Department of Food Science
The Department of Food Science at St. Aloysius has its roots in the Department of Food Science and Technology, established in 2013 with funding from the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MFPI), Government of India, under the National Mission for Food Processing (NMFP). Since its inception, the department has been dedicated to delivering cutting-edge, interdisciplinary education that integrates the principles of Food Science with innovative Technology. This fusion of disciplines empowers students to develop a profound understanding of the complex relationships between food, science, and technology.
Since its inception, the department has offered a postgraduate program in Food Science and Technology until the academic year 2017-18. In the academic year 2018-19, it was upgraded to a full-fledged department and renamed the Department of Postgraduate Studies and Research in Food Science. With the college upgrading to university status i.e St Aloysius (Deemed to be University) in 2024, the UG Food Science program has been integrated into the School of Life Sciences, further expanding the department's academic scope and research capabilities.
Programs Offered
- B.Sc in Food Science
- M.Sc in Food Science and Technology
- M.Sc. in Food Science, Nutrition and Dietetics
Vision
Collectively flourishing in the pursuit of academic excellence that contributes to the welfare of the society and environment by imparting emerging innovative knowledge systems and their application to food Science for global wellbeing.
Mission
- To ignite the minds of students towards pursuing high quality research and prepare world class Food Science professionals with global competencies.
- To facilitate break-through solutions in the field of sustainable food systems for a healthy society.
- To work as a catalyst by collaborating with Government and Non-Governmental Organizations in policy making initiatives.
Facilities
| Syllabus | Download Link |
|---|---|
| Bsc Food Science | Download Syllabus |
| MSC FSND | Download Syllabus |
| MSc FST | Download Syllabus |
| Institution/Industry/Corporate House | Month and Year of Signing MoU | Duration | Link | List of Activities under each MoU | Number of Students/Teachers who Benefitted from MoUs | National / International |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ICAR Central Institute of Fisheries Technology, Kochi | June 2024 | 3 Years | View Document | - | - | National |
| ICAR- Central Plantation Crops Research Institute, Kudlu, Kasaragod | August 2022 | 3 Years | View Document | 7-day international Workshop on "Opportunities & Challenges in Processing and Value addition of Plantation crops" | 5 | National |
| ICAR- Central Plantation Crops Research Institute, Kudlu, Kasaragod | August 2022 | 3 Years | View Document | 3 months project work | 5 | National |
| 2021 batch students | ||||
| Year | Total No of Students | Pass % | Distinction % | First Class % |
| 2020 - 2021 | 30 | 100 | 43 | 53 |
| 2020 - 2021 (Promoted) | Promoted | Promoted | Promoted | Promoted |
| 2021 - 2022 | 30 | 100 | 40 | 60 |
| 2021 - 2022 | 30 | 100 | 67 | 33 |
| 2022 batch students | ||||
| Year | Total No of Students | Pass % | Distinction % | First Class % |
| 2022 - 2023 | 29 | 100 | 38 | 55 |
| 2022 - 2023 | 28 | 100 | 75 | 25 |
| 2023 - 2024 | 28 | 100 | 79 | 21 |
| 2023 - 2024 | 28 | 100 | 96 | 4 |
| 2023 batch students | ||||
| Year | Total No of Students | Pass % | Distinction % | First Class % |
| 2023 - 2024 | 30 | 100 | 63 | 37 |
| 2023 - 2024 | 30 | 97 | 47 | 43 |
Our Postgraduate Department in Food Science boasts a robust placement record, offering specialized courses in Food Technology and Food, Nutrition, and Dietetics. With strong industry connections and a curriculum that aligns with current market demands, our students are well-equipped for diverse career opportunities in the food sector. Students have successfully secured positions in leading food companies, research institutions, healthcare organizations, and more, reflecting the comprehensive training and expertise they gain during their studies.
