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Gujarat University incubated start-up brings solution for Indian Army

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: A company has found a way to retain freshness in vegetables for 6-8 months

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The founders had participated in an exhibition organised by the Indian Army
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Army officials located in remote areas will not have to wrack their brains for nutritious food anymore. In a major achievement of Gujarat University Start-up and Entrepreneurship Cell (GUS-EC), one of its incubatees will soon be providing nutritious food which can be used in all weather conditions.

A year-old company Rivera Namkins run by Manoj Ukani, Ajay Korat, Manoj Kotadiya from Surat have found a way to retain freshness in vegetables for 6-8 months. Interestingly, at the defence seminar held as part of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit, the officials had lauded GU's effort in helping Indian Army solve their problems.

Speaking about the same, Manoj said, "Our journey began when one of our friends was diagnosed with high diabetes and the doctor had suggested changes in diet so that he does not have to take medicine for the same. It was then we thought that food heals everyone and hence we attempted to work on this idea of retaining freshness in vegetables. It will not only help army personnel but our commercial target would be people who are health conscious and those who do not have time to cook."

Rivera Namkins is a temporary name and the founders have not yet come up with the name of their product. "The vegetables are dehydrated and 15-20% water is removed from the vegetable and 60% moisture is retained. When a vegetable is cooked on high flame, it loses all nutrition. Our product is ready to eat and does not require warm water to be mixed. Until now, we have implemented the process to Guvar (cluster bean), Karela (bitter gourd), Bhindi (Okra), garlic, etc", said Manoj. Belonging to pharmacy background, Manoj and his team members found many obstacles. Having no prior knowledge of food, they held meetings with food experts and farmers to understand the processes of vegetables and its nutrients.

"We are now in the process to match the army's requirement of bringing similar freshness to non-vegetarian items to match with the calorie count of the personnel. We will be sending them our samples which will be sent to army officials in Siachin, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam borders to get their reviews on the same", he added.

TECH DEAL

  • Last month, an MoU was signed between the Indian Army and GU
     
  • The agreement included setting up an army design bureau and army technology centre and creation of a technology interface apart from accessing specific technology development funds of the army.
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