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Dr Giridhar Parvatam, Director of CSIR–Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI), in interaction with NUFFOODS Spectrum India, discusses the institute’s pivotal role in the food processing sector and highlights key milestones in supporting the industry, the range of technologies developed and deployed, and CFTRI’s efforts to address the challenges faced by MSMEs. He also outlines the institute’s roadmap for expanding its impact on entrepreneurship, strengthening rural food processing, and enhancing India’s presence in the global food market.
Over your 26-year journey at CFTRI (1999–2025), what major transformations have you witnessed in the Institute’s role in India’s food processing sector?
I joined CFTRI in September 1999, when the institute primarily focused on traditional food processing. Our work largely revolved around cereals, pulses, post-harvest technologies, and basic food product development based on agricultural produce.
Over the past two and a half decades, the institute has undergone a significant transformation. One of the most notable changes is the adoption of high-tech innovations in line with global advancements. Today, our focus has shifted toward the development of nutrition-dense foods, which are essential for addressing the evolving dietary needs of the population. We are also working extensively on smart proteins, industrial-scale food solutions, and sustainable, safe food systems. There has been a clear transition from basic processing to advanced value-added products with a strong emphasis on food safety.
Another important area is the scientific validation and modernisation of traditional foods, including AYUSH-based formulations. Earlier, many traditional food practices lacked scientific backing; today, we are generating evidence-based insights in this domain. Sustainability has also become central to our work. CFTRI has actively embraced circular economy principles, focusing on waste valorization and by-product utilisation. These areas represent some of the most significant shifts in recent years.
What key milestones define CFTRI’s contribution to supporting MSMEs in the food industry?
Supporting MSMEs has been a core part of CFTRI’s mandate. A major milestone has been the development of millet processing technologies. Although CFTRI has been working on millets since the 1960s, the sector gained renewed momentum in the last 3–5 years due to government initiatives.
We have developed numerous value-added millet products, including gluten-free foods, which are gaining popularity. Our Milling and Baking Technology Department has played a crucial role in this area.
CFTRI has also contributed significantly to traditional food technologies, benefiting rural livelihoods and small-scale enterprises. Another key milestone is the development of food machinery platforms, where CFTRI has built a strong legacy.
We provide cost-effective and commercially viable technologies to MSMEs, along with hand-holding support, training, and skill development. Our scientists often work directly with entrepreneurs to help them establish and operate food processing units. A landmark initiative was the introduction of Open Technology Licensing (2013–14), where selected technologies are made freely available or offered at nominal cost to encourage entrepreneurship, especially among self-help groups and small-scale
industries.
As Director, what is your strategic vision for strengthening CFTRI’s engagement with MSMEs?
Our strategic vision aligns with the broader policies of CSIR, with a strong focus on strengthening MSMEs and supporting the rural economy. Over its 75-year journey, CFTRI has developed around 450 technologies, with more than 275–300 technologies emerging in the last three decades alone. These have resulted in over 5,000 licenses issued to industries.
We have also undertaken more than 1,000 industry-sponsored and consultancy projects, delivering time-bound solutions tailored to specific industrial needs.
Government initiatives such as PMFME (Prime Minister Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises), One District One Product (ODOP), Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), and Rastriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) have further strengthened our outreach.
For example, under the ODOP initiative, CFTRI has established banana and coffee processing lines in the Mysuru–Kodagu region. Farmers from other states, including Maharashtra specially from Nanded region have shown interest in replicating such models.
Additionally, our academic programmes—such as the International School of Milling Technology (ISMT) and MSc in Food Science and Technology—play an indirect but important role in supporting the MSME ecosystem by creating skilled professionals and entrepreneurs.
What are some of the most impactful technologies developed at CFTRI for SMEs?
CFTRI has developed several impactful technologies that have reached both large industries and MSMEs. One notable example is the development of millet-based products, including the millet bun, where 20 per cent of wheat flour is replaced with a blend of millet flours. This product has already been introduced in major cities like Mumbai and Delhi.
