The Defence Food Research Laboratory (DFRL) showcased its products and technologies at an exhibition held to mark National Technology Day here on Monday.
The National Technology Day is held every year on May 11 to celebrate India’s achievements in science and technology and commemorates the successful nuclear tests at Pokhran.
The DRDO-affiliated laboratory has been on the forefront in developing food technologies to cater to the strategic requirements of the Indian defence establishments. The spin-off benefits have been passed on to the civilian sector. The exhibition was inaugurated by DFRL Director H.V. Batra and is open to the public. The DFRL which was established in 1961, had specific mandate to cater to the requirements of the army, navy and the air force personnel as they operate in different terrains, under inhospitable conditions and hostile environments in far-flung areas, where supply of fresh food is difficult.
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Hence the R&D team has formulated tailor-made ration packs that can be used during their operations and are light, easy to carry and nutritious. A case in point is the composite tasty bar for use during emergency or before embarking on long route patrolling. Similarly, there are emergency survival packs for navy, air force personnel as also the para-military forces on duty within the country.
The shelf life of the DFRL products range from six months to one year and these are being harnessed on a commercial scale by entrepreneurs.
According to Dr. Batra, more than 450 technology transfers have taken place to over 260 entrepreneurs. The exhibition showcased ready-to-constitute foods, ready to drink juices and beverages, and ready-to-eat bars and biscuits.
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Several school and college students visited the exhibition to get an insight into the kind of products created at DFRL and the technology behind them.