Mohali :
Punjab Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian inaugurated a bio-fertiliser testing laboratory at Kalkat Bhawan, SAS Nagar, completing the state’s network of three laboratories established at a cost of ₹4.50 crore.
The laboratories, located in Mohali, Gurdaspur and Bathinda, aim to ensure the quality of bio-fertilisers and other bio-inputs, protect farmers from spurious products and promote sustainable agriculture.
Speaking at the inauguration, Khudian said the facilities would help farmers access certified and effective agricultural inputs while reducing dependence on chemical fertilisers. They would also strengthen enforcement of the Fertiliser Control Order and improve monitoring of manufacturers and dealers.
Highlighting Punjab’s contribution to national food production, the minister said the state accounts for more than 30 per cent of India’s wheat and rice production. He emphasised the need for sustainable farming practices to protect natural resources, improve soil health and maintain the quality of agricultural produce.
Khudian said organic farming was gaining importance due to increasing awareness of food safety and environmental protection. According to the state government, around 30,000 acres in Punjab were under certified organic cultivation during 2025-26.
He added that the state’s annual consumption of bio-fertilisers was estimated at 15,000 to 16,000 metric tonnes/kilolitres and was steadily increasing, making quality testing essential.
The three laboratories are expected to improve the quality of agricultural inputs and support farmers adopting sustainable farming practices. Dera Bassi MLA Kuljit Singh Randhawa, Additional Secretary Agriculture Latif Ahmed and Director Agriculture Gurjit Singh Brar were also present on the occasion.
