Union Food Processing Minister Chirag Paswan announced on Monday that the Indian government plans to establish 100 food testing laboratories and 50 food irradiation centres. This initiative aims to enhance food processing levels and ensure the quality of food products across the country.
Speaking at a seminar organized by FICCI, Paswan emphasized the critical importance of product quality, stating that maintaining high standards is essential not only for individual brands but also for the country’s overall image. The proposed food testing labs will help ensure compliance with the regulatory standards set for food products.
Additionally, Paswan highlighted the government’s commitment to addressing the challenges faced by the food processing sector and ensuring that industry demands are met. “We must minimize wastage and promote value addition in our food industry,” he stated.
The establishment of the 50 food irradiation centres will support the Integrated Cold Chain & Value Addition Infrastructure scheme, which operates under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan SAMPADA Yojana (PMKSY). The ministry has already begun inviting Expressions of Interest (EoIs) from prospective entrepreneurs interested in setting up these multi-product food irradiation units. Financial assistance in the form of grants and subsidies will be available for eligible projects under the demand-driven cold chain scheme.
Paswan also mentioned that there has been a call within the food industry for a reduction in GST on certain items, assuring stakeholders that he would take their concerns to the appropriate forums.