ICAR-CIPHET organizes webinar to celebrate ‘Kisan Bhagidari, Prathamikta Hamari’ 

Ludhiana, April 28, 2022: ICAR-CIPHET, Ludhiana organised a webinar as a part of ‘Kisan Bhagidari, Prathamikta Hamari’ campaign under Azadi Ka Amrut Mahotsav. Themes like from ‘food security to nutritional security’, ‘Biofortification’ and ‘nutri-cereals’ were addressed during the programme. The online programme comprised of expert interaction on topics ‘Biofortified maize: A step towards nutritional security of India’ and ‘Gluten-free baked products’. 

Dr. Ramesh Kumar, Principal Scientist, ICAR-Indian Maize Research Institute, Ludhiana deliberated on need of the biofortification of maize and its impact on the nutritional security of the country. ‘Major steps are being taken to strengthen the food basket of the country with nutritionally superior produce. Biofortification of maize will ensure that underprivileged section of the society has access to nutritional food’ said the expert. 

In her presentation on ‘Gluten-free baked products’ Dr. Manju Bala, Principal Scientist, ICAR-CIPHET and inventor of the technology discussed the need for gluten-free food products and their increasing demand in the market. ‘Sensory and textural attributes of baked products are crucial for consumer acceptance. The developed technology addresses all the issues aptly and has tremendous entrepreneurial potential.’  

Dr. Nachiket Kotwaliwale, Director, ICAR-CIPHET, Ludhiana appraised the participant of the webinar regarding the technological achievements of the institute. He mentioned  that ICAR-CIPHET imparts training to entrepreneurs through Entrepreneurship Development Programme organized at regular intervals. The calendar for the same is available on the institute website (ciphet.in/trainingedp.php). He stressed the need for promoting entrepreneurship among the educated youth for the overall development of society.  

About 100 registered participants including scientists, academicians, students, entrepreneurs, and farmers, from different parts of the country, actively participated in the webinar. The webinar was coordinated by Mr. Vikas Kumar, Dr. Sandeep P. Dawange, and Dr. D. N. Yadav, Head, TOT Division, ICAR-CIPHET. The next webinar on the topic ‘Processing and Value Addition of Fruits for Doubling Farmers Income’ will be delivered by Dr. Ramesh Kumar, Principal  Scientist on 27 May 2022. More details can be obtained by visiting the Institute website (www.ciphet.icar.gov.in).