Mysore/Mysuru: As part of monthly lecture series, the Elder Citizens’ Council, Jayalakshmipuram, had organised a lecture by Dr. A. Ramakrishna, former senior scientist (Scientist F) and HoD (RA), Defence Food Research Laboratory (DFRL), Mysuru, on the indigenous scientific methods developed by DFRL for engineers on preserving “Ready to Eat  Meals” exclusively for  armed forces during                                     extreme climatic conditions at high altitudes.

Dr. Ramakrishna has  expertise in the multidisciplinary field with innovative approach working on Defence and Agriculture projects such as food processing and packaging technology with deliverables including SMEs.

Like any human, the armed forces require sound health and palatable food to concentrate on their duty of safeguarding borders day and night. They mainly require dhania, mirchi, curd as nutritious food and fruits to remain fresh at that complex weather and hence the DFRL, as per                                                          Dr. Ramakrishna,  has taken the responsibility to develop  food  technology  exclusively for the Army and Navy in submarines.

Even during the last surgical strike of Indian army against Pakistan, the DFRL takes credit of having provided the palatable preserved food to the Army for their healthy living at the borders. The machineries developed for preservation of food have been totally indigenous as ‘Made in India’ policy of the Government. The technology is being spread to over 850 industries all                                                                      over the country.

Dr. Ramakrishna also informed that “DFRL engineers have also developed Biosynthesis reactor for biopolymer formulation and environmental friendly polymeric reusable breathable bags to farmers and sellers for transporting and storing fruits and vegetables at room temperatures without cold storage which has enormous potential for cost savings in food industry and import substitutions. Technologies pertaining to development have been gradually transferred to local industries generating huge revenue.”