workshop on packaging of ethnic foods

ahmedabad, jan 20 knn indian institute of packaging iip today organised a national workshop on packaging of traditional and ethnic processed food products for the benefit of cottage, micro, small and medium enterprises here.&ldquowith increasing focus on the development of technological and knowledge capabilities, training plays a major role in the development of knowledge infrastructure and database. the focus of the programme theme is aimed at creating awareness of importance of packaging among the cottage, micro, small and medium entrepreneurs,&rdquo an official release said.further, globalisation and opening up of the economy has created business opportunities for technology and equipment suppliers, product manufacturers, r&ampd organisations, academia, logistics and service providers and all concerned with related parallel activities, it said.the event saw the participation of eminent experts and speakers from the industry. it included technical sessions on pertinent topics such as concept of food packaging and its importance introduction of fssai regulations and their implications design considerations in packaging development for food products packaging of processed foods flexible packaging materials for edible oil and importance of testing of packaging materials.meanwhile, according to media reports, iip is also planning to set up an institute here in gujarat, preferably near ahmedabad.further, with a target of formulating packaging standards for at least 500 food items within the next ten years, it is working towards enhancing awareness among small scale industries to exploit export opportunities by focussing on packaging.the importance of packaging for export was given due recognition in early 1960s when the government and industry joined hands to create the indian institute of packaging in 1966 with the specific objective of improving packaging standards. activities of the institute today cover training and education, consultancy and projects, laboratory testing, qc schemes, exhibitions and design, information and publications besides promotional activities.the ministry of food processing industries is the nodal agency of the government of india for processed foods and is responsible for developing a strong and vibrant food processing sector with emphasis on &ndash stimulating demand for appropriate processed foods achieving maximum value addition amd byproduct utilisation creating increased job opportunities particularly in rural areas enabling farmers to reap the benefits of modern technology and creating surplus for exports. knnes&nbsp