Punjab Newsline, Chandigarh-
In a pioneering move towards enhancing horticultural practices, the Haryana Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the University of Birmingham to establish the first-of-its-kind Haryana-UK Centre of Excellence on Sustainable Crop Post-Harvest Management and Cold Chain for horticulture crops. The state-of-the-art centre, located in Panchkula, aims to significantly reduce post-harvest losses while maintaining the quality and freshness of horticultural produce from farm to consumer.
The MoU was signed in the presence of Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini and cabinet minister Shyam Singh Rana.On behalf of the Haryana Govt, the MoU was signed by ACS Raja Shekhar Vundru, while Prof. Robin Mason, Pro-Vice Chancellor (International), University of Birmingham, signed on behalf of the university.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Saini said that Haryana, being the food bowl of India, is rapidly diversifying into fresh fruits and vegetables. This expansion calls for the effective management of the cold chain to minimize post-harvest losses in the sector. He further said that the Centre of Excellence will play a crucial role in ensuring quality, reducing wastage, and supporting the agricultural community in Haryana.