Srinagar: Division of Food Science and Technology under the patronage of Directorate of Research in collaboration with Indian Institute of Packaging, Mumbai, organized one day workshop on “Food Packaging: Challenges & Innovations”
The workshop was chaired by the Vice Chancellor, SKUAST-Jammu & Kashmir, Prof. J. P. Sharma, andDirector, Indian Institute of Packaging, Mumbai, Dr. TanveerAlam was the chief Guest for the event.Directors, Deans of various faculties, Registrar, Heads of the Divisions, stations,KVK Heads and scientists, representatives from Jammu and Kashmir Food Safety Department, Food processors and students from various faculties participated in the workshop.
Vice-Chancellor, SKUAST-Kashmir, Prof. J. P. Sharma in his address highlighted the importance of packaging as a tool for branding and value addition. He stressed that designing and training of rural self-help groups (SHG) for novel package development should be done on priority. The Vice-Chancellor also proposed the opening of a regional station of IIP in J&K.
Prof. Sarfaraz Wani, Director Research highlighted the various value-added products developed by SKUAST-K. Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between IIP, Mumbai and SKUAST-Kashmir was also signed. Besides, the model packages for apricot designed by IIP, Mumbai was also unveiled during the event. Dean, Faculty of Horticulture, Prof. Shabir. A. Wani, inaugurated the event with a welcome note. In his welcome address, Prof. Wani laid stress on the importance of packaging in increasing the value of the products.
Dr. TanveerAlam, Director IIP Mumbai stressed upon doubling the farmers income through processing and packaging of food products. He said that packaging is an important tool to ensure the success of the product in the market. He also stressed upon 3S- Safe, secure and sustainable packaging material.
The inaugural session was followed by a technical session chaired by Prof. Sarfaraz A. Wani, Director Research. Dr. Syed Zameer Hussain, Head Division of Food Science & Technology discussed about status and scope of interventions in packaging of fresh and processed food products of J&K. Dr. Shabir A. Wani, Dean Faculty of Horticulture deliberated upon the status, scope and future challenges in horticulture sector of J&K. Dr. Tanveer Alam Director, IIP presented an overview on food packaging industry in India. Dr. Gaurav Madhu, Joint Director IIP Mumbai delivered a presentation on “Packaging of horticulture produce of J&K” and Dr. Rahul Tirpude, Dy. Director IIP Mumbai made a presentation on “Package Design”.
A thorough interactive session was held amongst the experts from IIP Mumbai, Food Safety Officials, scientists, extension workers and Food processors on various issues faced by the food processors pertaining to packaging. Director IIP Mumbai assured full support for addressing the issues faced by the industries. The session was chaired by Prof. D. M. Makhdoomi, Director Extension SKUAST-K. Who assured of full support of KVK network in creating awareness about the packaging utility and its marketing benefits among different stakeholders. He offered the IIIP option of starting a packaging training centre in Srinagar for the benefit of industrialists and farmers for which lab space can be made available by University till our goal is achieved.

KR Desk