08/10/2026
Signing of Memorandum of Understanding between CCRUM and NIFTEM-Kundli
The Central Council for Research in Unani Medicine (CCRUM), Ministry of Ayush, Government of India, entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management (NIFTEM-K), Kundli, to foster scientific and technical collaboration in areas that bridge Unani medicine and modern food technology, with the ultimate goal of promoting evidence-based traditional healthcare and nutrition.
The MoU was signed by Dr. N. Zaheer Ahmed, Director General, CCRUM, and Dr. Harinder Singh Oberoi, Director, NIFTEM-K, during the visit of the Director General to NIFTEM-K on 8 October 2026. The CCRUM delegation comprised Dr. Pawan Kumar, Research Officer (Path) & Chief Vigilance Officer, and Dr. Farah Ahmed, Research Officer (Unani) from CCRUM Headquarters; and Dr. Shaista Urooj and Dr. Tamanna Nazli, Research Officers (Unani), RRIUM, New Delhi.
The collaboration will focus on integrating Unani principles of Ilaj-bil-Ghiza with modern food science and technology, including collaborative research and scientific validation of Unani formulations, health foods and therapeutic diets. It will also facilitate the joint development and scale-up of innovative health foods and dietary supplements, including packaging, shelf-life and regulatory aspects, along with capacity building and knowledge exchange. The partnership will further explore affordable and culturally acceptable food-based solutions for public health concerns and promotion of preventive healthcare.
During the visit, the CCRUM team held discussions with Dr. Komal Chauhan, Dean (Research & Outreach), NIFTEM-K, on potential areas of cooperation. Dr. Chauhan also accompanied the team during the visit to the facilities of NIFTEM-K, providing an overview of its infrastructure and technological capabilities relevant to the proposed areas of collaboration.
The MoU marks an important step towards integrating the rich dietary heritage of Unani medicine with contemporary food science and technology, with the broader objective of promoting safe, nutritious, innovative and consumer-friendly Unani Aahaar and contributing to preventive healthcare and healthy living.