There is less damage to fruits and vegetables even after processing, this technology of DRDO is the best.

Peeling, cutting, and washing vegetables before cooking is a time-consuming process. Therefore, reducing kitchen waste as well as packaging and transportation costs has also become an important task. To deal with such situations, the minimum processed technology of the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) is the best. With the help of this technology, 14 types of vegetables have been prepared so far, which include vegetables like carrots, cauliflower, cabbage, potatoes, radish, capsicum.

Minimally processed technology uses modern conservation methods that maintain the natural quality, nutrition, and taste of fruits and vegetables and also increase their shelf life. Minimally processed means that fruits and vegetables are processed in such a way that their natural texture, nutrients and taste are preserved for a longer period of time, but they do not spoil quickly.

What steps are used in this technique?

• Cleaning and cutting: Fruits and vegetables are washed thoroughly. They are cut, peeled or sliced ​​as per requirement.
• Decontamination: Natural and safe methods are used to remove bacteria and other harmful microorganisms. This includes ozone or mild bio-preservatives.
• Modified Atmosphere Packaging: Fruits and vegetables are packed in a controlled atmosphere, which slows down their oxidation and keeps them fresh for a longer time.
• Moisture Balance: Hydrogels or natural coatings are used to maintain the proper amount of water in fruits and vegetables. This prevents them from drying out or spoiling for a longer period of time.

What is the process of this technique?

The Defence Research and Development Organisation has used food science and biotechnology to develop this technology. It was mainly developed for soldiers so that they can get fresh fruits and vegetables for a long time without any nutritional loss. But now this technology is being used for common people as well.

• Beneficial for the Army: Indian Army soldiers work in difficult conditions where fresh fruits and vegetables are not available. Through this technology of the Defense Research and Development Organization, vegetables and fruits that do not spoil for a long time are provided to the soldiers.
• For agriculture and trade: Farmers get the facility to preserve their produce for a long time. This is an economical solution for traders, so that they can store fruits and vegetables for a longer period and sell them in distant places.
• For consumers: Supermarkets and grocery stores have fresh fruits and vegetables available for longer periods of time. In urban areas, people get pre-cut, washed and safe fruits and vegetables, which makes cooking easier.

How is technology useful for common people?

It is beneficial for farmers:

• Fruits and vegetables do not spoil quickly, so farmers are not under pressure to sell them quickly.
• Farmers get better prices for their crops as they can preserve their produce for longer periods.
• This reduces food waste, which also leads to more income.

Traders get these benefits:

• Supermarkets and retailers can sell better quality products for longer periods of time.
• This technology is very beneficial for export, because fruits and vegetables do not spoil for a long time.
• The cost of cold storage is low, which benefits small traders.

Beneficial for consumers:

• People can buy fresh and healthy fruits and vegetables for a longer period of time.
• Ready-to-eat vegetables and fruits are readily available, which saves time.
• This technology ensures the availability of chemical-free and safe food products.

The minimally processed technology of the Defence Research and Development Organisation is a new innovation in the field of food preservation in India. This technology is not only useful for the army but is also beneficial for the general public, farmers and traders.