Bhubaneswar, Nov 13: In a proud moment for the academic community in Odisha, Prof (Dr) Rama Chandra Pradhan, Professor at the Department of Food Process Engineering at NIT Rourkela in Odisha, has been awarded the “ISAE Commendation Medal for Professional Achievements (2025)”.

The honour was conferred during the 59th Annual Convention and International Symposium of the Indian Society of Agricultural Engineers (ISAE), held at ICAR–Central Institute of Agricultural Engineering (CIAE), Bhopal, from November 10–12, 2025.

The award recognizes Prof. Pradhan’s outstanding contributions to the fields of Processing, Dairy, and Food Engineering, particularly his pioneering work in non-thermal processing and value addition of millets. His keynote lecture, “Processing and Value Addition of Millets through Non-Thermal Processing”, highlighted innovative approaches to sustainable food engineering and the potential of millets in addressing nutritional and environmental challenges.

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Congratulating Prof. Pradhan, Prof. Sabyasachi Mishra, Head of the Department of Food Process Engineering at NIT Rourkela, emphasized that his research has significantly advanced sustainable food innovation. He noted that the recognition reflects the department’s growing prominence in cutting-edge research and its contribution to advancing food processing and technology in India. Prof. Mishra also acknowledged ISAE’s role in strengthening agricultural engineering and assured continued collaboration to further the sector’s development.

Prof. Pradhan’s expertise spans food engineering, non-thermal technology, post-harvest processing of non-timber forest products, and millet-based innovations. His work has been instrumental in promoting eco-friendly and energy-efficient food processing methods, aligning with India’s vision of sustainable agriculture and food security.

Founded in 1960, ISAE has grown into a professional body with nearly 6,000 members and 36 chapters across India and abroad. It continues to play a pivotal role in advancing agricultural engineering, natural resource management, food systems, and sustainable energy solutions. The commendation medal awarded to Prof. Pradhan underscores ISAE’s commitment to recognizing excellence and inspiring future innovations in the sector.

This achievement not only brings laurels to NIT Rourkela but also reinforces India’s leadership in sustainable food and agricultural innovation.