| 2019 - 2024 | ||
| Sl No | Name of the Company | No of Students Selected |
| 1 | St.Aloysius deemed to be University | 5 |
| 2 | Livofy | 1 |
| 3 | DDL health and fitness | 1 |
| 4 | Vital Cashew industries Pvt.Ltd. | |
| 5 | ITC( Food section) | 6 |
| 6 | Griffith foods | 1 |
| 7 | Livealtlife | 1 |
| 8 | Dr N.S.A.M PU College Nantoor, NITTE University | 1 |
| 9 | Nylara private limited | 1 |
| 10 | VKL Seasonings and Flavours | 1 |
| 11 | Udupi group of institute manipal Mangalore | 1 |
| 12 | Casina air carteering and flight services | 1 |
| 13 | Milma | 1 |
| 14 | Vidyalaxmi Institute of Technology | 1 |
| 15 | Hindustan Unilever Pvt Ltd. Mysore | |
| 16 | Besant Women’s College, Mangalore | 1 |
| 17 | Growfit healthzone organic foods Bangalore | 1 |
| 18 | Britannia Industries Ltd, Bangalore | 1 |
| 19 | SG Corporates (Bindu Beverages), Mangalore | 1 |
| 20 | P. A. First Grade College, Mangalore | 3 |
| 21 | Parayil Food Products Pvt Ltd, Kerala | 1 |
| 22 | Alvas College, Moodabidri | 2 |
| 23 | Aster Malabar Institute of Medical Science, Calicut | 2 |
| 24 | Medical Trust Hospital, Ernakulam, Kerala | 1 |
| 26 | Self Employed (Healthmate) | 1 |
| 27 | S Studios & Indian Academy of Fitness Training, Mangalore | 1 |
| 28 | Twin Health, Bangalore | 1 |
| 29 | Self Employed (Dietastic) | 1 |
| 30 | KMC Hospital, Mangalore | 1 |
| 31 | ICMR- NIN Hyderabad | 1 |
| 32 | Starcare Hospital, Calicut | 1 |
| 33 | VLCC International, Dubai, UAE | 1 |
| 34 | MGM Muthoot Hospital, Kozhencheri, Kerala | 1 |
| 35 | Healthifyme | 5 |
| 36 | Sri Shankara Cancer Hospital, Bangalore | 1 |
| 37 | Justice KS Hegde Charitable Hospital Deralakatte, Mangalore | 1 |
| 38 | Instahealth | 1 |
| 39 | Aster MIMS Kannur, Kerala | 3 |
| 40 | BCM College Kottayam, kerala | 1 |
| 41 | Achal Industries Pvt Ltd Mangalore | 1 |
| 42 | Honeywell Technology Solution Lab Pvt Ltd Bangalore | 1 |
| 44 | First Eat Right Pvt Ltd Bangalore | 1 |
| 45 | Xtendline Ltd, New Zealand | 1 |
| 46 | Kalabavi Cashews Mangalore | 1 |
| 47 | Sridevi College of Hotel Management Mangalore | 1 |
| 48 | Algo-App Digital Pvt Ltd., Bangalore | 1 |
| 49 | Hyatt Centric Jumeirah, Dubai, UAE | 1 |
| 50 | Vinicolas Pvt Ltd Goa | 1 |
| 51 | PepsiCo – Varun Beverages Ltd. Bangalore | 1 |
| 52 | Liwayway Foods India Pvt Ltd Bangalore | 3 |
| 53 | Medifit clinic | 1 |
| 54 | Casino air caterers and flight services, Kannur, Kerala | 2 |
| 55 | Instahealth | 1 |
| 56 | Byju's Think and Learn Pvt Ltd | 1 |
| 57 | Bhutson Aqua Products Pvt. Ltd. Aroor, Kerala | 1 |
| 58 | Varun Beverages, Bengaluru | 1 |
| 59 | Hindustan Unilever, Mysore | 2 |
| 60 | Moza Organics Pvt. Ltd. Kerala | 1 |
| 61 | Protech Organo Foods, Kerala | 1 |
| 62 | Plant Lipids Pvt. Ltd. Kerala | 1 |
| 63 | CSIR – CFTRI, Mysuru | 3 |
| 64 | Bliss Chocolates Pvt Ltd. Bengaluru | 1 |
| 65 | Grandmas Food Products, Kerala | 1 |
| 66 | Fresh-To-Home Food Products Pvt. Ltd. Tamil Nadu | 1 |
| 67 | Buhler Group Pvt Ltd. Bengaluru | 1 |
| 68 | British Nutraceuticals, Bengaluru | 2 |
| 69 | JSS Academy of Higher Education, Mysore | 1 |
| 70 | Al-amina Food Products, Dubai, U.A.E | 1 |
| 71 | Molecular Connections, Bengaluru | 1 |
| 72 | Go Desi Foods Pvt. Ltd. Bengaluru | 1 |
| 73 | EK Foods Pvt. Ltd, Kerala | 1 |
| 74 | TATA Consumer Products, Bengaluru | 1 |
| 75 | CRCL LLP Industrial Catering, Nellore, Andhra Pradesh | 1 |
| 76 | Nata Nutrico Coconut Food Products LLP, Kerala | 1 |
| 77 | Rani Food Products, Kerala | 1 |
