Research

Agricultural Sciences

Title :

Biorefinery approach in recovering high value products from vegetable and fruit wastes under circular economy frame

Area of research :

Agricultural Sciences

Focus area :

Food and agriculture, Waste Processing

Principal Investigator :

Dr. Binod Parameswaran, CSIR- National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (NIIST), Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala (695019)

Contact info :

Details

Executive Summary :

The food industry produces significant amounts of waste materials from fruits and vegetables, causing negative environmental impacts and post-harvest losses. These residues are rich in bioactive substances, such as fibers, carotenoids, terpenes, phenolic acids, flavonoids, and anthocyanins, which can be valuated for their environmental and economic benefits. The project aims to develop a biorefinery approach to recover food wastes by extracting bioactive molecules, producing energy and bio fertilizers, and developing edible film coatings for fruits and vegetables. The project aims to improve the competencies of partners from India and Italy through international mobility of researchers and knowledge transfer. The project focuses on the utilization of waste generated from fruit and vegetable urban markets and industries to produce added-value molecules and biochemicals with biological activities such as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The project aims to develop innovative and tailor-made formulations film- and emulsion-types alongside easily implemented application techniques for fruit and vegetable edible coatings to arrest moisture loss and enhance shelf life.

Co-PI:

Dr. Balakumaran P A, CSIR- National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (NIIST), Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala (695019)

Total Budget (INR):

42,28,260

Organizations involved