As part of its ongoing Golden Jubilee celebrations, the CSIR-National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (CSIR-NIIST), Thiruvananthapuram, organized a Conclave on “Next Generation Food Technologies: Processing for a Sustainable Tomorrow.” The event brought together leading scientists, policy experts, academicians, and industry stakeholders to deliberate on sustainable and innovative solutions for the future of food.

The Conclave was inaugurated by Prof. Ashok S. Alur, Vice Chancellor of Kodagu University, who served as the Chief Guest. In his keynote address, Prof. Ashok. S. Alur remarked, “Next-generation food processing is not just a technological leap, but a step towards building a smarter, cleaner, and more sustainable food system.”

The event was further graced by Dr. Sreedevi Annapurna Singh, Director, CSIR-Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI), and Dr. Alka Rao, Advisor, Science & Standards & Regulations, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), who were Guests of Honour. Dr. Sreedevi Annapurna Singh emphasized the need for translational research in the food sector to ensure both nutrition and wellness. Dr. Alka Rao highlighted the evolving regulatory framework that supports the development of safe, innovative food systems in India.

Delivering the welcome address, Dr. C. Anandharamakrishnan, Director, CSIR-NIIST, outlined the institute’s Golden Jubilee vision of translating scientific innovations into scalable solutions for the benefit of society. He reiterated CSIR-NIIST’s commitment to strengthening the innovation ecosystem and fostering industry partnerships to create a healthier and more sustainable future.

A key highlight of the event was the Technology Transfer of a millet-based Nutri Bar developed by CSIR-NIIST to M/s Jagan’s Millet Bank – Sabari Agro Food Products, based in Thiruvalla, Pathanamthitta District, Kerala. Rich in natural protein, each bar provides 228.66 kcal per serving and is formulated without synthetic additives, preservatives, or refined sugars—making it an ideal clean-label, functional food option for health-conscious consumers.

In a significant step toward academic collaboration, an MoU was signed between CSIR-NIIST and Kodagu University. The agreement aims to promote joint research, academic exchange, and capacity-building in the fields of Food Processing and Life Sciences, leveraging the complementary strengths of both institutions.

The Conclave also featured a series of thought-provoking panel discussions on “Advances in Ayur-Aahar,” “Recent Challenges in Enforcing Food Safety Regulations in India,” and “Recent Advances in Food Processing", bringing together diverse perspectives from science, policy, and industry.

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(Release ID: 2136151)