Media Release
Udupi, Mar 3: The Department of Commerce, MAHE, Manipal, in association with the Welcomgroup Graduate School of Hotel Administration, Department of Community Medicine (KMC Manipal), Department of Public Policy (MAHE Bengaluru), and TAPMI Bengaluru, successfully hosted the Uphaar: National Seminar on Upcycled Food Systems.
Sponsored by the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) under the Vision Viksit Bharat 2047 initiative, the seminar brought together over 250 students, researchers, policymakers, and farmers from across India to explore innovations and challenges in upcycled food systems.
Dr Raviraja N S, chief operating officer, MAHE, Manipal, inaugurated the event. The seminar featured keynote addresses by Dr Mamata Gowda (IAS Retd.), who emphasised policy support for food upcycling, and Dr Revanna Revannavar, professor of Entomology, Zonal Agricultural and Horticultural Research Station (ZAHRS), Brahmavar, highlighted nature-based solutions for food waste reduction.
Dr Sandeep Shenoy, head of the Department of Commerce, MAHE, Manipal, and Dr Praveen Kumar, principal investigator of the project, were present. The formal function concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr Murlidhar Kulkarni, professor, Department of Community medicine, KMC Manipal.
After the inaugural session, industry experts, including Aditi Jhala (The Misfits), Radhika Khandelwal (Fig & Maple), and Amanda Oenbrin (Upcycled Food Association, USA), shared insights on the role of businesses and global best practices in food upcycling.
A panel discussion on “Why Do We Need Upcycled Food Practices in India?” moderated by Prof Harini, HoD of Public Policy, MAHE Bengaluru, featured Chef Elizabeth Yorke (Saving Grains), Aditi Jhala, and Prof Harish Joshi from Department of Commerce, MAHE. The discussion explored the need to introduce food upcycling at the household level and the role of government incentives in promoting sustainable food systems.
The event concluded with a final panel discussion moderated by chef Elizabeth Yorke, featuring Aftab (BAM Foods) Goa, Poornima, joint director, Department of Agriculture, HQ, JDA Office, Rajathadri, Manipal, Dr Revanna, Dr Adarsh Gowda (Food Expert), Chef Kshama Vishwakarma, and Dr Dayanand Prabhu (WGSHA, Manipal). This discussion emphasised the importance of collaboration among farmers, businesses, policymakers, and consumers to build a robust upcycled food system.
A research paper presentation segment featured innovative studies on food waste reduction and sustainable food systems. The seminar fostered interdisciplinary collaboration and highlighted the need for policy interventions, industry engagement, and consumer awareness to advance upcycled food systems in India.