Description:CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS AND PRIORITY
The present application claims no priority from any of the patent application(s).

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a field of horticulture. In particular, the present invention particularly relates to enhancing shelf-life of horticulture produce.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
India is the second largest producer of fruits and vegetables in the world, contributing about 9-10 % share of total world production. In 2020-21, the production of horticultural crops has been pegged at a record 325 million tones which is more than total foodgrain production.
Each horticulture produce is different from each other. Therefore, formulation used for the protection of mango and orange, may not work for fig and litchi and may work inadequately for green chilly and leafy vegetables. Plus produce from across seasons and climatic condition varies in quality. Among major agriculture or horticulture produce, wastage is maximum in fruits and vegetables. The production of vegetables has increased significantly over the years, making India one of the leading producers of above-mentioned vegetables in the world. Increase in production of top crops are mainly due to increase in area while productivity is stagnant. Horticulture is increasingly recognized as a sunrise sector, owing to its potential to raise farm income, provide livelihood security and earn foreign exchange through export. However, marketing of horticulture faces major problems like large post-harvest loss, lack of infrastructure development, etc.
Horticulture has been recognized as one of the rapidly growing and evolving sectors having the potential to lead us to our goal of doubling farmer’s income. Unless the increase in production is met with sizeable increase in cold storage capacities the farmers will not be able to receive their fair share of income.
Moreover, it is observed that under storage conditions, some produce releases copious amounts of ethylene and moisture, while some will remain dry throughout. The percentage of wastage of horticulture produce such as fruits, vegetables and flowers is quite high owing to varying temperature conditions, improper storage conditions and handling during transportation and distribution at retail stores. Current method includes either just packaging the fresh produce in crates or meshed plastic bags or regular plastic bags or in corrugated boxes. Other method involves keeping fresh produce in controlled atmospheres during shipping and monitoring ethylene content in the air. Ethylene adsorbent sachets are also placed along with the fresh produce. However, this method is having a limited scope as absorbing ethylene only provide limited coverage just around the sachet.
IN201811017845 discloses about shelf-life extending sachet for fresh fruits, vegetables and flowers. The said sachet is made up of a permeable membrane filled with atleast one chemical selected from Ethylene adsorbers, Ethylene oxidizers, Carbon dioxide releasers, Oxygen absorbers or reducers, Microbial/Bio inhibitors, Moisture absorbers or Moisture Releasers.
IN201941053417 discloses about a composition for activating plant’s natural defense mechanisms. The said composition comprises of Methyl Salicylate, Jasmonic Acid and Salicylic Acid, wherein said composition is enabled to slow down the ethylene biosynthesis pathway and restricting the microbial growth on it. The said composition essentially comprises of an active ingredient selected from Salicylic acid, Methyl Salicylate, Methyl Jasmonate, Gibberellic acid and Brassinosteroid. The said composition is more of a fungicide, herbicide, weedicide or insecticide. The technology as disclosed may have limited application in sachet form, as the said composition is highly volatile in nature and cannot have slow or fast release action.
IN201821004481 discloses about a shelf-life enhancer composition comprising one or more catalyst to oxidize the hydrocarbon and one or more adsorbent to adsorb the hydrocarbon, wherein the said hydrocarbon is an ethylene. The said composition comprises of Iron, Silver, Cobalt, Vanadium Alumina, Silica Gel, Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide etc. The technology as disclosed in this prior art would be a high-cost technology, which would make it uncompetitive at the marketplace.
EP1917199B1 discloses about an absorbent insert for food packaging, wherein the outer edges of the said absorbent insert are at least partially sealed. The pad as disclosed is largely only for adsorbing liquids released by fruit. The technology as disclosed in prior art uses carbonates, bicarbonates, citric acid to release carbon dioxide for freezing effect. Therefore, this technology will have limited applications and may will work only for berries.
EP3188982B1 discloses about a food storage system including a container. The said system comprises of an adsorbent material such as zeolite, wherein the adsorbent material is disposed within the container. The said technology is Purely based on adsorbing technology and doesn’t involve any gas release for anti-microbial or anti-fungal effect. Largely limited to Zeolite and Potassium Permanganate only.
US20150203272A1 discloses about an absorbent pad having a desiccant for absorbing or adsorbing ambient moisture in a food package or in a food display case. This technology is mainly used for prepared or cooked food like cakes, pastries, muffins and cannot be used for horticulture produce and by and large limited to use of desiccants.
JPH0610790Y2 discloses about a packaging material composed of an ethylene gas adsorption agent such as activated carbon. The said ethylene gas adsorbent is one obtained by adding acidic water in which sodium bromate or potassium bromate is dissolved to activated carbon.
AU2021200198A1 discloses about an antimicrobial releasing agent comprising a metal chlorite, a carrier material and a trigger comprising a hygroscopic compound. The technology as disclosed is limited to chlorine dioxide release and uses metal chlorites and silica gel.
The above-described methods have one or more drawbacks associated with the product and methods disclosed herein. Therefore, there is long felt need to provide solution to above mentioned problems and produce a pouch or sachet which will be cost effective and prevents deterioration of horticulture produce.
The inventors of the present invention have solved the problem by increasing shelf life of horticulture produce by means of producing novel pouch or sachets which are cost effective for the protection of horticulture produce from varying environmental conditions, during transport and during storage.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
The principal object of present invention is to provide a pouch and sachet to enhance shelf-life of horticulture produce.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a process for the preparation of a pouch and sachet to enhance shelf-life of horticulture produce.

