As part of its thrust to foster regional integration through human resource development, Mekong Institute opens its Regional Training Program on Postharvest Management System in Fresh Horticultural Produce today at the Mekong River Conference Room.  

With the support of the People’s Republic of China, the two-week training program aims to promote better understanding on the importance of postharvest handling and management for fresh produce. The course also targets to establish a network of postharvest practitioners that will continue to build postharvest information and technology, share market intelligence, and deliver information to small-scale producers and farmers in the region.

In his welcome remarks, Dr. Watcharas Leelawath, MI Executive Director, emphasizes “Postharvest handling plays a vital part in maintaining shelf life and quality of fresh horticultural produce.” He continues, “Since agriculture serves as the backbone of GMS economies, having such management systems in place will boost competitiveness of the agri-food sector in the region.”

A total of 21 participants from national agencies, private sector, and academe from Cambodia, P.R. China, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam are participating in the training program. Aside from in-house lecture and exercises, the course will also feature structured learning visits to various sites in Khon Kaen and Bangkok.