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What is Food Technology?
Living in the age of Swiggy and Zomato, we are familiar with the profound impact of the processed food industry on our daily lives.
From basic staples like rice, wheat, and millet products to bakery and confectionery delights, dairy products, meat, and fish products, food technology covers a spectrum of processes aimed at enhancing and prolonging the edible life of various food items.
In the vibrant landscape of India’s career choices, Food Technology emerges as a multidisciplinary field that blends chemistry, biochemistry, microbiology, food chemistry, toxicology, packaging technology, clinical nutrition, entrepreneurship, and marketing.
Job Opportunities in Food Technology
The food processing industry is not just about employment; it offers a plethora of career options and business opportunities.
Graduates in Food Technology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, and Home Science can pursue diverse roles in the industry.
Those inclined towards entrepreneurship can explore startups, as the processing food industry is one of the largest in India and abroad. Alternatively, individuals can take up roles as Food Safety Officers under the government, ensuring the quality and safety of food products in the market.
Where to Study
For those eager to delve into the world of Food Technology, several esteemed institutes in India offer specialized courses at various levels. Some notable names include:
- Central Food Technology Research Institute (CFTRI), Mysuru
- Pondicherry University
- Periyar University, Salem
- National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management (NIFTEM), Thanjavur, Chandigarh
- University of Calicut
- MG University
- Indian Institute of Food Technology (SNDT)
- Indigenous College of Food Technology, Konni
- IIT Kharagpur
- IIT Guwahati
These institutions provide a diverse range of programs, including BSc, MSc, BTech, MTech, and even Ph.D. opportunities, shaping students for exciting careers in the food processing industry.
Fun Facts about Food Technology
- The first Food Technology Institute in India was established in 1950 at Bangalore – the Central Food Technology Research Institute under the Government of India.
- The chocolate industry in India earned a staggering 2.4 billion US dollars in 2023, highlighting the industry’s economic significance.
- After the liberalization in 1990, there was a high demand for processed food products worldwide, driving the growth of food technology as a field of study.
- IIT Kharagpur and Guwahati now offer MTech programs in Food Technology, showcasing the evolution and recognition of this field in premier educational institutions.
- The industry encompasses a wide range of products, from basic staples to confectionery, dairy, meat, and fish products, showcasing the versatility of food technology in meeting diverse consumer needs.
As we navigate the green pasture of food technology, it’s evident that this field is not just about sustenance but a thriving ecosystem of careers and business ventures. Embrace the flavors of innovation and entrepreneurship in the food processing industry – where careers are crafted, and businesses blossom.
