Agro Processing Methods, Equipment Operation and Maintenance is a meticulously structured guide that explores the full spectrum of unit operations essential in the agro-processing industry. As the demand for food security, value addition, and shelf-life enhancement rises, this book serves as a timely and practical resource for understanding the mechanical and technical processes involved in transforming raw agricultural commodities into consumable and market-ready products.

Divided into ten well-organized chapters, the book provides comprehensive coverage of:

• Unit operations such as material handling, heating, cooling, food packaging, cleaning, sorting, grading, and seed processing

• Key processing machinery, including dehuskers, dehullers, degermers, dryers, rice mills, dal mills, oil mills, flour mills, pulverisers, and canning equipment

• Advanced processing systems like pasteurizers, sterilizers, UHT plants, boilers, and automated packaging lines

• Detailed operation and maintenance procedures for each category of machinery to ensure maximum productivity, safety, and equipment longevity

Each chapter focuses on both the theoretical principles and practical considerations, equipping students, operators, technicians, and industry professionals with essential knowledge for real-world application. Emphasis is placed on preventive maintenance, process optimization, and technical troubleshooting—making the book particularly valuable for training programs, vocational courses, and agro-industrial workforce development.

Rich in illustrations, flowcharts, and operational schematics, this book empowers readers to develop a holistic understanding of the agro-processing value chain. Whether applied in rural food units or industrial processing plants, the insights provided in this book contribute meaningfully to sustainable agricultural development and post-harvest management efficiency

Tejas Ashok Bhosale completed his Bachelor of Technology (B. Tech.) from Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth (MPKV), Rahuri, Maharashtra. He qualified for the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) examination conducted by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). Subsequently, he earned his Master of Technology (M. Tech.) from G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology (GBPUAT), Pantnagar. He has also qualified for the ICAR Agricultural Scientists Recruitment Board National Eligibility Test (ICAR-ASRB-NET). With over 12 years of teaching experience in State Agricultural Universities (SAUs), Tejas is currently serving as an Assistant Professor at Veer Chandra Singh Garhwali Uttarakhand University of Horticulture and Forestry (VCSGUUHF), Bharsar, Pauri Garhwal, Uttarakhand.

He is a DGCA-certified drone pilot, specializing in the application of drones within the agricultural sector.  Tejas has published 7 research papers, 5 popular articles, 1 book chapter, and 1 book. He has handled one project as Principal Investigator (PI) and another as Co-Principal Investigator (Co-PI). Additionally, he possesses administrative experience in various capacities within SAUs. His areas of specialization include agricultural mechanization, precision agriculture, the use of drones in agriculture, and the design and development of intercultural and harvesting machinery. Tejas's expertise and contributions significantly enhance agricultural technology and education.

1. Acquaintance with Different Unit Operations Involved in Agro-Processing

2. Cleaning and Grading of Agricultural Commodities

3. Operation and Maintenance of Dehusker, Dehuller, Degermer and Dryer

4. Operation and Maintenance of Rice Milling Machineries

5. Operation and Maintenance of Dal Mills and Oil

6. Operation and Maintenance of Flour Mills and Pulverisers

7. Operation and Maintenance of Boiler, Pasteurizer and Sterilizer

8. Operation and Maintenance of Peeler, Slicer, Pulper and Juicer

9. Operation and Maintenance of Canning Machineries

10. Operation and Maintenance of Packaging Machineries