Bihar Agricultural University Launches 15-Day Training on Food Processing

Sabour/ Patna: A 15-day on-the-job training programme on food preservation and value addition was inaugurated on Thursday at the Department of Food Science and Post-Harvest Technology, Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour. The event was attended by Dr Mukesh Kumar Sinha, Principal of Bihar Agricultural College, along with faculty members and scientists from the department.

Fourteen students from TNB College, Bhagalpur, are participating in the training, which aims to provide hands-on knowledge of fruit and vegetable processing. The programme will cover techniques such as making tomato juice, purée, and paste, followed by the preparation of tomato sauce and ketchup. Students will also learn methods for preserving fruit juice and pulp, producing ready-to-serve beverages, and understanding packaging and labelling requirements. Additionally, they will be introduced to the process of obtaining a crop licence—an essential requirement for commercial value addition in agriculture. The training will also include quality control procedures and the operation and maintenance of food processing machinery.

Addressing the students, Dr Sinha emphasized the importance of sharing knowledge gained during the training, urging them to educate at least 15 others. Dr Fiza Ahmed, Head of the Department, highlighted the significance of discipline and practical learning in the field. The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Dr Mo Shamsher Ahmed, Training Coordinator and Nodal Officer of the Food Development Centre.