New Delhi: The University of Saskatchewan has signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management-Kundli (NIFTEM-K) to strengthen Indo-Canadian collaboration in food science and technology.
The partnership between the University of Saskatchewan and NIFTEM-K aims to foster academic excellence, joint research initiatives, and innovation-driven growth in the agri-food sector.
NIFTEM-K, an Institute of National Importance under the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI), Government of India, formalized the agreement with the University of Saskatchewan (USask), Saskatoon, Canada, to deepen cooperation in food sciences and allied domains.
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University of Saskatchewan: Advancing Agri-Food Innovation
The MoU was formally signed by Dr. Harinder Singh Oberoi, Director, NIFTEM-K, and Dr. Baljit Singh, Vice President (Research), University of Saskatchewan, in the august presence of Scott Moe, Premier of Saskatchewan; Avinash Joshi, Secretary, MoFPI; and D Praveen, Joint Secretary, MoFPI.
The high-level participation reflects the strategic importance of the collaboration between the University of Saskatchewan and NIFTEM-K in strengthening bilateral cooperation between India and Canada in the agri-food sector.
The MoU holds special significance amid the announcement of the establishment of a Centre of Excellence in Pulse Protein through joint collaboration between India and Canada, announced in the august presence of the Prime Ministers of both countries.
This initiative will be led by NIFTEM-K from the Indian side and the University of Saskatchewan from the Canadian side, further reinforcing the central role of the University of Saskatchewan in advancing agri-food innovation between the two nations.
Five-Year Agreement to Drive Academic and Research Excellence
Under the five-year agreement, the University of Saskatchewan and NIFTEM-K will collaborate on developing online teaching and training programs in food science and technology, food systems economics, and business development.
The University of Saskatchewan partnership will also promote short-term exchange programs for faculty, researchers, and students, enabling cross-learning and exposure to global best practices in food processing and innovation.
The MoU outlines cooperation in joint research projects, collaborative funding proposals, and the development of integrated degree programs in Food Processing Technology.
Through this structured engagement, the University of Saskatchewan and NIFTEM-K aim to leverage USask’s strong agrifood ecosystem and global research capabilities alongside NIFTEM-K’s mandate as a “One Stop Solution Provider” for the Indian food processing sector.
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Key areas of engagement between the University of Saskatchewan and NIFTEM-K include organizing joint seminars and workshops, short-term academic exchanges, development of industry-oriented short courses, and collaborative project planning.
Both institutions will identify mutually beneficial initiatives and formalize specific projects through subsequent collaboration agreements to ensure structured implementation and measurable outcomes.
Strategic Push for Sustainable Food Systems
Speaking on the occasion, the leadership of both institutions emphasized that the collaboration between the University of Saskatchewan and NIFTEM-K will catalyze innovation, capacity building, and technology-driven solutions for sustainable food systems.
By combining expertise from two leading institutions situated within dynamic agri-food ecosystems, the partnership is expected to contribute significantly to advancing food security, strengthening food processing value chains, and promoting research-driven industrial growth in both countries.
