Mysuru: There is nearly 50 percent of the posts vacant in CFTRI and they will be filled shortly, said CFTRI Director Dr. Raghava Rao.

Addressing a media conference here yesterday, he said that when he joined CFTRI there were about 1,000 staff. However, the number has now come down to 500. The technology wing of CFTRI is its backbone and this should be first strengthened. Permission has been given to fill the posts in this department and it will be filled shortly, he added.

There is 140 acres of land belonging to CFTRI near Kuvempu Charitable Trust in Jayalakshmipuram. The land has been allotted to build residential quarters for CFTRI staff. But there are only a few quarters built as many employees do not need the quarters’ facility. Hence, the remaining land can be used to develop an industrial park, he said.

The Human Resources Development Department and M.Sc Food Technology Department will also be shifted here, he added.

The technology assistance is being given keeping in mind the small and medium scale industries and along with technical support, marketing facilities are also being explored, he said.

“The aim is to admit 50 start-up ventures into its incubation facility in the next two years. The State Government’s Science and Technology Department has given Rs.5 crore for this purpose,” he said.

There are certain restrictions for research students in CFTRI and hence they are not able to obtain Ph.Ds easily. The rules have to be modified in consultation with the authorities concerned and more research will be encouraged, said Dr. Rao.