The four-day World Food India 2024 concluded on Sunday at Bharat Mandapam, highlighting major collaborations and technology breakthroughs in India’s food processing sector. Organized by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries, the event brought together global stakeholders to strengthen innovation and investment in the food ecosystem.
During the event, National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management (NIFTEM-Kundli) announced 19 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with leading companies, completed three technology transfers, and launched two new products, showcasing its growing role in food technology innovation.
Chirag Paswan Highlights Importance of Food Safety and Processing
Addressing the gathering, Chirag Paswan, Union Minister of Food Processing Industries, emphasized that food safety and food processing are closely interconnected and essential for ensuring national food security.
He also praised the innovation ecosystem developed by students at NIFTEM-Kundli.
“Food safety and food processing are both crucial and incomplete without each other. I feel proud of the students who work tirelessly to strengthen the country’s food security,” he said, while also appreciating the institute’s rapid detection kit technology.
‘Sarathi’ Cold Chain Technology Draws Attention
One of the key attractions at the event was Sarathi (Solar Assisted Refrigeration Transportation with Hybrid Control and Intelligence), an advanced cold-chain transportation system developed by NIFTEM-Kundli.
The technology is designed to safely store and transport fruits and vegetables at different temperatures, improving supply chain efficiency and reducing post-harvest losses.
Key features include:
Remote monitoring of temperature, humidity, carbon dioxide, and ethylene through a mobile app
Temperature control ranges of 0–4°C and 8–12°C
Solar-powered air circulation when vehicles are switched off or when 220V power supply is unavailable
The system aims to support sustainable and efficient transportation for perishable food products.
IoT Hybrid Dryer and Sustainable Packaging Innovations
Another highlight was an IoT-based hybrid food dryer, capable of drying food products within 4–5 hours using a combination of infrared and refractance window drying technologies.
The device allows:
Remote monitoring of temperature and humidity
Energy tracking through a smart energy meter
Full control of temperature and power consumption via a mobile application
Additionally, startups from the institute presented biodegradable packaging films and rapid food detection kits, reflecting growing innovation in sustainable food technologies.
Strategic Partnerships with Leading Food Companies
At the event, NIFTEM-Kundli signed 19 MoUs with major industry players, including:
Tetra Pak
Hexagon Nutrition Limited
LT Foods Limited
Fermata Biotech Limited
Tirupati Life Sciences Limited
Sahyadri Farms
Tata Consumer Products
Hindustan Unilever
According to Harinder Singh Oberoi, these collaborations will encourage innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable practices in India’s food sector, while also creating opportunities for students through research, projects, and placements.