It is yet another object of the invention is to provide a pouch and sachet comprising a composition enabled to enhance shelf-life of horticulture produce.

It is another object of the present invention is to provide a pouch and sachet to enhance shelf-life of horticulture produce such as fruits, vegetables, parts of plants and flowers and a process for preparation thereof.

It is still another object of present invention is to provide a cost-effective pouch and sachet to enhance shelf-life of horticulture produce and a process for preparation thereof.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Before the present pouch and sachet to enhance shelf-life of horticulture produce and a process for preparation thereof are described, it is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the particular method and apparatus as described, as there can be multiple possible embodiments which are not expressly illustrated in the present disclosure. It is also to be understood that the terminology used in the description is for the purpose of describing the particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of the present application.

This summary is provided to introduce concepts related to a novel pouch and sachet to enhance shelf-life of horticulture produce. This summary is not intended to identify essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended for use in determining or limiting the scope of the disclosed subject matter.

In one embodiment, a pouch (100) to enhance shelf-life of horticulture produce is disclosed herein. The said pouch (100) comprises of an outer shell (102), wherein the outer shell (102) is made up of at least one layer and one or more compartments (101). The said one or more compartments (101) are filled with a composition comprising one or more active ingredients and one or more carrier materials (501).

In one embodiment, the said pouch (100) is in the form of sachet, bag and small sack. In one embodiment, the said pouch (100) is in the form of single compartment or multicompartment.

In another embodiment, the said layers comprise of a lower layer (301), a middle layer (302) and an upper layer (303), wherein the lower layer (301) is made up of any hydrophobic material, wherein the middle layer (302) is made up of hydrophobic or hydrophilic material, depending on the requirement of the horticulture produce to be packed and the upper layer (303) is made of hydrophilic material.

In another embodiment, said one or more active ingredients are adsorbed on to one or more of carrier materials (501).
In one embodiment, a process for the preparation of a pouch (100) for enhancing shelf-life of horticulture produce is disclosed herein. The said process comprising one or more steps as disclosed herein. The said process comprises a step of preparation of a pouch (100), wherein said pouch (100) comprises an outer shell (102) made up of at least one layer and one or more compartments (101). The said process further comprises a step of preparation of a composition comprising one or more active ingredients and one or more carrier materials. The said process further comprises an optional step of preparing the said composition in the form of tablets or pellets of predetermined shapes and sizes. The said process further comprises an optional step of coating the said composition or tablets or pellets, wherein the said coating is enabled to safeguard the active ingredients. The said process further comprises a step of filling one or more compartments with the composition comprising one or more active ingredients and one or more carrier materials. The said process further comprises a step of sealing filled pouch (100), wherein sealing is enabled through a thread and a needle, sewing machine or heat-sealing machine or ultrasonic welding machine.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
Figure 1 describes configuration of multi or single compartment pouch, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject disclosure.

Figure 2 describes cross section of filled multi or single compartment pouch, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject disclosure.

Figure 3 describes about configuration of a layer, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject disclosure.

Figure 4a describes a pouch filled with a composition in the form of powder/pellets, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject disclosure.

Figure 4b describes a pouch filled with a composition in the form of tablet, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject disclosure.

Figure 4c describes a pouch filled with a composition in the form of combination of a tablet and powder/pellets, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject disclosure.

Figure 5 describes about configuration of one or more active ingredients adsorbed on to one or more of carrier materials.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Reference throughout the specification to “various embodiments,” “some embodiments,” “one embodiment,” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in various embodiments,” “in some embodiments,” “in one embodiment,” or “in an embodiment” in places throughout the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.
The words "comprising," "having," "containing," and "including," and other forms thereof, are intended to be equivalent in meaning and be open ended in that an item or items following any one of these words is not meant to be an exhaustive listing of such item or items or meant to be limited to only the listed item or items.
It must also be noted that, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Although any methods similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of embodiments of the present disclosure, the exemplary methods are described. The disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the disclosure, which may be embodied in various forms.
The present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the embodiments illustrated but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features described herein.