| 78 | Auriga Research Pvt. Ltd, Bengaluru | 1 |
| 79 | Vazhakulam agro and fruit Processing company Ltd (JIVE), Ernakulum, Kerala | 1 |
| 80 | GRG Fine Foods, Bengaluru | 1 |
| 81 | Envertiz Consultancy, Kerala | 1 |
| 82 | AbuDhabi National Hotel, UAE | 1 |
| 83 | United Distilleries India Ltd, Bengaluru | 1 |
| 84 | Touch Stone Foundation, Bengaluru | 1 |
| 85 | National Feed and Flour Production & Marketing Co LLC, Dubai, UAE | 1 |
| 86 | Bawa Fish Meal & Oils Co. Mangaluru | 1 |
| 87 | Globalstep, Maharastra | 1 |
| 88 | Protech Organo Seafood Industry, Kerala | 1 |
| 89 | Buzz Foods & Beverages Pvt. Ltd., Bangalore | 1 |
| 90 | Bola Surendra Kamath & Sons, Karkala | 1 |
| 91 | BRITANNIA INDUSTRIES LIMITED | 2 |
| 92 | IFM Food Industries Branch of IFM Investments LLC, DIP 2 - Dubai- U.A.E. | 1 |
| 93 | Shilton Hospitality | 1 |
| 94 | Rustic Wisdom | 1 |
| 95 | No Guilt Fitness & Nutrition India Pvt. Ltd. | 1 |
| 96 | Trimadhura food and beverages | 1 |
| 97 | NutriParadise Foods LLP. | 1 |
| 98 | HCG-KR Banglore | 1 |
| 99 | Anupama seeds and farms | 1 |
| 100 | Gramont Labs PVT LTD | 2 |
| Departmental Publications; Books, Journals, seminar proceedings | ||||||
| Name of the Author(s) | Title of the Paper | Name of the Journal | Frequency of the Publication | Month and Year of Publication | Circulation Figure | Link to the Notification in UGC Enlistment of the Journal |
| Ms Jovita Carrol Soans | "Nutritional evaluation of banana inflorescence and development of food products" | International Journal of Agricultural Technology | Monthly | December, 2023 | N/A | Link |
| Dr Feby Luckose | Physicochemical properties and angiotensin-I converting enzyme inhibitory activity of lipid-free ribbon fish (Lepturacanthus savala) protein hydrolysate | Journal of Food Science and Technology | Bi monthly | January 2023 | N/A | Link |
| The amount of seed money provided by the institution to its teachers for research during the year (INR in lakhs) | |||
| Name of the Teacher | Amount of Seed Money | Month and Year of Receiving | Link to the Sanction Letter |
| Ms. Claret D'Souza | 400,000 | March, 2024 | View Sanction Letter |
| Research project undertaken (Minor /Major / any other) | |||||||||
| Sl.No. | Name of the Staff Member | Nature of the Research | Title of the Project | Amount Sanctioned | Sponsoring Agency | Time Period (from – to) | Month/Year of Receiving Grant | Link to the Sanctioned Letter | |
| 1 | Ms. Anju Kurian | Minor | DEVELOPMENT AND EVALUATION OF SPREADABLE MANGO JELLY USING FLAXSEED MUCILAGE AS GELLING AGENT | 10000 | MJES | July 2023 to November 2023 | January 2024 | View Document | |
| 2 | Dr. Daniella Anne L Chyne | Minor | Glycemic Index and nutritional implications of underutilized food waste; A study perspective on Jackfruit Rachis (Artocarpus heterophyllus) core. | 10000 | MJES | 11 Jan 2024 to 28 May 2024 | 11 Jan 2024 | View Document | |
| Papers Presented by the Faculty in the Seminars/ Workshops | ||||||||
| S.No | Name of the Staff | Name of the Workshop/Seminar/Symposium | Title of the Paper | Oral/Poster | Date | Organized by | Level | Link to the Certificates |
| 1 | Dr. SN Raghavendra | 9th International Food Convention | Effect of Particle Size on Hydration Properties and Value-added products from Bottle Gourd peel Powder | Poster | 7th - 10th December, 2023 | AFSTI, Mysore | International | View |
