SERDANG, 10 FEBRUARY 2026 - The Office of the Deputy Dean (Postgraduate, Research and Innovation), Faculty of Food Science and Technology (FSTM), organised special research sharing session focusing on advancements in postharvest technology aimed at enhancing the quality assurance of agricultural produce through sustainable and high-impact research initiatives.

The seminar featured a presentation of research outcomes from the Packaging and Storage Research Group led by Dr. Pramod V. Mahajan from the Leibniz Institute for Agricultural Engineering and Bioeconomy (ATB), Germany. The research group places strong emphasis on the development of innovative sensor technologies and optimal packaging models through the application of mathematical modelling and specialised software systems.

Among the technologies highlighted were respirometers, airflow velocity sensors, condensation rate sensors, heat flux sensors, and the implementation of digital twin sensors. The session elaborated on sensor mechanisms, postharvest control strategies based on sensor modelling, and the integration of input data with software technologies through continuous monitoring over defined time periods.

The programme commenced with opening remarks by Associate Professor Dr. Nur Hanani Zainal Abedin, who served as the moderator. A total of 28 participants attended the session, including researchers from the Institut Penyelidikan dan Kemajuan Pertanian Malaysia (MARDI), Universiti Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN), Institut Perhutanan Tropika dan Produk Hutan (INTROP), Institut Pertanian Tropika dan Sekuriti Makanan (ITAFoS), the Faculty of Agriculture, UPM, as well as the Faculty of Food Science and Technology (FSTM).

Dr. Mahajan’s presentation lasted one hour and was followed by an engaging question-and-answer session. The programme concluded at 11.30 a.m., with light refreshments provided to participants.

A follow-up session is anticipated to be held in mid-2026 to further strengthen international collaboration and enhance the quality and impact of local research in postharvest technology.

Prepared by: Muhammad Emirul Firdaus Elias, PTDSPI

Date of Input: 05/03/2026 | Updated: 05/03/2026 | nur_jasni