India is a nation of sharp contrasts - one of a burgeoning high tech industry but also where there is still no running water and electricity in some parts of the country. This was one of the points that was emphasized by the speakers, including the author, at an Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) sponsored short course last June entitled “Capitalizing on India’s Global Competitiveness and Robust Agri-Food Sector.” .
When it comes to food processing, the food processing industry suffers from many of the problems facing smaller and less developed nations. These issues range from poor hygiene, including water quality, food quality, safety and sanitation programs that would not meet the minimum requirements of the European Union, United States or major purchasers of foods or ingredients, regulators who do not understand these same requirements, and educational systems that teach old and out-dated systems and focus more on rote memory than actual understanding of the complex interrelationships of foods, processes and quality systems. Perhaps the greatest challenges facing developing nations, India included, are government, transportation and the lack of an integrated agri-business sector. Let’s look first at government.
The governments must do two things; ensure that their employees, especially inspectors and field people receive a living wage and must establish a code of ethics for their regulatory agencies. The latter action sets the precedence that government regulators, inspectors or high level officials understand that acceptance of graft or gifts are illegal and subject to punishment. This will be a difficult leap since the giving of gifts is normal in Asia, Africa and many of the developing nations. Better paid officials who are operating strictly as regulators will help top ensure a safe food supply. Transportation is another big issue in developing nations. India understands this and is in the process of creating a national highway system that will link the major cities especially ports.
When it comes to food processing, the food processing industry suffers from many of the problems facing smaller and less developed nations. These issues range from poor hygiene, including water quality, food quality, safety and sanitation programs that would not meet the minimum requirements of the European Union, United States or major purchasers of foods or ingredients, regulators who do not understand these same requirements, and educational systems that teach old and out-dated systems and focus more on rote memory than actual understanding of the complex interrelationships of foods, processes and quality systems. Perhaps the greatest challenges facing developing nations, India included, are government, transportation and the lack of an integrated agri-business sector. Let’s look first at government.
The governments must do two things; ensure that their employees, especially inspectors and field people receive a living wage and must establish a code of ethics for their regulatory agencies. The latter action sets the precedence that government regulators, inspectors or high level officials understand that acceptance of graft or gifts are illegal and subject to punishment. This will be a difficult leap since the giving of gifts is normal in Asia, Africa and many of the developing nations. Better paid officials who are operating strictly as regulators will help top ensure a safe food supply. Transportation is another big issue in developing nations. India understands this and is in the process of creating a national highway system that will link the major cities especially ports.
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