The Indian food processing industry accounts for 32 per cent of the country's total food market which means that there are plenty of opportunities in the sector, says Ritu Mehrotra
Food processing business is coming of age and it is placed fifth amongst industries of India. One of the branches of food science, food processing comprises of a set of methods and proficiencies used to alter raw components into food for the consumption of human beings and creatures. The process leads to conservation of food, heightens its nip and shrinks the poisons in the food product. The present food processing proficiencies have lead to the feasibility of the growth in the present day food markets.
The growing consumerism in the societies of urbanised and budding countries has added to the growth of food processing industries with techniques like spray drying, freeze drying and the opening of artificial sweetening, colorants and preservers. In the late 20th Century, foodstuffs like dried instant soups, restructured fruits and juices, and self-cooking meals were formulated for the appliance of middle class households and mothers and in particular for the working women.
At present, the food processing business in India has been acquiring impulse as the consumer’s food industry. As per the information there are about 300 million higher and middle class customers of processed and packaged food in the state, and another 200 million were expected to be added. 500 food parks are intended all over the country. This will promote the emergence and growth of food processing industries and will produce huge employment opportunities for those who have ability to this work. The food is processed, conserved, wrapped and stored according to the requirement by industry and Government.
Scope
The organisations require food technology people to work for them in diverse sections like manufacturing, quality assurance, research and development etc. You can work on as a product development manager to develop food products as per the needs of the customers and successfully put the foodstuffs in service in a ground-breaking way. You can work as a sensory scientist or quality manager to monitor organic properties like aroma, flavour, excellence, cleanliness etc. Food technologists also work in laboratories or R&D sectors to increase new products, test existing ones, and grip the inclusive food quality.
Challenges
However food technology is a versatile field, one has to face disputes on day to day basis. Growth of new product which is pleasant to taste and is of superior quality while being cost efficient is a big dispute. Asserting good supply chain with decent manufacturing practices is also a task. Customers now expect every food product to have outstanding taste and superiority at a sensible cost. New food laws have allowed the use of some ingredients in functional foods that help diminish the threat of certain ailments like heart disease, diabetes and cancer. These advantages have to be integrated without disturbing the taste, which is a big dispute. One more challenge is that new global foodstuffs are coming out in the market which is why local food has to struggle with quality, taste and cost.
Skills required
Anyone with ability for scientific philosophy, problem solving aptitude, curiosity in food nutrition and health, decent communication skills and team spirit can do very well in this area. Elementary skills like curiosity, a strong craving to learn more, eagerness and strength combined with set goals and hard work will lead to the accomplishment of these goals.A food scientist must be ready to work for long hours.
Educational requirement
People fascinated in working in the food technology area normally want an associate’s degree in applied science in food technology, but graduate and other progressed degrees may be essential for some places. Students may select to supplement their education with logical and math classes to earn a benefit in the job marketplace.
Some positions, like food inspector jobs, might involve certification, while others might only necessitate the two-year degree and work understanding. Candidates with a PG degree or doctorates can build their professions in university, Government or pure research firm.
Options
Careers in food technology normally deal with the superiority of food before it influences the customer market. People in this profession may find jobs as food research technicians, who check food stuffs for nutritive value and preservatives, or work with guidelines of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Others may choose a career in food review, confirming that food that reaches the public is harmless for intake by successively tests on both packaging and the food itself. Additional choice is to become a food product progress director, a position which works to grow new food crops or machineries to help preserve and package food products.
Food research specialist: A food research specialist manages trials on food products. These persons may check things such as preservers, color, nutritious value and surface of food. A food research expert may also work thoroughly with the rules set out by the FDA. These specialists work in lab settings and might be part of a superior team of food technology experts.
Food inspector: A food inspector, at times called a value control examiner, makes sure food coming off industrial lines or in wrapping won’t affect disease or other side effects. Food examiners may run investigations on packaging or the food itself. These specialists also monitor particular guidelines fixed by the FDA to retain customers safe and healthy.
Food product enlargement director: Food product enlargement directors also recognised as food scientists, work to grow new food products and habits to bundle or uphold food. Occasionally these specialists determine completely new food causes or control correct amounts of fats, vitamins and food additives. Food product designers work thoroughly with the FDAs rules defining everything from new canning methods to enhanced food waste management.
Remuneration
Food technology specialists are fit to work in numerous positions in public and private divisions such as food packaging manager, associate managers, food scientist, production managers, research and development personnel, food expansion manager, quality control officers, food care examiners and the more unusual food stylists for request. A fresher can anticipate an income package reaching between Rs4 lakh and Rs6 lakh per annum. Though, people with subsequent work knowledge can get remuneration in the range of Rs8 lakh to Rs10 lakh per annum.
(The writer is vice-president, global growth, Zomato)