| 2 | Dr. SN Raghavendra | 9th International Food Convention | Grinding Characteristics and Hydration Properties of Flax Seed (Linum usitissmum residue): A Source of Dietary Fibre | Poster | 7th - 10th December, 2023 | AFSTI, Mysore | International | View |
| 3 | Dr. Daniella Chyne (Presented by Student) | National Conference on Advances in Food Technology and Nutrition | Food Compositional database of underutilized Jackfruit rachis (core): an emphasis on its glycemic index following in-vitro starch digestibility | Oral | 15th - 16th March, 2024 | Kuvempu University | National | View |
| 4 | Dr. Daniella Chyne (Presented by Student) | International Conference on Environmental Sustainability: Harmony with Nature | Documenting Nutritional and Functional properties of Underutilized Jackfruit rachis (core): an emphasis on its Predicted glycemic index (pGI) | Oral | 5th to 6th April | St. Aloysius (Deemed to be University) | International | View |
| 5 | Ms. Claret Dsouza (Presented by Students) | Two-day National level Conference on Advances in Food Technology and Nutrition AFTN-2024 hosted by the Kuvempu University, Shimogga | Standardization, Fortification and Physiochemical Characterization of Apple and Carrot Pomace Jam | Poster | 15th - 16th March, 2024 | Kuvempu University | National | View |
| 6 | Ms. Claret Dsouza (Presented by Students) | Two-day National level Conference on Advances in Food Technology and Nutrition AFTN-2024 hosted by the Kuvempu University, Shimogga | Formulation, Characterization and shelf-life of Instant Soup Mix incorporating Cnidoscolus chayamansa | Oral | 15th - 16th March, 2024 | Kuvempu University | National | View |
| 7 | Ms. Claret Dsouza (Presented by Students) | International Conference on Environmental Sustainability: Harmony with Nature | Standardization, Fortification and Physiochemical Characterization of Apple and Carrot Pomace Jam | Poster | 5th to 6th April | St. Aloysius (Deemed to be University) | International | View |
| 8 | Ms. Jovita Carrol Soans (Presented by Students) | Two-day National level Conference on Advances in Food Technology and Nutrition AFTN-2024 hosted by the Kuvempu University, Shimogga | Optimization and formulation of Lilac tassel flower leaves (Emilia sonchifolia) Product | Oral | 15th - 16th March, 2024 | Kuvempu University | National | View |
| 9 | Ms. Jovita Carrol Soans (Presented by Students) | International Conference on Environmental Sustainability: Harmony with Nature | Characterizing the nutritional profile and functional attributes of Capsicum frutescens Var.: Investigating varietal disparities, antioxidant activity and value added product formulation | Poster | 5th to 6th April | St. Aloysius (Deemed to be University) | International | View |
| 10 | Feby Luckose | 9th International Food Convention (IFCoN) | Plectranthus amboinicus essential oil as a natural preservative: antimicrobial properties, toxicity and preservative effects in intermediate moisture meat | Poster | 7th to 10th December, 2023 | Central Food Technological Research Institute, Mysore | International | View |
| Details of books and chapters in edited volumes / books per teacher during the year | ||||||||
| Sl. No. | Name of the Teacher | Title of the Book published | Title of the Chapter published | Year and Month of Publication | ISBN of the Book/Conference Proceeding | Affiliating Institute of the Teacher at the time of Publication | Name of the Publisher | Google Drive Link to the Cover Page of the Book |
