In a major milestone for agricultural research and food safety, the Crop Quality Laboratory under the Department of Food Science and Technology at Jawaharlal Nehru Agricultural University (JNAU) has officially received NABL (National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories) accreditation. The achievement follows a rigorous technical evaluation and quality audit completed in March. The accreditation serves as an official stamp of assurance that the laboratory’s testing procedures for crops, food items, and agricultural products meet strict national and international standards for scientific accuracy and reliability. The test reports issued by this laboratory will now be recognized and trusted globally, facilitating smoother quality certification for exporting agricultural and food products. The high-tech facility is fully equipped to analyze grains, pulses, oilseeds, processed foods, spices, water and dairy products. It can precisely test for food adulteration, nutritional composition, moisture, proteins, fats, fiber and mineral content using modern technologies.

 

While the farmers can get their produce scientifically certified to command better market prices, encourage quality-based trade and explore value-addition opportunities. Similarly, the agri-startups & entrepreneurs gain an accessible, certified facility to validate their food processing units and products. It will give a massive boost to academic and practical research with access to top-tier quality assurance infrastructure. It may be mentioned that NABL operates as an apex national body under Quality Council of India (QCI), Government of India, evaluating the competence of testing and calibration laboratories. Vice-Chancellor, JNAU, Dr Pramod Kumar Mishra congratulated the entire team and credited the success to the department's technical excellence, scientific quality and seamless teamwork, encouraging the university to scale newer heights in innovation and research. The milestone was achieved under the leadership and guidance of Director of Research Services Dr AK Jain, Dean, College of Agriculture, Dr Alpna Singh and HoD, Department of Food Science, Dr Anubha Upadhyay.