In one embodiment, a pouch (100) to enhance shelf-life of horticulture produce is disclosed herein. The said pouch (100) may comprise of an outer shell (102), wherein the outer shell maybe made up of at least one layer and one or more compartments (101). The said one or more compartments (101) maybe filled with a composition comprising one or more active ingredients and one or more carrier materials (501).

In one embodiment, the said at least one layer maybe made up of the same or different materials, wherein the said materials maybe selected from paper outer, viscose, cellulosic fibre, non-woven polypropylene or combination thereof.

In one embodiment, the said pouch (100) maybe in the form of sachet, bag and small sack.

In one embodiment, the said pouch (100) maybe in the form of single compartment or multicompartment.

In another embodiment, the said layer may comprise of at least three layers comprising a lower layer (301), a middle layer (302) and an upper layer (303), wherein the lower layer (301) maybe made up of any hydrophobic material, wherein the middle layer (302) maybe made up of hydrophobic or hydrophilic material, depending on the requirement of the horticulture produce to be packed and the upper layer maybe made of hydrophilic material.

In another embodiment, lower layer (301) made up of hydrophobic material, maybe impervious to water i.e. liquid or water discharge from the horticulture produce won’t seep out of the pouch (100) and would remain in the pouch (100) at all times, this feature is essential as the liquid or water discharge could soil the container in which this pouch is kept. In yet another embodiment, said upper layer (303) may be made of hydrophilic material enabled to allow the seepage of liquid or water discharge from the packed fruit into the pouch (100). In still another embodiment, said middle layer (302) may contain hydrophobic or hydrophilic material, depending on the requirement of the horticulture produce to be packed.

In another embodiment, said one or more active ingredients are adsorbed on to one or more of carrier materials (501).

In one embodiment, the said one or more carrier materials (501) may include zeolites selected from Potassium Aluminosilicate, Sodium Aluminosilicate, Calcium Aluminosilicate, Polysaccharides selected from Maltodextrin, a-Cyclodextrin, ß-Cyclodextrin, ?-Cyclodextrin and a Polyolefin Porous Polymer and combination thereof.

In one embodiment, the said one or more active ingredients maybe selected from Sodium Permanganate, Potassium Permanganate, Sodium Ferrate, Potassium Ferrate, 1-Methylcyclopropene, Aminoethoxyvinylglycine, Sodium Nitroprusside, Sodium Nitrite, S- Nitrosoglutathione, Sodium Trioxodinitrate, Nitroglycerin, Isosorbide Dinitrate, Hydralazine, Diethylenetriamine, Diethylamine, Sodium Chlorite, Potassium Chlorite, Magnesium Hypochlorite, Calcium Hypochlorite, Sodium Hypochlorite, Chloroisocyanurate, Ethyl Alcohol, Nordihydroguaiaretic acid, 1-Methyl-3-phenyl-5-[3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]pyridin-4(1H)-one, Abscisic acid, Magnesium Hydride, Sodium Hydrosulfide, Sodium Sulfide, Sodium Percarbonate, Calcium Propionate, Sodium Propionate, Glucose, Fructose, Sodium Polyacrylate, Potassium Polyacrylate, Sodium Bicarbonate, Ammonium Bicarbonate, Potassium Bicarbonate, Peracetic Acid, Sodium Chloride, Potassium Chloride, Calcium Alginate, Sodium Alginate, Potassium Alginate, Sucrose, Dextrose or combination thereof.

By referring to figure 4, the said composition maybe in the form of tablets or pellets of predetermined shapes and sizes.

In one embodiment, the said composition in the form of tablets or pellets further may comprise excipients selected from Magnesium Stearate, Stearic Acid, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Carrageenan, Titanium dioxide, Citric acid and combination thereof. The tablets or pellets may be prepared by the process of sintering.

In one embodiment, the said composition in the form of tablets or pellets maybe further coated with one or more coatings, wherein said one or more coatings maybe enabled to safeguard the one or more active ingredients. In another embodiment, the said coatings maybe selected from one or more of Sugar Coating, Film Coating, Compression Coating, Electrostatic Coating, Dip Coating or combination thereof. In yet another embodiment, the said coatings may be performed after the process of sintering. In still another embodiment the said coatings may further go through the process of sintering.

In one embodiment, said composition comprising one or more active ingredients and one or more carrier materials is enabled to reduce microbial, fungal and bacterial growth in horticulture produce, thereby increasing marketability.

