ITI is recognised as being a centre of excellence in the area of Food Technology (FT). Scientists of the section are highly motivated and dedicated and work with enthusiasm in promoting national food security and safety. Officers assist food industries by developing or adapting existing technology, providing necessary technical support including the sourcing of machinery and equipment, providing assistance with identifying unit operations and establishing processing lines, and engaging in trouble shooting and other forms of consultancy.
The FT Section conducts a range of training programmes to meet various needs of the food industry, including the supervision of Undergraduate and Postgraduate students from national and international universities. In doing so, the unit also develops human resources for the industry at large.
Over the years the Food Technology Section has built up a reputation of expertise in the following fields,
- Cereal and Bakery Technology
- Fruit and Vegetable Processing and Post Harvest Technology
- Fish Processing and Waste Utilization Technology
The scope of the unit also extends to the vital area of developing and promoting the production and distribution of nutritional and nutritionally enriched food in both rural and urban backgrounds.
The section also conducts research programmes in the above areas, with applied problems being handled by multidisciplinary teams. Researchers are encouraged to present their work at recognized national and international scientific gatherings, and publish their findings in well-established national and international journals. These results and research findings provide income-generating opportunities for small and medium industries and are also transferred to industry partners for larger commercial operations.
