The All India Coordinated Research Project on Post-Harvest Engineering and Technology (AICRP on PHET) established a center in the Department of Agricultural Engineering under the Directorate of Research (Agri) at Assam Agricultural University in 1989. This initiative, sanctioned by ICAR (No. 4-8/84-AE, dated 24th November 1986), was created to address the critical challenges in Assam\'s post-harvest agricultural sector. Although 76% of Assam\'s population relies on agriculture for their livelihood, its contribution to the state\'s GDP remains modest at 37.8%. This disparity is largely due to traditional farming methods and significant post-harvest losses, which are further exacerbated by the state’s humid climate. Annually, about 10% of produce is lost due to pest infestations, mold growth, and inadequate processing facilities, leading to lower incomes for farmers. The Jorhat Centre has played a key role in addressing these issues through innovative research and outreach activities. Its efforts focus on developing cost-effective techniques for drying, packaging, and preservation, as well as adding value to cereals, pulses, oilseeds, fruits, vegetables, spices, and jaggery. By conducting field trials, demonstrations, and training programs, the center equips farmers and other stakeholders with modern technologies and practices to minimize post-harvest losses and enhance the marketability of agricultural produce. The initial focus areas of the AICRP on PHET at the Jorhat Centre were aimed at addressing critical post-harvest challenges in Assam\'s agricultural sector. Key activities included conducting surveys on traditional post-harvest practices, identifying causes of losses, and evaluating the milling quality of paddy to enhance rice recovery rates. Efforts were also directed at popularizing improved rice parboiling methods, testing and evaluating post-harvest technologies and equipment, and implementing effective strategies for managing storage insect pests. Additionally, significant attention was given to processing and adding value to horticultural crops, including fruits, vegetables, and spices, to improve their marketability and boost farmers\' incomes. These initiatives laid the foundation for modernizing post-harvest practices and reducing losses in the region.
Over the last three decades, the
AICRP on PHET at the Jorhat Centre has achieved remarkable milestones in
post-harvest research and innovation. A total of 52 research projects have been
completed, leading to the development of 18 technologies and 22
products/processes, with two patents granted and two technologies successfully
commercialized. The center has made significant contributions to academic
literature with 81 research publications and 45 book chapters, bulletins, and
articles. It has been recognized with 20 prestigious awards for its pioneering
work. Additionally, five Agricultural Processing Centres (APCs) have been
established, nine adaptive trials conducted, and 102 extension activities
organized, demonstrating its commitment to empowering stakeholders with modern
post-harvest technologies and practices. In 2014, the AICRP on PHET SRS,
Buralikson Centre was merged with the AAU, Jorhat Centre to enhance efforts in
addressing post-harvest challenges and value addition activities for sugarcane.
This merger aimed to consolidate resources and expertise, fostering focused
research and development on improving sugarcane processing techniques,
minimizing post-harvest losses, and creating innovative value-added products.