Experts for adopting ‘controlled atmosphere’ technology

This can increase shelf life of fruits and vegetables by up to 40 days.

FAISALABAD: Pakistan can earn billions of dollars annually by exporting fresh fruits and vegetables through the use of ‘controlled and modified atmosphere’ technology meant for slowing down respiratory system of fruits.

The suggestion came from speakers of a seminar on “Controlled and modified atmosphere storage technology for fruits and vegetables”. The programme was arranged by post-harvest laboratory of the Institute of Horticultural Sciences in collaboration with the Punjab Agriculture Research Board at the University of Agriculture on Thursday.

Speaking at the seminar, Faculty of Agri Engineering and Technology Dean Dr Rai Niaz Ahmad said his faculty would offer food engineering degree from the next academic session, which would pave the way for tapping the export potential of fruits and vegetables and bringing down post-harvest losses.

“Government policymakers need to pay attention to establishing such storage facilities in Balochistan, southern Punjab and other areas where fresh fruits are produced in abundance,” he stressed.

Dr Aslam Pervaiz, a professor of the University of Agriculture, pointed out that the country produced 15 million tons of fruits and vegetables, but exported only 4% of the produce while 65% to 70% was consumed locally. He pressed the government to invest heavily in promotion of fruit and vegetable exports as Pakistan’s fruits had good demand in the world market, which likes the unique taste and fragrance of Pakistani mango, orange, apple and other fruits.

Professor Dr Amanullah Malik said exporters could enhance shelf life of the produce by 30 to 40 days by applying this technology and could easily export through sea at a very low cost, which would increase their profit manifold.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 29^th, 2012.