March 08, 2024 | The Hindu |
Scientists at the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) - Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR) have pioneered the creation of a ready-to-serve (RTS) dragon fruit beverage, eliminating seeds and mucilage while retaining its color and taste. This innovative product boasts a six-month shelf life without synthetic additives. Additionally, they introduced ready-to-eat jackfruit curry, preserved using Retort Processing Technology and requiring only hot water immersion before consumption, enhancing accessibility and meeting consumer demands. Further, technologically advanced ready-to-cook tender jackfruit bulbs offer an extended shelf life of 18 months, catering to both farmers and traders' needs. In the realm of chillies, resistant varieties developed by IIHR combat Phytophthora root rot and Chilli leaf curl virus, ensuring sustainable yields and addressing agricultural challenges. These advancements underscore IIHR's commitment to innovation and addressing diverse agricultural needs.