Another innovation is the protein slice, which provides about 5 grams of protein per serving and is completely preservative-free. The virgin coconut oil technology, developed in collaboration with the Coconut Development Board, has been widely adopted by more than 50 industries. We have also made significant advancements in millet processing, including quick-
cooking technologies, value-added products like semolina and flakes, and post- harvest processing systems.
Additionally, CFTRI has developed technologies for:
- Rice parboiling (widely adopted globally)
- Flour fortification with essential nutrients (implemented in public distribution
systems in states like Haryana and Himachal Pradesh) - Ready-to-eat and convenience foods
These technologies have had a substantial impact on affordability, scalability, and
market relevance.
How does CFTRI ensure effective technology transfer to MSMEs?
CFTRI adopts a multi-pronged approach to technology transfer:
- Customized training for entrepreneurs and industry stakeholders
- Incubation support through facilities like the Nutra-Phyto Incubation Centre (NPIC)
- Ready-to-use technologies for quick commercialisation
- Cluster-based interventions for sectors like jaggery, mango, and sugarcane
- Plug-and-play modular processing units for small-scale entrepreneurs
- We also assist MSMEs in leveraging digital platforms for marketing and business expansion, enabling faster market access.
Can you share success stories where CFTRI interventions have scaled up SME businesses?
Several success stories highlight how CFTRI interventions have helped scale up SME food businesses through innovative, industry-ready technologies. One major area of impact has been millet-based value-added products, which have gained significant traction among startups and small enterprises. Similarly, CFTRI-developed technologies for virgin coconut oil extraction have enabled SMEs to enter premium health product markets.
Another notable success is the preservation of sugarcane juice. CFTRI has developed a method to bottle sugarcane juice with a shelf life of up to four months without the use of chemical preservatives, while retaining its natural taste. This innovation has opened up export opportunities and improved income potential for farmers and small processors.
In the coconut sector, CFTRI has also developed technology for Neera (palm sap) processing and preservation without preservatives, creating new business avenues for rural entrepreneurs.
A significant example of waste-to-value innovation is the banana stem processing technology. Typically discarded after harvest, the banana stem contains an edible core. CFTRI has developed methods to extract juice from it, which is rich in
potassium and natural electrolytes. This can be bottled and marketed as a health drink, enabling SMEs to monetize agricultural waste.
Additionally, CFTRI has long promoted banana powder technology, which has seen widespread adoption, with over 100 licensees utilising it. Despite being an established technology, entrepreneurs continue to seek demonstrations, reflecting its
sustained commercial relevance. In the spices sector, particularly turmeric processing, CFTRI has introduced technologies that significantly reduce processing time. Traditional methods take about a week, involving boiling, drying, polishing, and grinding. CFTRI’s improved process reduces this to about 48 hours and enhances curcumin content, making the product more valuable. This has been widely adopted by startups and small businesses.
Overall, these interventions demonstrate how CFTRI technologies support SMEs by improving efficiency, enabling value addition, reducing waste, and creating new market opportunities.
What challenges do MSMEs face today in adopting new food technologies, and how is CFTRI addressing them?
MSMEs today face several challenges in adopting new food technologies. The foremost issue is financial constraint, although many government schemes have helped ease this burden to some extent. However, the biggest challenge remains the lack of technical skills. Even when MSMEs purchase new technologies, they often struggle with operation and effective implementation. As a result, despite theoretical understanding, nearly 90 per cent of new product ventures fail due to insufficient technical capability and execution gaps.
Another major issue is the continued reliance on outdated instruments and traditional technologies instead of adopting modern, market-driven solutions. Fragmented logistics and weak supply chain systems further add to the problem. For example, perishable raw materials like millets can get spoiled within 1–2 months without proper processing or storage, highlighting the need for strong cold chain infrastructure.
To address these challenges, CFTRI is providing cost-effective technologies, specialised training, and incubation support. Through its incubation centres, MSMEs receive end-to-end assistance—from processing and packaging to product optimisation—within CFTRI facilities, enabling them to develop market-ready products.
CFTRI also promotes sustainable and advanced food technologies such as vacuum frying for low-fat products and membrane-based refining techniques that reduce or eliminate harmful solvent use. These innovations help bridge the gap between scientific research and small-scale manufacturing.
