The issue of basic research in food science is a neglected one and the Government is working on a master plan proposal to correct it in the 12th Plan, said Mr Ashok Sinha, outgoing Secretary, Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI).

“We need to boost our research and development in order to lessen wastage and the Ministry along with the industry has to now find answers through R&D for the problems that all stakeholders know exist,” said Mr Sinha.

He was speaking at a stakeholder consultation to identify focus areas in R&D in the area of food processing organised by FICCI.

The R&D allocation for the Ministry for 2011-12 is Rs 8 crore against Rs 6 crore for last year and 18 projects will be cleared this year, said Dr U. Venkateswarlu, Joint Secretary, MoFPI.

He added that the allocation could be increased, if needed.

The ministry was open to any model or new process that helps reduce wastage and improves the shelf-life of products and the Government would act as a facilitator for this, he said.

Dr T. Ramasami, Secretary, Ministry of Science and Technology, suggested the adoption of a consortium approach to R&D in public private partnership mode.

Source: India Brand Equity Foundation
Date: June 30, 2011