Department of Post Harvest Technology

Department: Postharvest Management

Genesis:

Established as a statutory department of KAU in 1972

Milestones in the growth of the department:

 

1976 : MSc programme

1985 : Ph.D. programme

1989: Processing unit

2015: Quality control laboratory

2016 : Centre for Post Harvest Technology

2022: Winery

 

Vision/ Objective

Enrichment of knowledge in postharvest management of horticultural crops through classroom teaching, hands-on training in analytical skills on quality of fresh and processed crops, and development of value added products

Mandate

Teaching, research and extension in postharvest technology of horticultural crops.

 

Facilities

1.      Centre for Hands on training

Centre for hands on training under ICAR experiential learning in postharvest technology of fruits and vegetables was established in 2007.

2.      FSSAI registered processing unit

A processing unit registered under the FSSAI is being operated on revolving fund basis, since 1989 for production of processed fruits and vegetable products. The annual turnover of the processing unit is around 12 lakh. 

3.      Quality Control Lab

The department has a quality control lab for quality analysis of fresh produce and processed products. The laboratory caters to the need of postgraduate students, researchers and entrepreneurs. The annual turnover from the facility is around Rs. 3.0 lakhs.

4.      Centre for Postharvest Technology

A centre for postharvest technology equipped with microbiology, biochemistry and food processing laboratory for undertaking research on postharvest technology of horticultural crops was established in 2016.

5.      Winery

Technology has been standardized for production of wine from tropical fruit crops like banana, pineapple, cashew apple and jamun

 

Faculty strength:

Dr. Saji Gomez – Professor and Head

Smt. Anu Mary Markose-Assistant Professor

Achievements /Major Accomplishments

Patents obtained: 2

Young Scientist award: 1

Young researcher Award: 1

CSIR fellowships for PhD research programme: 2

Best paper Awards: 2

Best Poster Awards: 3

New Product Concept Award: 1

Reviewer Excellence Award:3

PhD Best Thesis Award:1

Academics:

The department offers 5 Ph.D., 7 M.Sc. and two undergraduate courses

Extension services:

·         Trainings on postharvest technology and processing of horticultural crops

·         Seminars/Workshops/AIR/Doordarshan Programmes/ Exhibitions

·         Publication of books/Technical bulletins/popular articles

·         Advisory Service

 

Ongoing Projects -Nil

 

Completed Projects

 

1.      Establishment of Centre of excellence in postharvest technology and allied schemes

2.      Development of animal feed from jackfruit and mango processing waste

3.      Strengthening of research in postharvest technology and value addition

4.      Postharvest characterization and management of elite jackfruit types of Kerala

5.      Development and validation of postharvest handling techniques for major fruits

6.      Refining technologies for by-product utilization of major crops: jackfruit, pineapple, banana and nutmeg

7.      Development of value chain in banana and pineapple for postharvest loss reduction and enhanced farmers income

8.      Strengthening  research and development in the department of post-harvest technology

9.      Development of nutraceutical beverages from underutilized fruits and vegetables

10.  Establishment of winery at KAU for post-harvest utilization and value addition of tropical fruits

11.  Estimation, quality evaluation and utilization of dietary fibre from vegetables.

 

Subprojects in multidisciplinary projects:

1.      Strengthening research in nutmeg

2.      Standardisation of packaging and storage techniques of major tropical vegetables for quality maintenance in food value chain

 

Services:

1.      Quality analysis of fresh processed food items

2.      Transfer of Technology of products developed in the department.