The Agro Food Processing & Rural Development Forum of Vidarbha Industries Association (VIA) recently organized a seminar on “Current trends in Food Preservations” at the VIA Auditorium in Nagpur. Shyam Laddha, the CEO of Vasudhara Dairy (Amul’s manufacturing outfit), delivered the keynote address as the chief guest. Laddha emphasized the urgent need for cold chain facilities in Vidarbha, citing the staggering value of Rs. 150,000 Crores worth of food wasted annually in India before consumption. Cold chains would be crucial in controlling losses on perishable items.
The seminar featured Dr. Madhukar Bhotmange, a retired HoD of Food Technology, as the subject matter expert. Dr. Bhotmange highlighted the significance of natural food preservatives like common salt, sugar, and citric acid in extending shelf life and ensuring food safety. He emphasized the growing consumer preference for food items free from microbial contamination and with longer self-life.
Sanjay Kulkarni, Managing Director of Magnesia Chemicals, served as the Guest of Honour and discussed popular food preservatives such as Potassium Metabisulfite, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, and Sodium Nitrite.
A joint presentation by Dr. Satish Jagtap, Managing Director, and Mathews Jacob, Director of Arista Chemicals, focused on the versatile uses of Potassium Permanganate and Sodium Permanganate as potent oxidizing chemicals. The compounds find applications in decontaminating fruits and vegetables, air purification, water treatment, and fumigation.
The seminar witnessed the presence of esteemed professionals from the food processing industry, budding entrepreneurs, and researchers. Renowned institutes such as LIT, University Post Graduate Pharmacy Department, LAD, Tuli, and Tirpude Institutes were represented by their faculty members. The event also recognized the contributions of innovative agro food processing entrepreneurs, who were felicitated by the Chief Guest.
The seminar served as an important platform for knowledge exchange, promoting effective food preservation techniques, and contributing to the reduction of food wastage. VIA’s efforts in organizing such events aim to drive progress in the agro food processing sector and foster sustainable practices for a better future.