NIFTEM-K Signs MoU with University of Saskatchewan to Boost Indo-Canadian Collaboration in Food Science

NIFTEM-K Signs MoU with University of Saskatchewan to Strengthen Indo-Canadian Collaboration in Food Science

According to an official press release issued by NIFTEM-K, the agreement aims to strengthen academic collaboration, research initiatives, and technology development in the food processing sector.

In a significant step toward strengthening international collaboration in food science and technology, the National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management–Kundli (NIFTEM-K) has signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the University of Saskatchewan (USask), Canada.

NIFTEM-K, an Institute of National Importance under the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI), Government of India, aims to expand academic and research partnerships globally to advance innovation in the food processing sector.

The agreement was formally signed by Dr. Harinder Singh Oberoi, Director of NIFTEM-K, and Dr. Baljit Singh, Vice President (Research), University of Saskatchewan, in the presence of Mr. Scott Moe, Premier of Saskatchewan, Sh. Avinash Joshi, Secretary, MoFPI, and Sh. D. Praveen, Joint Secretary, MoFPI.

The high-level participation reflects the strategic significance of the partnership in strengthening bilateral cooperation between India and Canada in the agri-food and food technology sectors.

Focus on Pulse Protein Centre of Excellence

The MoU gains additional importance following the recent announcement of establishing a Centre of Excellence in Pulse Protein through a joint India–Canada initiative.

The centre will be jointly led by NIFTEM-K from India and the University of Saskatchewan from Canada, bringing together expertise from both nations to develop advanced research and innovation in plant-based protein technologies.

The initiative is expected to play a vital role in strengthening global collaboration in sustainable food production and plant protein innovation.

Expanding Academic and Research Collaboration

Under the five-year agreement, both institutions will collaborate on several academic and research initiatives aimed at advancing the food science ecosystem.

Key areas of collaboration include:

• Development of online teaching and training programs in food science and food systems economics

• Faculty, researcher, and student exchange programs

• Joint research projects and collaborative funding proposals

• Development of integrated degree programs in Food Processing Technology

These initiatives will allow students and researchers to gain exposure to global best practices in food processing, innovation, and food entrepreneurship.

Strengthening Industry-Oriented Food Technology Programs

The collaboration will also focus on strengthening industry-driven education and training through:

• Joint seminars and international workshops

• Short-term academic exchange programs

• Development of specialized short courses for industry professionals

• Collaborative project planning in food technology and processing

Both institutions will identify mutually beneficial initiatives and establish specific projects through additional agreements to ensure structured implementation and measurable outcomes.

Driving Innovation in Global Food Systems

Leaders from both institutions emphasized that the partnership will help accelerate innovation and technology-driven solutions for sustainable food systems.

By combining NIFTEM-K’s role as a “One Stop Solution Provider” for India’s food processing sector with USask’s globally recognized agri-food research ecosystem, the collaboration aims to strengthen food processing value chains and support research-driven industrial growth.

The initiative is also expected to contribute to addressing global challenges related to food security, sustainable agriculture, and food innovation.

Expanding NIFTEM-K’s Global Footprint

The MoU represents a major milestone in NIFTEM-K’s efforts to expand its international partnerships and reinforce India’s leadership in food technology, entrepreneurship, and food processing research.

Through meaningful global collaborations, the institute continues to play a pivotal role in advancing innovation and capacity building within India’s rapidly growing food processing sector.