New Delhi, June 30 (IANS) The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) Thursday said it had launched a course in food science and technology.

The post graduate diploma programme will commence from July and is being offered by IGNOU’s School of Agriculture.

‘The course will provide knowledge and technical competencies to address the emerging issues of processing, product development, food safety, marketing, export and sustainable use of resources,’ an official said.

‘Existing technicians, managers, food industry professionals and technologists can also join the programme,’ the official added.

According to IGNOU, 25 students will be selected on merit for admission and will also go through one-month internship for hands-on training.

‘This programme will train the students for jobs such as production and marketing executives in food production industries, food safety officers in government regulatory bodies and entrepreneurs in dairy, meat, fruits and vegetables processing set-ups,’ added the official.