Y2NPro launched its latest initiative to address the substantial wastage of vegetables and fruits in the post-harvest phase. Through meticulous evaluation and consideration, the program’s focus zeroed in on the niche area of “Cold Chain Application for Quality Control.” This led to the introduction of the third workshop series titled “Cold Chain Application for Quality Management of Fresh Food.” The objective was to leverage cold chain applications to minimize losses and enhance the overall quality of fresh produce.
The workshop series began with a virtual orientation session, followed by one physical workshop and two subsequent virtual workshops. These comprehensive sessions provided participants with key theoretical knowledge of refrigeration fundamentals, cold storage, cold containers, and cold packing. Experts from academia and industry were invited to share their insights, allowing participants to acquire essential knowledge and skills in the field of cold chain application for quality control.
The overarching objectives of the workshop series were threefold:
Exploring Cold Chain Processes: Participants had the opportunity to delve into various stages and types of Cold Chain processes aimed at preserving the quality of fresh food. Through in-depth discussions and case studies, attendees gained a comprehensive understanding of best practices and innovative approaches in the industry.
Investigating Industrial Practices: The workshop series also focused on examining the industrial practices related to Cold Chain processes for fresh food. Participants explored real-world scenarios and gained insights into the challenges faced by the industry, along with strategies and technologies employed to overcome them.
Design Principles: Another crucial aspect of the workshop series was investigating the design principles underlying various Cold Chain processes. Participants learned about the fundamental considerations involved in designing efficient cold storage systems, including freezing systems, defrosting systems, temporal cooling control, and the use of sensors and actuators.
The workshop series catered to a diverse audience, including undergraduates, fresh graduates, engineers specializing in Agriculture, Mechanical Engineering, and Energy Systems; managers from the Fresh Food and Air Conditioning industries, academicians in Agricultural Engineering, Post Harvest, and Energy Systems. This diverse mix of participants fostered a dynamic learning environment, encouraging fruitful discussions and knowledge exchange among individuals with different backgrounds and expertise.
The workshop series featured renowned resource persons who shared their expertise and industry insights, including Prof. B. D. Rohitha Prasantha, Senior Lecturer of the Department of Food Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya and Dr. Primal Fernando, Senior Lecturer of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Peradeniya. Additionally, Mr. Wimala Goonaratne, Managing Director of GTA Refrigeration Pvt Ltd provided valuable insights into designing efficient cold storage systems.
The physical workshop held at Trace Expert City, Colombo, was a testament to the power of ecosystem partnerships. The collaboration allowed participants to engage in insightful discussions, exchange ideas, and network. This partnership strengthened our commitment to fostering innovation and collaboration within the agricultural community.
The workshop series did not solely focus on theoretical knowledge. Participants actively engaged in evaluation exercises throughout the program to assess their understanding and reinforce key concepts. This approach ensured that attendees acquired practical skills and knowledge that they can implement in their respective fields.
By the end of the workshop series, participants gained a comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing food quality, such as temperature control, proper handling, and packaging methods. They also learned the design of Cold Storage Handling Systems and acquired the skills necessary to implement proper air conditioning techniques for preserving the freshness and quality of fresh foods.
The outcomes of the program are far-reaching. Participants are now equipped with the knowledge and skills to contribute to reducing food wastage and enhancing the overall quality and safety of food throughout its journey from farm to table. By implementing efficient Cold Chain practices, they can make informed decisions and play an instrumental role in minimizing losses in the post-harvest phase.
Y2NPro’s commitment to exploring niche tech areas and driving innovation in Agricultural Engineering has been realized through this workshop series. The program’s dedication to nurturing talent and fostering collaborations between academia and industry have resulted in a valuable platform for knowledge sharing and skills development.
As the workshop series concludes, the organizers express their gratitude to all the participants, resource persons, and organizers who contributed to its success. They encourage all participants to continue exploring opportunities to apply their knowledge and make a positive impact in their respective fields.
As the “Cold Chain Application for Quality Management of Fresh Food” workshop series comes to a successful conclusion, the Y2NPro program is excited to announce its next initiative in the field of Electronic Design Automation (EDA). The upcoming workshop series will delve into the intricacies of EDA and its significance in modern technology.
Stay connected with Y2NPro through its official website and social media channels to stay informed about the latest updates regarding the upcoming EDA workshop series. By joining the growing community, participants will gain access to valuable resources, networking opportunities, and the chance to collaborate with experts and peers in the field of Electronic Design Automation. Stay tuned!