Food and Nutrition Programs and Colleges in Nepal
Food science is the study of food's physical, biological, and chemical composition, encompassing the principles behind food processing and preservation. It integrates various scientific disciplines such as chemistry, engineering, microbiology, and nutrition to enhance food safety, nutrition, wholesomeness, and availability.
Food technology applies these scientific principles to food selection, preservation, processing, packaging, distribution, and consumption. This field includes analytical chemistry, biotechnology, engineering, nutrition, quality control, and food safety management.
In Nepal, food technology education began in 2030 BS with a certificate-level course at the Institute of Applied Science and Technology of Tribhuvan University in Dharan. Although the certificate program ended in 1979 (2036 BS), it was replaced by a B.Sc. in Food Technology, which eventually evolved into a four-year B.Tech. (Food) program under the Institute of Science and Technology, Tribhuvan University.
Currently, Nepal has 13 colleges that offer variety of food technology programs. In 2001, the Central Department of Food Technology at Tribhuvan University, Dharan, launched postgraduate and doctoral programs in food technology. Himalayan College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (HICAST) has offered M.Sc. courses in Dairy Technology and Meat Technology since 2003 and is affiliated with Purbanchal University.
Recognizing the need for expertise in human nutrition, the Central Campus of Technology in Dharan started a B.Sc. program in Nutrition and Dietetics in 2009, and the CAFODAT College began an M.Sc. program in Nutrition and Dietetics in 2012.
In 2024, Purbanchal University launched a 4-year Bachelor of Science program in Food, Nutrition, and Dietetics through CAFODAT College and GP Koirala College of Agriculture and Research Centre.
Top Bachelor in Food and Nutrition Colleges in Nepal
Job Prospects
The job prospects for Food Technology graduates in Nepal are promising and expanding, driven by several key factors. Increasing consumer demand for healthy foods has heightened the need for skilled food safety and quality control professionals.
The Constitution of Nepal enshrines the right to adequate food as a basic right, further reinforced by a Supreme Court interim order in 2008, emphasizing food sovereignty and security (FAO 2014). In response, the Department of Food Technology and Quality Control (DFTQC) under the Ministry of Agricultural Development has proposed recruiting at least one food technologist in each of Nepal's 77 districts.
Additionally, public awareness about food safety has surged due to routine inspections of eateries, hotels, and industries and awareness programs by DFTQC and organizations like NEFOSTA and the Food and Nutrition Awareness Centre Nepal (FONAC). These developments have significantly increased opportunities for food science graduates, ensuring their expertise is in high demand across various sectors.
Most graduates in Nepal find employment in food processing industries, universities, colleges, schools, government and semi-government sectors, UN agencies, NGOs, marketing companies, consultancy firms, and more. Their roles span teaching, research, training, production, business management, quality control, nutrition-related studies, diet planning, quality auditing, consultancy, industrial quality standards management, technical expertise, and marketing. Some graduates work independently, run their businesses, or freelance.
A recent report on the status of food technology graduates shows that the majority (33%) are employed in food industries, followed by academic institutions (11%) and government sectors (10%). About 21% of the graduates are abroad, either pursuing higher studies or working in food-related sectors. A smaller percentage (3%) are involved in development organizations, 2% are in marketing sectors, and another 2% have established their businesses.
