NIFTEM-K celebrates World Food Day with focus on food safety, nutrition

New Delhi: NIFTEM-K (National Institute of Food Technology, Entrepreneurship and Management, Kundli) celebrated World Food Day on October 16, by organizing a series of activities aimed at promoting food safety, nutrition, and innovative strategies to reduce post-harvest losses. The event featured technical sessions, product displays, a recipe competition, and a showcase of pilot plant products, attracting experts from academia, industry, and research institutions.

Inaugural address and key announcements

Dr. Harinder Singh Oberoi, Director of NIFTEM-K, in his inaugural address, emphasized the importance of the day’s theme, “Right to Food for a Better Life and a Better Future,” as coined by FAO. He highlighted the role of food processing, fortification, and safety as vital components of the global food system. Dr. Oberoi also announced NIFTEM-K’s recent signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with 11 companies and 5 academic institutions during World Food India 2024 in New Delhi, which aim to advance research, foster innovation, and enhance skill development in the Indian food processing industry.

Focus on food safety and global food systems

In his special address, G Kamala Vardhana Rao, CEO of FSSAI, praised NIFTEM-K’s pioneering efforts in innovative research for food safety. He stressed the urgency of ensuring safe and nutritious food for the growing global population, projected to reach 8.4 billion. Rao also discussed the impact of climate change on agriculture, emphasizing the need for innovative strategies to adapt food systems to evolving challenges.

Launch of NIFTEM-K song and focus on food waste

The Chief Guest, Minhaj Alam, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI), launched the NIFTEM-K song. Alam commended the institute’s work in addressing food waste and promoting innovations in food processing. He noted that NIFTEM-K’s mission aligns with MoFPI’s vision of enhancing value addition, reducing wastage, and promoting sustainable growth in the Indian food industry.

Key participants and discussions

The event was graced by the presence of Paramjit S Jaswal, Vice Chancellor of SRM University, and Sanjai Singh Parmar, CEO of Cremica Food Park Pvt. Ltd. Technical sessions covered a range of topics, from sustainable food systems to strengthening the food supply chain. Speakers included senior officers from the food industry, academic institutions, R&D organizations, and startups, providing valuable insights into the future of food security.

The theme for this year’s World Food Day underscored the fundamental human right to accessible, nutritious, and affordable food, echoing NIFTEM-K’s commitment to fostering innovation for food security and public well-being.