Bathinda, 22nd March 2025 – Ravneet Singh Bittu is the Union Minister of State for Railways and Food Processing Industries. He announced financial support for new laboratories. This is a bid to enhance food safety and quality. The Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MOFPI) plans to set up 100 new NABL-accredited food testing laboratories. These will be distributed across India in the financial year 2025-26.

Bittu Inaugurates World-Class Food Testing Lab at MRSPTU

Bittu inaugurated a world-class food testing laboratory at Maharaja Ranjit Singh Punjab Technical University. He highlighted the critical role of food testing in ensuring food safety. “Food testing is vital for ensuring that food products meet safety standards. It ensures they are free from harmful contaminants and pathogens,” he said. The initiative is part of the government’s broader plan under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY), which has allocated ₹503.47 crore for 205 laboratory projects. Out of these, 169 projects have already been completed, with ₹349.21 crore disbursed. These labs play a crucial role in meeting the requirements of major regulatory bodies. Key organizations are the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). Other important organizations are the Export Inspection Council of India (EIC). Another key body is the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA). They also comply with international agencies like the USFDA and EU regulations.

Food Processing : Advanced Food Testing Lab in Bathinda to Boost Farmers & Exports

Farmers and producers in sectors such as citrus fruits, green peas, cauliflower, and carrots (both fresh and frozen) will benefit from these state-of-the-art facilities. Other beneficiaries include those involved with milk and milk products, basmati rice, wheat, and millets like bajra and sorghum. Producers of mustard and sunflower oilseeds, and farm-produced shrimp also gain advantages. These laboratories help ensure compliance with global standards. They support exports and improve the overall quality of food products. This ultimately contributes to higher income for farmers and job creation, particularly for skilled technical personnel. The laboratory inaugurated at Bathinda will employ cutting-edge technologies like GC-MS/MS, ICP-OES, HPLC, and UV spectrophotometers for testing pesticide residues, heavy metals, microbiological contaminants, and more. With a total project allocation of ₹253.12 lakh and ₹191.259 lakh already released, the facility will serve food processors, farmers, and food businesses to ensure the safety and quality of food products.

Rs 1557 Cr Projects, Cold Chains & PLI Investments”

Elaborating on the achievements of the food processing sector in Punjab, Ravneet Singh shared several key approvals. The Ministry has approved 24 cold chain projects totaling ₹553 crore. They have also sanctioned 3 agro-processing cluster projects worth ₹70 crore. Additionally, 16 food processing units received an investment of ₹432 crore. Lastly, authorities have approved 10 food testing laboratories, totaling ₹48 crore. Under the PMKSY scheme, they have also approved 61 projects in Punjab. These projects amount to ₹1557 crore, with a grant of ₹419 crore. Additionally, six factories in Punjab have committed investments under the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme, totaling ₹126.31 crore. Over 2,500 micro-entrepreneurs in Punjab have received subsidies under the Pradhan Mantri Formalization of Micro Enterprises (PMFME) Scheme. 1,296 members of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) have also received seed capital approval amounting to ₹3.99 crore. Under the “One District, One Product” initiative, officials have identified honey and milk-based products as the key products in Bathinda and Mansa. Lastly, authorities have approved 10 food testing laboratories, totaling ₹48 crore. Under the PMKSY scheme, they have also approved 61 projects in Punjab. Additionally, Self-Help Groups in Bathinda and Mansa received seed capital funding of ₹75 lakh and ₹18 lakh, respectively, under the PMFME scheme. Ravneet Singh also visited an exhibition organized by PMFME beneficiaries, showcasing their products. Other dignitaries present at the event included Dr. Sandeep Kansal, Vice Chancellor of Maharaja Ranjit Singh Technical University, Sh. Ranjit Singh, Joint Secretary of MOFPI, Sh. Rajnish Tuli, GM of Punjab Agro, Sh. Jitendra Dongre from MOFPI, Sh. Amit Joshi from KCCI, Sh. Sarup Chand Singla, District President of BJP Bathinda, Smt. Parampal Kaur, and S. Dayal Sodhi.