Union Minister Jitendra Singh Advocates for Public-Facing Food Technology Research
Union Minister for Science, Technology and Earth Sciences, Jitendra Singh, has issued a compelling call to action, urging that research and development must transcend the confines of laboratories and libraries to achieve meaningful public impact. He delivered this message during the valedictory ceremony of the platinum jubilee celebrations at the Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI) in Mysuru on Friday.
Direct Engagement with Farmers and Entrepreneurs Emphasized
Addressing a gathering of scientists, entrepreneurs, and students, Minister Singh stressed the imperative for food technology institutions to forge direct connections with farmers and establish robust partnerships with business innovators. He underscored the pivotal role of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in sculpting the future economic landscape of the nation.
The minister proposed innovative cross-sector collaborations, suggesting that alliances between domains such as space technology, sports science, and food technology could unlock novel opportunities. Specifically, he highlighted the potential for developing specialized nutrition products, including space-grade food for astronauts and high-performance sports nutrition for athletes.
Bridging Research with Business Acumen
To bolster the startup ecosystem, Jitendra Singh recommended that research institutions under the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) partner with premier management institutions like the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). This collaboration aims to provide crucial business guidance and mentorship to emerging startups in the food technology sector.
Meeting the Demand for Convenient, Nutritious Meals
The minister also pointed to the rising consumer demand for convenient "carry-home" food products, particularly among working women and young professionals with constrained time for meal preparation. He asserted that research institutions are uniquely positioned to address this need by innovating and developing nutritious, pre-packaged meals that do not compromise on health benefits.
Leadership Echoes Call for Specialized Food Development
N. Kalaiselvi, Director General of CSIR, reinforced this vision by encouraging CFTRI to concentrate efforts on creating foods tailored for specific applications, such as sports and space exploration. Jitendra Kumar, another speaker, noted that integrating India's rich traditional food practices with cutting-edge scientific research and entrepreneurial spirit could catalyze a significant transformation across the entire food industry.
The event was attended by CFTRI Director Giridhar Parvatham, marking a significant moment in the institute's 75-year history as it looks toward a future of greater public engagement and innovation.
