Defence Food Research Lab Unveils Curd Machine

The Defence Food Research Laboratory (DFRL) is an Indian defence laboratory of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). Located in Mysore, Karnataka, it conducts research and development of technologies and products in the area of food science and technology to cater the varied food challenges for the Indian Armed Forces.

They have developed an array of food products and technologies that can provide convenience, nutrition and calories apart from ensuring shelf stability and microbiological safety, keeping the requirements of Indian Armed Forces in mind. The products and technologies that have been developed include frozen foods, and anti-depression, anti-anxiety, anti-fatigue and performance-enhancing foods or nutraceuticals. Further, for civilian markets as well, these technologies have huge potential both in India and abroad.

Recently, they unveiled a patented curd-making machine, invented by Dr A Ramakrishna, which was launched by A K Srivastava, director and vice-chancellor, National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI), Karnal, and chairman, LRC, DFRL.

The laboratory stated that the machine would be useful for preparing quality curd in a short duration, even at sub-zero temperatures, with appreciable consistency and permissible acidity in extremely cold conditions without any change in the final products. The portable machines weights less than 3kg and can prepare about 10 litres of curd within four hours

They have also transferred the technology of their performance-enhancing aloe-pineapple-based anti-fatigue drink to the Jabalpur-based Arboreal Agro Innovations. The aloe-pineapple drink was developed by Dr Farhath Khanum (scientist G), Dr T Anand (scientist E), D Singsit, technical officer, Dr A D Semwal (scientist G, head, technology transfer), and senior scientists, DFRL. It has been scientifically validated to enhance physical performance.

Dr Rakesh Kumar Sharma, director, DFRL, exchanged the technology transfer documents with Swathi Pandey, Chief Executive Officer, and Manish Chouhan, business partner, Arboreal Agro Innovations Pvt Ltd.