Agreement signed on beetroot juice production

MYSURU: Defence Food Research Laboratory (DFRL, Mysuru), recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the technology transfer on beetroot juice production with Jain Agro Foods Pvt Ltd (Mandya).
Rakesh Kumar Sharma, director of DFRL, and Ajay Kumar Jain, managing director of Jain Agro Foods Pvt Ltd, signed the agreement, according to Mallesha, scientist at DFRL.
Beetroot juice has been developed by DFRL for the armed forces deployed at high altitude.Beetroot (Beta vulgais) is rich in anti-oxidants and nutrients, including magnesium, sodium, potassium, vitamin C, and betalains, the red colour pigment. It is also a rich source of nitrates and nitrites which have vasodilation properties, good for cardiovascular problems and lowers blood pressure.
Vasodilation enhances oxygen supply in humans, which energizes the entire body with better oxygen supply to the brain, body muscles and vital organs, which are essential in case of high altitude adaptation. The product is available in bottles and pouches. The product is low in calorie and has a shelflife of nine months under ambient storage conditions.
Extensive trials were conducted among the armed forces in northern command, western command, and eastern command areas. The product, which are said to have excellent sensory appeal, has been liked by a vast group of consumers, indicating its tremendous commercial potential.
The inventor is Dr O P Chauhan, scientist 'E', and his team comprising Nanjappa, Scientist 'D', N Roopa, technical officer 'B', N Ravi, technical officer 'A', Manoranjan Kumar, technical officer 'A', Sumeet Kumar, STA 'B', G K Sharma scientist 'G', additional director. Senior scientists from DFRL and DS Mishra Production Manager Shamshad Jahan, head, quality control from Jain Agro Foods Pvt Ltd were present on the occasion.