“The food processing industry is a dynamic field with vast potential. Prioritizing skill development and integrating modern technologies like AI and ML are crucial for keeping pace with industry evolution.” – Mr. Sunil Kumar Marwah, CEO, Food Industry Capacity and Skill Initiative (FICSI).
To learn more about FICSI’s role in skill development in Food Processing Industry, opportunities in baking business, capacity building for spices industry, AI and machine learning in food processing, importance of capacity building in MSME in the food processing industry, apprenticeships in food processing, and more, we spoke with Mr. Sunil Kumar Marwah, CEO, Food Industry Capacity and Skill Initiative (FICSI).
Below are a few excerpts from our conversation. You can watch the full conversation on our YouTube channel.
Q. With so many sub-sectors in the food industry, how have you prioritized skilling initiatives, and what are some examples?
A. The food industry encompasses various sub-sectors, each with its own set of challenges such as adulteration and packaging issues. In our skilling initiatives, we have prioritized food safety and hygiene, adopting a multi-pronged approach. We’ve implemented food safety and hygiene programs mandated by the FSSAI at both the micro and corporate levels, incorporating advanced manufacturing techniques like GMP, HACCP, and allergen management to address health-related issues from improperly processed food.
Last financial year, we trained and certified over 50,000 women handlers from UP, Haryana, and Uttarakhand on food safety and hygiene, particularly those involved in food processing at nano enterprises. Additionally, we have focused on entrepreneurship in the bakery sector, enabling individuals to generate additional income even at a small scale with basic equipment and creativity. Some have progressed from home kitchens to opening outlets and shops, with opportunities extending to overseas employment on luxury liners.
Q. How are you strengthening academia-industry partnerships to integrate skill-based programs into academics under NEP 2020?
A. Food processing students typically complete a four-year B.Tech program in food technology. However, to better align with evolving industry needs and ensure job readiness from day one, we are updating the curricula. This proactive approach will help graduates meet current industry expectations and enhance their employability without requiring extensive additional training from employers.
To address this, we are developing a “Campus to Career” program focusing on 8 to 10 key areas essential for graduates entering the workforce. We are currently working on integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) into food processing education. Many current food processing graduates have little knowledge of AI and ML, even though these technologies are revolutionizing the industry globally.
Our approach includes training teachers in AI and ML so they can, in turn, educate their students. This ensures that students remain in sync with industry requirements. We are also developing nano qualifications and micro-credentials, which will be accredited and provide students with both certificates and credits. Recently, we cleared around 30 such certifications that will complement B.Tech programs.
Additionally, we’re encouraging colleges to offer courses in areas like baking, which is popular among young people. We also have specialized curricula for sales and marketing in the food industry, tailored for BBA and MBA students. These programs cover:
- Promotion
- Modern retail management
- Digital marketing
- Social media marketing
Our goal is to launch these programs by September, providing BBA students with more diverse career opportunities beyond the typical BFSI sector.
This initiative is driven by industry demand. Many people from the industry have expressed the need for skilled professionals in sales. The industry has collaborated with us to vet and develop these curricula. We are designing entrepreneurial programs for women in self-help groups (SHGs) with diverse educational backgrounds. To effectively engage this audience, we are prioritizing interactive methods such as exercises, role plays, videos, and pictorials, rather than traditional books or handouts.
Q. Can you give us a brief example of AI and ML impact in the food processing industry today?
A. AI and ML are playing critical roles in the food processing industry. Key impacts include:
- Ensuring Traceability: Allows consumers to verify ingredient authenticity, such as checking if tomatoes in ketchup are truly organic.
- Enhancing Supply Chain Monitoring: Improves efficiency and transparency throughout the supply chain.
- Improving Quality Control: Helps maintain high standards by identifying and addressing quality issues more effectively.
- Facilitating Demand Forecasting: Predicts consumer demand, aiding in better inventory management.
- Optimizing Logistics: Predicts the best times to sell temperature-sensitive products, such as soups.
We also collaborated with IIT Delhi to leverage AI for Decision-Making, enhance industry-specific decision-making processes and meet evolving industry needs effectively through advanced AI and ML applications.
Q. How is FICSI supporting MSME entrepreneurs, particularly women, in terms of training and creating linkages for local food processing businesses?
A. We support MSME entrepreneurs through multiple channels. Firstly, we have a YouTube channel with over 250 videos covering various topics from dairy products to condiments, which entrepreneurs can access anytime. Additionally, our e-learning LMS offers more than 30 courses that they can complete at their own pace.
We also conduct live sessions using MS Teams, where we host regular programs specifically for MSMEs. These sessions are designed to be accessible to those in remote areas who can’t easily attend in-person training.
Moreover, we also organize free knowledge-sharing webinars on topical issues like regulations, nutrition, and labeling requirements. These webinars allow MSMEs to hear from experts and ask questions directly.
Also read: Food Processing Industry – Scope for Skill Development, Training and Jobs
Technology has been a major enabler for us, allowing us to reach a wide audience despite geographical constraints. We conduct around five to six programs monthly and focus on making MSMEs more competent and capable of producing high-quality products.
MSMEs are crucial for the food processing industry due to the diverse tastes across regions in India. They can cater to local preferences that larger central agencies can’t. For example, different regions have distinct preferences for pickles and papads. MSMEs are essential in providing these varied tastes, making them the backbone of the food processing industry in our country.
Q. How is the apprenticeship landscape in this industry? Does it primarily involve big companies like Kissan, or do medium and micro industries also participate in these programs?
A. Currently, micro enterprises are not participating in apprenticeship programs due to compliance issues and regulatory challenges. Our focus is mainly on MSMEs and large enterprises. We are one of the top Sector Skill Councils for National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS), with 15 approved courses and significant student enrollment. However, challenges remain, particularly in ensuring post-apprenticeship placements and providing comprehensive training. We are working to enhance digital content and assess more students to improve their job prospects. We also advocate for the reimbursement of assessment fees to further motivate students.
