June 14, 2010
India and Canada sign food processing agreement
The Indian Institute of Crop Processing Technology (IICPT) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the University of Saskatchewan, Canada to develop research technologies and cut wastage in the Indian food processing sector.
The agreement aims to boost the flow of information between the organisations, including faculty and student exchanges and training and research materials linked to food processing. India's food processing industries Minister Subodh Kant Sahai said the move would create high quality and competent manpower for the growth of food processing sector in India.
Sahai also said that the pact would support his goal to increase processing levels in the country from the current 10% to 20% by 2015, and reduce the annual wastage of around INR500 billion (US$10.8 million).
Rob Norris, the University's education minister, highlighted areas of focus which could help the newly formed partnership to increase processing productivity in India including agriculture, agro-food and biosciences.
