Mysuru :

CSIR-Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Karnataka State Mango Development and Marketing Corporation Ltd. (KSMD&MCL) under Department of Horticulture, Government of Karnataka recently for establishing a Mango Development Centre (MDC) at ChintamaniTaluk, Kolar.

As per the agreement, CFTRI will function as a technical consultant for creating infrastructure for post-harvest handling of mangoes. The plant with unit operations such as washing, sorting, pre-cooling, cold storage, pulp extraction and processing will be commissioned by CFTRI under the agreement.

The Institute has developed number of technologies on mangoes which include, Technology protocols for shelf-life extension that enable export of mango var. Alphonso by ship, Fortified mango bar, osmo-air dried mango slices, Ready-To-Serve fruit beverages, fruit syrups and squashes, pickles & chutneys, Jam and jellies. A few of these technologies will be transferred to MDC.

MDC personnel will be trained on processing and quality analysis of products. In turn, the MDC will also impart training to farmers and entrepreneurs.

It may be noted that CSIR-CFTRI has been working with various State government departments for catalysing the growth in the nascent sector such as Nutraceuticals with Karnataka Biotechnology & Information Technology Services (KBITS), skill development in association with Karnataka Council for Technological upgradation (KCTU), Department of Industries and Commerce, ensuring nutritious meal to Hostelmates with Department of Social Justice and providing nutritional supplements to Anganwadis with Department of Women and Child Development.

The MoU documents were exchanged between Prof. Ram Rajasekharan, Director, CFTRI and Kadrigowda, Managing Director, KSMD& MCL, at a simple function held at CFTRI.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News / August 12th, 2016