Central Institute of Post Harvest Engineering and Technology, Ludhiana

Central Institute of Post-Harvest Engineering and Technology

A leading ICAR‑designated R&D center focused on engineering solutions for agricultural produce. A dynamic second campus at Abohar (1993) expands its regional outreach. As an ISO 9001:2015‑certified institution, CIPHET leads two All‑India Coordinated Research Projects:

• AICRP on Post‑Harvest Technology (33 centres)

• AICRP on Applications of Plastics in Agriculture (9 centres).

Facilities and Infrastructure

• Pilot & Testing Facilities: Fully equipped machinery test centre and pilot plants for grains, oilseeds, horticulture, livestock and aquaculture.

• Analytical Laboratories: Sophisticated instruments (GC, LC, GC–MS, texture analyzers, quality labs) enable advanced research .

• Workshops & Instrumentation: Prototype fabrication units and central instrumentation facilities uphold innovation.

• Library & IT Infrastructure: Resource‑rich physical library, e‑resources hub, Agricultural Knowledge Management Unit with Wi‑Fi connectivity.

• Guest Accommodation & Canteen: Campus guest houses with 24‑hour power backup, Wi‑Fi, parking, alongside well‑managed canteen services.

Research Focus and Innovations

CIPHET’s mandate encompasses strategic and applied research to minimise post‑harvest losses, improve quality and safety, and innovate environmental controls—across plant, livestock and aquaculture produce. Key areas include:

• Food grains, oilseeds, horticultural and commercial crop processing

• Packaging innovations (plastic applications)

• Cold‑chain, storage structures (evaporative cooling, MAP)

• Technology transfer via demos, expos, consultancy

Numerous marketable technologies—such as evaporative cooling systems, value‑addition protocols and packaging solutions—have been developed and commercialised under AICRP.

Placements andCollaborations

While primarily a research institute, CIPHET facilitates robust industry linkages through contract research, consultancy, and technology services to food processors, industry bodies, NGOs and SAUs. Student‑research placements are supported through thesis projects and internships. Alumni reviews highlight strong academic training, networking and rewarding experiences in the agricultural processing domain .

Rankings and Reputation

• Rated 4.3/5 on Collegedunia with top marks in academics (5.0), faculty (4.3), accommodation (4.5) and infrastructure (4.0); placement at 3.9.

• Recognised as a national centre of excellence in post‑harvest engineering and technology under ICAR & DST frameworks.

Faculty and Governance

Led by Dr. Nachiket Kotwaliwale, CIPHET hosts around 70 staff members: scientists, technical personnel, administration and support staff. Academic guidance is provided by seasoned scholars including Dr. R. K. Gupta, Dr. P.R. Bhatnagar, Dr. K. Narsaiah, Dr. D.M. Kadam and others.

Outreach and Training

• National & international training programmes for scientists, SAU officials, students and private sector.

• Winter School, EDP workshops, demonstrations and webinars, driving capacity building (e.g., millet renaissance programme, Dec 2023).

• Active technology dissemination through Agri‑expos, seminars, consultancies.