DEPARTMENT OF FOOD TECHNOLOGY

1. Why does FOOD TECHNOLOGY have good future?

The present status of Indian Agriculture and food processing industry clearly indicates that India has a potential to be the largest food factory in the world. This is due to the fact that there is an increased consumer demand for convenience, ready to serve new products with increased shelf life. India is among the major producers of agricultural produce in the world with an abundance of fruits, vegetables, milk and other agro products. However, less than 2% of this produce is processed as compared to more than 60% in developed countries. It is estimated that a value loss of Rs. 50,000/- crores a year results because of inadequate processing technologies, infrastructure facilities and lack of qualified technical personnel. To meet the challenges in Food processing industries adequate qualified technical personnel in Food Processing is the need of the hour.

2. What are the opportunities in Food Industry?

Market and demand for processed foods are growing steeply and it is expected that the food industry would grow rapidly and cross Rs. 1,20,000 crores in a few years, surpassing IT, Pharma and Biotech sectors. This is due to increased standard of living, dual income, increased percentage of working women, 33% of our total population which lives in metros is undergoing a change in life style and the growth of modern trade in terms of super markets, shopping malls and food bazaars. Thanks to the globalization and WTO opportunities, food production, procurement, retailing etc. are attracting large integrated players in this field. With the open market policy industry has attracted multinational participation. Some of the major players include Britannia, Nestle, Hindustan Lever, Cadburys, Pepsi, Coco-cola, ITC etc. Manufacturing industries use Food Technologists expertise for monitoring storage, process, hygiene and experimenting for making new preparations. Hotels, hospitals, packaging industries, distilleries, soft drink factories, industries based on cereal products, fruits and vegetable based products, snack foods, confectionery products etc. need the services of Food Technologists. The Government of India has announced several schemes to promote new entrepreneurs to set up food processing units by providing substantial financial support. Moreover, as per notification of the Directorate general of health services, it is proposed to stipulate that any establishment manufacturing/packing, processing food or hotel/restaurant serving food and employing more than 20 persons would be required to be supervised by a person having certain qualifications (including Diploma in Food Technology). This would further enhance the potential for food technologists.

3. Where can I do this course?

Premlila Vithaldas Polytechnic of SNDT Womens University, Juhu Road, Santacruz (W) offers Diploma in Food Technology for women. What is the course objective? To provide specialized training in processing of foods to enable students to work in a professional capacity in the food/hotel industry or to start their own small scale industries as entrepreneurs.

4. Which are the subjects taught?

The subjects related to food technology are: Bakery, processing of various food commodities, technology of foods, food engineering, food chemistry, food additives, food analysis, quality control, food packaging, food nutrition, food Microbiology. Other subjects covered in general managerial and self development are Personality Development, Cost Management and Accounting, statistics, Book-Keeping, Business Management etc.

5. Which are the recent development in curriculum?

The Department has introduced, sensory evaluation technique which relates to a sophisticated statistical technique for evaluating food through human senses such as touch smell, appearance and taste. This is very popular technique in western countries and has been introduced in India only recently.

6. What is the duration of the course?

Six Semesters (each of 16 weeks) and in Semester V internship of 18 weeks.

7. What is the eligibility criteria?

Minimum Std. X (SSC) or equivalent examination.

8. What is the employment record?

Nearly all students who were desirous of taking up employment (including self employment) have been successful in the recent past. With growing employment opportunities, it is anticipated that their remuneration packages would improve further.

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