Food Processing institute to be set up in Haryana

New Delhi, Aug 31 (UNI) The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) at its meeting held here today has approved the setting up of the National Institute of Food Technology, Entrepreneurship and Management (NIFTEM) at Kundli in Haryana at an estimated cost of Rs 244.6 crore.

Briefing newsmen here ,the Minister for Information and Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs P R Dasmunsi said it is to be registered as a non-profit company under the Companies Act, 1956.

He said it wpould engender cooperation and networking to bring about best national/international practices, undertake frontier research in areas of industrial relevance, set standards and protocols for testing, provide short term courses including degree, management course leading to Ph.D and assist the government in policy formulation and guide the food processing sector along healthy and modern lines.

Mr Dasmunsi said NIFTEM activities shall initially start from the current year and Institute will be fully operational from 2010-2011.

He said the institute will function as a knowledge centre in food processing with emphasis on inter-disciplinary research, developing new products and processes, including innovative ideas, provide a forum for intense interaction for industry, government, consumers and experts on the emerging contours of the Food Processing Industry, guide and advise on the HRD support required for the sector and the regulatory framework for the industry.

He said the Institute would have theme Centres which would be in sector specific areas like fruits and vegetables, cereal and protein based foods and cross sectoral centres, knowledge management and networking, international trade and food safety.

It will be a unique institution in itself in Asia he said.

UNI/BKS LS VC1452