India’s Twin Push for Food Safety & Preservation: Inside the Government’s ₹1,000-Crore Modernization Drive

In a decisive move aimed at transforming India’s food safety ecosystem and strengthening its global export competitiveness, the Government of India has announced a dual initiative to establish 100 NABL-accredited food testing laboratories and 50 multi-product food irradiation units across the country. Spearheaded by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan SAMPADA Yojana (PMKSY), this ambitious effort represents a structured investment of nearly ₹1,000 crore, marking one of the largest integrated interventions ever undertaken in India’s food quality and preservation space.

The two schemes—though independent in their technology, purpose, and operations—are strategically linked. Together, they aim to build a full-spectrum national food assurance framework where food can be tested more rigorously and preserved more effectively, reducing losses, improving compliance, and enhancing India’s credibility as a trusted global food supplier. The deadline for submission of proposals for the Food Testing Labs is January 20, 2026, setting in motion a nationwide race to build capacity.

Reimagining Food Safety: 100 NABL-Accredited Labs to Strengthen India’s Quality Framework

Under the Food Safety & Quality Assurance Infrastructure (FSQAI) scheme, the government plans to establish 100 new NABL-accredited Food Testing Laboratories (FTLs). This is a direct boost to the regulatory surveillance system overseen by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).

Why Food Testing Labs Matter More Than Ever

India, one of the world’s largest producers of agricultural goods, faces persistent challenges with:

• pesticide residues
• heavy-metal contamination
• microbiological risks
• adulterants
• chemical contaminants

The existing testing infrastructure is unevenly distributed across states, leading to bottlenecks, delays, and logistical challenges for farmers, manufacturers, and exporters. The new labs will fundamentally reshape this landscape.

Key Goals of the FTL Initiative

1. Expand Analytical Capacity Nationwide

The new labs will enhance India’s ability to consistently test for a wide spectrum of contaminants and food safety parameters, addressing both domestic health concerns and export compliance requirements.

2. Reduce Turnaround Time (TAT)

Faster sample processing means quicker regulatory action, shorter export cycles, and smoother market access—especially for perishable and high-value commodities.

3. Align India with Global Standards

NABL accreditation remains the benchmark for international validity of lab results. By expanding accredited capacity, India strengthens its claim as a reliable global food basket.

Funding Support

The scheme is designed to encourage participation from both public and private entities:

• Government institutions: Up to 100% financial assistance
• Private entities:
  • 50% of eligible cost in General Areas
  • 70% in Difficult Areas or for SC/ST applicants

This blended support framework significantly reduces the financial burden on new entrants.

Food Irradiation: India’s Quiet Revolution in Preservation Technology

Parallel to the testing lab initiative, MoFPI is driving the expansion of 50 multi-product food irradiation units under the Integrated Cold Chain & Value Addition Infrastructure (ICCVAI) component. While food irradiation has been widely adopted by several global agricultural economies, India has only recently accelerated its uptake.

What Is Food Irradiation?

Food irradiation uses safe, measured doses of ionizing radiation—usually via Gamma rays from Cobalt-60—to eliminate pathogens, insects, and parasites, and to delay sprouting in commodities like spices, cereals, fruits, vegetables, and tubers. Crucially:

• It does not make food radioactive.
• It does not compromise nutritional value.
• It is endorsed by WHO, FAO, and IAEA.

Why This Technology Is Critical for India

1. Tackling Massive Post-Harvest Losses

India loses an estimated 30–40% of its produce post-harvest due to spoilage and microbial contamination. Irradiation dramatically extends shelf life and reduces wastage across the supply chain.

2. Ensuring Food Hygiene and Safety

Irradiation provides a high level of microbial decontamination, which is crucial for the organic food sector, ready-to-eat exports, and domestic retail chains.

3. Meeting Export Standards

Several importing nations mandate irradiation for phytosanitary compliance. Scaling up national irradiation facilities directly boosts India’s agricultural export readiness.

Current Status

As of August 2025:

• 16 irradiation units have been approved
• 9 are operational
  The push for 50 new units represents a massive scale-up of this niche yet vital technology.

Private Sector: A Major Beneficiary — and the Key to Success

Both initiatives open significant opportunities for:

• private companies
• startups
• food processing units
• FPOs and cooperatives
• research institutions

The government’s funding support considerably lowers the risk of investing in these capital-intensive infrastructures.

However, Challenges Remain

The biggest hurdle for irradiation units is public perception.
Despite scientific consensus confirming its safety, “irradiated food” is still misunderstood. Adoption will require:

• consumer education
• retail transparency
• awareness campaigns
• branding and labeling strategies

Without widespread acceptance, utilization rates may remain below potential.

A New Era for India’s Food Ecosystem

India’s twin drive—testing labs and irradiation units—signals a profound shift in how the country intends to ensure the safety, longevity, and global competitiveness of its food products.

This integrated approach creates a complete ecosystem:

• Food Testing Labs → ensure products are safe.
• Food Irradiation Units → ensure products remain safe.

Together, they reinforce India’s mission to become a global hub for safe, high-quality food supply chains.

The next decade of India’s food sector will be defined by science, data, and technology. And MoFPI’s bold investment signals the beginning of a more resilient, secure, and globally respected food ecosystem.