This innovation combines Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy with Machine Learning (ML) to quickly identify impurities in spices and food products. Unlike traditional laboratory methods, this new solution is rapid, non-destructive, cost-effective, and highly accurate.

The patented technology has the potential to transform food safety standards in India and globally.

Why Food Adulteration Is a Major Concern

Food adulteration refers to the practice of adding low-cost, harmful, or inferior substances to food products for economic gain. This issue is especially common in spices, dairy products, oils, grains, and packaged foods.

• Mixing brick powder in chili powder
• Adding artificial colors to turmeric
• Using sawdust in coriander powder
• Diluting milk with water or chemicals
• Mixing low-grade oils with edible oils

These practices can lead to:

• Digestive problems
• Long-term health complications
• Loss of consumer trust
• Economic fraud
• Damage to brand reputation

As the food market grows larger and more complex, faster quality testing systems are becoming essential.

What Makes NIT Rourkela’s Innovation Unique?

Traditional food adulteration detection methods such as chromatography, chemical assays, and molecular testing are reliable but often expensive and time-consuming. They also require:

• Skilled technicians
• Special chemicals
• Advanced laboratory setup
• Long testing hours

The new system developed by NIT Rourkela eliminates these limitations.

Key Advantages:

✔ Detects adulteration in seconds
✔ Non-destructive testing method
✔ No lengthy sample preparation required
✔ Accurate quantification of impurities
✔ Lower testing costs
✔ Suitable for industrial use
✔ Can be integrated into quality control systems

This makes it ideal for food manufacturers, regulators, exporters, and retailers.

How the Technology Works

The system uses FTIR Spectroscopy, a scientific method that studies how substances absorb infrared light.

Every material has a unique infrared signature. When a spice sample is scanned, the FTIR device captures its spectral fingerprint. These patterns are then analyzed using machine learning algorithms trained to identify unusual signals caused by adulterants.

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Spice sample is placed in FTIR scanner
2. Infrared light scans the sample
3. Spectral data is collected
4. AI model compares patterns with trained database
5. System identifies adulteration
6. Percentage of impurity is estimated instantly

This means the technology does not just detect whether a product is adulterated—it also measures how much adulteration is present.

That is a game-changer for regulatory compliance and food quality assurance.

Successful Test on Coriander Powder

One of the most notable demonstrations of the patented system was conducted on coriander powder mixed with sawdust.

Sawdust is a cheap filler sometimes used illegally to increase weight and volume.

Using FTIR plus machine learning, researchers achieved around 92% accuracy in detecting and quantifying sawdust adulteration.

This is highly significant because coriander powder is widely used in Indian households, restaurants, and food manufacturing industries.

The success of this test suggests that the same model can be adapted for:

• Turmeric powder
• Chili powder
• Black pepper
• Cumin seeds
• Flour products
• Packaged foods

Patent Details and Research Team

The patented invention is titled:

“Method and System for Detecting and Quantifying Adulteration in Food Stuff”

Patent Number: 581403

The innovation was developed by:

• Prof. Sushil Kumar Singh
• Late Prof. Poonam Singha
• Rishabh Goyal

All researchers are associated with the Department of Food Process Engineering at NIT Rourkela.

Their research findings were also published in the journal Food Chemistry.

Why This Innovation Matters for the Food Industry

India has one of the largest spice markets in the world. Ensuring quality and purity is essential for domestic consumers as well as export markets.

This technology can help:

Food Manufacturers

Detect low-quality raw materials before production begins.

Regulators

Perform quick inspections at warehouses, factories, and markets.

Exporters

Meet international food safety standards.

Consumers

Build trust in branded food products.

SMEs and Startups

Affordable testing without expensive labs.

The ability to conduct real-time screening can prevent contaminated products from reaching store shelves.

Future Scope of the Technology

The researchers plan to collaborate with industry partners for pilot-scale implementation under real manufacturing conditions.

Future expansion areas include:

• Testing milk adulteration
• Edible oil quality analysis
• Grain contamination detection
• Packaged food authentication
• Portable handheld scanners for field inspections

If commercialized successfully, this system could revolutionize food safety across India and other developing markets.

Final Thoughts

The AI-powered adulteration detection system developed by NIT Rourkela marks a major step forward in modern food safety technology.

By combining FTIR spectroscopy with machine learning, the institute has created a smart, fast, and scalable solution to a long-standing problem.

With growing consumer awareness and stricter food regulations, innovations like this are exactly what the food industry needs.

This patent could soon become one of the most practical tools in ensuring that the spices and foods we consume every day are pure, safe, and trustworthy.

FAQs

1. What has NIT Rourkela invented?

NIT Rourkela has patented an AI-powered FTIR system that detects and measures food adulteration in seconds.

2. How accurate is the system?

The technology achieved approximately 92% accuracy in detecting sawdust adulteration in coriander powder.

3. What is FTIR spectroscopy?

FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy) is a technique that identifies substances based on how they absorb infrared light.

