The Vidarbha Industries Association (VIA) recently hosted a seminar titled "Current Trends in Food Preservation" at the VIA Auditorium in Nagpur, as part of the Agro Food Processing & Rural Development Forum. The keynote address was delivered by Shyam Laddha, the CEO of Vasudhara Dairy, who emphasized the urgent need for cold chain facilities in Vidarbha. Laddha highlighted the staggering value of Rs. 150,000 Crores worth of food wasted annually in India before consumption, stressing the importance of cold chains in reducing losses on perishable items.

The seminar featured Dr Madhukar Bhotmange, a retired HoD of Food Technology, as the subject matter expert. Dr Bhotmange emphasized the significance of natural food preservatives such as common salt, sugar, and citric acid in extending shelf life and ensuring food safety. He also discussed the increasing consumer demand for food items free from microbial contamination and with longer shelf life. Sanjay Kulkarni, the Managing Director of Magnesia Chemicals, served as the Guest of Honour and provided insights into popular food preservatives like Potassium Metabisulfite, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, and Sodium Nitrite.

A joint presentation by Dr Satish Jagtap, Managing Director, and Mathews Jacob, Director of Arista Chemicals, focused on the versatile uses of Potassium Permanganate and Sodium Permanganate as powerful oxidizing chemicals. These compounds find applications in decontaminating fruits and vegetables, air purification, water treatment, and fumigation.

The seminar attracted esteemed professionals from the food processing industry, aspiring entrepreneurs, and researchers. Distinguished faculty members from renowned institutes like LIT, University Post Graduate Pharmacy Department, LAD, Tuli, and Tirpude Institutes were also present. The event acknowledged the contributions of innovative agro-food processing entrepreneurs, who were honoured by the Chief Guest.

Overall, the seminar served as a valuable platform for exchanging knowledge, promoting effective food preservation techniques, and addressing the issue of food wastage. VIA's efforts in organizing such events aim to drive progress in the agro-food processing sector and foster sustainable practices for a better future.