Haryana-UK Centre of Excellence on Sustainable Crop Post-Harvest Management and Cold Chain to Be Established in Panchkula

Haryana Government Signs MoU with Birmingham University to Boost Horticulture and Cold Chain Management

In a significant move to strengthen horticulture and post-harvest management in Haryana, the state government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Birmingham University (UK) to establish the Haryana-UK Centre of Excellence on Sustainable Crop Post-Harvest Management and Cold Chain in Panchkula. This state-of-the-art facility aims to enhance the quality and freshness of horticultural produce from farm to consumer while significantly reducing post-harvest losses.

The MoU was signed in the presence of Haryana Chief Minister Naib Singh Saini and Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shyam Singh Rana, underscoring the government’s commitment to boosting agricultural sustainability in the state. Representing the Haryana government, Additional Chief Secretary of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare Department, Raja Sekhar Vundru, signed the agreement, while Professor Robin Mason, Pro-Vice Chancellor (International) of Birmingham University, signed on behalf of the university.

Strengthening Haryana’s Agricultural Landscape

Chief Minister Naib Singh Saini emphasized that Haryana, known as the food bowl of India, is rapidly diversifying into fresh fruit and vegetable production, necessitating a robust cold chain infrastructure to minimize post-harvest losses. He highlighted that the upcoming Centre of Excellence (CoE) will play a crucial role in quality assurance, waste reduction, and farmer empowerment.

This advanced facility will serve as a comprehensive research and testing hub, dedicated to improving post-harvest management of fruits and vegetables. It will also provide research and training opportunities for students and scholars from CCS Haryana Agricultural University (CCS HAU), Hisar, and Maharana Pratap Horticultural University, Karnal, enabling them to explore advancements in cold chain technology and sustainable post-harvest management.

Key Objectives of the Haryana-UK Centre of Excellence

The Haryana-UK Centre of Excellence on Sustainable Crop Post-Harvest Management and Cold Chain has been designed to achieve the following key objectives:

• Reducing post-harvest losses by developing scientifically backed guidelines and protocols.
• Enhancing cold chain efficiency by offering cutting-edge testing and innovation support.
• Encouraging technology-driven startups by providing incubation support for cold chain advancements.
• Promoting energy-efficient storage solutions through advanced research in sustainable refrigeration and preservation methods.
• Developing a national framework for post-harvest management (PHM) and cold chain practices to prevent wastage and boost profitability for farmers.

In addition to its core research initiatives, the centre will also act as a training and demonstration hub for businesses and farmers, equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge to adapt to the evolving agricultural landscape.

Strategic Location and Infrastructure

The Haryana government has allocated 15 acres of land in Sector 21, Panchkula, adjacent to the Directorate of Horticulture, for the establishment of this high-tech centre. The facility will include:

• A dedicated training centre
• Technology demonstration zones
• Advanced testing labs
• Incubation facilities for technological innovations

By setting up this Centre of Excellence, Haryana aims to position itself as a leader in sustainable post-harvest management and cold chain practices, contributing significantly to reducing food waste and enhancing the profitability of horticulture farming.

Collaboration with Global Experts

Birmingham University is leading an international consortium to provide technical expertise for developing the Panchkula-based Centre of Excellence. This consortium includes:

• Heriot-Watt University
• Cranfield University
• London South Bank University
• United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

The collaborative effort aims to ensure best-in-class research and innovation, with Birmingham University playing a key role in energy-efficient cooling, energy transition systems, and sustainable storage solutions.

Haryana’s Vision for Agricultural Excellence

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Naib Singh Saini reiterated that Haryana’s farmers will greatly benefit from this initiative. With improved cold storage infrastructure and advanced post-harvest management techniques, farmers will be able to reduce losses, maintain the quality of their produce, and increase their income.

This initiative aligns with Haryana’s broader vision of creating a sustainable and prosperous agricultural ecosystem, ensuring that the state remains at the forefront of innovation in post-harvest management. The government’s proactive approach in leveraging global expertise reflects its commitment to agricultural excellence and farmer welfare.

The event was also attended by:

• Dr. Saket Kumar, Additional Principal Secretary to the CM
• Dr. Arjun Singh Saini, Head of the Horticulture Department
• Other senior government officials and dignitaries.

The establishment of this Centre of Excellence marks a significant milestone in Haryana’s journey towards sustainable agriculture. It is expected to set new benchmarks in post-harvest technology and cold chain logistics, ultimately benefiting millions of farmers across the state and beyond.

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