Making a career in Food Technology

Food technology

Here is expert advice to help you make the right career decision.

Dr Ratnakar Ramrao Mallya is a food technology expert with four decades of rich experience in the industry. He has worked with companies including MAFCO Ltd, Wockhardt, BEC Foods Ltd, ITC Ltd etc. Apart from having an extensive corporate career, he has also been actively involved on the academic front appointed as external examiner by universities. Among other achievements, Dr Mallya has also served as the president of the all India Association of Food Scientists & Technologists AFST (India) 2011-12. He is now executive director of Institute of Food Technology and Management (IFTM).

Would you call Food Technology an attractive career choice today? Why?

Yes. Growth of food industry in India is 10 to 15 percent per annum. Presently, more than 350 colleges are teaching food technology, still the requirement of Food Technologists is not fulfilled.

You did your PhD (Food Technology) in 1972. What change do you see in the level of this course and the quality of students it attracts?

I always believed in industrial and academic experience in close coordination between industry and academics.

In our course we have faculty with experience in industry and academics wherein students get that extra knowledge. Once, we get that extra knowledge the student will perform better.

As people become aware of grand opportunities available in food industry, quality of students coming will automatically improve. Being in an industry oriented course, the placement will be better.

What is the current job scenario and popular employment avenues for a graduate in food technology management?

Presently, supply is less than demand. Food Technology is a vast subject. Popular avenues for employment in food industry are:

Biscuits & Bakery
Ata – cereals & pulses
Fish & meat products
Poultry & egg products
Fruit & vegetable products
Alcoholic beverages
Non-alcoholic beverages
Pickles/papads
Jams, jellies
Sauces & ketchup
Pasta & noodles
Ready meals/instant mixes
Spices & spice mixes
Confectionary & chocolates
Snack foods
Frozen & chilled foods
Dehydrated foods
Irradiated foods
Tea/coffee
Fermented foods
Oils & fats
Dairy products
Indian sweets & namkeen

List continues…

How does the profile of a food technologist change over a period of 0 to 10 years?

I am not very clear about the question. If my understanding is correct then,

1. In SSI, a FT will become Technical Head.

2. In medium size unit, FT will become Divisional head i.e. Production Head, QA Head or R&D head.

3. In large size unit, FT will become Manager from Executive level of joining.

IFTM offers a diploma (2 years) as well as a degree (3 years) program to students with 10+2 or equivalent qualification. How should a student choose between the two courses considering future career prospects?

Those people who are working in a food unit, can upgrade their knowledge and hence improve their position. The diploma will also help the entrepreneur to do well as the person will have learnt technical aspects of the food business. Some people who may not be able to spend three years in education, will get sufficient knowledge to work in food processing unit.

Degree course is in detail and candidates will study advance food technology, legal aspects, management etc, which will give them opportunity to grow even up to CEO level.

How many students does IFTM admit for the course? What is the eligibility for admission?

25 students will be admitted for each course every year. Eligibility is 10+2 equivalent of any stream.

What is the fee structure for both the courses?

Rs 50,000 per semester

Does the institute provide placement assistance and any value-added services to its students?

Institute provides placement assistance. There will be campus interviews. One full semester will be internship i.e. industrial training. If a student performs well then concerned organization will employ the student.

What would be the salary range for a fresher entering the field?

Rs 2 to 3 lakh per annum

What is your advice to students for planning a successful career in the field?

There is great scope for Food Technologists. Study well, read and be clear about fundamental principals. Be sincere. You are dealing with food, so do not compromise on quality. Food safety is most important.

Waiting to receive you in the food fraternity.

All the best!

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