The Department of Food Science and Technology of Pondicherry University will train young entrepreneurs at its Food Processing Pilot Plant, which was inaugurated by Prof J A K Tareen, Vice-Chancellor of the University, here on Wednesday.
Dr Prathap Kumar Shetty, associate professor of the Department told Express that the state- of-the-art facilities of the plant would be utilised to impart training to young entrepreneurs, who will be trained in various food processing techniques, in view of the implementation of the Food Safety and Standards Acts, 2011 in the country.
“Youngsters can make use of the technology for training and start their own ventures after passing out,” Dr Shetty said. The Department would be a certification centre for the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, he said, and added that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) would be signed with the FSSAI to this effect.
The food business operators would need the certificate to run their businesses as mandated by the FSSAI. Even small food businessmen would need to get trained in food processing as specified in the Act, he said.Shetty said training programmes of three/four hours would be held for small/big food business operators. It would include various aspects of canning, drying unit, packing, industrial baking unit and freeze drying.
The department would hold Open Day Programme to create awareness on food safety and maintaining healthy food habits, Dr Shetty said. The plant has been set up with financial assistance from the Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Government of India and Pondicherry University.