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INTRODUCTION
The concept
of processed foods has caught the imagination of consumers in recent years
because of their enhanced convenience, variety, nutrition and taste. The
challenge therefore lies in continuously developing new variations of
food items, as well as new processes that will maximize its appeal and
shelf-life, and minimize the use of chemicals and preservatives.
The food
processing industry covers a range of food products. These include the
basic or primary foods, such as wheat and rice products, sugar, oil and
pulses and the processes for converting them into edible form and the
processed foods such as biscuits and bakery products, confectionery, dairy
products, breakfast foods, meat and fish products, fruit and vegetable
products and all such items which are processed and packaged to enhance
and prolong their edible life.
The swelling
consumerism has seen the introduction of a range of new products like
ready-to-eat snack foods, breakfast cereals, textures vegetable protein
foods and so on. Different brands of the same item and attractive packaging
vie for the consumers attention.
NATURE
OF WORK
The work
performed in the food processing industry involves the practical application
of the principles of chemistry, physics, biology, microbiology, biotechnology,
engineering and other disciplines of science for preservation , processing
and handling of food materials. Thus a food technologists, chemist, biotechnologist,
technicians and engineers are generally involved in this industry.
ELIGIBILITY
For a B.Sc.
in Home Science / Food Technology / Food Science, a candidate has to
have passed the 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Maths. For
M.Sc. / Management, the minimum eligibility criteria is a B.Sc. This
industry provides ample job opportunities to persons with specific skills
and abilities. Some kind of formal training is essential in order to
enter the industry. All courses in this field require a background in
science
Food craft
institutes and institutes of Hotel Management Catering & Nutrition
conducts one year's full time certificate courses in bakery and confectionery,
canning and food preservation. Minimum qualification for the course
is the matriculation or equivalent examination in the 10+2 pattern,
with a minimum of 50% marks in the aggregate . Maximum age limit for
the course is 25 years.
Various
Indian universities offer degree courses in home science, food technology
and food science. The duration of these courses varies from two to three
years. M.Sc and Ph.D courses in Food and Nutrition , Home Science, Food
Technology and Bio-Technology are also available in various universities
and institutes.
APTITUDE
REQUIRED
A food technologist has to be particular about cleanliness and hygiene
and should be prudent, conscientious and meticulous.
EMPLOYMENT
AVENUES
The food processing industry is a nascent field and those with training
can find jobs in various areas. Some of them are listed below :
- Food processing
companies, (for human consumption or animal feed) food research laboratories,
food wholesalers, retailers and even in hotels, restaurants, hospitals
and other catering establishments.
- Industries
working on the development of goods and services which convert a raw
farm crop into ready-to-use food, according to the demands of the customers.
- Public
sector undertakings in the Department of food recruit people in this
field.
- In towns
and cities there are ample opportunities for self-employment in the
form of dynamic delivery networks and home catering services operated
by food entrepreneurs. The packaging and distribution of home-made condiments,
pickles, and sauces are other avenues of self-employment.
- Research
and development laboratories offer many openings for scientists in the
food sciences disciplines to conduct experiments to help improve the
yields, appearance, flavour, nutritive value and general acceptability
of the packaged foods, and develop alternatives from different food
sources.
- Moreover,
ample opportunities for self-employment also exist in big cities in
the form of dynamic delivery networks operated by informal-sector food
entrepreneurs. In several towns and cities a large number of home catering
services, mainly managed by women, also provides meals and snacks .
In the rural sector also various self-employment opportunities are available.
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