The Association of Food Scientists and Technologist of India AFST(I), established in 1957, is India’s largest and only professional body for Food Scientists and Food Technologists. Head quartered within CSIR-CFTRI Mysore, AFSTI has 48 chapters and 5500+ members across India. AFSTI is dedicated to promoting the advancement of food science and technology in India. Our association brings together experts, researchers, academicians, and industry professionals who are committed to enhancing the quality, safety, and sustainability of the food processing sector.
The major objective of AFST(I) is to stimulate and advance knowledgebase on various aspects of Food Science and Technology by organizing National and International Conferences and bringing out technical publications including prestigious journals-Journal of Food Science and Technology (JFST) and Indian Food Industry Mag (IFl Mag). The association recognizes talent and excellence in the profession of Food Science and Technology by conferring various Awards and Fellowship.
AFST(I) membership is open to all food professionals engaged in academic, industrial & other related activities. One of the fundamental duties of the Association is to bring together members on a platform along with the experts in the field not only from India but also from across the globe, along with the captains of the industries to share the commonalities of the cutting edge technology in today’s changing scenario. It is in this context that the Association organizes the annual conferences ICFOST, which is attended by a large number of scientists, technologists, entrepreneurs, and it hosts an international conference IFCoN once in every five years.
CSIR-Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI), CSIR-CFTRI: Mysore (A constituent laboratory of Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, New Delhi) came into existence during 1950 with the great vision of its founders and a network of dedicated scientists and technologists who had perused in-depth research and development.
The mandate of the institute is to achieve food and nutritional security of the country through S&T interventions. The Institute has been in the forefront in generating quality human resource for the development of food industry. The spectrum of programs offered include post-graduation in Food Technology, Integrated M.Sc-Ph.D. in Nutrition Biology, Certificate Course in Flour Milling and Short-Term Training for Entrepreneurs & Industry personnel and innovative programs for start-ups and farmers. Over 250 students are pursuing their doctoral studies in food and allied subjects. Over the years, CSIR-CFTRI has brought out many innovative products and processes into the market in tune with the state-of-the-art R&D practices of the institute and the changing lifestyles of the consumers. Some of the pioneering efforts include development of infant foods, instant ready-mixes, parboiling of paddy, cultivation of spirulina, health and wellness food products. Societal interventions have been the hallmark of CSIR-CFTRI and large numbers of farmers have been empowered on affordable and sustainable methods for value addition to agri-commodities contributing to rural economy and testing of samples CSIR-CFTRI has also established an Incubation Centre for nurturing start-ups and innovative ideas in the area of food and nutraceuticals.
Banaras Hindu University is an internationally reputed temple of learning, situated in the holy city of Varanasi. This Creative and innovative university was founded by the great nationalist leader, Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya, in 1916 with cooperation of great personalities like Dr Annie Besant, who viewed it as the University of India. Banaras Hindu University was under the Parliamentary legislation - B.H.U. Act 1915.
Currently, BHU is holding Fifth position among Universities in India as per NIRF 2026. The university comprises 6 Institutes, 14 Faculties 144 Departments, 4 Inter displinary Centers a constituent college for women's and 3 Constituents Schools, spanning a vast range of subjects pertaining to all branches of humanities,social science, technology, medicine ,science, fine arts and performing arts. It has 6 centres of Advanced Studies, 10 Departments under Special Assistance Programme and a large number of specialized Research Centers.
Defence Institute of Biodefence Technologies (DIBT), formerly known as Defence Food Research Laboratory (DFRL), Mysuru, was established in 1961 under the aegis of the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO), Ministry of Defence, Government of India. The institute was set up to meet the strategic operational requirements of the Defence Forces and provide logistical support in areas related to food supplies and diverse food challenges faced by the Army, Navy, Air Force, and other paramilitary forces. The R&D efforts at DIBT focus on designing and engineering lightweight, ready-to-eat rations that require no elaborate cooking or preparation in the field and remain shelf-stable for 6–12 months under varying climatic conditions. Through the dedicated efforts of its scientists, DIBT has successfully developed technologies to conserve, preserve, stabilize, design, and fabricate a wide range of Indian dietary food products that not only withstand extreme environmental conditions but also provide balanced nutrition and energy to maintain troop morale at all times. Over the years, DIBT has introduced a variety of food products tailored to the Indian palate, many of which have been developed using innovative, state-of-the-art technologies. These products are also suitable for large-scale commercial production by entrepreneurs and hold export potential. The institute has also pioneered the development of biodegradable packaging and cutlery as sustainable alternatives to conventional plastics. Notably, DIBT has developed specialized food products with suitable packaging and delivery systems for ISRO’s Gaganyaan Programme and has supplied indigenously developed space foods for the NASA–Axiom Mission 4 to the International Space Station (ISS). Following the transition from DFRL to DIBT, the institute’s mandate has been realigned to focus specifically on bio-defence and military nutrition to support troops in critical environmental conditions. To meet these objectives, the institute has enhanced its processing and analytical infrastructure and conducts specialized training programs for the armed forces in military nutrition, supply chain management, food science and technology, and food microbiology.
CSIR-Indian Institute of Toxicology Research (CSIR-IITR), Lucknow, a premier constituent laboratory of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), under the Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India. CSIR-IITR, is the only institute in South-East Asia focused on toxicology research. Guided by the motto, "Safety to Environment and Health, Service to Industry," CSIR-IITR has been advancing translational research for over six decades in the areas of food safety, environmental health, industrial chemicals, and public health.
CSIR-IITR is a national leader in food toxicology, contaminant analysis, residue monitoring, risk assessment and regulatory science. Its GLP-compliant and NABL-accredited laboratories provide advanced analytical services. Further CSIR-IITR’s innovations include certified reference materials, rapid diagnostic technologies, and technologies for ensuring food quality and consumer safety.
As a GLOCAL Centre of Excellence, CSIR-IITR addresses new toxicological issues by combining local interests with international scientific standards. In order to ensure that scientific discoveries are turned into significant technologies, policies, and societal benefits, the Institute believes in R&D (Research and Development) to R4D (Research, Develop, Demonstrate, Deliver and Digitize). CSIR-IITR continues to strengthen India's ecosystem for public health, environmental sustainability, and food safety through robust industrial relationships, incubation platforms, capacity-building programs, and contributions to national missions.
