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 boosting exports, speakers said at an awareness programme organised by the Andhra Pradesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry Federation (AP Chambers) in association with Ice Make Refrigeration Limited on Thursday.

More than 80 representatives from the food processing, seafood, agri-business, cold chain and allied sectors attended the programme at Fortune Murali Park.

Chief guest Dr Sekhar Babu Geddam, CEO of the AP Food Processing Society, urged industries to adopt modern preservation technologies to improve export competitiveness and profitability. He said Andhra Pradesh's food processing policy, supported by the state and Central governments, would help the sector contribute more significantly to the economy.

Technical experts said 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, thereby reducing dependence on cold storage.

AP Chambers president Potluri Bhaskara Rao said the technologies would enhance 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 expand exports.

The programme concluded with interactive technical discussions and a networking session.