Careers in Agri-business: Food Technology & Processing Unit

Food Technology and Processing Management is a field that combines the principles of food science, engineering, and management to ensure the safe and efficient production, processing, and distribution of food products. It involves applying scientific and technological advancements to enhance the quality, safety, and nutritional value of food while also optimizing production processes.

Here are some key aspects of Food Technology and Processing Management: 

Food Science and Technology: This aspect involves understanding the scientific principles underlying food production, including food chemistry, microbiology, food preservation, sensory evaluation, and food analysis. 

Food Processing: This aspect focuses on the techniques and processes involved in transforming raw agricultural materials into edible food products. It includes food preservation methods such as canning, freezing, drying, and pasteurization, as well as food processing techniques like milling, grinding, extrusion, fermentation, and packaging.

Food Safety and Quality Assurance: This aspect emphasizes ensuring that food products meet the highest standards of safety, quality, and compliance with regulatory guidelines. 

Food Engineering: This aspect focuses on applying engineering principles and technology to optimize food production processes. It includes designing and maintaining food processing equipment, developing efficient manufacturing systems, improving energy utilization, and implementing automation and control systems in food production facilities.

Supply Chain Management: This aspect involves managing the flow of food products from the source to the consumer. It includes aspects such as procurement of raw materials, inventory management, logistics, distribution, and ensuring timely delivery of safe and quality food products.

Food Product Development: This aspect entails creating new food products or improving existing ones based on consumer preferences, market trends, and nutritional requirements. It involves conducting market research, product formulation, sensory evaluation, packaging design, and conducting feasibility studies to ensure the commercial viability of new food products.

Food Regulations and Compliance: This aspect focuses on understanding and adhering to food regulations, food safety standards, labeling requirements, and international trade regulations. It involves staying updated with the latest food laws and regulations to ensure legal compliance and ethical practices.

Food Technology and Processing Management professionals can work in various sectors such as food manufacturing companies, food processing units, research and development laboratories, quality assurance departments, regulatory bodies, food consultancy firms, and government agencies related to food safety and standards.

Food Technology & Processing Management is a specialized area of study that is often offered as part of a PGDM (Post Graduate Diploma in Management) or MBA (Master of Business Administration) program. Several colleges and business schools in India offer PGDM/MBA courses with a focus on Agri-Business Management and Food Technology.

1. IIMs
2. Poddar Business School
3. Faculty of Management Studies 
4. Indian School of Business 
5. Symbiosis Institute of Business Management. 

These institutions are known for their academic excellence, industry connections, and placement opportunities.

It's important to note that admission criteria, eligibility, and program offerings may vary across colleges. It is advisable to visit the official websites of the respective institutions for detailed information and to stay updated on admission notifications and processes.

In conclusion, students interested in pursuing a PGDM or MBA in Agri-Business Management or Food Technology & Processing Management in India have several reputed colleges and business schools to choose from. Conducting thorough research on the programs, faculty, infrastructure, and industry collaborations will help in making an informed decision regarding the choice of college or business school.