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M-TECH-AGRICULTURAL-ENGINEERING in Post Harvest Technology Process Engineering at Navsari Agricultural University
Navsari, Gujarat
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About the Specialization
What is Post Harvest Technology & Process Engineering at Navsari Agricultural University Navsari?
This Post Harvest Technology & Process Engineering program at Navsari Agricultural University focuses on advanced scientific and engineering principles to minimize post-harvest losses and enhance the value of agricultural produce. Given India''''s significant agricultural output, this specialization is crucial for developing sustainable food processing solutions, improving food security, and driving rural economic growth by transforming raw materials into value-added products and ensuring their extended shelf-life and quality.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for Bachelor of Agricultural Engineering, Food Technology, Dairy Engineering, or Chemical Engineering graduates seeking to specialize in food processing and preservation. It caters to fresh graduates aspiring for roles in the agri-food industry, as well as working professionals looking to upskill in areas like food safety, processing innovation, and cold chain management. Individuals passionate about reducing food waste and contributing to India''''s food sector development will find this program particularly rewarding.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect promising career paths in India''''s rapidly expanding food processing sector, including roles as R&D scientists, quality control managers, process engineers, and cold chain experts. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 4-7 lakhs per annum, with experienced professionals earning significantly more. The program prepares students for leadership roles in food manufacturing units, government regulatory bodies like FSSAI, and entrepreneurship in value-added food product development.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Engineering Fundamentals and Lab Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on thoroughly understanding core subjects like Engineering Properties of Biological Materials and Food and Process Engineering Operations. Dedicate time to practical labs, ensuring proficiency in operating equipment and analyzing data. This builds a strong technical base essential for advanced courses and research.
Tools & Resources
Departmental labs, Textbooks, NPTEL lectures on basic engineering principles, Lab manuals
Career Connection
Strong fundamentals enable effective problem-solving in industrial settings and are critical for R&D roles in food processing firms.
Engage in Early Research Exploration- (Semester 1-2)
Proactively identify research interests by discussing with faculty members, attending departmental seminars, and reviewing current literature in post-harvest technology. Start exploring potential thesis topics early to gain clarity and direction for your Master''''s research.
Tools & Resources
Faculty office hours, Research papers (e.g., Food Science and Technology Journal), Departmental research presentations
Career Connection
Early engagement with research hones analytical skills, crucial for R&D positions and academic pursuits.
Network and Participate in Technical Events- (Semester 1-2)
Attend university workshops, guest lectures, and conferences related to food processing and agricultural engineering. Connect with industry experts and peers. Participate in inter-college technical competitions or hackathons focused on food tech solutions.
Tools & Resources
University event calendar, LinkedIn, Professional bodies like AFST(I)
Career Connection
Networking opens doors to internship and job opportunities, while participation in events showcases initiative and practical skills to potential employers.
Intermediate Stage
Initiate and Develop Master''''s Research Project- (Semester 3)
Utilize the ''''Master''''s Research'''' credit in Semester 3 to formulate a comprehensive research proposal. Work closely with your advisor, conduct pilot studies, and actively collect and analyze data. This hands-on experience is pivotal for your thesis.
Tools & Resources
Statistical software (e.g., SPSS, R), Experimental setup in labs, Referencing tools (e.g., Mendeley), Thesis guidelines
Career Connection
Successful research project completion demonstrates independent problem-solving, a key trait for advanced R&D and academic roles.
Cultivate Specialization-Specific Software Skills- (Semester 3)
Learn and apply specialized software relevant to Post Harvest Technology, such as CFD for process modeling, MATLAB for data analysis, or CAD software for plant design. Practical application in coursework and research will strengthen your profile.
Tools & Resources
Licensed software from university (if available), Online tutorials (Coursera, Udemy), Departmental computer labs
Career Connection
Proficiency in these tools makes you highly competitive for roles in process optimization, plant design, and product development within the food industry.
Present Research and Enhance Communication Skills- (Semester 3)
Actively prepare for and deliver your Seminar-II presentation. Seek feedback on your presentation style, content clarity, and ability to articulate complex technical information. This is vital for academic and industry communication.
Tools & Resources
PowerPoint/Google Slides, Feedback from peers and faculty, Public speaking workshops
Career Connection
Strong presentation skills are crucial for communicating research findings, pitching ideas, and advancing to leadership positions.
Advanced Stage
Complete and Defend Master''''s Thesis- (Semester 4)
Dedicate significant effort to finalizing your Master''''s thesis, ensuring scientific rigor, clear presentation of results, and comprehensive discussion. Prepare thoroughly for your viva-voce examination, anticipating questions and articulating your contributions.
Tools & Resources
Thesis writing handbook, Advisor mentorship, Mock viva sessions
Career Connection
A well-defended thesis is the culmination of your M.Tech, validating your expertise and research capabilities for employers and future academic pursuits.
Seek Industry Internships and Training- (Semester 4 (or during breaks))
Actively pursue internships or short-term training programs in food processing units, cold storage facilities, or quality control laboratories. This provides invaluable exposure to real-world challenges and industry practices, complementing theoretical knowledge.
Tools & Resources
University career services, Industry contacts, Online job portals (Naukri.com, Internshala)
Career Connection
Internships are often a direct pathway to full-time employment and offer practical experience highly valued by Indian food companies.
