Exciting Boost for Exports: Government Unveils Ambitious Plan to Ramp Up Food Testing Infrastructure
The Commerce Ministry is set to bolster India’s food-testing infrastructure to drive export growth, according to a senior government official. The Export Inspection Council (EIC), operating under the ministry, is conducting a comprehensive gap assessment of current food-testing facilities to identify areas for enhancement. This study, anticipated to be completed within 2–3 months, aims to formulate a holistic expansion plan, EIC Joint Secretary Nitin Kumar Yadav stated.
With the initiative, the EIC plans to introduce an integrated traceability module to streamline inspection, testing, and certification processes for exports, leveraging advanced technologies like IoT-based sampling techniques. New laboratory constructions are underway in Ahmedabad, Faridabad, and Mangalore, further supported by a robust network of Export Inspection Agencies across major Indian cities.
Moreover, the EIC is expanding its global footprint by engaging in mutual recognition agreements (MRAs) and memorandums of understanding (MoUs) with various countries, ensuring its certification system gains worldwide recognition. This move aligns with ongoing free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations with the UK and EU, while also catering to promising markets like the UAE.
India’s export ecosystem has evolved significantly over the past decade, with accredited laboratories increasing from 21 to 78 and export certifications nearly doubling from 61,000 to over 120,000, according to ministry data. Notably, the EIC’s certification is acknowledged by major international regulators, including the EU, US, and Japan.
To further enhance operations, the EIC is launching a user-friendly online portal that will integrate traceability modules, a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), and E-Health features, aimed at optimizing end-to-end export processes. This strategic enhancement of food-testing infrastructure underscores India’s commitment to improving domestic standards and boosting its global trade standing.
Original Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/business/govt-food-testing-infrastructure-boost-exports-official-9755282/
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Publish Date: 2025-01-01 22:47:00
