Scientists across India to deliberate on trends in operational foods

Over 200 scientists from India and abroad will participate in a symposium to deliberate on “the recent trends in processing and safety of speciality and operational foods”, the theme of the programme.

Besides scientists from across India, some scholars and researchers from the US, the UK and other countries will also participate in the three-day international symposium set to begin on November 23.

The three wings of the defence forces - the Army, the Navy and the Air Force - will also be represented as the symposium would focus on the new developments in food science and technology for the armed forces.

Representatives of the Paramilitary forces will be among the participants.

The symposium was organised by the Defence Food Research Laboratory (DFRL) to mark its golden jubilee which is a premier research laboratory of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). It can be reckoned as the leader in convenience foods and packed ration developments in this country.

The symposium will be inaugurated by scientific adviser to Defence Minister V K Saraswat who is also the DRDO Director General.

Various products, processes and techniques developed by the DFRL will be showcased on the occasion. Over the last five decades, it developed processes for a vast array of food products of Indian dietary which are shelf stable under all weather conditions and deliver adequate nutrition and energy for the defence personnel.

DFRL Director A S Bawa told reporters, since World War II, developments in food science and technology have revolved around requirements of the armed forces. New, convenient, safe and quality food products with a longer shelf-life have arrived in the market. In the light of changes in the scenario and advances in strategic areas, the future requirements for the armed forces need special attention.

Against the background of this, the symposium would make efforts to identify operational food requirements of the armed forces and chalk out strategy.