New Delhi: The Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) has invited proposals from eligible entrepreneurs for the establishment of NABL-accredited food testing laboratories under the Food Safety and Quality Assurance Infrastructure (FSQAI) component of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan SAMPADA Yojana (PMKSY). The move is aimed at strengthening India’s food safety and quality assurance infrastructure, ensuring higher standards for processed food products across the country.
Key Details of the Application Process
The ministry has made it clear that applications will be accepted exclusively through the online portal. Entrepreneurs and applicants must submit their proposals via https://www.sampada-mofpi.gov.in under the PMKSY section. Physical or offline submissions will not be entertained, underscoring the government’s push for transparency and efficiency.
The last date for online submission is January 20, 2026, at 17:00 hrs. As per the scheme guidelines dated November 12, 2025, applicants are required to submit a non-refundable demand draft payable to “Pay & Accounts Officer, Ministry of Food Processing Industries, New Delhi.” A scanned copy of the draft must be uploaded along with the online application, while the original draft must reach the ministry within one week after the submission deadline.
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Pre-Bid Meeting and Guidelines
To provide clarifications and guidance, the ministry will conduct a pre-bid meeting on December 2, 2025, at 2:30 pm at Room No. 120, Panchsheel Bhawan, August Kranti Marg, New Delhi. Interested entrepreneurs can attend the meeting to understand the application procedure, eligibility criteria, and other requirements.
The scheme guidelines provide detailed instructions for establishing NABL-accredited food testing laboratories, including specifications on infrastructure, staffing, testing capabilities, and quality compliance. Applicants are expected to strictly adhere to these guidelines to ensure that laboratories meet national and international standards for food testing.
Objective of the Initiative
The initiative is part of the PMKSY’s FSQAI component, which focuses on improving food safety and quality testing facilities across India. NABL-accredited laboratories play a crucial role in ensuring that processed food products meet stringent safety, hygiene, and quality standards, boosting consumer confidence and supporting India’s growing food processing sector.
By encouraging private sector participation, the scheme aims to enhance testing capabilities, facilitate research, and support compliance with national and international food standards, ultimately contributing to the growth and modernization of India’s food processing industry.
Opportunities for Entrepreneurs
The scheme provides a significant opportunity for entrepreneurs, startups, and small businesses to establish laboratories that not only serve the domestic market but also cater to export-oriented food businesses. With the rising demand for quality-checked and safe food products, NABL-accredited testing labs are expected to play a pivotal role in ensuring food security and enhancing India’s global competitiveness in the food sector.
The MoFPI stated that the online submission link and application forms will remain active until the deadline of January 20, 2026, giving applicants ample time to prepare and submit their proposals in compliance with the scheme’s requirements.
This initiative aims to strengthen food safety and quality assurance infrastructure across the country, facilitating improved testing and compliance standards under PMKSY.
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