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IIPM underscores need to bridge theory and practice in agri-food business education
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Friday, 10 January, 2025, 08 : 00 AM [IST]
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Nandita Vijayasimha, Bengaluru
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Indian Institute of Plantation Management (IIPM), which is an autonomous organisation of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry offering management education, research and training for the plantation and agri-business sectors is working to prepare future leaders for a rapidly evolving industry.
In this regard, at its recent event titled Bridging Theory and Practice: Fostering Pathways for Agri-Food Business Education, Indian Institute of Plantation Management - Bangalore congregated experts from the sector of food processing and agri tech start-ups.
Beginning with the inaugural address by Prof. John Mano Raj, Director, IIPM-Bangalore who highlighted that in the rapidly evolving field of agri-food business, there is a need to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application for preparing a skilled workforce capable of addressing contemporary challenges and seizing emerging opportunities.
"The agri-food business sector is characterised by rapid technological advancements, shifting market dynamics and evolving regulatory landscapes. Traditional educational models, which often emphasise theoretical knowledge without sufficient practical application, may not fully prepare students for the complexities of modern agribusiness. By bridging this gap, we can improve employability, foster innovation and enhance industry academic collaboration," he added.
Prof. Raj noted that it is important to explore the strategic initiatives to enhance agri-food business education by integrating academic theories with real-world industry practices, ensuring that graduates are well-equipped to thrive in a dynamic and competitive environment. The pool of qualified workforce also plays a pivotal role in addressing global challenges related to food security, sustainability, and climate resilience.
In her keynote address as the chief guest, Rohini Sinduri, Special Secretary to Karnataka Government’s Agriculture Department, Food Processing & Harvest Technology, emphasised the importance of the agricultural sector and the pivotal role IIPM can play in bridging the gap between academia and industry.
She highlighted the practical challenges faced by farmers and proposed that the food processing sector, particularly with value addition, could address many of these issues effectively.
The institute brought out the Dean Colloquium with an objective to develop a robust framework for agribusiness education that competently integrates theoretical learning with practical experience through curriculum alignment, industry collaboration, experiential learning opportunities and skill development. This will not only enhance the employability and effectiveness of graduates but also contribute to the overall advancement of the agri-food business sector.
The daylong event highlighted building a Sustainable Agri-Food Business Ecosystem: The Role of Academic Institutions. At the event, Chetan Hanchate, director & CEO, Centre for Food Processing and start-up seed stage investor, addressed the topic ‘Recent trends and expectations of food processing industry in India.'
"The food processing industry in India is experiencing significant growth, driven by changing consumer preferences, technological advancements, and supportive government initiatives. The sector is poised for substantial growth, driven by evolving consumer preferences, technological innovations, and supportive government policies. Companies focusing on product innovation, sustainability and efficient production methods are expected to gain a competitive edge in this dynamic market. Therefore the students specialising at IIPM will have umpteen job opportunities," pointed out Hanchate.
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