TO ATTAIN food resiliency and security, the Department of Science and Technology in Region 10 has granted the Central Mindanao University P2.9 million for its innovative food product project.

The DOST said the grant will boost the capability of CMU’s Food Research and Development Center to develop nutritious juices.

“With the advent of the new normal, innovations in food production have become an integral part of the food industry. These innovations have become the priority areas of the research and development agenda, particularly in the fields of industry, energy, and emerging technologies in the region,” DOST said.

“The funded research will now be able to solve further wastage by utilizing the spray drying technology to convert fresh produce into spray-dried fruits and vegetable juice blend powders. Compared with the liquid juice, the juice blend powders have a longer shelf life and higher stability and efficiency in storage, handling, and transportation processes,” it added.

With the center’s full implementation, the research is expected to provide functional emergency foods, respond to the research agenda on management and utilization of fruits and vegetables through a scientific research approach, and provide promising livelihood programs to uplift communities in Bukidnon.

It also aims to provide technology adaptation for local farmers and SMEs and give additional information and references on spray dried food products in the country.