Pune: Vikas Dangat, chairman of SV Group and an entrepreneur, raised concerns about the declining quality of food due to soil and water degradation, during the World Food Day celebration at MIT ADT University in Vishwaraj Bagh, Pune. He highlighted the alarming issue of declining soil fertility and groundwater pollution, both of which are impacting the quality of food consumed daily. “Despite the Green Revolution’s success in increasing food production, the extensive use of pesticides and chemicals has degraded soil health. Water contamination due to human activities is also becoming a growing threat to food quality,” he said. The event was organized by the School of Food Technology at MIT ADT University and was attended by several notable personalities, including Executive Director of MIT ADT University Prof. Dr. Sunita Karad, Managing Director of Envirocare Labs Dr. Nilesh Amritkar, Principal Dr.Anjali Bhoite and other dignitaries.

In his address, Dr. Nilesh Amritkar echoed Prime Minister Modi’s vision of making Indian cuisine a global staple and called for a new food revolution driven by innovative research. “It’s vital that we encourage research into diverse food types and motivate students to contribute to these efforts,” said Dr. Amritkar. Prof. Dr. Sunita Karad, in her presidential address, emphasized the importance of integrating agriculture into India’s economy and called for advancements in agricultural research. “India is an agrarian country, but now it is essential to boost agricultural research and encourage organic farming, even if it means temporarily sacrificing income for long-term sustainability,” said Dr. Karad. Awarding Excellence in Agriculture and Food Industry The event also featured an award ceremony honoring prominent figures in the food and agriculture sector through the MS Swaminathan Chair. Notable awardees included Mr.Chinmay Tanshikar, a progressive farmer from Goa, Mr.Vijay Kumar Chole, Vice President of Satara Mega Food Park, and Mrs.Manisha Dhatrak, Managing Director of Varun Agro Processing Foods, Nashik. The recipients shared their insights and life experiences, inspiring students to look at agriculture and food processing with renewed interest.

MIT ADT students actively participated in the celebration, showcasing research projects, food stalls, and poster exhibitions. The event kicked off with a peace prayer and was coordinated by Principal Dr. Anjali Bhoite, alongside faculty members Dr. Sujata Ghodke and Dr. Sangita Funde. The celebration marked a call to action for future leaders in the food industry to confront the challenges posed by soil and water degradation, and to work towards sustainable agricultural practices.