Shillong (Meghalaya), Oct 23: A delegation of discerning journalists from Meghalaya and Tripura recently had the opportunity to visit the esteemed CSIR-Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI) in Mysuru, as part of a press tour organized by the Press Information Bureau, Shillong. The visit aimed to foster a deeper understanding of the institute’s cutting-edge research and innovations that can potentially transform the North Eastern Region.
With a rich legacy spanning over seven decades, CFTRI has made significant contributions to India’s food technology sector, developing over 1,000 food technologies and issuing 4,100 industrial licenses. The institute’s array of innovations includes biodegradable plates and edible cutlery crafted from millet-processing by-products, gluten-free bread premixes, and probiotic carrot nectar.
The delegation was also apprised of CFTRI’s endeavor’s in addressing post-harvest losses and value addition, including comprehensive training programmes for farmers and self-help groups. By converting perishables into shelf-stable products, CFTRI has empowered rural entrepreneurs, thereby unlocking opportunities for rural branding and export.
The journalists engaged in a fruitful discussion, sharing region-specific challenges and suggesting avenues for deeper collaboration between CFTRI and local institutions in the North East. They emphasized the potential for establishing decentralized processing hubs and promoting millet-based enterprises through technology transfer, concluding the visit with a renewed appreciation for the role of science and technology in driving inclusive growth in the region.
