General Agriculture

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Tuesday 23 September 2014

Apricot cultivation

DEHYDRATION OF APRICOT IN SOLAR DRIER & PHYSICO-CHEMICAL ANALYSIS
Introduction: The apricot, Prunus armeniaca, L a member of the family Rosaceae is one of the most important stone fruits of temperate zones. Apricot trees have resistance to damage of the winter cold; they bloom early in the spring.
PRODUCTION OF APRICOT
In Pakistan total area under apricot cultivation was 13.8(000, hectare in 2002_2003 with a production of 129.7(000, tons (agricultural Statistics of Pakistan 2002_2003. Apricot is cultivated extensively in Gilgit Baltistan of Pakistan with annual production of 41.64(000, tons

Health benefits of apricots

Apricots are excellent sources of vitamin-A, and carotenes.
Fresh fruits contain vitamin-C, another natural anti-oxidant
The total anti-oxidant or ORAC value of raw apricots is 1115 umol TE/100 g. Much of this in these fruits comes from some important health promoting flavonoid poly phenolic anti-oxidants such as lutein, zea xanthin and beta cryptoxanthin.
PrincipleNutrient ValuePercentage of RDA
Energy50 Kcal2.5%
Carbohydrates11 g8.5%
Protein1.4 g2.5%
Total Fat0.4 g1%
Cholesterol0 mg0%
Dietary Fiber2 g5%
Vitamins
Folates9 µg2%
Niacin0.600 mg4%
Pantothenic acid0.240 mg5%
Pyridoxine0.054 mg5%
Riboflavin0.040 mg3%
Thiamin0.030 mg2.5%
Vitamin A1926 IU64%
Vitamin C10 mg16%
Vitamin E0 mg0%
Vitamin K3.3 µg3%
Electrolytes
Sodium1 mg0%
Potassium259 mg5.5%
Minerals
Calcium13 mg1.3%
Copper
Iron0.39 mg5%
Magnesium10 mg2.5%
Manganese0.077 mg3%
Phosphorus23 mg3%
Zinc0.2 mg2%
Phyto-nutrients
Carotene-α19 µg--
Carotene--ß1094 µg--
Crypto-xanthin-ß104 µg--
Lutein-zeaxanthin89 µg--
OBJECTIVES
To develop and demonstrate technologies, particularly relating to agricultural produces for handling, preservation, packing and storage of fruits.
To help the rural population of the region in their socio-economic development by imparting training and offering technical help in the control of post harvest losses and preservation of fruits.
To conduct research and development activities in food
Processing in Gilgit Baltistan
          To analyze and testing of food commodities.
          To develop new value added products from fruits and vegetables.
          To enhance the quality of dry products by imparting improved dehydration techniques to the farmer of the area.
Gilgit Baltistan is being an agricultural region more than 90 % inhabitant of this area directly or indirectly depends upon agriculture. Baltistan is the nucleus of fruit production. Apricot is the major fruit produced in Baltistan, presently largest area of 4000 acres under apricot cultivation (AKRSP 1999
Aim of study
The aim of this study is to develop improved drying techniques for the preparation of export quality dried apricot in Baltistan. Improved quality procedure for drying fruit of export quality will boost up the needs of fruit industry in this region. With such trade development the people of the region will encourage to grow more fruit plants which will not only increase their income but will also reduce the unemployment in the region.   
Preparation of the Samples
Apricots were graded, sorted according to size, maturity and soundness and then thoroughly washed with potable water to remove adhering dust, dirt and other extraneous material
Organic Method
Organic method first apricots were washed, cut in equal halves, placed in wooden trays and allowed to sunshine in solar house for 2_3 days
Inorganic Method
. In inorganic method after washing and destining apricots fruit were cut into equal halves and dip in solution of potassium metabisulphte (15 g for 2 litter water) for 30 minutes, after that placed in trays and transferred to solar house.
Procedure
Petri dishes were taken and dried in the oven at 130º C for 30 minutes, placed in desiccators and weighed soon after they reached room temperature. A well-mixed triplicate samples were added in Petri dishes and covered with lids. The dishes were placed un-covered in an oven for 60 minute for overnight. Sample was removed from oven and covered with lid and placed in desiccators.
Ash Determination
Weight of empty crucible was recorded accurately that have previously been ignited at 550ºC and cooled to room temperature in desiccators. A well mixed triplicate samples was weighed accurately into crucibles, placed  in muffle furnace at 700ºC and allowed to incinerate until light grey ash was obtained ( Overnight, 16hours)
Determination of pH
Reagent
PH 4.0,9 buffer tables
Standardize the ph with solution of ph 4.0 and 9. Poured the samples in 50 ml beaker and insert the electrode to determine the pH.
























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