Dr. Mian N. Riaz, Head, Extrusion Technology Program, and Graduate Faculty of Food Science and Technology Program at the Food Protein Research and Development Center, Texas A&M University and Dr. Faqir M. Anjum, Director, Institute of Food Science and Technology, University of Agriculture Faisalabad have received a grant of $709,000.00 to establish an Extrusion Center at the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan.
The two years award is from the Pakistan-US Science and Technology Cooperative Program (National Academy of Sciences, US Agency for International Development (USAID) and Higher Education Commission of Pakistan). The selection process was highly competitive with only 11 awards out of 112 proposals.
Extruded food and feed products play a significant role in human and animal health in the US and other nations. To date this technology is absent in Pakistan, where it could have a major impact on food quality and utilization. The present project will establish the Centre for Excellence in Extrusion Technology.
This Centre will facilitate teaching, research and product development for students. Moreover, this project will strengthen cooperation between two nations in the field of research and development through close collaboration between scientists from both nations. The Extrusion Center will also provide educational support to private and government entities.
