Food Technologist

Globalisation, modernisation, urbanisation and a hectic lifestyle has drastically changed the eating habits of people. The most important aspect of this change is the ever-growing popularity of packaged processed foods and beverages. Fast food and canned food items are fast becoming the choice of the people. Simultaneously, people are getting more and more aware about the quality of these products.

According to one estimate, currently the packaged food business is roughly between 30 to 35 billion dollars annually. That is why this field is attracting multinational companies. Because of this, many multinational companies like McDonald, Pepsi, Coca Cola and Hindustan Lever are continuously increasing their business in India. This growing popularity of fast food and packaged food has opened up a new career option for the youth. The job of a food technologist is among the most important ones. Currently companies are recruiting people at a drastic pace of 10 percent per annum.

Work
All those functions are included in the food processing sector that is related with maintaining quality, taste and appearance of food items like  butter, soft drinks, jam and jelly, fruit juice, biscuits, ice cream, etc. In addition, they also monitor the quality, storage and hygiene of raw and finished products. They are very important for the company. Companies require them at every level of the production process - from raw material to the finished product. At global level, the company’s future is dependent upon food technologist.

Eligibility
For admission to a graduate degree course in this field, one needs at least 50 percent marks in 10+2 with physics, chemistry and biology or mathematics. For doing M.Sc. courses, bachelor’s degree is required in subjects related to food technology. In food technology and related courses, information ranging from proper maintenance to technical information regarding packaging, freezing of food products are included. During these courses information regarding study of nutrients, fruits, meat, vegetable and fish processing etc. is also given.

Individual Characteristics
A food technologist should be a science-oriented person. He should have keen interest in technology development, health and nutrition. Simultaneously, he should be a team man and willing to shoulder responsibilities. He should also have good communication skills.

Scope
After completing a course in food technology, one can look forward to working opportunities in food industry, hotels, hospitals, packaging industry, soft drink factories, rice mills, etc. One can aspire for the post of product development, manager, researcher, quality assurance manager, laboratory supervisor, food packaging manager, food processing technicians, etc. Private enterprise can also be started after completing food technology courses. In addition, one can also work as teacher or trainer in technical institutes.

Earnings
Initially, in this field, one can easily earn 8 to 12 thousand rupees per month. With experience, earning in excess of 30 thousand rupees per month can be expected. If one chooses to become an entrepreneur, sky is the limit.

Course

• B.Sc. in Food Technology (3 years)

• B.Sc. in Food Nutrition and Preservation (3 years)

• BTech in Food Engineering (4 years)

• M.Sc. in Food Technology (2 years)

Institutes
 1. University of Delhi, Delhi
 2. Indira Gandhi National Open University, Delhi
 3. G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, Uttarakhand
 4. Bundelkhand University, Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh
 5. Kanpur University, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh
 6. Acharya NG Ranga Agriculture University, Rajendra Nagar, Hyderabad
 7. University of Calcutta, Kolkata
 8. University of Calicut, Keral
 9. Mahatma Gandhi Chitrakoot Gramodaya University, Satna, Madhya Pradesh
 10. Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, Punjab
 11. Tamil Nadu Agriculture University, Coimbatore
 12. Mumbai University, Mumbai
 13. Nagpur University, Nagpur
 14. Central Food Technology Research Institute, Mysore
 15. Birla Institute of Technology, Ranchi, Bihar