ICAR-IARI to Conduct 5-Day Training Program on Processed Food Products from Millets

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research-Indian Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR-IARI) is set to organize a comprehensive five-day training program focused on Processed Food Products from Millets. The event, scheduled to take place from December 4th to 8th, 2023, aims to shed light on the nutritional and technological aspects of incorporating millets into conventional foods.

Millets, recognized as alternative sources of food, offer superior nutritional benefits compared to conventional grains. Rich in nutrients, functional compounds, and dietary fiber, millets have gained attention in recent years as a means to diversify diets and combat modern lifestyle disorders. Additionally, these grains are known for their resilience to arid climates, presenting a sustainable solution with lower inputs and reduced chemical loads in food crops.

The training program will address the nutritional and technological dimensions of major and minor millets, including pearl millet, finger millet, sorghum, kodo, little millet, proso millet, barnyard millet, and soybean products. Although advancements in processing techniques have been made at the laboratory scale, the training program aims to bridge the gap in adoption and success in small-scale processing sectors.

Dr. Dinesh Kumar, Head and Principal Scientist of the Division of Food Science and Postharvest Technology at ICAR-IARI, will serve as the Course Director. Dr. Shalini Gaur Rudra, Senior Scientist in Food Science and Postharvest Technology, and Dr. Akriti Sharma, Incharge of ZTM & BPD Unit, along with Dr. Bindvi Arora, Scientist (SS), will act as Co-Directors and Co-Coordinators, respectively.

The outcomes of the training program are expected to create awareness about the benefits of incorporating millets and pseudocereals into food products. Furthermore, it aims to generate a pool of trained professionals in the field of food processing, encouraging participants to explore business models that can contribute to employment and income generation in their respective areas.

The training is open to progressive farmers, entrepreneurs, faculty, and students. With a maximum capacity of 25 participants on a first-come-first-serve basis, the program will take place at the ZTM & BPD Unit and Division of FS&PHT, NRL Building, ICAR-IARI, New Delhi.

Interested individuals can apply for the program by visiting the official application link: ICAR-IARI Training Program Application. The registration period commenced on November 8th, 2023, and will close on December 1st, 2023. The training costs per candidate amount to Rs. 2650, covering stationary, tea/snacks/lunch, with no provision for TA/DA to participants. Accommodation requests can be directed to adp.ztmbpd@gmail.com, subject to availability at IARI, PUSA, New Delhi.

For payment, participants can use the following bank account details:

• Bank Name: CANARA BANK, PUSA CAMPUS, DELHI - 110012
• Name: PUSA TAKSAY
• Account No: 120000469441
• IFSC: CNRB0019029

This training initiative is a significant step toward promoting the use of millets in processed food products and empowering individuals in the food processing sector with valuable knowledge and skills.