The ministry of food processing industries (MoFPI) has sought proposals from institutions for a research and development (R&D) programme in various categories and sub-sectors related to food processing.
According to the ministry, the R&D proposals in the processing sector should look at product and process development, preservation techniques and technologies, packaging, storage and handling, distribution, value addition and standardisation of additives, among other activities.
The guidelines stated that the ministry would support research proposals, preferably of an applied nature with commercial value resulting in the development of innovative products, processes and manufacturing practices, which lead to the development of the food processing industry in India.
MoFPI has invited proposals from the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), government institutions, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) laboratories, etc.
This is being done with a focus on the enhancement of production, quality, consumer safety, public health and trade of the processed food.