A high-level Parliamentary Standing Committee visited the CSIR-CFTRI in Mysuru, witnessing advanced millet processing technologies aimed at boosting national food security.

  • The Parliamentary Standing Committee reviewed millet processing, cleaning, and packaging technologies.
  • The delegation, led by MP Medha Vishram Kulkarni, explored the Centre of Excellence on Millets.
  • CSIR-CFTRI director highlighted the institute's global collaborations and R&D initiatives.

MYSURU: In a significant move to evaluate India's technological advancements in food science, the Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Science and Technology, Environment, Forests and Climate Change visited the CSIR-CFTRI in Mysuru on Monday. The delegation, headed by Rajya Sabha member Medha Vishram Kulkarni, conducted an extensive review of the institute's ongoing research and technological capabilities.

During the visit, the committee members were taken to the Centre of Excellence on Millets. They witnessed live demonstrations of critical millet processing stages, including cleaning, processing, and advanced packaging techniques. This visit underscores the government's commitment to integrating traditional grains into the modern global food supply chain through scientific intervention.

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Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that as climate change threatens traditional cereal crops, the shift toward millets—often referred to as 'Nutri-cereals'—is vital for sustainable agriculture. The technological oversight by a parliamentary panel ensures that research institutions like CSIR-CFTRI are aligned with national priorities of food security and nutritional resilience.

Technological scaling of millet processing is the key to transitioning from subsistence farming to a robust global millet economy.

The institute's director, Giridhar Parvatam, provided a comprehensive overview of CSIR-CFTRI’s diverse activities. He emphasized the institute's focus on societal outreach, international collaborations, and technology transfer mechanisms that empower local industries. An exclusive pavilion was set up to showcase the institute's latest innovations and high-tech food products.

The delegation also included several MPs and officials from the Rajya Sabha Secretariat and the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR). Notably, Mysuru-Kodagu MP Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar was present during the proceedings. The committee expressed high appreciation for the institute's role in strengthening food safety and nutritional well-being across the country.

Historical Background

The Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI) has been a cornerstone of India's food science landscape since its inception. By bridging the gap between laboratory research and industrial application, it has played a pivotal role in reducing post-harvest losses and enhancing the shelf-life of indigenous food products.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the significance of the Centre of Excellence on Millets?
It serves as a hub for researching and developing technologies to process millets, making them more accessible and nutritious for consumers.

2. Who led the Parliamentary Committee visit?
The committee was led by Rajya Sabha MP Medha Vishram Kulkarni.