Bathinda, June 26: Punjab has launched its first Bio-Fertilizer Quality Control Laboratory in Bathinda to boost agricultural infrastructure and ensure the purity of organic inputs. Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian inaugurated the facility alongside laying the foundation stone for a new Seed Testing Lab at Kheti Bhawan on Dabwali Road. The initiative aims to support the agricultural community by streamlining the verification of farming inputs within the state.
The newly established bio-fertilizer facility represents an investment of Rs 1.5 crore and possesses the capacity to analyze at least 1,000 samples annually. This infrastructure becomes active at a crucial juncture as regional agricultural practices shift toward organic alternatives. The companion seed testing facility, budgeted at Rs 2 crore, is designed to deliver scientific evaluation to guarantee that cultivators receive certified seeds.
The state administration remains dedicated to supporting the agricultural sector through robust quality assurance measures. The dual laboratories are expected to enforce rigorous standards, curbing the circulation of substandard products in the commercial market.
“These laboratories will eliminate the hassle of farmers having to send samples to other states for testing. Now the entire process will be completed in Punjab itself, which will save both time and money,” S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian declared. He asserted that the government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann is committed to providing high quality seeds, fertilizers and other agricultural inputs to the farmers.
Departmental heads noted that localizing these procedures will significantly improve administrative efficiency. Agriculture Director Dr. Gurjit Singh Brar affirmed that these two laboratories will strengthen the technical capacity of the department and ensure timely and reliable testing of seeds and organic fertilizers. He maintained that availability of testing within the state itself will help in implementing quality standards, reducing delays in results and helping farmers take right decisions before sowing.
The official ceremony was attended by prominent dignitaries, including MLAs Jagroop Singh Gill and Master Jagsir Singh, alongside Joint Director of Plant Protection Narinder Pal Singh Benipal and other senior representatives from the department.