In one embodiment, said horticulture produce may include but not limited to fruits, flowers, leaves, mushrooms, tubers, roots or isolated parts of plants or combination thereof.

In one embodiment, a process for the preparation of a pouch (100) for enhancing shelf-life of horticulture produce is disclosed herein. The said process comprising one or more steps as disclosed herein. The said process may comprise a step of preparation of a pouch (100), wherein said pouch (100) may comprises an outer shell (102) made up of at least one layer and one or more compartments (101). The said process further may comprise a step of preparation of a composition comprising one or more active ingredients and one or more carrier materials. The said process further may comprise an optional step of preparing the said composition in the form of tablets or pellets of predetermined shapes and sizes. The said process further may comprise an optional step of coating the said composition or tablets or pellets, wherein the said coating maybe enabled to safeguard the active ingredients. The said process further may comprise a step of filling one or more compartments (101) with the composition comprising one or more active ingredients and one or more carrier materials. The said process further may comprise a step of sealing the filled pouch (100), wherein sealing maybe enabled through a thread and a needle, sewing machine or heat-sealing machine or ultrasonic welding machine.

In one embodiment, the step of preparation of a composition comprising one or more active ingredients and one or more carrier materials further may comprise a sub-step of mixing one or more active ingredients and one or more carrier materials.

In one embodiment, the step of preparing the said composition in the form of tablets or pellets may include the sub-steps selected from dry granulation, wet granulation or direct compression and sintering.

In one embodiment, the said one or more active ingredients maybe adsorbed on one or more carrier materials (501).

In one embodiment, the step of coatings may include one or more of Sugar Coating, Film Coating, Compression Coating, Electrostatic Coating, Dip Coating or combination thereof.

By referring to figure 4a, 4b and 4c, the step of filling may include filling the said one or more active ingredients in their basic form or adsorbed form or tablet and pellet form or coated tablet and coated pellet form into the pouch (100).

In one embodiment, the at least one layer maybe made up of the same or different materials selected from paper, viscose, cellulosic fibre, non-woven polypropylene or combination thereof.

In one embodiment, the said pouch (100) maybe in the form of sachet, bag and small sack placed in a container comprising the horticulture produce.

In another embodiment, the said layer may comprise of at least three layers comprising a lower layer (301), a middle layer (302) and an upper layer (303), wherein the lower layer (301) maybe made up of hydrophobic material, wherein the middle layer (302) maybe made up of hydrophobic or hydrophilic material, depending on the requirement of the horticulture produce to be packed and the upper layer (303) maybe made of hydrophilic material.

In yet another embodiment, the said one or more carrier materials (501) includes zeolites selected from Potassium Aluminosilicate, Sodium Aluminosilicate, Calcium Aluminosilicate, Polysaccharides selected from Maltodextrin, a-Cyclodextrin, ß-Cyclodextrin, ?-Cyclodextrin and a Polyolefin Porous Polymer family and combination thereof.

In still another embodiment, said one or more active ingredients maybe selected from Sodium Permanganate, Potassium Permanganate, Sodium Ferrate, Potassium Ferrate, 1-Methylcyclopropene, Aminoethoxyvinylglycine, Sodium Nitroprusside, Sodium Nitrite, S- Nitrosoglutathione, Sodium Trioxodinitrate, Nitroglycerin, Isosorbide Dinitrate, Hydralazine, Diethylenetriamine, Diethylamine, Sodium Chlorite, Potassium Chlorite, Magnesium Hypochlorite, Calcium Hypochlorite, Sodium Hypochlorite, Chloroisocyanurate, Ethyl Alcohol, Nordihydroguaiaretic acid, 1-Methyl-3-phenyl-5-[3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]pyridin-4(1H)-one, Abscisic acid, Magnesium Hydride, Sodium Hydrosulfide, Sodium Sulfide, Sodium Percarbonate, Calcium Propionate, Sodium Propionate, Glucose, Fructose, Sodium Polyacrylate, Potassium Polyacrylate, Sodium Bicarbonate, Ammonium Bicarbonate, Potassium Bicarbonate, Peracetic Acid, Sodium Chloride, Potassium Chloride, Calcium Alginate, Sodium Alginate, Potassium Alginate, Sucrose, Dextrose or combination thereof.

