NIFTEM-K Signs MoU with University of Saskatchewan, Canada to Strengthen Indo-Canadian Collaboration in Food Science and Technology
NIFTEM-K Signs MoU with University of Saskatchewan, Canada to Strengthen Indo-Canadian Collaboration in Food Science and Technology
National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management-Kundli (NIFTEM-K), an Institute of National Importance under the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI), Government of India, signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the University of Saskatchewan (USask), Saskatoon, Canada, to foster academic and research collaboration in the areas of Food Sciences.
The MoU was formally signed by Dr. Harinder Singh Oberoi, Director, NIFTEM-K, and Dr. Baljit Singh, Vice President (Research), University of Saskatchewan, in the august 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 importance of this partnership in strengthening bilateral cooperation between India and Canada in the agri-food sector. This MoU holds special significance amid the announcement of Establishment of Centre of Excellence in Pulse Protein through joint collaboration between India and Canada announced yesterday in the august presence of the PMs of both the countries. This initiative will be led by NIFTEM-K from the Indian side and the University of Saskatchewan from the Canadian side
Under this five-year agreement, both institutions will collaborate on developing online teaching and training programs in food science and technology, food systems economics, and business development. The partnership will also promote short-term exchange programs for faculty, researchers, and students, enabling cross-learning and exposure to global best practices in food processing and innovation.
The MoU outlines cooperation in joint research projects, collaborative funding proposals, and the development of integrated degree programs in Food Processing Technology. The collaboration aims to leverage USask’s strong agrifood ecosystem and global research capabilities alongside NIFTEM-K’s mandate as a “One Stop Solution Provider” for the Indian food processing sector. Key areas of engagement include organizing joint seminars and workshops, short-term academic exchanges, development of industry-oriented short courses, and collaborative project planning. Both institutions will identify mutually beneficial initiatives and formalize specific projects through subsequent collaboration agreements, ensuring structured implementation and clear outcomes.
Speaking on the occasion, the leadership of both institutions emphasized that this partnership will catalyze innovation, capacity building, and technology-driven solutions for sustainable food systems. By combining expertise from two leading institutions situated within dynamic agri-food ecosystems, the collaboration is expected to contribute significantly to advancing food security, strengthening food processing value chains, and promoting research-driven .industrial growth in both countries.
This MoU marks a significant milestone in NIFTEM-K’s continued efforts to expand its global footprint and reinforce India’s leadership in food technology, entrepreneurship, and management through meaningful international partnerships.
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