After the successful launch of various millet-based products during the International Year of Millets, which also drew the attention of the Government of India, the Mysuru-based Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI) has now shifted its focus to developing advanced food technologies. These include foods for astronauts (space foods), endurance-enhancing foods for sportspersons (sports foods), and nutrition-rich foods for the elderly (geriatric foods).
Acting on inputs from the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), scientists at the premier food research institute are currently working on special food technologies, including a three-meal nutrition kit for senior and super-senior citizens.
“Our target is to develop these foods by 2030. Unlike the Defence Food Research Laboratory (DFRL) in Mysuru, which develops specialised technologies for the Indian armed forces, our work is focused on foods for space missions. We are developing foods for astronauts with a special emphasis on bone health, as bone-related issues have been identified as a concern. Besides CFTRI, other CSIR laboratories have also joined this initiative. Our goal is to deliver these food technologies as advised by CSIR by 2030,” said Giridhar Parvatham, CFTRI director.
Speaking on the sidelines of GI Mahotsav 3.0, an initiative of the Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises to promote India’s heritage through Geographical Indication (GI) products, held at the CFTRI campus, the director said that natural endurance-enhancing drinks for athletes are also an area of focus.
Citing demographic projections, he noted that around 100 million people in the country will be aged 60 or above, or on the threshold of turning 60, by 2047. “In view of this, we have been tasked with developing foods best suited for the geriatric population,” he said.
Prof. Parvatham also highlighted that CFTRI transferred 94 technologies to the Government of Kerala in a single initiative, earning a revenue of ₹50 lakh. “Our technologies are accessible to everyone. A number of technologies are transferred annually, and individuals, NGOs, institutions, startups, and industries avail our technologies in a big way,” he added.
The director said that CFTRI has developed the millet bun in collaboration with McDonald’s. “For the upcoming cultural festival at the Red Fort in New Delhi, we have been asked to supply millet buns to visitors on all the days,” he said.
Artificial Intelligence in food technology is another emerging field the institute is actively working on. “AI is playing a major role, and its benefits must be leveraged to develop new technologies in food processing,” the CFTRI director added.
Published – December 05, 2025 06:12 pm IST