| 1 | Feby Luckose | Engineering Aspects of Food Quality and Safety | Recent Trends in Nano Biosensors for Food Testing | 22 August 2023 | 2628-8095 | Nitte (Deemed to be University) | Springer | View Cover |
| Academic Excellence / Co-curricular - Student Research | |||||||
| S.No | Name of The Student | Nature of the Research/Project Undertaken (Major/Minor) & Status | Title of the Project | Amount Sanctioned | Sponsoring Agency | Time Period (From – To) | Link to the Sanction Letter/Completion Certificate |
| 1 | Ms. Mouliya C | Minor | The Effect of Fish consumption on glycemic load - A glycemic index study of mixed meal | 10000 | MJES | 2020-2021 | Sanction Letter |
| 2 | Ms. R Rashmitha, Ms. Haripriya. V & Ms. Alaa Musthafa | Minor | Comparative study of three different bird eye chillies and its bio functional properties (Capsicum frutescens L) | 7500 | MJES | 2022 - 2023 | Sanction Letter |
| 3 | Ms. Vishnupriya & Ms. Parvathi Ashok | Minor | Effect of radiation on sprouted green gram | 7500 | MJES | 2022 - 2023 | Sanction Letter |
| 4 | Ms. Katheeja Lubna, Ms. Gopika PK & Ms. Sneha PK | Minor | Development and characterization of starch and pectin based hydrogels using vegetable waste | 7500 | MJES | 2022 - 2023 | Sanction Letter |
| 5 | Ms. Gopika Jayakumar & Ms Sandra Paul | Minor | Fortification, standardization and characterization of Apple Pomace and Carrot Pomace Jam | 7500 | MJES | 2022 - 2023 | Sanction Letter |
| 6 | Ms. S Varalekshmi & Ms. Sinchan A Y | Minor | Development of edible coating from cassava peel - Moringa oleifera leaf on strawberry (Fragaria ananassa) | 7500 | MJES | 2022 - 2023 | Sanction Letter |
| 7 | Ms. Spoorthi B K & Ms Merin George | Minor | Standardization and characterization of Indian Herb Mix and Evaluation of its Functional properties | 7500 | MJES | 2022 - 2023 | Sanction Letter |
| 8 | Ms. Akshatha, Ms. Krithi & Mr. Preetham Marcarenhas | Minor | Glycemic Index and nutritional Implications of underutilized food waste: A study perspective on Jackfruit Rachis (Artocarpus Heterophyllus) | 10000 | MJES | 2023 - 2024 | Sanction Letter |
| 9 | Ms. Staphny Snowy D'Souza & Ms. Akshara M A | Minor | Development and organization of flax seed mucilage as a jelling agent in mango jelly | 10000 | MJES | 2024 - 2024 | Sanction Letter |
| Publications of the students - Student Research | |||||||
| S.NO | Name of the Student | Title of the Book/Paper/Chapter | Name of the Journal | Volume, Issue, Date, ISSN/ISBN no. | Page | Impact Factor | Link to the Relevant Document |
| 1 | Gopika Jayakumar, Sandra Paul, Claret Shalini Dsouza, Jovita Carrol Soans | Standardization, Fortification and Physiochemical Characterization of Apple and Carrot Pomace Jam | Advances in Food Technology & Nutrition (AFTN - 2024) | (AFTN - 2024) | 7-8 | NA | Link |
| 2 | Vedha C, Lekhana, Jovita Carrol Soans, Claret Shalini Dsouza | Optimization and formulation of Lilac tassel flower leaves (Emilia sonchifolia) Product | Advances in Food Technology & Nutrition (AFTN - 2024) | (AFTN - 2024) | 81-82 | NA | Link |
| 3 | Shwetha Chandran, Anjana, Claret Shalini Dsouza, Jovita Carrol Soans | Formulation, Characterization and shelf-life of Instant Soup Mix incorporating Cnidoscolus chayamansa | Advances in Food Technology & Nutrition (AFTN - 2024) | (AFTN - 2024) | 79-80 | NA | Link |
| 4 | Sriraksha M.S. c, Ravishankar C.N, Ashok Kumar Chakka | Sustainability of emerging green non-thermal technologies in the food industry with food safety perspective: A review | LWT- Food Science & Technology | Volume 151, November 2021, 112140 | NA | 6 | Link |
