Engr. Richelle Mae D. Mendoza-Olpot, DAFE faculty member, recently concluded a successful session as a resource speaker during the Training on Post-Harvest Practices in High-Value Crops. The event, held from September 24 to 26, 2024, at Gourmet Farms, Inc. in Silang, Cavite, was organized in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture – Agricultural Training Institute (DA-ATI) Region IV-A.
The training aimed to address the persistent issue of post-harvest losses, which account for nearly 40% of produce being wasted due to improper handling. Engr. Mendoza-Olpot's session, held on September 26, 2024, focused on Food Engineering: Equipment and Facilities for Post-Harvest, providing invaluable insights on how modern engineering solutions can mitigate these losses. Her talk emphasized the role of technology and infrastructure in optimizing post-harvest processes, introducing participants to equipment that can help preserve the quality of high-value crops while minimizing waste.
Engr.
Mendoza-Olpot's expertise in agricultural engineering and post-harvest
technology proved to be a significant asset for the participants, particularly
Agricultural Extension Workers (AEWs) who were keen to apply the knowledge
gained to their respective communities. Through practical demonstrations and
case studies, she showcased innovations in post-harvest facilities that can be
implemented to improve the overall efficiency and sustainability of farming
practices.
The
training not only helped AEWs understand the critical role of post-harvest
equipment but also empowered them with tools and techniques to reduce losses
and improve profitability for farmers across the region. Participants expressed
appreciation for Engr. Mendoza-Olpot’s clear, practical, and forward-thinking
approach.
In
addition to Engr. Mendoza-Olpot, Ms. Abigail P. Daria, from the College of
Agriculture, Food, Environment, and Natural Resources (CAFENR), also shared her
expertise during the event. Ms. Daria's session, which took place on September
25, 2024, covered the Importance of Post-Harvest Practices in High-Value Crops.
Her presentation provided an overview of critical handling techniques that
ensure the preservation of produce quality from farm to market, offering
strategies that can significantly reduce losses during post-harvest stages.
Both
speakers left the participants with a deeper understanding of how proper
post-harvest practices and modern technologies can greatly enhance the
agricultural value chain.
Engr.
Mendoza-Olpot’s participation in the event was a pivotal part of its success,
solidifying the role of DAFE in addressing critical agricultural challenges. (VVVergara)