The government has announced the establishment of 100 NABL-accredited food testing laboratories across the country in the financial year 2025-26.

Union Minister of State for Railways and Food Processing Industries, Ravneet Singh Bittu, stated that the ministry will provide financial support for these labs. He inaugurated a world-class food testing laboratory at Maharaja Ranjit Singh Punjab Technical University, highlighting its role in preventing harmful contaminants and pathogens in food.

The initiative is part of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY), which has allocated Rs 503.47 crore for 205 laboratory projects. So far, 169 projects have been completed, with Rs 349.21 crore disbursed. These laboratories will align with regulatory standards from bodies such as FSSAI, EIC, APEDA, and international agencies like the USFDA and EU regulations. Farmers and food producers, particularly in sectors like citrus fruits, green peas, cauliflower, milk and dairy products, sunflower oilseeds, and shrimp, will benefit from these advanced facilities. 

Highlighting Punjab’s achievements in food processing, the Minister shared that the ministry has approved 24 cold chain projects worth Rs 553 crore, three agro-processing cluster projects valued at Rs 70 crore, 16 food processing units with an investment of Rs 432 crore, and 10 food testing labs costing Rs 48 crore. Under PMKSY, Punjab has received approval for 61 projects amounting to Rs 1,557 crore, with a grant of Rs 419 crore.