EXAMPLES
Examples 1: Preparation of a pouch (100) to enhance shelf- life of horticulture produce
A process for the preparation of a pouch (100) to enhance shelf-life of horticulture produce is disclosed herein. The said pouch (100) comprises of an outer shell (102) made up of at least one layer and one or more compartments (101) filled with a composition comprising one or more active ingredients and one or more carrier materials (501). The said process for the preparation of a pouch (100) comprising several steps is described below:

A. Preparation of a pouch (100):
An outer shell (102) made up of at least one layer, wherein the said layers are made up of the same or different materials selected from paper, viscose, cellulosic fibre, non-woven polypropylene or combination thereof. Said layers comprise of at least three layers comprising of a lower layer (301), a middle layer (302) and an upper layer (303). The said lower layer (301) is made up of hydrophobic material. The middle layer (302) is made up of hydrophobic or hydrophilic material, depending on the requirement of the horticulture produce to be packed. The upper layer (303) is made of hydrophilic material. The said the pouch (100) is in the form of single compartment or multicompartment pouch, sachet, bag and small sack.

B. Preparation of a composition comprising one or more active ingredients:
A process for the preparation of a composition comprising one or more active ingredients and one or more carrier materials is disclosed herein. Said mixing one or more active ingredients are mixed with one or more carrier materials to obtain a mixture comprising one or more active ingredient and one or more carrier materials.
Said one or more active ingredients are selected from Sodium Permanganate, Potassium Permanganate, Sodium Ferrate, Potassium Ferrate, 1-Methylcyclopropene, Aminoethoxyvinylglycine, Sodium Nitroprusside, Sodium Nitrite, S- Nitrosoglutathione, Sodium Trioxodinitrate, Nitroglycerin, Isosorbide Dinitrate, Hydralazine, Diethylenetriamine, Diethylamine, Sodium Chlorite, Potassium Chlorite, Magnesium Hypochlorite, Calcium Hypochlorite, Sodium Hypochlorite, Chloroisocyanurate, Ethyl Alcohol, Nordihydroguaiaretic acid, 1-Methyl-3-phenyl-5-[3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]pyridin-4(1H)-one, Abscisic acid, Magnesium Hydride, Sodium Hydrosulfide, Sodium Sulfide, Sodium Percarbonate, Calcium Propionate, Sodium Propionate, Glucose, Fructose, Sodium Polyacrylate, Potassium Polyacrylate, Sodium Bicarbonate, Ammonium Bicarbonate, Potassium Bicarbonate, Peracetic Acid, Sodium Chloride, Potassium Chloride, Calcium Alginate, Sodium Alginate, Potassium Alginate, Sucrose, Dextrose or combination thereof.
Said one or more carrier materials includes zeolites selected from Potassium Aluminosilicate, Sodium Aluminosilicate, Calcium Aluminosilicate, Polysaccharides selected from Maltodextrin, a-Cyclodextrin, ß-Cyclodextrin, ?-Cyclodextrin and a Polyolefin Porous Polymer and combination thereof.
In one exemplary embodiment, one or more active ingredients are adsorbed on to one or more of carrier materials (501).

C. Filling one or more compartments (101):
By referring to figure 4a, 4b and 4c, prepared composition comprising one or more active ingredients and one or more carrier materials is filled in one or more compartments (101) of a pouch (100). The one or more compartments (101) are optionally filled with one or more active ingredients in their basic form or adsorbed form or tablet and pellet form or coated tablet and coated pellet or combination thereof.

D. Sealing filled pouch (100):
Pouch (100) filled with the composition comprising one or more active ingredients and one or more carrier materials in the form of sachet, bag and small sack are sealed. The step of sealing is enabled through a thread and a needle, sewing machine or heat-sealing machine or ultrasonic welding machine.

Example 2: Formulation of composition comprising one or more active ingredients
A composition filled in a pouch (100) comprising one or more compartments (101) is disclosed herein. The said composition comprises one or more ingredients listed below:

Sr. No. Type of Ingredients Examples
1 Active ingredients Sodium Permanganate, Potassium Permanganate, Sodium Ferrate, Potassium Ferrate, 1-Methylcyclopropene, Aminoethoxyvinylglycine, Sodium Nitroprusside, Sodium Nitrite, S- Nitrosoglutathione, Sodium Trioxodinitrate, Nitroglycerin, Isosorbide Dinitrate, Hydralazine, Diethylenetriamine, Diethylamine, Sodium Chlorite, Potassium Chlorite, Magnesium Hypochlorite, Calcium Hypochlorite, Sodium Hypochlorite, Chloroisocyanurate, Ethyl Alcohol, Nordihydroguaiaretic acid, 1-Methyl-3-phenyl-5-[3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]pyridin-4(1H)-one, Abscisic acid, Magnesium Hydride, Sodium Hydrosulfide, Sodium Sulfide, Sodium Percarbonate, Calcium Propionate, Sodium Propionate, Glucose, Fructose, Sodium Polyacrylate, Potassium Polyacrylate, Sodium Bicarbonate, Ammonium Bicarbonate, Potassium Bicarbonate, Peracetic Acid, Sodium Chloride, Potassium Chloride, Calcium Alginate, Sodium Alginate, Potassium Alginate, Sucrose, Dextrose or combination thereof.
2 Carrier Materials Potassium Aluminosilicate, Sodium Aluminosilicate, Calcium Aluminosilicate, Polysaccharides selected from Maltodextrin, a-Cyclodextrin, ß-Cyclodextrin, ?-Cyclodextrin and a Polyolefin Porous Polymer and combination thereof.
3 Excipients Magnesium Stearate, Stearic Acid, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Carrageenan, Titanium dioxide, Citric acid and combination thereof.

