In recent years, the domain of food technology has been experiencing a groundbreaking revolution, restructuring the way of production, consumption, and expectation about food. From sustainable agricultural practices to indispensable food processing technologies, the inventions incipient in the arena of food technology are confronting critical issues like food security and environmental sustainability while addressing food safety and quality. Some of the pioneering developments as plant-based alternatives, personalized nutrition, blockchain in food supply chain, 3D food printing, Artificial Intelligence are important to shape the future of food.

1. Plant-based diet: Plant-based food products are preferred over animal-derived products and is a glaring trend in food technology these days. In view of the rise in concern about animal safety, wellness, and environmental sustainability, consumers are amending their food choices by adapting plant-based options in their diet to fulfil nutritional needs. Few industries have developed plant-based meat substitutes that look, taste like real meat. 

2. Personalized nutrition: The collaborative approach by integrating data science in food technology have enabled the customized nutritional solutions based on the distinctive choices, dietary requirements, and health targets of individuals. By employing the power of tailored nutrition, it is possible to reform the personal dietary style, through renovation of one-size-fits-all approach to personalized nutrition for specific needs.

3. Blockchain in food supply chains: Blockchain technology ensures authenticity and quality of food by tracking the journey of the food from farm to fork. It is progressively embraced in food supply chains to enhance transparency, traceability, and food safety. 

4. 3D food printing: 3D food printing allows to create tailored food products with precise shape, texture, and nutritional composition. This prospective technology can offer personalized dietary solutions while cutting down the food waste through on-request production.

5. Artificial Intelligence: AI and ML are emerging approaches employed in agricultural practices and food technology to assist in crop monitoring, predictive analysis, and food safety inspection.

Department of Food Process and Product Engineering

The Department of Food Process and Product Engineering plays an important role in advancing food technology by integrating engineering principles into food processing and preservation. Key areas of research and education include designing and optimizing food manufacturing processes to enhance efficiency and product quality, studying microbial interactions and food composition to ensure food safety and nutritional value, developing sustainable packaging and efficient storage techniques to minimize spoilage, and incorporating advances like robotics and AI to improve precision, reliability, and productivity in food manufacturing.