India, Aug. 8 -- India, the world's second-largest producer of fruits and vegetables, is rapidly advancing its academic and research ecosystem to meet the growing demand for skilled professionals in the food processing sector.
As per the latest Agricultural Statistics at a Glance 2023 report published by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, India continues to hold a strong position in global horticultural production. Recognizing the need to reduce post-harvest losses and improve food value chains, the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) commissioned a study titled "Study to Determine Post-Harvest Losses of Agri Produce in India" through NABARD Consultancy Services Pvt. Ltd. (NABCONS). The study, conducted in 2022, analyzed post-harvest losses across 54 crops and commodities for the reference years 2020-22, evaluating critical stages such as harvesting, storage, transportation, processing, and marketing.
To address the skill and knowledge gaps in the sector, several academic programs focusing on food technology, nutrition, dietetics, and hotel management are being offered across universities, colleges, and institutions in India. While the content related to food processing varies by discipline, comprehensive education in food processing is a core component in specialized food technology programs.
Two premier autonomous institutions under MoFPI-National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management, Kundli (NIFTEM-K) and National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management, Thanjavur (NIFTEM-T)-are at the forefront of this educational push. These institutions offer undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs (B.Tech, M.Tech, and Ph.D.) in food processing and allied disciplines, equipping students with both foundational and advanced knowledge.
Additionally, the CSIR-Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI) in Mysuru plays a pivotal role in building academic excellence through its M.Sc. Food Technology and Ph.D. programs in Food Science and Technology. Several other central, state, and private universities across the country are also actively offering food technology courses to foster a robust talent pool for the sector.
This information was shared by the Minister of State for Food Processing Industries, Shri Ravneet Singh, in a written reply to the Lok Sabha on 7 August 2025.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from FoodTechBiz.