Food technology is a branch of science which involves the study of production of food products, their storage, preservation, and canning, followed by packaging and distribution of the end products. The job of a food technologist includes checking the raw materials, maintaining hygienic and clean conditions, and taking care of the quality of food. To be a food technologist, one needs to obtain professional education with effective communication skills, average intelligence, scientific bend of mind, interest in scientific and technological developments, sense of responsibility, and discerning approach towards food items.
Course Details
Several undergraduate and post graduate level programs are offered in food technology by various institutions in India. Candidates, who have cleared the 10+2 examination, with Physics, Chemistry and Biology as main subjects, are eligible to apply for the 3-year B.Sc course in food technology. Graduates in science, with Chemistry as a main subject, can later pursue 2-year M.Sc program in food technology. Those who are interested in taking up further higher studies can opt for doctoral programs after post graduation in food technology. Individuals with a desire to work in small-scale industries in food processing and related fields can seek admission in various short-term certificate, craft and diploma courses in food technology, offered at a number of polytechnics, food crafts institutes, and Central Food Technological Research Institute (Mysore).
Career Prospects
With a degree in food technology, one can expect numerous job offers as a food technologist in food processing companies, packaging companies, research laboratories, manufacturing industries, etc. in the food and technology department of Government sector and public sector undertakings. Food technology professionals are employed at various positions in public and private sectors, such as assistant managers, production managers, food packaging managers, research and development personnel, food scientists, food development managers, quality control officers, sensory scientists, food safety auditors, and the more offbeat alternative as food stylists. Candidates possessing degrees in hotel management with training in food and beverages, dairy technology, and home science with training in dietetics/food and nutrition can get numerous job offers as food technologists in Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) companies and Food & Beverage companies. Besides, one can also become a nutrition consultant and work for corporate campaigns and branding for health related products. What’s more, writing documents on food, science & technology for magazines, journals, books, and television shows is always open to such professionals.
Top Colleges Offering UG/PG/Other Courses
Several renowned institutes in India offer different courses in food technology. Some of them are: Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI), Mysore; Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University, Aurangabad; University of Delhi, New Delhi; Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kharagpur; University College of Technology, Osmania University, Hyderabad; Andhra University, Vishakhapatnam; Gujarat Agricultural University, Palanpur; Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam; Manipur University, Imphal; Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar; SNDT Women’s University, Mumbai; University of Bombay, Mumbai; and Laxminarayan Institute of Technology, Nagpur.
Remuneration
Food technologists can be paid anywhere between Rs. 8000 and Rs. 10,000 per month at the entry level, after graduation. With the increase in experience, they can draw a higher salary in the range of Rs. 15,000-20,000 per month. Upon gaining several years of professional experience in various fields of food technology, they can fetch handsome monthly pay packages of Rs. 50,000, or even more.
