BAU initiates food processing training for students

Bihar Agricultural University (BAU) has started a new 15-day training program for its students and those from Tilka Manjhi Bhagalpur University (TMBU) to enhance skills in food processing. The aim is to help students find jobs or start their own businesses in the food technology field. The training emphasizes the value addition and preservation of fruits, vegetables, and other perishable goods. Students will learn to turn these products into high-value market items. A collaboration between BAU and TNB College was officially announced on Thursday, and practical training began the next day. The program will run until March 4, 2025, at BAU's food science and technology department in Sabour. Fourteen students from TNB College are part of the first batch. BAU vice-chancellor D R Singh highlighted the importance of the training, mentioning that it covers the processing of items like tomato ketchup, fruit pastes, and seasonal beverages to improve shelf life and marketability. Dr. M Feza Ahmad, head of food science and technology at BAU, noted that the training also includes quality control and the use of food processing machinery. The principal of Bihar Agriculture College, Mukesh, remarked that each trained student is expected to share their knowledge with 15 others, creating a broader impact in the food processing sector. Md Shamsher Ahmed, the program coordinator, added that women and anyone interested can join to learn and start their own small businesses in food processing.