Career Prospects

The food processing industry is still developing, offering ample job opportunities. Food processing companies and food research laboratories, food wholesalers, retailers and restaurants provide employment to candidates with degrees in home science and specialization in food technology, nutrition or food services management. 

Candidates having diplomas in dietetics, applied nutrition, food science and preservation, food services, or with a certificate in dietetics, or food and nutrition can also get employed in this industry. 

Persons trained in nutrition, pharmacology, bacteriology, toxicology, packaging technology, organic chemistry, biochemistry and analytical chemistry can find openings in food technology laboratories, or in the quality control departments of food processing industries. 

Industries working on the development of goods or services, which convert a raw farm crop into ready-to-use food, according to the demands of the consumers, also require trained personnel. This area offers challenging job prospects as manufacturers create new products and develop consumer markets for them. 

Public undertakings in the Department of Food, including the Food Corporation of India which handles the purchase, storage, transport and distribution of food grains and other food items, Modern Food Industries which markets bread, fruit juices, edible oils, soft drink concentrates, etc. and the North-Eastern Regional Agricultural Marketing Corporation, responsible for marketing and processing of fruits and vegetables grown in the north-eastern region, also recruit people in this field. 

Moreover, ample opportunities for self-employment also exist in big cities in the form of dynamic delivery networks operated by informal-sector food entrepreneurs. In several towns and cities a large number of home catering services, mainly managed by women, also provide meals and snacks. In the rural sector also, various self-employment opportunities are available.

FUTURE PROSPECTS

The food processing industry is still a nascent industry. However, with the current liberalization programme and growing quality consciousness, the demand for trained professionals is bound to witness an increase. According to the Agriculture and Industry Survey, 1994, this industry has attracted the third largest investments after the power and oil sectors. 

It is estimated that during the Eighth Plan period, a total of Rs 12,000 crore to Rs 13,000 crore will be invested, thus generating employment for about one million persons. Besides, the export potential for 1995-1996 is estimated at Rs 8000 crore.

RELATED CAREERS

Nutrition and dietetics, catering, restauranting.