The National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management-Kundli (NIFTEM-K) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the University of Saskatchewan to strengthen academic and research collaboration in food science and technology.

NIFTEM-K, an Institute of National Importance under the Ministry of Food Processing Industries, formalised the agreement with the Canada-based university in Saskatoon to promote joint research, academic exchange and innovation in the agri-food sector.

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

The partnership also aligns with the recently announced initiative to establish a Centre of Excellence in Pulse Protein through joint collaboration between India and Canada, which will be led by NIFTEM-K on the Indian side and the University of Saskatchewan on the Canadian side.

Under the five-year agreement, both institutions will collaborate on developing online teaching and training programmes in food science and technology, food systems economics and business development. The partnership will also facilitate short-term exchange programmes for faculty, researchers and students to promote knowledge sharing and exposure to global best practices in food processing and innovation.

The MoU also outlines cooperation in joint research projects, collaborative funding proposals and the development of integrated degree programmes in Food Processing Technology. The collaboration aims to leverage the strong agri-food ecosystem and research capabilities of the University of Saskatchewan along with NIFTEM-K’s role as a “one-stop solution provider” for the Indian food processing sector.

Key areas of engagement include joint seminars and workshops, short-term academic exchanges, development of industry-oriented courses and collaborative project planning. Both institutions will identify mutually beneficial initiatives and implement specific projects through separate collaboration agreements.

Officials said the partnership is expected to promote innovation, capacity building and technology-driven solutions for sustainable food systems while strengthening food security and food processing value chains in both countries. It also marks a significant step in expanding NIFTEM-K’s global presence and reinforcing India’s leadership in food technology and food processing research.