CIU examines agricultural products post-harvest practices

Cyprus International University (CIU) Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Technologies organized an event titled “Agricultural Products Post-Harvest Practices”.

At the event that was moderated by CIU Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Technologies Dean, Prof. Dr. İbrahim Baktır, TRNC Chamber of Agricultural Engineers President and Agricultural Engineer Erkut Uluçam, Prof. Dr. Mustafa Erkan from the Akdeniz University, Prof. Dr. Nurdan Tuna Güneş from the Ankara University, Prof. Dr. Fatih Şen from Ege University, Prof. Dr. Mehmet Ali Koyuncu from Isparta University of Applied Sciences and Prof. Dr. Rahmi Türk from Uludağ University participated.

During the event, Uluçam drew attention to the production and storage of lemons that are grown in the country and added that the lemons are not able to be processed and stored under the necessary conditions due to the high cost of energy during the summer months, and therefore, lemons are imported, resulting in the occurrence of a price increase.

Drawing attention to the subjects of quality and export in his speech, Prof. Dr. Erkan explained that exporting is very profitable because it provides foreign exchange inflow, however, in order to be able to export, it is necessary to have good quality products. Emphasizing the importance of knowledge and technology in production, Erkan went on to state, “Wrong information, even if it is just one dose, will not push the product to the desired quality. In addition, biological packaging has started to be used across the world. This will provide an advantage to our country in terms of export”.

Explaining that the use of fresh fruits and vegetables has a positive effect on the prevention of chronic diseases such as cancer, Prof. Dr. Güneş stated that there has been an increase in consumer demand for such products. Reminding that consumers have a desire to consume these products within the residue limits, Güneş elaborated, “This is where temperature applications become involved. Safe and environmentally friendly practices. No chemicals are used. No residue”.

Discussing the special processes in relation to post-harvest packaging, Prof. Dr. Şen stated that modern facilities have been established in an effort to make the product both suitable and mature. Unlike the previous old bad order; explaining that a system has been established with remote control of temperature and humidity, Şen continued, “Packaging processes are important. When the process is managed well, the losses will be less”.

Explaining that in the preservation of the quality of products, modern storage systems are better, Prof. Dr. Koyuncu added that the main purpose here is to extend the time in which a product maintains its natural quality and quantity. Adding that academically they separate storage into 3, Koyuncu stated, “As well as the traditional and simple forms of storage that are cooled by the outside air, there is also the storage that is cooled by thermomechanical means”.

Giving the information in relation to the losses made during harvesting, Prof. Dr. Türk stated that in terms of harvest management, by the time the harvest goes from the garden to the fork, it is closed with far too much damage. Expressing that each product has a different level of sensitivity, Türk concluded that harvests should be processed with different methods.