Description
COURSE OVERVIEW
Despite the remarkable progress made in increasing food production at the global level, approximately half of the population in the Third World does not have access to adequate food supplies. There are many reasons for this, one of which is food losses occurring in the post-harvest and marketing system. Evidence suggests that these losses tend to be highest in countries where the need for food is greatest. Reduction in this wastage, particularly if it can economically be avoided, would be of great significance to growers and consumers alike.
Post-harvest Technology involves the application of new and advanced systems and processes that ensure harvested crops receive the appropriate treatments from cropping through to sale to ensure waste is minimized.
Waste generation following post-harvest is crucial since it poses environmental issues in all aspects of production and supply chain. Worldwide postharvest losses account for up to half of production and it is therefore vital that supermarkets and their supply chains reduce their carbon footprint, both in terms of the impact on the economy and the environment.
In order to prevent huge quantitative as well as qualitative losses of fruits, vegetables, cereals, pulses, spices, and plantation crops, students must be exposed to all the steps of improved postharvest technology (PHT), beginning with harvesting and ending with consumption and utilization of their products and by-products.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
On successful completion of this course, students should have enhanced their skills in:
- Understanding the post-harvest processes
- Appreciating the need for cleaning, processing, and proper storage of harvested produce
- Applying concepts and techniques for effective packing and packaging in post-harvest management
- Using safety and quality assurance standards in managing harvested products
- Understanding the issues in post-harvest facilities management
LEARNING OUTCOMES
On completion of the food security and sustainability course the students should be able to:
- Describe the basis and concepts of post-harvest processes and technology
- Apply the skills in cleaning, processing, and proper storage of harvested produce
- Describe the concepts and techniques for effective packing and packaging in post-harvest management
- Apply safety and quality assurance standards in managing harvested products
- Discuss the issues in post-harvest facilities management
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