Ms. Shilpa Omprakash Sunariwal will present her APS as per the details:

Date: 24th February 2026

Time: 1600 – 1700 hrs. 

Venue: C-TARA Conference Room No.1

Title: Biorefinery Based on Tomato Valorisation: Extraction of High-Value Compounds

Guide: Prof Amit Arora

RPC Members: Prof. Yogendra Shastri, Prof Parameshwer Udmale

Abstract:

In 2024–25, India ranked as the second-largest producer of horticultural crops, with a total production of approximately 354.74 million tonnes, of which tomatoes accounted for nearly 21.3 million metric tonnes (≈11% of global production). Tomato cultivation in India is characterised by significant post-harvest constraints, driven by high perishability and limited cold-chain infrastructure. Estimates from NABCONS and ICAR-CIPHET suggest post-harvest losses of approximately 15–25% for fruits and vegetables, with tomatoes among the most vulnerable commodities. Furthermore, a seasonal price volatility often leads to distress sales or the disposal of surplus produce during periods of oversupply. To overcome the challenges, there is a need for value-addition strategies that can reduce wastage and improve economic stability within the supply chain. The present study proposes a biorefinery-based framework for converting tomato residues into high-value compounds, including lycopene, pectin, and cutin. Through an integrated extraction methodology, the approach aims to transform low-value biomass into functional ingredients for the food, nutraceutical, and biomaterial sectors, while generating additional revenue streams for stakeholders. Given the limited availability of tomato-residue-based biorefineries in India, this research seeks to develop a systematic valorisation strategy. Environmental and economic feasibility will be evaluated using life cycle assessment (LCA) and techno-economic analysis (TEA). Overall, the work supports a circular resource-use model that emphasises waste minimisation, resource efficiency, and enhanced resilience of the tomato value chain.