Experts dwell on recent trends in food processing

Tribune News Service

Bathinda, December 9

Continuing its drive to strive for excellence and contribute to the domain of academic and scientific research, the Central University of Punjab (CUP), Bathinda, organised a national seminar on recent trends in food processing on the campus today.

The seminar was organised in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Crop Processing Technology under the aegis of the Ministry of Food Processing Industries.

Prof SS Marwah, Dean, Centre for Food Sciences and Technology, said around 270 participants had registered with the university to take part in the seminar.

The seminar was inaugurated by Prof Gurmail Singh, Vice-Chancellor, Akal University Talwandi Sabo. Prof RK Kohli, Vice-Chancellor, CUP; Dr C Anandharamkrishanan, Director, Indian Institute of Crop Processing Technology (IICPT); Prof MB Bera, Dean Academics, Sant Longowal Institute of Engineering and Technology (SLIET), Prof P Ramarao, Dean Academics, CUP; Prof Jagdeep Singh, Registrar, and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.

While sharing the purpose of the seminar, it was also highlighted that the present population of the world is near about 7.4 billion, which is expected to reach 9 billion by 2050.

Arranging food for such a huge mass is going to be a herculean task.

Dr C Anandharamkrishanan pointed out that the process of production, processing, retailing and ultimate access to consumer would soon witness new dimensions.

He opined that the growth rate of food processing industries was 10 per cent, which was higher than the growth rate of India. He said, “The market in India is so diversified that it carries a lot of possibilities for employment of the youth and business opportunities. There is need to explore untapped avenues.”

“Different food habits and cultures in Indian society really present a few issues, which may be addressed through research and development activities in the food processing sector,” he added.

Besides, Prof Amarjeet Kaur spoke of post harvest value addition of food crops.