Indian Economy News

Government invites proposals for setting up food testing labs and irradiation units across country

To enhance food quality and safety in India, the Indian Government has invited proposals to establish food-testing labs and food-irradiation facilities throughout the country to expand India’s food safety infrastructure. MoFPI has earmarked Rs. 500 crores (US$ 55.62 million) for this purpose and intends to provide financial assistance to stakeholders who want to create one hundred (100) NABL-accredited food testing laboratories under this initiative. All applicants must apply via the "Kisaan Sampada" portal by January. This program offers a unique opportunity for both private companies and public-private partnerships (PPP) to help build and enhance India's food safety system. Simultaneously, the Government of India has launched a program to create fifty (50) food irradiation facilities throughout the country; the purpose of food irradiation is to kill parasites and bacteria in food without changing its physical makeup. To date, fourteen (14) approved food irradiation facilities have already been created.
According to MoFPI Joint Secretary Ranjit Singh, the irradiation process is entirely safe and particularly beneficial for preserving organically produced commodities, extending shelf life, and maintaining hygiene standards. These initiatives aim to strengthen food safety mechanisms, support supply-chain traceability, reduce post-harvest losses, and enhance consumer confidence in domestic and export markets. By investing in both testing infrastructure and modern preservation technologies, the government seeks to foster a safer, more reliable food ecosystem and deliver long-term benefits to producers, consumers, and the nation’s food processing and export sectors.

Disclaimer: This information has been collected through secondary research and IBEF is not responsible for any errors in the same.