In addition, CFTRI regularly organises industry–academia platforms and stakeholder meetings, where researchers, industry representatives, and entrepreneurs come together to exchange knowledge. This helps strengthen collaboration and accelerates the transfer of technology, ultimately supporting MSMEs in becoming more self-reliant and competitive.
How is CFTRI contributing to emerging areas like plant-based foods and future-ready food innovations for industry?
CFTRI is actively contributing to emerging areas like plant-based foods and future- ready food innovations. In terms of plant-based products, we work with all types of agricultural produce—fruits, vegetables, wheat, cereals, pulses, and millets. Beyond
traditional formulations, we have developed ready-to-eat and ready-to-use technologies that have been widely adopted by companies such as MTR.
In the area of plant-based dairy alternatives, we’ve developed technologies for low-fat and probiotic ice creams, which maintain texture and taste while supporting gut health through beta-mannan glucosidase. We have also developed dehydrated leafy vegetable powders rich in micronutrients like iron and zinc, which can be used in soups, sauces, jellies, or as garnishes.
CFTRI has pioneered low-glycemic products and superfoods, including chia seeds, introducing commercially viable Indian varieties in 2013–2014, which reduced prices significantly.
We are also exploring plant-based alternative meats, including 3D-printed meat analogs, and nutrient-rich products like spirulina-based “chickies,” which saw widespread adoption during the COVID period. Start-ups leveraging these
innovations have grown from small operations to global suppliers with minimal investment.
Our support extends beyond technology development. We assist industries with regulatory compliance, export readiness, shelf-life studies, packaging solutions, and accelerated stability testing using tools like our MPAC software. With government
backing, including CSIR’s Rs 1,00,000 crore initiative, and collaborations with organisations such as AFSTI, NABARD, KVIC, and RKVY, we aim to bridge the gap between research and market-ready products.
Over the past five to six years, CFTRI has achieved an 85 per cent success rate in translating innovations to industry, strengthening our IP portfolio, ensuring customer satisfaction through feedback, and fostering accelerated growth in the start-up ecosystem. Our goal remains to deliver future-ready, sustainable, and nutritionally enhanced food solutions.
What is your roadmap for expanding CFTRI’s impact on entrepreneurship, rural food processing, and India’s global food market presence?
CFTRI’s roadmap for expanding its impact on entrepreneurship, rural food processing, and India’s global food market presence is closely aligned with the rapid growth of the MSME sector, which currently contributes nearly 30 per cent to India’s
GDP and about 40 per cent of its exports. With national targets aiming to raise this to 40 per cent of GDP and 60 per cent of exports in the coming years, CFTRI recognises both the opportunity and the challenge in strengthening regulatory compliance and export readiness within the food processing ecosystem.
To achieve this, CFTRI is actively focusing on entrepreneurship development through technology incubation, skill-building, and hand-holding support for MSMEs and startups. Through initiatives such as the BIRAC-DBT-funded BioNEST incubation centre, which currently operates at nearly 50 per cent capacity, CFTRI provides mentoring and scientific guidance to innovators and entrepreneurs, helping them scale up their ideas into viable businesses.
In addition, CFTRI is strengthening rural food processing capabilities by promoting value addition in agricultural produce and supporting decentralised food processing models. This not only enhances rural livelihoods but also integrates farmers and
small enterprises into larger value chains.
On the global stage, CFTRI is prioritising emerging areas such as superfoods, functional foods, nutraceuticals, and personalised nutrition. These sectors, ranging from paediatric to geriatric and sports nutrition, are driven by advanced scientific
research and molecular-level understanding of nutrition and health benefits. By linking scientific innovation with grassroots agricultural resources, CFTRI is building technologies that support both health outcomes and market competitiveness.
Overall, CFTRI aims to function as a catalyst in realising the Government of India’s vision of transforming the agri-food sector. Through strong collaboration with ministries, including Food Processing Industries and Science & Technology, as well
as agricultural and AYUSH departments, CFTRI continues to strengthen India’s food entrepreneurship ecosystem and contribute significantly to national economic growth and global market expansion.
Sanjiv Das
sanjiv.das@mmactiv.com