TRAINING
Training activities is one important activity out of a series of activities of ASEAN Cooperation Project on Reduction of Post-Harvest Losses for Agricultural Produces and Products in ASEAN Region. The training participants were from a very special and well-knowledged post-harvest area, therefore the training type was conducted as Executive Development Program. Training was adopted as a combination of various methods in order to maximize and facilitate the learning of the trainees, including (a) sharing of experiences, (b) participatory discussion and presentation, (c) exercise, (d) focused group discussions, and (e) field learning visits. The Training Activity on PHL issues, attended by 10 AMS delegations, designated by previous steps (ICC, RC and Pilot Activity).
The output of Executive Development Program on Reduction Post-Harvest Losses for Agricultural Produces and Products in ASEAN Region are: 1. The selected participants of 10 AMS have stronger and deep capacity and knowledge on PHL technology and PHL reduction, 2. Capacity and awareness of the key stakeholders in the ASEAN Member States on PHL reduction were increased, 3. PHL reduction practices and related technological intervention among AMS were identified, 4. PHL measurement and assessment methodology and techniques were agreed by participants of 10 AMS, 5. Information on good practices and gaps on PHL to be filled for future consideration among the ASEAN Member States were shared.
This output could be achieved through the transfer of knowledge from various sources which were related to post-harvest reduction efforts in the ASEAN Region. Existing knowledge was structured in modules containing logical reasons, engineering designs, methodologies and new concepts that all AMS need to complement. The best experience of the pilot project was also a source of knowledge that can be shared with stakeholders for learning in applying appropriate postharvest technology.
In general, the training program that wa carried out as Executive Development Program has been carried out properly and successfully, as planned. The training was attended by participants from 10 AMS, who were representatives of the government or policy makers, academics and business practitioners. This Executive Development Program is designed to increase the same understanding of postharvest loss, and has a common platform in reducing postharvest losses. In this case the main content delivered in this program includes PHL estimation, postharvest technology to reduce PHL, and the formulation of policies in order to reduce PHL. In addition to lecture form, training materials were also given in the form of practice and technology exposition, as well as field visits to several locations related to postharvest handling. This training program is a very important part of this PHL project, in addition to Regional Consultation, Piloting, and other related activities. Therefore, in one of the training agendas, there were also presentations from 3 countries that carried out the pilot activities, namely Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia. From their pilot activities, learning can be taken for other ASEAN countries in an effort to reduce postharvest losses through well-designed stages.