Scientist's concern over lack of research in 'need based' sciences

Indian Convention of Food Scientists and Technologists begins

“Several chemicals are used in the storage of food, residues of which enter our body while we consume it. Despite several regulations, chemicals are continuously and unscrupulously used in storage units,” said the Director of Indian Institute of Crop Processing Technology, Thanjavur, K Alagusundaram.

He was speaking at the inaugural of the two-day 22nd Indian Convention of Food Scientists and Technologists (ICFoST XXII) at Senate Bhavan, Manasagangothri, here on Thursday.

He raised concerns on the lack of research in ‘need based’ sciences in India. Innovations in alternate methods for the safe storage of food was the need of the hour. However, dedication and commitment among researchers were absent in our country, he said.

Director of Defence Food Research Laboratories, Mysore, Harsha Vardhan Batra said that food technology and research will have to be based on genetic technology, as it will eventually lead to safe food innovations.

Research

“Individuals are found to excel in research in the country. However, as a team we have failed in conducting comprehensive research. This trend is not healthy as team-work in research is essential,” he said. Emphasis should be given towards right kind of environment to be innovative, he said.

Innovation

Predicting that the best innovations in food technology will occur in the future, he said that research among youngsters was necessary to realize the dream. “Combining different technologies will assist in the innovations in food technology,” he said.

CFTRI director Ram Rajashekaran released the golden jubilee edition of the Journal of Food Science and Technology.

President of Association of Food Scientists and Technologists, India (AFST(I)), G Vijayalakshmi, president designate of AFST(I) K D Yadav and others were present.