Tamil Nadu - Coimbatore   

`Radiation processing can reduce post-harvest losses'

Staff Reporter

Coimbatore: Modern methods of radiation technology can extend the shelf life of harvested products, S. F. D'Souza, Associate Director, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Mumbai, said here on Monday.

Delivering the Arutselvar Dr. N. Mahalingam Muthu Vizha Endowment Lecture at the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Mr. D'Souza said that radiation processing of food would prevent vegetables from sprouting, kill insect pests, delay the ripening of fruits being transported and enable farm produce to be packaged hygienically.

Ensuring strict hygiene was important when exporting to a country like the United States where many foods were eaten in a raw state and thorough cooking of the kind common in India was not done. Mr. D'Souza said that radiation processing was highly effective, did not leave behind residues, could be applied to pre-packaged commodities, could penetrate deeper into tissues and was safe for workers and the environment.

However, the disadvantages were that it might not be possible to use radiation processing for all commodities. Giving an overview of the use of industrial enzymes, he explained their use in washing powder, juices and wines, besides dairies, bakeries, distilleries and the starch industry. Biological methods could be used to restore polluted land and water, besides treating sewage sludge and removing accumulation of toxic material.

In his special address, the Chairman, Sakthi Group of Companies, N. Mahalingam, suggested that agro farming companies be created in order to reduce the stresses borne by farmers. These companies could take charge of 20,000 acres each and supply seed for cotton, oil seeds and vegetables, carrying out procurement and marketing, and operating rice mills and cotton ginning factories.

In Tamil Nadu, 100 lakh acres of farmland could be brought under drip and sprinkler irrigation, which meant that 500 agro farming companies with a working capital of Rs. 10 crores each would have to be promoted. If extended throughout the country, agricultural production would improve, he said.

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