LAHORE, March 15: The National Curriculum Revision Committee (NCRC) of the Higher Education Commission has recommended launching of a separate four-year BSc (Honours) Food Science and Technology programme.

Convened by Prof Dr Faqir Muhammad Anjum, director, Institute of Food Science and Technology, Agriculture University, Faisalabad, the three-day meeting called to review the existing curricula being taught at BSc, MSc and PhD level made the recommendation in its plenary session on Monday.

After reviewing the existing curricula and proposing certain revisions, the convener asked the members to send their proposals within two weeks. The committee, however, emphasized that the food science and technology should be recognized as one of the priority areas for the uplift of the national economy.

It suggested that the food science and technology departments should be strengthened by adding qualified faculty members, enhancing laboratory and library facilities to meet research and development as well as WTO requirements.

The committee said the job opportunities to food technologists should be provided in provincial and federal food departments, Export Promotion Bureau, Pakistan Agricultural Services and Storage Corporation, Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority/Public Analyst and Pakistan National Accreditation Council.

It said the ministry of industries should ensure employment of the qualified food technologists in food industries. The committee recommended that the HEC should arrange teachers' training programmes at home and abroad.

The NCRC also urged the HEC to approach the ministries of industries, food and agriculture and other agencies with a request to direct public and private sector food industries and research institutions to provide internship to food technology students.

It urged the commission to hold its final meeting in Karachi to ensure cooperation with the food industries and other stakeholders. It also called to invite some other food experts in the next meeting.

The meeting was attended by academicians and researchers in the field of food science and technology from all over the country. HEC director-general Dr Altaf Sheikh and Lahore regional centre director Riaz Cheema coordinated the meeting.