CFTRI brings out seven new technologies
The Hindu
Licences for some of the technologies have been taken by entrepreneurs
CSIR-Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI) on Wednesday announced the new technologies it has developed in the last one year, on the occasion of the National Technology Day that was observed here.
Also, the CFTRI gave licences to entrepreneurs for commercialising some of its technologies, thanks to the initiatives of the Technology Transfer and Business Development Department. Certificates and mementoes were presented to the licensee at the National Technology Day event for having used the technologies, by former Vice-Chancellor K. Chidananda Gowda who was the chief guest.
In total, seven new technologies, including gluten-free biscuits, gluten-free cookie cake, buckwheat noodles and pasta, multigrain nutri cookies, chikki with moringa, coffee brew mix, and high performance advanced oxidation process for STPs, greywater, industrial wastewaters (food and non-food), were developed by the R and D teams.
Keeping in view the autoimmune disorder of the small intestine that occurs in genetically predisposed people of all ages, the CFTRI developed the gluten-free biscuits since the only treatment for people suffering from celiac disease is diet with the absence of gluten. The gluten-free biscuit is also enhanced with protein and fiber contents contributed by the ingredients chosen. Considering the demand for gluten-free biscuits for catering to the needs of the people with celiac disease, the CFTRI developed the product as a good market exists for gluten-free products.
“Immunological validation of gluten-free biscuits showed the absence of gluten protein in biscuits. Hence, these biscuits can be considered as immunologically safe for celiac disease patients,” according to the CFTRI.
Another gluten-free product is cookie cake.
Also, seeing the growing demand for buckwheat noodles and pasta, the institute has now developed noodles and pasta from buckwheat. Recently, imported buckwheat noodles from other Asian countries were seen in the market being sold at high prices which indicates that there is a market potential. The CFTRI’s product can serve as an import substitute in the Indian market, said the scientists at the Technology Transfer and Business Development Department.
While residents are worried over deaths due to diarrhoea in Vijayawada, officials still grapple to find the root cause. Contaminated drinking water supplied by VMC officials is the reason, insist people in the affected areas, but officials insist that efforts are on to identify the disease and that those with symptoms other than diarrhoea too are visiting the health camps.