The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, in pursuance of the decision of the Planning Commission, approved a Scheme in 1962 for the establishment of Regional Research Stations for fruits and vegetables preservation in various parts of the country under the control of Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI), Mysore, with the following main objectives:
To conduct varietal trials on fruits and vegetables of the region and to develop suitable varieties for processing purposes in co -operation with local Horticultural Research Stations.
To conduct investigation on the problems of the industry in the region for expeditious solution and to evolve new products and by- products for economic development of the industry.
To establish closer technical liaison between the food and allied industries as research and also offer advice in the planning and setting up of new factories.
To carry out quality control and analysis work under Fruit Products Order, 1956, at some of them which are located in important centres.
To serve as extension centres for the dissemination of processes and products of CFTRI.
Resource Centre, Hyderabad from its inception has been working to meet the objectives for which the centre was planned. Accordingly, the centre when it was established at Kodur (1963), in the premises of Fruit Research Station of Govt. of Andhra Pradesh, started working on the screening of fruits such as sweet oranges, mango, water melon, guava, for their suitability for processing for development of various products / processes. The centre, after shifting to Hyderabad (1968), also continued to work on exploring different agri-produces such as custard apple, Rangapur limes, grapes, mango, minor/unexploited fruits and vegetables such as star gooseberry, figs, palmyrah kernel, tamarind, ber, muskmelon (Kurnool variety), karonda, sweet corn, pumpkin, gherkins, etc. for standardizing the various parameters for arresting post-harvest losses, value addition and commercial exploitation. Further the centre has expanded its R & D fields into food additives and started working on papain, pectin, annatto dye, sucrose esters and sucrose glycerides.
The centre subsequently expanded its activities to percolate science & technology and disseminate CFTRI technologies to the needy people for establishing food and allied industries in the region through training programmes such as EDPs, TCs, TDPs, and QC training progarmmes by tapping the funds from other organisations such as NABARD, NIRD, DRDA, NGOs and other Governmental agencies.
