CSIR–Central Food Technological Research Institute (CSIR-CFTRI), Mysuru, is intensifying efforts to strengthen a skilled workforce to enhance food security and safety, officials said at the valedictory function of the 44th batch of the International School of Milling Technology (ISMT).
Addressing the ceremony as Chief Guest, Dr. Shylaja Donempudi, Distinguished Scientist and Head of the Business Development Group, CSIR Headquarters, New Delhi, underlined the critical role of trained milling professionals in maintaining food quality and ensuring nutritional security across the country. Her address was part of CSIR-CFTRI’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations and was themed “Science to Supremacy: Reimagining Food Innovation for Global Markets.”
Dr. Suresh D. Sakhare, Senior Principal Scientist and Head of Flour Milling, Baking and Confectionery Technology (FMBCT), said ISMT, established in 1981 as an Indo-Swiss collaborative initiative, has grown into one of South Asia’s premier training centres for professional millers. The institute is equipped with a fully automated 22-tonne-per-day pilot roller flour mill, offering hands-on industry-oriented training in wheat cleaning, milling operations, flour fortification and quality evaluation.
So far, nearly 900 professionals, including 120 international trainees from Africa, the Gulf region and Southeast Asia, have been trained at ISMT. A significant number of flour mills in India and abroad are currently operated by ISMT-trained professionals, reflecting the institute’s global impact.
Certificates and merit medals were awarded to graduating students of the one-year Flour Milling Technology course. The award recipients were Mohammed Ansil C. (G.K. Jalan Gold Medal and Dr. S.R. Shurpalekar Cereal Science Gold Medal), I.H. Tharindu Primal Ihalagedara (Silver Medal), Nimitha B (Bronze Medal) and Jewel Tom (Dr. Indrani Dassappa Baking Science Gold Medal).
Presiding over the function, Dr. Giridhar Parvatam, Director, CSIR-CFTRI, congratulated the graduates and urged them to contribute to modernization and technological advancement in the milling sector to address future food system challenges. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Saravanan M, Senior Technical Officer (2) and ISMT Convener.