Srinagar: World Food Safety Day-2021 was celebrated celebrated at Division of Food Science and Technology, Faculty of Horticulture SKUAST-Kashmir “Food safety and Covid-19: challenges and ways forward”.
Vice-Chancellor, SKUAST-Jammu &Kashmir, Prof. J. P. Sharma chaired the seminar and Commissioner Food Safety J&K, Shakeel-Ul-Rehman (KAS) attended as Chief Guest for the event.Officers of the university, scientists,representatives from J&K Food Safety Department, academicians and students from all over India participated in the seminar.
Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor, SKUAST-Jammu &Kashmir, Prof. J. P. Sharma in his address presented the overview of the food processing sector and called for the immediate reduction of postharvest losses which at present are around 20-30%. The Vice-Chancellor stressed on the development of fortified foods, so as to reduce the huge burden of under nutrition and malnutrition in view of a shift from food security to nutritional security. He also stressed upon 5A’s-Awareness, Availability, Affordability, Accessibility, and Assimilation. He also said that scientists of SKUAST-Kashmir should ensure safe food to the consumers. It also said there is a need to develop simple adulteration kits to facilitate the rapid quality testing of foods. Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor congratulated the whole team lead byDean, Faculty of Horticulture,Prof. Shabir.A. Wani, who was also the convener for the seminar and inaugurated the event.
In his inaugural address, Prof.Wani laid stress on mass awareness about importance of food safety amongst all the stake-holders vis-a-vis food processors, food handlers and consumers. He also emphasized that the Division of FST, SKUAST-Kashmir should celebrate the World Food Safety Day every year as a routine activity to boost the morale of the people who are involved in the food industry sector.
Dr. Syed ZameerHussain, Head, Division of Food Science and Technology, SKUAST-K presented the vote of thanks to all participants and officers of the university. He expressed his deep sense of gratitude to the Vice-Chancellor SKUAST-J&K, Prof J. P. Sharma for his remarks and said that his words of wisdom will be the path for us to conceive, conceptualize and plan our research in future.

KR Desk