2011:

Dr. Ravi Gupta, senior Scientist of the College of Agricultural Engineering and Post Harvest Technology of Central Agricultural University (CAEPHT-CAU), Ranipool Centre of the AICRP Post Harvest Technology (PHT) attended training on Design of agro-processing equipment organized at the Central Institute of Post Harvest Engineering and Technology (CIPHET) (Indian Council of Agricultural Research), Ludhiana recently.

30 participants from 38 centers of the AICRP-PHT attended the training. The purpose was to acquaint the project scientists on the recent research and developments on the design of agro-processing equipment. The content included design parameters for extrusion: product formulation and fortification, microbiological and bio-chemical aspects of post harvest technology, improved storage structures with features for insect and pest management and others.

For Sikkim condition, the post harvest management of cereals, pulses, oilseeds including the horticultural crops was discussed in reference to the feedback given by Dr.Gupta. Simple gadgets and traps for control of stored product insect and pests with techno economic feasibility, formulation and extrusion processing of animal feed and qualitative measures were discussed at length with pointer based on appraisal by the project scientists respective to their sites. Prediction modeling and control in process equipment were covered through practicals with familiarization of instruments used for microbiological and biochemical measures.

Furthermore practicals on isolation techniques for micro-organism and media preparation/sterilization were taken up. The participants shared effectively the scientific information pertaining to the respective region/location for site specific design of equipment and gadgets.

The resource persons for the training included Dr.R.T.Ratil, Director, CIPHET and Dr.S.K.Nanda, Project Coordinator-PHT took keen interest to finalize product specific package of processing equipment of different regions. Dr.Gupta was more concerned to opt for low cost equipment and gadgets for establishing small scale agro-processing complex in the production catchments of Sikkim. The tips given during the training would be useful to select and design refine the equipment/processes for high
values crops of Sikkim to help the farmers by value addition at the primary site in the villages. The trainings may be organized in the CAEPHT, Ranipool for sharing of the knowledge gained with the interested faculty, students, Sikkim government officials and progressive farmers of the region.

(Courtesy: Sikkim Mail)

 

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