HIGHER NATIONAL DIPLOMA IN POST-HARVEST TECHNOLOGY
NVQ Level 5 & 6
Introduction
Post-harvest technologies constitute an inter-disciplinary science and techniques applied to agricultural commodities after harvest for the purpose of preservation, conservation, quality control/enhancement, processing, packaging, storage, distribution, marketing, and utilization to meet the food and nutritional requirements of consumers in relation to their needs.
Quantitative and qualitative food losses of extremely variable magnitude occur at all stages in the post-harvest system from harvesting, through handling, storage, processing and marketing to final delivery to the consumer. Reduction in this wastage, particularly if it can economically be avoided, would be of great significance to growers and consumers alike. To reduce these losses producers and handlers must first understand the biological and environmental factors involved in deterioration. And second, use postharvest techniques that delay senescence and maintain the best possible quality. Post-harvest technology stimulates agricultural production, prevents post-harvest losses, improves nutrition and adds value to agricultural products thereby opening new marketing opportunities and generating new jobs while stimulating growth of other related economic sectors. The process developing post-harvest technologies requires an interdisciplinary and multidimensional research approach, which includes scientific creativity, technological innovation, and commercial entrepreneurship and stakeholder inputs.
The program will provide theoretical knowledge and practical training on the most important aspects of post-harvest technology for agricultural crops harvest and agricultural product process industries. Post-harvest biology, post-harvest pathology, post-harvest physiology and conventional and novel technologies in reduction of post-harvest losses in various agricultural crops and product process, food and value addition technologies are covered with the given curricula. The approach is both multi-disciplinary and industry oriented.
The National Diploma in Post-harvest Technology is a two year competency based training curriculum to achieve the comprehensive knowledge, skill and attitudes development to mitigate the good quality job market in agriculture and agricultural product process technologies leading to a Bachelor of Technology (B. Tech) degree.
Objectives
The objective of this program is to develop well-rounded post-harvest technologist and biologists with a strong, flexible background in postharvest technology with broader understanding of the science and communication (English and ICT) associated with being a successful contributor and leader in the field.

Objectives.
The objective of this program is to develop experienced technologists with a strong, flexible background in Building Services Technology.
Course Modules in Post-Harvest Technology




- Semester 1
- Semester 2
- Semester 3
- Semester 4
A01C005M01 | Introduction to Postharvest Technology |
A01C005M02 | Postharvest Activities Related to Paddy and other Cereal Crops |
A01C005M03 | Postharvest Activities Related to Fruit and Vegetables |
A01C005M04 | Postharvest Activities Related to Legumes and Oilseed Crops |
A01C005M05 | Postharvest Machinery and Equipment – 01 |
EMTM01 | Work Place Information Management |
A01C005M06 | Postharvest Activities Related to Cut Flowers and Foliage |
A01C005M07 | Postharvest Activities Related to Primary and Secondary Processing of durable crop commodities |
A01C005M08 | Postharvest Activities Related to Crop Protection and Sanitation |
A01C005M09 | Packaging, Storage and Transportation of Crop Produce |
A01C005M10 | Postharvest Activities Related to Bulb, Root and Tuber Crops |
EMTM02 | Workplace Communication Management |
EMTM03 | Planning and Scheduling Work at Work place |
A01C005M11 | Basic Food Science and Technology – 01 |
A01C005M12 | Postharvest Activities Related to Export Agriculture Crops ( Hubs and Spices) |
A01C005M13 | Processing and Value Addition of Paddy |
A01C005M14 | Secondary Food Processing and Value Addition Practices |
A01C005M15 | National and International legislation on Consumer Protection and Food Safety |
EMTM04 | Problem Solving and Decision Making |
EMTM05 | Team Work and leadership |
A01C005M16 | Introduction to Adaptive Research and Development Activities Related to Processing of Agricultural Produces |
A01C005M17 | Postharvest Business Management |
A01C005M18 | Postharvest Secondary Processing Machinery and Equipment |
A01C005M19 | Extension Education (Elective) |
A01C005M20 | Pack House Operations and Management – 01 (Elective) |
A01C005M21 | Pack House Operations and Management – 02 (Elective) |
EMTM06 | Creating and Maintaining a learning Culture at Workplace |
Find Staff Members
Post-Harvest Technology

Mr. R.A.G.C.N.M Nawarathna
Prob. Lecturer, Head of the Department, OJT Coordinator

Ms. C. A. Kumarasiriwardhana
Prob. Lecturer