Launch Of Food Processing Centre At IIT Tirupati on July 13

The facility, developed in collaboration with the Andhra Pradesh Food Processing Society (APFPS), is backed by a ₹2.60 crore grant under the Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) scheme of the Union Ministry of Food Processing Industries.

Union Minister Chirag Paswan will launch the centre, joined by AP Industries minister T.G. Bharath. Officials described the initiative as a first-of-its-kind for the state, aimed at strengthening value addition in the agriculture sector and nurturing grassroots entrepreneurship.

Developed under the guidance of Prof. K.S.M.S. Raghava Rao from the Department of Chemical Engineering in the IIT Tirupati campus, the centre will serve as both a production hub and a practical laboratory. It is equipped to handle processing of up to 20 tonnes of fruit and vegetable produce, including mango, tomato, citrus and other perishable varieties. Products developed here will be marketed under IIT Tirupati’s in-house label – Swastha.

This facility is part of a nationwide network of 76 centres being set up with a total investment of ₹205.95 crore. The Tirupati unit will stand out as the only one currently operational in Andhra Pradesh.

“Our aim is to support local entrepreneurs and help them convert highly perishable crops into market-ready goods, such as pulps, jams, pickles, beverages and snack bars,” an IIT Tirupati official said.

Beyond commercial activity, the centre will offer research and training opportunities for students in food technology. Plans are underway to collaborate with private companies to ensure better market access to farmers and food entrepreneurs.

Officials said entrepreneurs with existing brands can also make use of the facility’s processing lines, making the centre a shared platform for innovation and business growth.