4. Which food items can be tested?

Currently tested on coriander powder, but it can potentially be expanded to turmeric, chili powder, oils, milk, grains, and more.

5. Why is this important?

It enables faster, cheaper, and more reliable food quality testing, helping protect consumers and improve industry compliance.

The new programme is aligned with National Education Policy 2020 and follows a Flexible Choice-Based Credit System (FCBS), giving students multiple entry and exit options, research opportunities, and multidisciplinary learning pathways.

With admissions open from April 27, 2026, to May 18, 2026, students interested in science education, research, and innovation now have a valuable new opportunity.

Nagaland University Introduces Modern Science Education Model

The newly launched undergraduate science programmes at MDRC Lumami are designed to combine academic depth, flexibility, and career readiness. Unlike traditional degree structures, this model allows students to exit the course at different stages based on their academic goals or personal circumstances.

• Certificate after 1 year
• Diploma after 2 years
• Bachelor’s Degree after 3 years
• Bachelor’s Degree with Research after 4 years

This student-friendly structure reflects the evolving goals of Indian higher education under NEP 2020.

B.Sc Courses Offered at MDRC Lumami

Nagaland University’s MDRC campus will offer Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) programmes in five core science disciplines:

• Physics
• Chemistry
• Mathematics
• Zoology
• Botany

Each subject will have an intake capacity of only 10 seats, ensuring small batch sizes, focused mentoring, and stronger academic interaction between students and faculty.

This limited intake also creates a research-friendly learning environment, where students can receive more personalized academic guidance.

Research-Oriented 4-Year Degree Advantage

One of the biggest highlights of this programme is the Bachelor’s Degree with Research option after four years. This pathway is ideal for students who wish to pursue higher studies or enter academic research fields.

Under current academic norms, students completing a four-year research degree may become eligible for direct PhD admission, subject to university and regulatory guidelines.

This makes the programme especially attractive for students planning careers in:

• Scientific Research
• University Teaching
• Government Research Labs
• Biotechnology & Environmental Sciences
• Higher Education Abroad

Skill Development and Multidisciplinary Curriculum

Apart from core science subjects, students will also study:

• Ability Enhancement Courses
• Value Added Courses
• Employability Enhancement Modules
• Communication Skills
• Analytical Thinking Courses
• Computational & Practical Training

This broader curriculum ensures students are not limited only to theoretical learning. Instead, they graduate with practical skills, professional readiness, and critical thinking abilities demanded in today’s job market.

Advanced Facilities at MDRC Lumami

Students joining the programme will gain access to modern academic infrastructure, including:

• Advanced Science Laboratories
• Digital Learning Platforms
• Technology-enabled Classrooms
• Central Library Resources
• Research Support Facilities
• Innovation-driven Academic Spaces

Nagaland University aims to build an environment where curiosity, experimentation, and independent learning can thrive.

Vice-Chancellor Highlights Vision

According to Prof. Jagadish Kumar Patnaik, the programme reflects the university’s commitment to:

• Academic Innovation
• Research Excellence
• Student Flexibility
• Future-ready Education
• NEP 2020 Implementation

The university believes this programme will strengthen science education not only in Nagaland but also for students across India.

Eligibility Criteria for Admission 2026

Students interested in applying must meet the following eligibility conditions:

• Minimum 50% marks in Class 12 or equivalent
• Recognised boards such as:
  • CBSE
  • ICSE
  • AHSEC
  • BSEB
  • Other recognised state/national boards

Students currently appearing for Class 12 board exams may also apply, subject to university rules.

Important Dates

How to Apply

Eligible candidates can apply through the official Nagaland University admission portal. For further queries, students may contact:

Email: mdrc@nagalanduniversity.ac.in

Why Students Should Consider This Programme

Nagaland University’s new MDRC science programme stands out because it offers:

• Central University Degree
• NEP 2020 Flexible Model
• Research Opportunities
• Small Batch Size
• Strong Faculty Guidance
• Affordable Public University Education
• Future PhD Pathway
• Modern Science Infrastructure

For students looking for quality science education with long-term academic growth, this can be an excellent option.

Conclusion

The launch of four-year undergraduate science admissions at Nagaland University’s MDRC Lumami campus is a progressive move in Indian higher education. It combines flexibility, research orientation, skill development, and strong academic foundations under the NEP 2020 model.

With only limited seats available and admissions closing on May 18, 2026, interested students should apply early to secure a place in one of Northeast India’s most promising new science programmes.

FAQs

1. What courses are offered in Nagaland University MDRC Science UG programme?

The university offers B.Sc programmes in Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Zoology, and Botany.

2. What is the last date to apply for Nagaland University MDRC admissions 2026?

The last date to apply is May 18, 2026.

3. What is the eligibility for admission?

Students need at least 50% marks in Class 12 from a recognised board.

4. Is there a research option in the programme?

Yes, students completing four years receive a Bachelor’s Degree with Research.

5. How many seats are available per subject?

Each discipline has 10 seats only.