| 5 | Shrunga, D., & Chyne, D. A. L | The effect of mixed meal on glycemic index and Glycemic load: a Glycemic Index study in Coastal Karnataka | National Institute of Nutrition | 23rd December, 2022 | NA | NA | NA |
| 6 | Akshatha S., Krithi., Preetham M., Chyne D A L and Ananthan R | Food Database of underutilized jackfruit rachis (core): an emphasis on its glycemic index following in-vitro starch digestibility | National Conference on Advances in Food Technology and Nutrition at Kuvempu University, Shivamogga, Karnataka | 16th March 2024 | NA | NA | NA |
| 7 | Akshatha R. S, Krithi, Preetham M., Chyne D. A. L., and Ananthan R. | Documenting Nutritional and Functional properties of underutilized Jackfruit rachis (core): An emphasis on its in-vitro Predicted Glycemic Index (pGI) | International Conference on Environmental Sustainability: Harmony with Nature held at St Aloysius (Deemed to be University) | 6th April, 2024 | NA | NA | NA |
| Date | Name of the Staff Involved | No. of Programmes Undertaken | No of Beneficiaries | Revenue Generated | Link to Supporting Document |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22.09.2023 | Mr. Roysten Dias & Ms. Claret DSouza | 1 | 54 | Rs. 10,800/- | View Document |
| 06.07.2022 | Mr Ashok & Dr. S. N. Raghavendra | 4 | 2 | Rs 21,436/- | View Document |
| 29.09.2022 | Ms Jovita C Soans | 1 | 1 | Rs 15,000/- | View Document |
| Name of the value-added courses offered | Course Code | No. of times offered during the year | Duration of course (in hours) | Number of students enrolled | List of participants |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Holistic Nutrition | 23081 | 1 | 30 | 9 | Link |
| Sports Nutrition | 23083 | 1 | 30 | 13 | Link |
| Food Safety and Quality Control | 23080 | 1 | 30 | 60 | Link |
| Food Analysis and Instrumentation | 23079 | 1 | 30 | 11 | Link |
| Processing Technology of Mushroom | 23082 | 1 | 30 | 9 | Link |
| Sl. No | Name | Details | Link for Certificate/Photo |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Department | Sangam Overall Championship | View Certificate/Photo |
| Sl. No | Name | Details | Link for Certificate/Photo |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dr Feby Luckose | Paper publication | View Certificate/Photo |
| 2 | Ms Jovita Carol Soans | Paper publication | View Certificate/Photo |
| Sl. No | Name | Details | Link for Certificate/Photo |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hemanth PM | MISHMASH - Collage | |
| 2 | Staphny Snowy D Souza | ||
| 3 | Shree Nidhi | ||
| 4 | Nayana Prasad | SNAPPY SPEECH OFF - JAM | |
| 5 | Preetham Mascarenhas | ROOT RHYTHMS - Folk Dance | |
| 6 | Deepthi | ||
| 7 | Delma | ||
| 8 | Staphny Snowy D Souza | ||
| 9 | Aneesha Roy | ||
| 10 | Meghana GP | ||
| 11 | Swetha Chandran | ||
| 12 | Sinchana | ||
| 13 | Ms Veda Chandrashekar | Oral Paper presentation - Winners Link |
|
| 14 | Ms Lekhana H. Jogan | ||
Industrial visit - 1
| Date | 09-10-2023 |
|---|---|
| Place | Urva market, Mangalore |
| No of students participated | Male: 06 Female: 53 |
| Faculty accompanied | Dr. S. N Raghavendra Mr. Ashok Kumar Chakka Ms. Bharati Venkatesh Hebsur Ms. Anju Kurian |
| Objective or purpose of the visit | To gain practical knowledge about the rice milling process, the technology involved and to understand the various challenges faced by the industry |
| Place Visited | Modern Rice mill |
