In today’s world of globalization, the agriculture sector is not an exception to the interconnectivity of various industries. Postharvest technologies play a vital role in ensuring the efficiency of the agricultural sector. The course in Postharvest Technologies at the Universidad Politécnica de Cartagena (UPCT) brings together experts from different parts of the world, including Luis Cisneros Zeballos, a professor from the Texas Agriculture & Life Science University.
According to Cisneros, participating in the course helps him to keep up-to-date with the latest techniques and methodologies developed in other parts of the world. This is critical as postharvest losses can be as high as 50% in some developing countries. Postharvest technologies can mitigate these losses by reducing spoilage, maintaining quality, and extending shelf life.
One of the essential postharvest technologies is the use of cold chain management systems. A report by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) indicates that cold chain management systems can reduce postharvest losses by up to 50%. Furthermore, a study by the World Bank shows that the economic benefits of cold chain management systems can be as high as $14.3 billion annually.
Another critical postharvest technology is controlled atmosphere storage, which involves the modification of the storage atmosphere to extend the shelf life of fruits and vegetables. A study by the University of California found that controlled atmosphere storage could extend the shelf life of apples from two months to eight months, reducing losses and increasing profits.
In conclusion, postharvest technologies play a critical role in maximizing agricultural productivity, reducing losses, and increasing profits. The course in Postharvest Technologies at UPCT provides a platform for experts to exchange ideas, share best practices, and learn about the latest technologies in the field. By investing in postharvest technologies, farmers, agronomists, agricultural engineers, and farm owners can improve their bottom.
