In a significant move aimed at promoting millets and their derived products, the National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management, Kundli (NIFTEM-K), has made substantial advancements. NIFTEM-K recently transferred valuable technological know-how to key stakeholders in the food industry.
Know-How Transfer to Drive Millets-Based Products
NIFTEM-K, known for its dedication to enhancing millet-based products, shared its expertise with M/s Interlink Food Pvt. Ltd in Jharkhand. The transfer of three formulations, including puffs (both millet and non-millet varieties), Kurkure, and Nutriflakes meal, is expected to open new avenues for the production of millet-based snack items.
Additionally, NIFTEM-K has extended its support to fiber-rich baked products designed to cater to various nutritional needs. Five baked products, including fiber-rich bread, muffins, soup sticks, and biscuits (both millet and non-millet options), have been developed, particularly focusing on addressing the dietary requirements of malnourished individuals. Furthermore, fiber-rich cookies tailored for diabetics are part of this initiative. These technologies have been shared with One Life Foundation, based in New Delhi.
Industrial Consultancy Project and Product Development
NIFTEM-K embarked on an industrial consultancy project, generously funded by Interlink Foods Pvt. Ltd. This project aimed to create innovative value-added products and witnessed the successful development of 13 formulations. These formulations encompass a diverse range of offerings, including panjiri, ladoo mix, khichdi mix, vegetable khichdi, and composite flour, both sweet and savory. The technical know-how for these formulations was then handed over to the company.
All 21 formulations have been meticulously crafted and brought to fruition under the guidance of Prof. Komal Chauhan, Head of Food Science & Technology, and Prof. Anupama Singh, Head of Food Engineering at NIFTEM-K.
Transforming the Millets and Millets Processing Sector
Dr. Harinder Singh Oberoi, Director of NIFTEM-K, emphasized the transformative potential of these technologies for the millets and millets processing sector. By making these innovations accessible to the general public, NIFTEM-K aspires to uplift the entire industry.
Facilitating Research and Production
NIFTEM-K plays a pivotal role in facilitating industrial research, commercialization, and production of these products. The institute’s pilot plants serve as the hub for developing and testing these millet-based offerings. Prashant Kumar, representing Interlink Foods Pvt. Ltd., and One Life Foundation, highlighted the use of Ready to Eat and Bakery pilot plants at NIFTEM-K for manufacturing these products.
NIFTEM-K: A Comprehensive Solution Provider
Director NIFTEM-K underlined the institute’s role as a one-stop solution provider for the food processing needs of startups, entrepreneurs, the MSME sector, and the food processing industry. The uniqueness of this technology transfer lies in its development within the framework of an industrial consultancy project. Scientists at NIFTEM-K created additional products during the process, and the know-how for these products was seamlessly transferred to the same company that supported the consultancy project. This approach eliminates the need for extensive investments in processing facilities, as NIFTEM-K’s standardized protocols and pilot plant facilities are leveraged for production.
Quality Assurance through State-of-the-Art Testing
The products will undergo regular testing at the Centre for Food Research and Analysis (CFRA), a world-class food testing laboratory notified by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) as both a Primary and Referral lab. Mr. Prashant Kumar mentioned ongoing discussions with Haryana Agro for the sale of these products. Haryana Agro Industries Corporation Ltd operates 1000 shops, providing an ideal platform to make these products available at subsidized rates while reaching diverse market segments.