Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences & Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) organised a daylong workshop on ‘Academia-Food Industry Interface’ at Shalimar campus here on Saturday.
The workshop, which was sponsored jointly by SKUAST-K andAarafh Foods, Anantnag, was chaired by Vice Chancellor Prof Nazeer Ahmad, aspokesperson of the university said.
Representatives from various food industries bakery, fruit and vegetable processing, dairy, and controlled atmosphere stores, spices industry, walnut processors, besides representatives from KCCI participated in the workshop.
Officers of the university, scientists and students also participated in the event. During the interaction, various issues were raised by the industry representatives. Those who spoke from industry side were Abdul Rashid Chadinoo, Majid Wafayee, Zain-ul-Abidin, Sheikh Ashiq, Shahjehan and highlighted various issues concerning to the industry, the statement said.
While speaking Prof. Nazeer Ahmed, spoke about the about the processing technologies, products, protocols, vaccines, hybrid seeds and varieties, machines developed by the University and requested the industry to take up their commercialization for the benefit of society.
He further impressed upon scientists to mitigate various issues raised by food industry on priority and desired that a mechanism should be put in place for hassle free and smooth transfer of technologies developed by SKUAST-K to stakeholders. He also assured the industry to have quarterly workshop and interactions for developing collaborative projects and healthy relationship with the industry.
Prof FA Zaki, Dean Faculty of Horticulture, SKUAST-K alsospoke and elaborated strategies to be adopted by both Academia and FoodIndustries.
During the technical session, Prof HR Naik, Head Division ofFST, Prof Junaid N Khan, Head College of Agri-Engineering, Prof FA Paul, HeadDivision of LPT, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Dr Syed Zameer, PI AICRP onPHET and Vim, Managing Director Van Amrogen Netherlands presented presentationson various aspects of food processing and controlled atmosphere storage offruit. An exhibition, demonstrating and showcasing various food processingmachines, equipments, and value added products and processes was also importantpart of the event.