Prospective applicants must submit proposals strictly online via the PMKSY portal at sampada-mofpi.gov.in, following the Scheme Guidelines dated 12 November 2025 available on the Ministry website. MoFPI has emphasised that physical or offline submissions will not be accepted.
Who can apply and what will be funded
The scheme targets eligible entrepreneurs, private laboratories, industry consortia and service providers interested in building accredited testing capacity for food products. Approved projects under FSQAI typically support infrastructure, equipment, NABL accreditation costs and capacity-building components aimed at strengthening quality assurance across the food value chain.
MoFPI’s initiative seeks to expand laboratory reach and standardise testing for contaminants, pesticide residues, microbial hazards, and other food-safety parameters, thereby improving market access for producers and exporters.
Important dates and application procedure
All applications must be submitted online before the final deadline: 20 January 2026, 17:00 hours. Applicants are required to upload a scanned copy of a non-refundable Demand Draft as prescribed in the scheme guidelines; the original Demand Draft must reach the Ministry within seven days after the application deadline.
For technical and submission-related queries, applicants can contact the MoFPI helpline at 011-26406583. Detailed scheme guidelines and application instructions are available on the Ministry portal at mofpi.gov.in.
Pre-bid meeting and support
To clarify procedural and technical aspects, MoFPI will host a pre-bid meeting on 2 December 2025 at 14:30 hrs in Room No. 120, Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Panchsheel Bhawan, August Kranti Marg, New Delhi. Interested parties are encouraged to attend to better understand eligibility criteria, cost norms and accreditation timelines.
MoFPI has confirmed that the online submission portal and application form will remain available until the deadline. Applicants should ensure complete and accurate documentation to avoid disqualification during technical evaluation.
Why the push for NABL-accredited labs matters
Accredited testing infrastructure forms a critical pillar of food safety, consumer protection and export competitiveness. NABL accreditation assures technical competence and reliable test results, reducing trade rejections and building consumer trust. Under PMKSY’s FSQAI, the government aims to plug infrastructure gaps—especially in underserved regions—so that producers can access timely and cost-effective testing services.
By incentivising private investment in testing capacity, MoFPI expects quicker turnaround times for certification, stronger compliance with food-safety standards and better alignment with international regulatory requirements.
How to prepare a strong proposal
Applicants should carefully follow the Scheme Guidelines (12 November 2025), present a clear business model, demonstrate technical competence and provide timelines for achieving NABL accreditation. Proposals that include plans for outreach to farmer-producer organisations, industry linkages and digital reporting are likely to be viewed favourably.
