Burham Hussaini
Srinagar, December 17:
One week training programme on “Opportunities in CA Storage and Processing of Horticulture Produce” concluded at SKUAST-K, Shalimar. The programme was organized by Division of Food Science and Technology and sponsored by MSME, Govt. of India.
The training programme is part of initiatives being taken by honorable Vice Chancellor, Prof. N. A. Ganai for strengthening innovation and entrepreneurship in agriculture and allied sectors. The aim of the workshop is to aware the apple growers, CA store owners and food processors about the opportunities in CA storage and processing of apples. Speakers from industry, financial institutions, academia from within and outside the UT were invited to deliberate upon prospectuses in postharvest management and processing of apples.
The programme comprised of technical sessions as well as practical demonstrations. Participants included industry personnel, CA store operators/owners and young graduates desirous of setting up their units in this field.
Valedictory function was held on 17th December, 2022 in which Prof. Nazir Ah. Ganaie, Vice Chancellor, SKUAST-K was the chief guest and Mr. G.R. Mir, Director Horticulture was the Guest of Honour. Prof. N. A. Ganai encouraged the participants to come up with start-up ideas which will be supported by the University. He also interacted with the participants regarding the issues concerning the perishability of horticulture produce. Dr. G.R. Mir, in his address, said that horticulture has become the growth engine of Indian agriculture.
He gave information regarding schemes and subsidies provided by Government for establishing food processing units. Prof. H.R. Naik (Director Planning & Monitoring) congratulated the Division of Food Science and Technology for conducting the training programme and highlighted that the goal of university is to become an “Innovation lead University”.
Prof. Syed Zameer Hussain highlighted the significance of the such trainings and gave an overview of the technical sessions conducted during the training programme. Lastly, the ceremony ended with a vote of thanks, delivered by Dr. Sajad Mohd Wani, Associate Professor, Division of Food Science and Technology.
Experts from renowned institutions including CFTRI, NAFED, NABARD and JKHPMC were invited as speakers. Speaking during the event, Assistant Director, MSME Mr. Suhail Alaqbandh, impressed the participants to avail the benefits from such training programmes. Er. Sanjay Gupta, MD Infracool, also emphasized on the business opportunities in establishment of C.A stores.
Mr. Abdul Rashid Chadinoo, MD Aaarafh Foods and Spices, gave detailed overview on opportunities in processing of vegetables like, pickles, sauces and chutneys. Representatives from J&K Bank underlined the importance of credit lending institutions in establishment of CA stores and food processing units. Further, Er. Imran Nowsheri AEE, Mechanical Engineering Department, J&K about layout of C.A. store, its components and conditions for its maintenance.
Mr. Gautam, MD, Fresh fruit Technologies, gave detailed project report on the formulation of C.A. store. He assured that in future the company will come up small capacity CA stores at village level. Representative from Bajaj Machines, laid an emphasis on the equipment’s and machinery for establishment and functioning of food processing units. Dr. Imtiyaz A Zargar, Dr. Mushtaq A Beigh and Dr. Tawheed Amin were coordinators of the training programme.
