AI Generated Summary
- Farmers in the Malwa region, where Bathinda is located, are expected to benefit immensely as the lab reduces dependency on external testing and supports the transition to sustainable inputs.
- In a significant boost to sustainable agriculture in Punjab, Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Gurmeet Singh Khuddian inaugurated the state’s first bio-fertiliser quality control laboratory in Bathinda on Friday.
- He also laid the foundation stone for a new seed testing laboratory at Kheti Bhawan on Dabwali Road.
In a significant boost to sustainable agriculture in Punjab, Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Gurmeet Singh Khuddian inaugurated the state’s first bio-fertiliser quality control laboratory in Bathinda on Friday. He also laid the foundation stone for a new seed testing laboratory at Kheti Bhawan on Dabwali Road.
The bio-fertiliser lab, set up at a cost of approximately ₹1.5 crore, is equipped to test at least 1,000 samples annually. It aims to ensure the availability of high-quality bio-fertilisers to farmers amid a growing shift away from chemical inputs toward more eco-friendly alternatives. Punjab, known as India’s breadbasket, has been grappling with soil degradation due to intensive chemical fertilizer use, making quality assurance of bio-products crucial for maintaining crop yields and environmental health.
Speaking at the event, Minister Khuddian emphasized the Punjab government’s commitment under Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to provide farmers with certified, reliable agricultural inputs. “These labs will end the ordeal of sending samples to other states for testing. The entire process will now be completed within Punjab, saving both time and money for our farmers,” he said. The facilities will help curb the sale of spurious products and enforce strict quality standards.
Director of Agriculture Dr. Gurjit Singh Brar highlighted that the labs will strengthen the department’s technical capacity, enabling timely and reliable testing. This will empower farmers to make informed decisions before sowing seasons. Alongside the bio-fertiliser unit, the upcoming ₹2 crore seed testing lab will further enhance scientific quality checks.
The initiative aligns with broader efforts to promote organic and natural farming practices in the state. Local MLAs and senior agriculture officials attended the inauguration, underscoring the collaborative push for agricultural reform.
Farmers in the Malwa region, where Bathinda is located, are expected to benefit immensely as the lab reduces dependency on external testing and supports the transition to sustainable inputs. This development marks a key milestone in Punjab’s quest for resilient and eco-conscious agriculture.