Example 3: Preparation of a composition in the form of powder
The said composition is prepared by mixing one or more active ingredients, one or more carrier materials and excipients as described in example 2, wherein the mixing maybe enabled by any of the techniques previously known in the art.

Example 4: Preparation of a composition in the form of tablet
By referring to figure 4b, said composition is prepared in the form of tablets of predetermined shapes and sizes. Said tablet may further comprises one or more acceptable excipients. Excipients may include but not limited to Magnesium Stearate, Stearic Acid, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Carrageenan, Titanium dioxide and Citric acid. Said tablets maybe prepared by tableting techniques previously known in the art i.e. dry granulation, wet granulation, direct compression or sintering. In another exemplary embodiment, said composition or tablets is optionally coated the coating is enabled to safeguard the active ingredients.

Example 5: Preparation of a composition in the form of pellet or granules
By referring to figure 4a, said composition is prepared in the form of pellets or granules of predetermined shapes and sizes. In another exemplary embodiment said pellets or granules are optionally coated, wherein the coating is enabled to safeguard the active ingredients,

Example 6: Use of prepared pouch to enhance shelf-life of horticulture produce
The pouch (100) is in the form of sachet, bag and small sack placed in a container comprising the horticulture produce. Said horticulture produce includes but not limited to fruits, flowers, leaves, mushrooms, tubers, roots or isolated parts of plants or combination thereof.
Example 7: Effectiveness of prepared pouch to enhance shelf-life of horticulture produce
The pouch produced in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is used to enhance shelf-life of horticulture produce such as mango and strawberry. Data for the same is provided below:
(i) Mango –
Table: Formulation of filled composition for pouch for mango
Sr.No. Ingredients % Type of ingredient
1 Sodium Nitroprusside 2.5 % Active Ingredient
2 Sodium Ferrate 17.5 % Active Ingredient
3 Potassium Aluminosilicate 15 to 45 % Carrier
4 Magnesium Stearate 50 to 80 % Excipient

The composition prepared by using above ingredients is filled into the pouch/sachet in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention and used for enhancing shelf life of mango.
Alphonso Mango is currently exported by air freight to Europe and America. Air Freight is costly and makes our Alphonso Mango uncompetitive in the export market. Mango sachet as produced in accordance with the disclosure of the present invention manages the ethylene generation of the fruit and also prevents microbial growth on the fruit. Mainly the composition of the present invention is very cost effective and most affordable. With the use of sachet/pouch of the present invention our Alphonso Mango can be exported by sea freight to Europe and America, thereby becoming more price competitive and affordable to the end consumer. Static trials performed for sachet/pouch of the present invention in portable storage with Alphonso Mango, getting encouraging results. Mango lasted for more than 40 days at 11 degrees centigrade, thereby can be exported by sea freights as well.
(ii) Strawberry –
Table: Formulation of filled composition for pouch for Strawberry
Sr.No. Ingredients % Type of ingredient
1 Sodium Hydrosulfide 2.5 to 5.0 % Active Ingredient
2 Sodium Ferrate 17.5 % Active Ingredient
3 a Cyclodextrin 15 to 17.5 % Carrier
4 Carrageenan 80 to 90 % Excipient

