TTD, CSIR-CFTRI Join Hands to Improve Quality of Srivari Prasadams
The MoU was signed in the presence of Union consumer affairs minister Pralhad Joshi and TTD procurement incharge EE Uma Shankar.
Tirumala: The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the CSIR-Central Food Technological Research Institute, Mysore, to introduce scientific methods into its food management systems.
The MoU was signed in the presence of Union consumer affairs minister Pralhad Joshi and TTD procurement incharge EE Uma Shankar.
The pact aims to strengthen the safety, nutritional value and quality of Srivari prasadams and other food items distributed to devotees. It was signed following the RISE (research, innovation, start-ups and entrepreneurship) Conclave 2026 held in Bengaluru.
The idea is also to ensure that prasadams and food products prepared under TTD's supervision are delivered to devotees in accordance with the highest food safety standards while preserving their traditional character and sanctity.
Under the agreement, joint teams of TTD and CSIR-CFTRI will develop and implement stringent quality-control standards, standard operating procedures (SOPs) and monitoring mechanisms covering the procurement of raw materials, food preparation and distribution processes.
CSIR-CFTRI will provide technical guidance for modernising storage systems, testing methods and procurement procedures. The institute will recommend scientifically validated technologies and best-practice workflows to minimise contamination risks and ensure consistency in food quality.
The collaboration will also focus on preserving the original taste, texture and cultural value of Srivari prasadams. Research-based packaging solutions and shelf-life enhancement measures will be developed to improve storage stability without affecting their authenticity.
As part of capacity-building efforts, CSIR-CFTRI scientists will provide specialised training to TTD's food analysts and food-handling staff in advanced analytical techniques, sampling protocols, contaminant detection, ghee purity testing and aroma profiling.
Senior scientists from CSIR-CFTRI will regularly visit TTD's food production and storage facilities to support implementation, validation studies and improvements in storage and procurement planning.
TTD said the collaboration would help its food services and prasadams maintain their traditional sanctity while adopting scientific standards that enhance safety, quality and reliability for devotees.
