The Thanjavur-based Indian Institute of Crop Processing Technology (IICPT) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Saskatchewan University of Canada.
The IICPT under the Ministry of Food Processing, and the Saskatchewan University signed a pact for the exchange of faculty and students.
This agreement will enable the IIPCT students to learn advanced food techniques at the Saskatchewan University, Canada. The two institutions will also take up joint research in the areas of food processing.
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The MoU was signed by the representatives of the two institutions in the presence of Food Processing Minister Subodh Kant Sahai and Education and Law Minister of Canadian State Saskatchewan, Rob Norris.
“We produce a lot of crops but the processing level is very low and we end up with wastages, worth billions of rupees. I am hopeful that this cooperation will help in reducing wastage and enhance processing,” Sahai said.
Asked whether the MoU would enable technology transfer in the field of food processing at a later stage, Norris said, “This could be a possibility in the future. We will look forward to it.”
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IICPT Director K. Alagusundaram said the agreement will focus on processing of horticultural produce like fruits, vegetables and foodgrains.