TANUVAS to mentor food entrepreneurs in rural areas

During the commemoration of World Food Day at the Institute, he said that they will disseminate innovative food technologies such as milk protein / fibre enriched noodles, designer healthy chocolates, millet based ice-cream and fermented dairy based beverages, which are the most sought after foods among the younger generation. 

The project entitled ‘i - STED – Diffusion of Novel Food Technologies for generations of Healthy India’, was obtained by the college with a financial outlay of Rs. 275.60 lakh and is being funded by Department of Science and Technology, Government of India. 

Stressing on the change of food habits — development of western food habits among the people — Dr Baskaran said, “It is seen that even the rural population is switching to the consumption of food like noodles. It was therefore deemed essential to discuss the migration in food habits.” 

He said, that World Food Day is usually celebrated on October 16. Explaining the project, he said, “The raw materials required for the enrichment are sourced from food by-products like skimmed milk, fruit pomace, pseudo stem of plants and the like. The nutrients are delivered to consumers in novel food vehicles, so as to target the sites of absorption and ensure their complete utilisation in the human system. 

The present effort would not only alleviate protein deprivation and malnutrition in people, but also go a long way in assuring the livelihood prospects of many rural farmers and business aspirants.” The event was held on Friday under the theme, ‘Change the future of migration, Invest in food security and rural development’. It worked towards creating awareness on the opportunities and benefits of food processing, especially to the rural folks.