Dairy Technologist has become one of the most sorts after a conventional career in the agro-based economies of the world like India where more than 60% of the population is directly or indirectly dependent upon the agro-based production for their livelihood. Although this is not one of the new professions as from centuries we are agricultural and allied products based economy but since the foundation of Anand Milk Union Ltd (AMUL) and subsequent development of a better-organized dairy industry the education in dairying in India has attained a great momentum.
In this wide field of dairy industry Dairy Technologist is responsible to deal with the technical and quality control aspect of the processing industry along with developing improved methods in processing, production preservation and utilization of milk and milk products.
Since this field is directly related to the health aspect of the consumers, therefore, it becomes all the more important for Dairy Technologist to be fully dedicated towards their work, as a bit of laxity on their part in their duty may prove harmful to the people. Moreover, in a country like India where the demand of these products is increasing on a fast pace, these professional are expected to develop methods not only to preserve the milk products but also to develop such methods that could help increase the production with the existing limited resources.
Dairy Technologist Eligibility
Educational Qualification
The minimum qualification to become a Dairy Technologist is 10+2 class in science stream.
Dairy Technologist Required Skills
- Dairy Technologists have to be highly dedicated and well informed about the technological aspects.
- They should have teamwork, communications and observation skills as well.
- They should also possess interpersonal skills, managing and hard-working skills as they have to handle heavy work sometimes.
How to become a Dairy Technologist?
One has to follow the given procedure to become a Dairy Technologist.
Available Courses in Dairy Technology
- Diploma (Indian Dairy Diploma (IDD) and National Dairy Diploma (NDD)
- Graduation (B.Tech. / B.Sc. in Dairy technology)
- Postgraduate and doctoral levels. (M.Tech. in Dairy Technology / M.Sc. Dairy Science)
Educational Qualification
To be eligible for joining a Diploma course of two years duration one has to be 10+2 pass with preferable physics, chemistry and biology as the main subjects at this level.
Step 1
Interested candidate has to appear in entrance tests conducted by the various state and Independent bodies to admit candidates in various institutions providing the relevant diplomas in this field. However, some of the institutes provide admission on first come first basis without any kind of entrance tests.
Step 2
After completing this two to three years diploma the candidates may go for lower level technical positions or opt for degree courses in the relevant field. For that, the candidates have to pass through a selection process comprising of a written entrance exam like All India Entrance Examination in Physics, Chemistry and Maths of 12th level.
Step 3
After completing their education they can look for the job in the relevant fields like daily forms and quality control organization etc.
Dairy Technologist Job Description
- He applies his knowledge to develop new and improved methods in production, preservation, and utilization of milk, cheese and other dairy products.
- Also, conduct experiments in such problems as preventing a bacterial increase in milk during handling and processing, improving pasteurization methods and designing better packaging materials, dairy equipment, or supplies.
- May also specialize according to the product, as ice cream or cheese, or according to functional activity, as sanitation research or storage problems.
Dairy Technologist Career Prospects
There is a lot of scope for those who are joining the dairy industry as Dairy Technologists in the present scenario. Apart from joining a private or government Milk processing units like Verka, Vita, Amul etc. as an Assistant Diary Technologist, they can also join educational institutions or research activities which are taking place on large scale to improve the quality and quantity of these products from the limited resources.
Dairy Technologist Salary
Diary Technologist can expect as good as Rs.25,000 to Rs.30,000 to start with depending upon the competence of the individual Technologists. There is a lot of money in private enterprises as well and it only gets better with time and experience.
With a boom in the Dairy related industry in the last couple of decades with the commercialization of every dairy product, the scope for these professionals is bound to increase in the times to come especially in the countries like India, Australia, NewZealand where the population of Milch animals in comparatively very high. A couple of years dedicated work and some experience along with a masters degree could lead a Dairy Technologist to a pay package of nearly Rs.50,000 per month.
