Preservation and Processing of Fruits and Vegetables by Using Sustainable Technologies

Preservation and Processing of Fruits and Vegetables by Using Sustainable Technologies

Principal Investigator

Institute of Chemical Technology Matunga, Mumbai-400019

February, 2014

JUST SIP: NUTRITIOUS DEHYDRATED DRINKING VEGETABLES

BACKGROUNDThis project was under taken by principal investigator, Prof Smita Lele with rationale of single point collection of fresh produce, followed by processing of these fruits and vegetables, in the form of dried flakes, powders, and dry soup mixes, which are socially and economically acceptable by using sustainable drying technology. Hence from the agro-producers to the processors and to the sellers & buyers, everyone will come under the single chain of collection & distribution network, so that everyone will be benefitted at the end of the day. This project entitled Preservation and Processing of Fruits and Vegetables by Using Sustainable Technologies was financially supported by Rajiv Gandhi Commission for Science and Technology, Govt. of Maharashtra during the period of technology development by the principal investigator. A demo plant has already been set up and is working based on the technology developed by Prof. Lele and team. The technology is ready and can be transferred to any organization that is ready to set up a vegetable dehydration plant. A business plan has been designed to commercial this technology and to generate wealth from simple vegetables by value addition at site of production.

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROJECT: To provide holistic growth of the food processing sector through an area based regionally differentiated strategies which include product development research, technology promotion, technology extension, post harvest management, waste management, processing and marketing of finished food products in consonance with comparative advantage of state/region and its diverse agro-climatic feature To establish holistic approach for processing of different vegetables and Fruits To establish sustainability and synergy among on-going and planned programmes/projects in food processing sector To promote, develop and sustainable technologies, through a seamless blend of traditional wisdom and modern scientific knowledge To ensure an end-to-end holistic approach covering production, post harvest management, waste management, processing and marketing to assure appropriate returns to growers/producers To promote R&D technologies for production, post-harvest management and processing with opportunities for employment generation for skilled and unskilled persons, especially unemployed youth

TECHNOLOGY IS READY & PRODUCTS DEVELOPED UNDER THIS PRODUCT AREJust Sip Palak, Just Sip Dudhi, Just Sip Palak Soup and Garlic powder are our major products. Other products like Dudhi flakes and powder, Palak Flakes and powder, leafy vegetable (methi, coriander), spices (Ginger) and carrot/beat flakes are only manufactured on order basis

JUST SIP: A UNIQUE INNOVATION AND ITS COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGES Just Sip is a nutritious vegetable drink premixes with 3 unique features combination of vegetables, incorporation of dals (lentils) rather than corn flour which is only starch No added color, preservatives, MSG.

PRODUCT SPECIFICATION Common Product Specifications The products developed under this project will be safe for human consumption in compliance with the new food law in force as per FSSAI (FOOD SAFETY STANDARDS AUTHORITY OF INDIA) Processes developed will be green as far as possible, with no emission of gases/chemicals, minimum generation of solid/liquid effluent since our focus will be on complete utilization (holistic approach) of the agricultural produce (fruits & vegetables ) grown in western Maharashtra. One glass of Just Sip means, 5 different vegetables and 4 different lentils Higher content of Lycopene Good source of anti-oxidants 100% vegetarian Natural Source of vitamins and minerals Good source of dietary fiber No added fat, zero cholesterol No artificial colors, no added preservatives No Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) 300% more vegetables than standard soup-mixes

THE COMPARISON OF VARIOUS BRANDS WITH JUST SIP AS SEEN IN THE TABLE BELOW IS SELF EXPLANATORYPer 100gm

Just sip PalakJust sip Tomato

Market brand 1 Veg SoupMarket brand 2 Mix vegSoupMarket brand 3 Mix vegSoupComments

Energy (Kcal) 319.62330.9136031814.4High

Protein (gm) 12.298.781090.3V.High

Carbohydrate (gm) 64.5771.316156.33.3NR

Fat (gm) 1.4131.168.26.30NR

Cholesterol (mg) 000.00160NIL

Vitamin A (IU) 2111.43116.2traces traces 63.6V.V.High

Vitamin C (mg) 12.7115.47traces traces 0.7V.V.High

Total dietary fiber 13.1112.85NR NR NR V. high

LEGAL AND FUTURE ASPECTS Trade mark, JUST SIP has been registered and 2 Indian patents were applied. A vegetable dehydration demo unit was set up as per the norms stated in Food Safety Standards Authority Act (FSSA). Trilok India is setting up another plant with own funding, for dehydration facilities.

EQUIPMENTS REQUIRED FOR PLANT SETUP AND PRODUCTIONDehydration of fresh vegetables and fruits can be performed using various convectional or solar equipments such as Dryers: LPG Dryer or Electrical dryer or any other suitable dryer Supporting equipments: Spray washer, Slicer, Shredder, Peeler, Blancher, Spin dryer, Pulverizer, Powder Blender

NOVEL PRODUCTS UNDER TRAIL

READYYBUSINESS PLAN FOR COMMERCIALIZATION OF THIS PROJECT The present project is a green field project and has an in built business plan that will demonstrate how to generate wealth from simple vegetables by value addition at site of production. The business scenario analyzed seems to be highly economically viable and profitable with a payback period within 5 year and IRR value (14.75%) greater than WACC (12.3%). As per the business plan, Just Sip Palak (50kg/day for 3 months), Just Sip Dudhi (10kg/day for 3 months), Just Sip Tomato Soup (50kg/day for 3 months) and Garlic powder (10kg/day for 3 months) will be the major products produced in a year. Raw Dudhi, raw Palak, raw garlic and raw tomato are required as major raw materials for production of these respective Just Sip formulations during their respective 3 months production period. The construction period of this project is 8 to 12 months.The present project cost is approximately 83 lakhs with a debt:equity ratio of 2:1. Cost of production involved is approximately in the range of 33 to 36 lakhs over the 7 year project life period.* Assumptions made in business plan based on current scenario are: The long term loan will be provided by ICICI bank at 11% interest rate and Indian bank will provide the short term loan at 14% interest rate.

FOR FURTHER DETAILS, CONTACT:Prof. Smita LeleFood Engineering and Technology Department,Institute of Chemical Technology,Nathalal Parekh Marg, Matunga, Mumbai: 400019Maharashtra, IndiaTel: 33611111, 33612222 Ext. 2533/1027 Fax: 33611020Email: ss.lele@ictmumbai.edu.in, dr.smita.lele@gmail.com

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