Prepare for Placements and Career Advancement- (Semester 4)
Refine your resume and cover letter, focusing on your specialization and research contributions. Practice technical and HR interview questions. Explore career options in both public sector organizations (e.g., FSSAI, ICAR) and private food industries, aligning with your career aspirations.
Tools & Resources
Career counseling cells, Online interview platforms, Industry reports and company websites
Career Connection
Strategic placement preparation ensures a smooth transition into the professional world, securing roles that align with your specialized skills in Post Harvest Technology.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Bachelor''''s degree in Agricultural Engineering / Food Process Engineering / Food Technology / Dairy Engineering / Chemical Engineering / Food Engineering / Food Technology & Management with minimum CGPA of 6.00 out of 10.00 scale or equivalent percentage of marks (5.50 for SC/ST/SEBC candidates) from a recognized University.
Duration: 4 semesters (2 years)
Credits: 55 credits (30 for coursework, 25 for thesis research) Credits
Assessment: Internal: As per University Ordinances, comprising Mid-term and Practical examinations, External: As per University Ordinances, comprising Final examinations
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PHT 601 | Engineering Properties of Biological Materials | Core | 3 | Physical properties, Mechanical properties, Thermal properties, Electrical and optical properties, Aerodynamic and hydrodynamic properties |
| PHT 602 | Advances in Drying and Dehydration Engineering | Core | 3 | Drying theories and psychrometrics, Moisture content determination, Conventional and advanced dryers, Dehydration of fruits and vegetables, Energy conservation in drying |
| PHT 603 | Advances in Storage Engineering of Food Grains | Core | 3 | Storage structures, Pest and moisture control, Aeration and fumigation, Controlled atmosphere storage, Quality monitoring during storage |
| PHT 604 | Food and Process Engineering Operations | Core | 3 | Material handling and cleaning, Size reduction and mixing, Filtration and separation processes, Heat and mass transfer operations, Process flow diagrams and mass balance |
| PHT 605 | Waste and By-product Utilization | Core | 3 | Sources of agricultural waste, Principles of waste management, Utilization of fruit and vegetable wastes, Cereal and oilseed by-products, Bioconversion technologies |
| PHT 606 | Instrumentation and Process Control | Core | 3 | Measurement principles and transducers, Temperature and pressure measurement, Flow and level measurement, Process control elements and controllers, Data acquisition systems |
| PHT 607 | Entrepreneurship Development and Technology Management | Core | 1 | Entrepreneurial ecosystem, Project formulation and appraisal, Financial analysis and funding sources, Technology transfer and commercialization, Intellectual property rights |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PHT 608 | Advances in Extrusion Technology | Core | 3 | Principles of extrusion cooking, Types of extruders and their components, Rheology of food melts, Product development using extrusion, Quality control in extruded foods |
| PHT 609 | Advances in Food Packaging Technology | Core | 3 | Packaging materials and properties, Package forms and design, Modified atmosphere packaging, Aseptic and active packaging, Edible and biodegradable packaging |
| PHT 610 | Dairy and Food Plant Design | Core | 3 | Plant location and layout planning, Sanitation and hygiene considerations, Utilities requirement and design, Equipment selection and installation, Project cost estimation and feasibility |
| PHT 611 | Refrigeration and Cold Chain Engineering | Core | 3 | Vapor compression refrigeration cycles, Refrigerants and alternative systems, Cold storage design and construction, Cold chain management principles, Controlled atmosphere storage technology |
| PHT 612 | Quality Control and Food Safety Management | Core | 3 | Quality attributes and evaluation, Statistical quality control techniques, HACCP and ISO standards, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Indian food laws and regulations |
| PHT 613 | Food Plant Sanitation and Waste Management | Core | 3 | Cleaning and sanitization procedures, Food plant hygiene and pest control, Waste water treatment technologies, Solid waste management techniques, Environmental impact assessment |
| PHT 614 | Seminar-I | Seminar | 1 | Literature review, Topic selection, Presentation skills, Technical report writing, Current trends in PHT |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PHT 615 | Processing of Horticultural Crops | Core | 3 | Processing of fruits and vegetables, Processing of flowers and spices, Processing of plantation crops, Value-added products from horticultural crops, Drying, freezing, canning of horticultural produce |
| PHT 616 | Cereal, Pulse and Oilseed Processing Technology | Core | 3 | Milling of cereals (rice, wheat, maize), Processing of pulses (dal milling), Oil extraction and refining technologies, Product development from cereals, pulses, oilseeds, Quality assessment of processed grains |
| PHT 617 | Meat, Poultry and Fish Processing Technology | Core | 3 | Ante-mortem and post-mortem changes in meat, Meat processing operations, Poultry processing and value addition, Fish handling and processing techniques, Preservation methods for animal products |
| PHT 618 | Seminar-II | Seminar | 1 | Advanced research topic presentation, Critical analysis of scientific literature, Methodology and results interpretation, Effective scientific communication, Future research directions |
| PHT 699 | Master''''s Research | Research | 15 | Research problem identification, Literature review and hypothesis formulation, Experimental design and methodology, Data collection and analysis, Thesis writing and presentation |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PHT 699 | Master''''s Research (Continuation) | Research | 10 | Refinement of research work, Advanced data analysis and interpretation, Final thesis preparation, Scientific paper writing, Pre-viva and viva-voce examination |