| Learnings | Explored the key processes involved in milling of rice starting from cleaning to grading and packaging of the milled rice Practical understanding of the working of machinery involved in the key processes The challenges faced by the industry, market competition |
| Difficulties or challenges faced | NA |
| Suggestions | Visiting few more industries on the same day would be more helpful for the students |
| Remarks | The industrial visit was helpful to the students in gaining knowledge and experience. |
Industrial visit - 2
Date: April 19, 2024
Location: Soans Farm
Objective:
The field visit to Soans Farm was organized for M.Sc. Food Science students and staff with the aim to provide them with practical exposure to various fruit plantations, horticultural crops, and exotic fruits and vegetables made known in their syllabus. The visit aimed to enhance their understanding of agricultural practices, fruit cultivation techniques, and the importance of diverse food sources in food science and nutrition.
Overview of Soans Farm:
Soans Farm, located in the outskirts of the city in Moodbidri, is renowned for its vast expanse of fruit plantations, diversified horticultural crops, and cultivation of exotic fruits and vegetables. The Farm initially started by the Swiss and German missionaries in 1926 as a pilot project to bring under useful cultivation hilly areas dependent only on seasonal monsoon. Mr. Alfred Soans (1904- 1981) who studied at the Allahabad Agriculture College took over the management of the farm in 1928.
At present, the Farm grows different crops like Pineapple, Coconut, Mango, Jack fruit, Cashew, Pepper, Cocoa, Sapota, Arecanut, Nutmeg, Avocado, Pomelo, Lime, Yam, Water apple etc. Introduction of exotic fruit crops like Rambutan Mangosteen, Durian and Langsat
Upon arrival, the group was warmly welcomed by the farm staff and received a guided tour of the premises. The tour covered various sections of the farm, including fruit orchards, vegetable plots, and greenhouse facilities.
The students had the opportunity to explore the fruit plantations, which included fruits like Jaboticaba (South America), Rambutan, Durian, Langsat, Malay apple, egg fruit (South America), Diesel tree (Amazon forests), Abiu (Australia), and Macadamia nut. They observed different stages of fruit growth, learned about pest management strategies, and irrigation techniques employed to maintain optimal growing conditions.
One of the highlights of the visit was the demonstration of exotic fruits and vegetables grown at the farm. Students were introduced to dragon fruit, passion fruit, avocado, and other tropical varieties. They learned about the nutritional value, harvesting methods, and market demand for these exotic produce items.
Throughout the visit, students engaged in interactive sessions with farm experts and staff. They had the opportunity to ask questions, seek clarification on agricultural techniques, and discuss the challenges and opportunities in modern farming practices.
A total of 118 students of both first and second year M. Sc. Food Science along with 9 faculties were present. The field visit to Soans Farm provided students and staff with a valuable opportunity to connect theoretical knowledge with practical applications in agriculture and food production. The hands-on experience gained during the visit will contribute to their academic learning and professional development in the field of food science and nutrition.
