Workshop on post-harvest infrastructure in horticulture Oct 30

Hyderabad, Oct 27 (UNI) The Horticulture Department of Andhra Pradesh in association with the Federation of Andhra Pradesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FAPCCI) would organise a one-day workshop on 'Post Harvest Infrastructure in Horticulture - Incentive and Investment Opportunities' at FAPCCI Premises here on October 30.

Addressing a press conference here today, FAPCCI President Suraj Prasad Agarwal said the main objective was to familiarise the stakeholders with the latest techniques in processing Horticulture produce with a view to reduce the post-harvest loss, thereby enabling the growers to earn additional income.

The workshop was useful for Chief Executives, Entrepreneurs, Consultants, Food Technologists, Retail Trade Promoters and Exporters among others, he said.

Andhra Pradesh State Horticulture Mission Executive Director H Arun Kumar said ''Andhra Pradesh is one of the major horticulture crop-growing states in the country having an area of more than 18 lakh hectare under various horticulture crops''.

The State Horticulture Mission was launched in Andhra Pradesh with financial assistance from the Government of India to consolidate the gains and strengths of the State and adopt holistic approach.

He said it was observed that farmers incurred heavy post-harvest losses and the produce, achieved after a lot of sweat, toil and investment, could not be allowed to go waste.

The workshop was aimed at reducing the post-harvest losses, enabing the growers to earn better incomes.

With an intention to give a boost to the horticulture sector, the government provided subsidies for creation of post harvest infrastructure facility such as cold storages, he said.

About 250 to 300 delegates would take part in the workshop in which State Minister for Food Processing, Agriculture Marketing and Warehousing M Marappa would be the chief guest.

UNI BR VA SG AS1640