The composition prepared by using above ingredients is filled into the pouch/sachet in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention and used for enhancing shelf life of strawberry.
Strawberry prices at Panchgani/Mahabaleshwar from Maharshtra (Major geographical origin for strawberry), India are around Rs. 150 to Rs. 200 per kilogram. As Strawberry has low shelf life, post-harvest losses are on the higher side. Prices at far off destinations like Chennai can touch Rs. 800 per kilogram, at this rate more than 50% of the fruit is lost in transit. Strawberry is susceptible to Botrytis fungal growth, roughly 48 hours after harvest. If the growth of Botrytis can be delayed by a few days, shelf life can be extended. Sachet/pouch prepared in accordance with the disclosure of present invention can delay the onset of Botrytis by 72 hours, hence increasing marketability of the strawberry. Hence, a larger quantity of good quality strawberry can be sent from Panchgani/Mahabaleshwar to far off markets like Chennai, thereby a drop in prices for consumer can be anticipated and hoped for.
Example 8: Usefulness of novel pouch (100) to enhance shelf-life of horticulture produce
• Some delicate crops are highly susceptible to weather conditions like excessive heat and unseasonal rainfall. Quality of the fruit will be one of the determinants in carrier and active ingredient selection while preparing said sachet/pouch in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
• Excessive heat and cold conditions in some geographical regions during summers and winters respectively affects the trees in a particular way. If these trees have faced harsh weather conditions during growth stage of the fruit, many a times fruits do not get fully ripen. With the use of sachet/pouch, the unripen fruits will move closer towards turning fully ripen.
• Green leafy produce has a tendency to degrade very fast after harvest. They range from the affordable ones like coriander, spinach to the premium ones like rosemary, sage. The pouch/sachet with the optimised carrier – active ingredient combination as disclosed in the present invention would be able to retard fungal/bacterial growth on them by 24 – 48 hours at tropical room temperatures.
Moreover, the instant invention provides the following advantages:
• Pouch or sachet prepared in accordance with the present invention are useful for variety of horticulture produce.
• Pouch or sachet prepared in accordance with the present invention are useful in varying environmental conditions.
• Pouch or sachet prepared in accordance with the present invention provides increased shelf-life to the horticulture produce, thereby preventing loss during handling and storage.
• Pouch or sachet prepared in accordance with the present invention may be single or multi layered depending on the horticulture produce to be packed.
• Pouch or sachet prepared in accordance with the present invention reduces microbial, fungal and bacterial growth in the horticulture produce.
, Claims:I/WE CLAIM:
1. A pouch (100) to enhance shelf-life of horticulture produce comprising:
a) an outer shell (102), wherein the outer shell is made up of at least one layer; and
b) one or more compartments (101), wherein one or more compartments (101) are filled with a composition comprising one or more active ingredients and one or more carrier materials (501).

2. The pouch as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one layer is made up of the same or different materials selected from paper outer, viscose, cellulosic fibre, non-woven polypropylene or combination thereof.

3. The pouch as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pouch (100) is in the form of sachet, bag and small sack.

4. The pouch as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pouch (100) is in the form of single compartment or multicompartment.

5. The pouch as claimed in claim 1, wherein the layer comprise of at least three layers comprising a lower layer (301), a middle layer (302) and an upper layer (303), wherein the lower layer (301) is made up of any hydrophobic material, wherein the middle layer (302) is made up of hydrophobic or hydrophilic material, depending on the requirement of the horticulture produce to be packed and the upper layer (303) is made of hydrophilic material.

6. The pouch as claimed in claim 1, wherein one or more active ingredients are adsorbed on to one or more of carrier materials (501).

7. The pouch as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more carrier materials (501) includes zeolites selected from Potassium Aluminosilicate, Sodium Aluminosilicate, Calcium Aluminosilicate, Polysaccharides selected from Maltodextrin, a-Cyclodextrin, ß-Cyclodextrin, ?-Cyclodextrin and a Polyolefin Porous Polymer and combination thereof.

8. The pouch as claimed in claim 1, wherein one or more active ingredients selected from Sodium Permanganate, Potassium Permanganate, Sodium Ferrate, Potassium Ferrate, 1-Methylcyclopropene, Aminoethoxyvinylglycine, Sodium Nitroprusside, Sodium Nitrite, S- Nitrosoglutathione, Sodium Trioxodinitrate, Nitroglycerin, Isosorbide Dinitrate, Hydralazine, Diethylenetriamine, Diethylamine, Sodium Chlorite, Potassium Chlorite, Magnesium Hypochlorite, Calcium Hypochlorite, Sodium Hypochlorite, Chloroisocyanurate, Ethyl Alcohol, Nordihydroguaiaretic acid, 1-Methyl-3-phenyl-5-[3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]pyridin-4(1H)-one, Abscisic acid, Magnesium Hydride, Sodium Hydrosulfide, Sodium Sulfide, Sodium Percarbonate, Calcium Propionate, Sodium Propionate, Glucose, Fructose, Sodium Polyacrylate, Potassium Polyacrylate, Sodium Bicarbonate, Ammonium Bicarbonate, Potassium Bicarbonate, Peracetic Acid, Sodium Chloride, Potassium Chloride, Calcium Alginate, Sodium Alginate, Potassium Alginate, Sucrose, Dextrose or combination thereof.

9. The pouch as claimed in claim 1, wherein the composition is in the form of tablets or pellets of predetermined shapes and sizes.

