Punjab opens third Bio-Fertiliser Testing lab in Mohali to curb spurious products
Babushahi Network
Chandigarh, October 13, 2026: Punjab Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian on Tuesday inaugurated a bio-fertiliser testing laboratory at Kalkat Bhawan in SAS Nagar (Mohali), completing the state’s network of three such 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 laboratories would help farmers access certified and effective products while reducing dependence on chemical fertilisers. They would also strengthen the enforcement of the Fertiliser Control Order, facilitate monitoring of manufacturers and dealers, and generate data to improve bio-fertiliser strains suited to Punjab’s agro-climatic conditions.
Highlighting Punjab’s contribution to the country’s food production, the minister said the state accounts for more than 30 per cent of India’s wheat and rice production. He stressed the importance of sustainable agricultural practices that conserve natural resources, improve soil health and maintain the quality of farm produce.
Khudian said organic farming had regained importance amid growing awareness of food safety, environmental health and sustainable agricultural production. According to the state government, approximately 30,000 acres in Punjab were under certified organic cultivation in 2025-26.
The minister further said Punjab’s annual consumption of bio-fertilisers was estimated at 15,000 to 16,000 metric tonnes/kilolitres and was increasing steadily. He said quality testing had become essential with the growing use of these products and the expansion of organic farming.
The three laboratories are expected to help ensure regulatory compliance, 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 at the inauguration.