SRINAGAR: The Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology has received Rs 575.63 lakh in central assistance for setting up a food testing laboratory under the Food Safety and Quality Assurance Infrastructure scheme, against a total sanctioned grant of Rs 736.84 lakh, Parliament was informed.
According to details tabled in the Lok Sabha by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries, the project at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology was approved on December 30, 2019, and is among the ongoing FSQAI projects across the country. The release of over 78 per cent of the sanctioned amount indicates substantial progress in the establishment of the laboratory.
The ministry said that a total of 205 food testing laboratory projects have been approved nationwide under the FSQAI scheme, of which 174 have been completed and 30 are currently under implementation. The SKUAST laboratory figures among the more advanced ongoing projects, with higher fund utilisation compared to several laboratories approved in later years.
Data presented in Parliament show that several projects approved after 2023 are yet to receive funds, reflecting the phased release of grants linked to physical progress. In contrast, the SKUAST project has already received a major portion of the approved assistance, placing it closer to operational readiness.
The ministry also informed the House that it has invited fresh proposals for setting up 100 new food testing laboratories across the country, with an Expression of Interest open until February 10, 2026. Only new laboratories intended exclusively for commercial food testing are eligible under the current call.