10. The pouch as claimed in claim 1 and 9, wherein the composition in the form of tablets or pellets further comprises excipients selected from Magnesium Stearate, Stearic Acid, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Carrageenan, Titanium dioxide, Citric acid and combination thereof.

11. The pouch as claimed in claim 1 and 9, wherein the composition in the form of tablets or pellets is further coated with one or more coatings enabled to safeguard the one or more active ingredients, wherein the coatings are selected from one or more of Sugar Coating, Film Coating, Compression Coating, Electrostatic Coating, Dip Coating after the process of sintering.

12. A process for the preparation of a pouch (100) for enhancing shelf-life of horticulture produce comprising steps of:
a) preparation of a pouch (100) comprising an outer shell (102) made up of at least one layer and one or more compartments (101),
b) preparation of a composition comprising one or more active ingredients and one or more carrier materials (501),
c) optionally, preparing the said composition in the form of tablets or pellets of predetermined shapes and sizes,
d) optionally, coating the said composition or tablets or pellets, wherein the coating is enabled to safeguard the active ingredients,
e) filling one or more compartments with the composition comprising one or more active ingredients and one or more carrier materials (501); and
f) sealing filled pouch (100), wherein sealing is enabled through a thread and a needle, sewing machine or heat-sealing machine or ultrasonic welding machine.

13. The process as claimed in claim 12, wherein the step of preparation of a composition comprising one or more active ingredients and one or more carrier materials (501) further comprises a sub-step of mixing one or more active ingredients and one or more carrier materials (501).

14. The process as claimed in claim 12, wherein the step of preparing the said composition in the form of tablets or pellets includes the sub-steps selected from dry granulation, wet granulation or direct compression and sintering.

15. The process as claimed in claim 12, wherein the one or more active ingredients are adsorbed on one or more carrier materials (501).

16. The process as claimed in claim 12, wherein the step of coatings includes one or more of Sugar Coating, Film Coating, Compression Coating, Electrostatic Coating, Dip Coating.

17. The process as claimed in claim 12, wherein the step of filling includes filling the one or more active ingredients in their basic form or adsorbed form or tablet and pellet form or coated tablet and coated pellet form into the pouch (100).

18. The process as claimed in claim 12, wherein the at least one layer is made up of the same or different materials selected from paper, viscose, cellulosic fibre, non-woven polypropylene or combination thereof.

19. The process as claimed in claim 12, wherein the pouch (100) is in the form of sachet, bag and small sack placed in a container comprising the horticulture produce.

20. The process as claimed in claim 12, wherein the layer comprises of at least three layers comprising lower layer (301), a middle layer (302) and an upper layer (303), wherein the lower layer (301) is made up of hydrophobic material, wherein the middle layer (302) is made up of hydrophobic or hydrophilic material, depending on the requirement of the horticulture produce to be packed and the upper layer (303) is made of hydrophilic material.

21. The process as claimed in claim 12, wherein the one or more carrier materials (501) includes zeolites selected from Potassium Aluminosilicate, Sodium Aluminosilicate, Calcium Aluminosilicate, Polysaccharides selected from Maltodextrin, a-Cyclodextrin, ß-Cyclodextrin, ?-Cyclodextrin and a Polyolefin Porous Polymer family and combination thereof.

22. The process as claimed in claim 12, wherein one or more active ingredients are selected from Sodium Permanganate, Potassium Permanganate, Sodium Ferrate, Potassium Ferrate, 1-Methylcyclopropene, Aminoethoxyvinylglycine, Sodium Nitroprusside, Sodium Nitrite, S- Nitrosoglutathione, Sodium Trioxodinitrate, Nitroglycerin, Isosorbide Dinitrate, Hydralazine, Diethylenetriamine, Diethylamine, Sodium Chlorite, Potassium Chlorite, Magnesium Hypochlorite, Calcium Hypochlorite, Sodium Hypochlorite, Chloroisocyanurate, Ethyl Alcohol, Nordihydroguaiaretic acid, 1-Methyl-3-phenyl-5-[3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]pyridin-4(1H)-one, Abscisic acid, Magnesium Hydride, Sodium Hydrosulfide, Sodium Sulfide, Sodium Percarbonate, Calcium Propionate, Sodium Propionate, Glucose, Fructose, Sodium Polyacrylate, Potassium Polyacrylate, Sodium Bicarbonate, Ammonium Bicarbonate, Potassium Bicarbonate, Peracetic Acid, Sodium Chloride, Potassium Chloride, Calcium Alginate, Sodium Alginate, Potassium Alginate, Sucrose, Dextrose or combination thereof.