CSIR–Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI) has entered into a landmark collaboration with Kudumbashree, Kerala’s flagship women-led livelihood mission, enabling the transfer of 94 food technologies in one of the largest such engagements undertaken by the Mysuru-based research institute.
CFTRI said Kudumbashree has emerged as a strong national and global player in value-added food products and women-led entrepreneurship. The collaboration is focused on empowering women entrepreneurs through scientifically validated, scalable and market-ready food technologies.
Within just five months of the partnership, nearly 50 CFTRI technologies have already been demonstrated, reflecting swift implementation and close coordination between the two organisations. The remaining 44 technologies are at advanced stages and are expected to be transferred and operationalized in the near term.
As a key milestone under the initiative, around 12 CSIR–CFTRI-based food products developed by Kudumbashree have been formally launched. These products have not only been introduced in domestic markets but have also made their way into global markets, including the Gulf region, marking a significant expansion of CFTRI’s international technology footprint.
The products were officially launched by Kerala Minister for Local Self Government, Excise and Parliamentary Affairs M B Rajesh. The initiative highlights Kerala’s leadership in integrating science-led innovation with grassroots entrepreneurship and market access.
The CFTRI–Kudumbashree partnership is being seen as a national model for inclusive technology transfer, women’s economic empowerment and global market integration. It also reinforces CSIR–CFTRI’s mandate of translating research outcomes into societal and economic impact.