Delegation reviews facilities at PAU’s postharvest centre

A delegation led by Arshdeep Singh Thind, Administrative Secretary (Agriculture and Horticulture)-cum-Chairman, Punjab Horticultural Postharvest Technology Centre (PHPTC), visited a centre at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) here today.

The delegation reviewed PHPTC’s research infrastructure by visiting key laboratories including the Postharvest Technology Laboratory, Pesticide Residue Testing Laboratory, Heavy Metal Testing Laboratory, Proximate Testing Laboratory, and Moisture Meter Calibration Laboratory.

Dr BVC Mahajan, Director, PHPTC, briefed the delegation on technologies developed at the centre for packaging, storage, value addition and reduction of postharvest losses in horticultural produce. Dr Ritu Tandon, Chemist, explained the advanced analytical capabilities of the centre such as ICP-MS, GC-MS/MS and HPLC-based testing for heavy metals and pesticide residues.

Thind also interacted with progressive farmers, who acknowledged PHPTC’s pivotal role in offering technical guidance on packaging, storage and long-distance marketing of fruits and vegetables. Farmers highlighted the need to strengthen cold-chain infrastructure in Punjab to support horticultural growth. The chairman and accompanying members expressed deep appreciation for the PHPTC’s ongoing research, analytical services, and capacity-building efforts, noting its importance in advancing horticultural diversification and value addition in the state. — TNS