Advanced Food Preservation Can Boost AP Exports, Say Experts

VIJAYAWADA: Advanced food preservation technologies such as vacuum freeze-drying and heat pump food dehydration can strengthen Andhra Pradesh’s food processing sector by increasing value addition, reducing post-harvest losses and increasing exports, speakers at an awareness program organized by the Federation of Andhra Pradesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (AP Chambers) in association with Ice Make Refrigeration Limited on Thursday said.

More than 80 representatives from food processing, seafood, agribusiness, cold chain and allied industries attended the program at Fortune Murali Park.

The chief guest is Dr. CEO of AP Food Processing Association. Sekhar Babu Geddam urged industries to adopt modern protection technologies to increase export competitiveness and profitability. He said Andhra Pradesh’s food processing policy supported by the state and central governments will help the sector contribute more significantly to the economy.

Vacuum freeze-drying and heat pump dehydration help preserve the taste, texture and nutritional value of fruits, vegetables and seafood while extending shelf life at room temperature, reducing reliance on cold storage, technical experts said.

Potluri Bhaskara Rao, president of AP Chambers, said the technologies will increase value addition in a state that is a leading producer of seafood, spices and horticultural crops. He also called for greater awareness of India’s Free Trade Agreements to help entrepreneurs increase exports.

The program concluded with interactive technical discussions and networking session.