Dear Editor, Whatever occasion is there for celebration, the tendency to cook at home, is now declining fast. Lack of time is one of the major reasons. Therefore, the trend of packaged food has increased and employment opportunities in this sector have also increased. Food technologists are responsible for a wide range of tasks, such as food manufacturing, storage, packaging, processing and canning. Food processing involves the long-term maintenance of freshness and quality of food and beverages for the consumers as well as the delivery of hygienic food or beverages to them. This includes processing dairy, fruits, vegetables, grains, packaged foods and beverages. The government has also planned to provide financial assistance to start food processing units and equip them with modern technology. They also have to test the raw materials in the plants and arrange the storage before sending the product to the market. Therefore, along with the best job opportunities in the sector, there are also alternatives to self-employment. To graduate in Food Technology, students must have a 12th pass in Physics, Chemistry, Math or Biology. It is necessary to pass graduation to do master or diploma in it. If one has graduated in Home Science, Nutrition, Dietitian or Hotel Management, they can also pursue higher education in Food Technology. After completing course in Food Technology, the students have to do internship in Mother Dairy, Britannia Industries, Surya Foods and Agro Limited, Sky Chef, Food Research and Analysis Center etc. This will make you better prepared to work in the industry. There are many job opportunities in both the public and private sectors. You can work in Processing Industries, Research Laboratories, Hotels, Quality Control Division, Rice Mills, Packaging Units and Catering Industries. It is expected that 26 lakh new jobs will be created in the food processing industry by 2022. Therefore, there will be continuous opportunities for professionals in this field to move forward in food processing companies, rice mills, soft-drink companies. Traditionally, the food processing industry employs unorganized workforce, but monitoring and management work requires qualified professionals. In this industry you can start working as a trainee or operator by doing a certificate or diploma course. There are good job opportunities as an operator or trainee in food processing or maintenance with an ITI diploma in related fields. Candidates specializing in Home Science Graduate and Nutritionist, Food Technology, Food Service, Management can make excellent careers in this field. The food technologist initially gets a minimum of Rs 20,000-30,000 per month. After two-three years of experience, the salary goes up. Professionals abroad earn a good salary, while working as a freelance consultant or advisor is paid according to their qualifications and experience. The food technologist must have the ability to perform scientific analysis. They have to work as an important part of the team. So the art of communication should be good. It is also important to be more aware of scientific and technological changes in the field of food and nutrition. Vijay Garg.
