Inception Workshop on Hybrid Drying System Project at BAU

The inception workshop on the project ‘Hybrid Drying System for Reducing Post-Harvest Losses of Nutrient Enriched Crops and Fish in Bangladesh’ took place at Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU).

The event, organized by the Department of Farm Power and Machinery, was held on Sunday (18 February), at 11 am in the Syed Nazrul Islam Conference Hall. The project is funded by Mercantile Bank PLC (MBPLC) from the project ‘Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) grant for technology incubation in agriculture’.  The total financial allocation for this two-year project is TK 16 million.

The main researcher of the project, Professor Dr Chayan Kumer Saha, presented the main concept of hybrid dryer research during the event. He mentioned that Bangladesh produces nearly 72 varieties of fruits and vegetables, exceeding the domestic demand.

However, due to inadequate preservation methods, approximately 20% to 45% of locally produced fruits and vegetables, and 7% to 23% of fish, are wasted. As a result, there is a significant loss in agricultural products during the post-harvest period, leading to substantial economic losses and affecting food security.

The introduction of the hybrid drying system is a significant step towards addressing these challenges. It is expected to reduce post-harvest losses by approximately 5% to 10% and ensure the nutritional quality of dried food, thereby contributing to food safety and nutrition. Therefore The main goal to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) will be ensured.

In the event chaired by Professor Dr Md Monjurul Alam, the Advisory Council of the Hybrid Dryer Project, and the Vice-Chancellor of the University, professor Dr Emdadul Haque Chowdhury was virtually present as the chief guest.

Also present as special guests were Dr. Tapash Chandra Paul, Coordinator & Chief Financial Officer of MBPLC, Md Zakir Hossain, Deputy Managing Director of MBPCL, and MIM Zulfikar, Project Coordinator of the Sustainable Coastal and Marine Fisheries Project of the Social Development Foundation (SDF).