ICAR-CIPHET Industry Interface Meet and Agro-Processing & Food Processing Fair 2024 

Ludhiana, September 28, 2024: The Central Institute of Post-Harvest Engineering and Technology (CIPHET) has announced the much-awaited CIPHET-IIFA 2024 - Industry Interface Fair on Agro-processing & Food Processing, taking place from October 3 to 5. 

This grand event will serve as a key platform for fostering collaboration between the agro-processing and food processing industries, research institutions, and entrepreneurs. 

ICAR-CIPHET, a leader in post-harvest technology innovation, has been instrumental in promoting sustainable agricultural practices and driving innovations in agro-processing. The institute has established around 300 Agricultural Processing Centres (APCs) across the country and conducted important national-level studies, such as assessing harvest and post-harvest losses of major crops, analysing storage losses in FCI and CWC warehouses and recommending norms for efficient long-term storage management of food grains. With 33 patents, the institute offers a range of post-harvest technologies for commercialization, including innovations like visible light insect trap, mycelium-based packaging material, Hawaijar preparation machine, tabletop vacuum fryer, and robotic apple-picking arm.

The key highlights of CIPHET-IIFA 2024 include a workshop focused on optimizing agricultural aggregation, processing, storage, and marketing for farmers, entrepreneurs, and FPO members, Industry Interface Meet on rice milling and fibre processing technology, a Hackathon for students, and Kisan Ghosti for knowledge sharing, networking, and exploring business opportunities. 

Knowledge collaborators for this event include ICAR-CIAE, Bhopal, ICAR-NISA, Ranchi, ICAR-NINFET, Kolkata, and ICAR-CIRCOT, Mumbai. ICAR-CIAE will showcase technologies for mechanization in agriculture production and post-production. ICAR-NISA will present innovations in gums, resins, and secondary agriculture. ICAR-NINFET will display products made from natural fibers, such as jute, hemp, flax, and more. ICAR-CIRCOT will demonstrate breakthroughs in cotton processing, including smart textiles, naturally coloured cotton, air-purifying curtains, salt-free dyeing, and bio-enriched compost.

A standout feature of the event will be Techno-Food Hackathon Version 1.0, offering student startups the opportunity to present their ideas, engage with experts, and pitch to investors. The fair will also provide entrepreneurs valuable insights into modern food processing, food quality, and safety compliance. Additionally, food and fiber products manufactured by ICAR stakeholders will be available for display and sale.

Dr. Nachiket Kotwaliwale, Director of ICAR-CIPHET, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "CIPHET-IIFA 2024 marks a crucial step towards empowering entrepreneurs and advancing the agro-processing industry."

The event will be held at the ICAR-CIPHET campus within PAU Campus, Ludhiana, Punjab, and is expected to draw over 5,000 participants, including farmers, industry professionals, policymakers, students, and the general public. 

CIPHET has invited all stakeholders in the agricultural sector to participate in this transformative event and contribute to the growth of Indian agriculture through post-harvest technology advancements.