CSIR-CFTRI focuses on strengthening skilled workforce for food security at 44th ISMT
The event highlighted the institute’s ongoing efforts to train professionals in milling and food technology, ensuring that India‘s food sector remains resilient, innovative, and globally competitive.
INDIA – CSIR-Central Food Technological Research Institute (CSIR-CFTRI) in Mysuru reaffirmed its commitment to building a robust, skilled workforce for national food security and safety during the valedictory of its 44th International School of Milling Technology (ISMT) batch on January 7, 2026.
Chief Guest Dr Shylaja Donempudi, Distinguished Scientist and Head of the Business Development Group at the CSIR Headquarters, New Delhi, emphasized the pivotal role of trained milling professionals in maintaining quality standards and nutritional security.
The event, part of CFTRI’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations themed “Science to Supremacy: Reimagining Food Innovation for Global Markets,” celebrated graduating students while underscoring the need for modern milling amid India’s expanding food processing sector.
Established in 1981 through Indo-Swiss collaboration, ISMT has evolved into South Asia’s premier training hub, equipping nearly 900 professionals, including 120 from Africa, the Gulf, and Southeast Asia, with hands-on expertise via its fully automated 22-tonne-per-day pilot roller flour mill.
The one-year Flour Milling Technology course covers wheat cleaning, milling operations, flour fortification, and quality evaluation, directly addressing skill gaps in India’s 2,000+ roller flour mills processing 35 million tons annually.
Graduates now operate mills domestically and abroad, ensuring a consistent supply of fortified atta and maida, critical for public distribution systems and fortified staples programs.
Dr Suresh D. Sakhare, Senior Principal Scientist and Head of Flour Milling, Baking and Confectionery Technology (FMBCT), highlighted ISMT’s global footprint during the ceremony.
CFTRI Director Dr Giridhar Parvatam urged graduates to champion technological upgrades, such as precision milling and AI-driven quality control, to address climate-induced grain variability and FSSAI fortification mandates.
This focus comes as India targets doubling food processing capacity to US$535 billion by 2025 under the National Food Processing Policy, where skilled workforce shortages are hindering the launch of 30% of new plants.
CFTRI’s broader ecosystem, spanning 50+ labs and technology transfer to 100+ enterprises, amplifies impact, supporting Atmanirbhar Bharat’s nutrition security goals amid 1.4 billion mouths to feed.
The institute’s efforts align with global trends prioritizing fortified grains, with India’s wheat fortification program reaching 150 million beneficiaries.
By modernizing milling a sector employing 5 million CFTRI positions India as a milled products exporter, competing with Turkey and Australia.
Future ISMT batches will integrate digital twins for mill simulation and blockchain traceability, ensuring graduates lead resilient food systems in the face of supply shocks.
This workforce strategy exemplifies science’s role in Viksit Bharat, transforming traditional milling into precision nutrition engineering.
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