IGNOU offers course on food, vegetable processing

Admission for Diploma in Value Added Products from Fruits and Vegetables will be open till Monday without late fee and July 31 with late fee

The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) has invited applications for a one-year diploma course in food and vegetable processing, a varsity statement said.

Admission for Diploma in Value Added Products from Fruits and Vegetables (DVAPFV) will be open till Monday without late fee and July 31 with late fee, the IGNOU statement said.

The programme, launched in collaboration with the ministry of food processing industries, is aimed at inculcating vocational and entrepreneurial skills to widen employment opportunities, particularly among rural youth and the disadvantaged sections of the society.

"The main objective of the programme is to provide the knowledge and skills for minimising the post-harvest losses and production of value added food products. To develop human resource for post harvest management and for primary processing of fruits and vegetables produce at the production areas clusters," it said.

The duration of the programme is one year. However, candidates have the flexibility of completing the programme within four years. The medium of instruction is English and Hindi.

"The course fee is Rs.12,000. But the candidates interested from rural areas and candidates living below poverty line in urban areas can avail 50 percent fee concession on submission of valid proof," the statement added.

The programme is open to any graduate, senior secondary school or class 10 pass out. Candidates who have passed Bachelor Preparatory Programme (BPP) from IGNOU can also apply.

Aspiring students can obtain the form and prospectus from various regional centres for Rs.200.

IGNOU is the world's largest open university system with a pan-India and international reach with flexible entry qualifications and a wide range of academic programmes at affordable cost.