The Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) has introduced a scheme to enhance food safety and public health by ensuring food products comply with both domestic and international standards. This scheme provides financial assistance for procuring laboratory equipment and supporting infrastructure, essential for rigorous testing of food products.

Components of the Scheme

1. Grant for Laboratory Equipment:

   • General Areas: 50% of the cost.
   • Difficult Areas (North East States, Himalayan States, ITDP Areas): 70% of the cost.
   • Universities/Colleges: 100% of the cost.

2. Grant for Technical Civil Work & Furniture:

   • Eligible Cost: 2% of the approved equipment cost.
   • Maximum Grant: ₹15 Lakhs or the eligible cost, whichever is lower.

Eligibility Criteria

1. Laboratory Equipment:

   • Institutions involved in food testing and research, such as universities, colleges, and research centers.
   • Food testing laboratories in general and difficult areas.
   • Must demonstrate the necessity and usage plan for the equipment.

2. Technical Civil Work & Furniture:

   • Necessary for the installation and proper functioning of the laboratory equipment.
   • Includes expenses on structural modifications, furniture, and fixtures specific to the equipment needs.

Application Process

1. Submission of Proposal:
   • Detailed project report including the list of equipment, cost estimates, and justification.
   • Layout plans for technical civil work and furniture requirements.
2. Approval Process:
   • Proposals reviewed by an expert committee for technical feasibility and necessity.
   • Sanctioning of grants based on merit and compliance with scheme guidelines.

Detailed Cost Breakdown

1. Laboratory Equipment Costs:

   • General Areas: 50% grant-in-aid.
   • Difficult Areas: 70% grant-in-aid.
   • Universities/Colleges: 100% grant-in-aid.

2. Technical Civil Work & Furniture (On Basic Cost):

   • Grant Calculation:
     • 2% of Equipment Cost.
     • Maximum of ₹15 Lakhs.

Implementation Plan

1. Project Initiation:

   • Initial assessment and proposal submission.
   • Approval and sanction of grants.

2. Procurement & Installation:

   • Purchase of approved laboratory equipment.
   • Execution of technical civil works and installation of furniture.

3. Operational Phase:

   • Regular food product testing.
   • Compliance with safety standards.
   • Documentation and reporting of testing outcomes.

4. Monitoring & Evaluation:

   • Periodic review of the laboratory’s performance.
   • Ensuring adherence to the grant utilization guidelines.
   • Auditing and inspection by MoFPI.

Conclusion

This MoFPI scheme aims to strengthen the food safety infrastructure in India by providing financial assistance for laboratory equipment and necessary technical civil work. By supporting institutions in general and difficult areas, as well as educational institutions, the scheme ensures a comprehensive approach to maintaining high food safety standards, thereby protecting public health and enhancing the quality of food exports.

How Alliance Food Engineering Consultant Provides Services for Food Testing Laboratories

Grant Opportunity Facilitation

Alliance Food Engineering Consultant specializes in assisting entrepreneurs and organizations in securing grants and subsidies for setting up or upgrading Food Testing Laboratories (FTLs). Our comprehensive services include:

1. Project Conceptualization:

   • We help in developing a detailed project plan that aligns with MoFPI guidelines and maximizes eligibility for grants.
   • Our team works closely with you to ensure the project scope, objectives, and goals are clearly defined and meet the scheme’s requirements.

2. Documentation Support:

   • Our experts assist in preparing all necessary documents, including detailed project reports, financial projections, and compliance certificates.
   • We ensure that your documentation is thorough, accurate, and tailored to meet the specific criteria of the FTL Scheme.

3. Application Submission:

   • We manage the entire application process, ensuring that all requirements are met and deadlines are adhered to.
   • Our team ensures that your application is complete, correctly formatted, and submitted in a timely manner to avoid any delays.

Project Setup Services

In addition to securing grants, Alliance Food Engineering Consultant offers comprehensive project setup services for Food Testing Laboratories, including:

1. Site Selection and Feasibility Studies:

   • We conduct thorough site assessments and feasibility studies to identify the best location and operational strategy for your FTL.
   • Our analysis ensures that the site chosen is optimal for the intended testing activities and aligns with regulatory and logistical requirements.

2. Design and Engineering:

   • Our experts design state-of-the-art FTL facilities that comply with all regulatory standards and maximize operational efficiency.
   • We focus on creating an efficient lab layout that optimizes workflow and integrates the latest technology for accurate testing.

3. Equipment Procurement and Installation:

   • We assist in sourcing and installing the latest food testing technology and equipment.
   • Our team ensures that your laboratory is equipped with cutting-edge tools, adhering to all industry standards and best practices.

4. Training and Support:

   • We provide comprehensive training for your staff on the use of new equipment and testing procedures.
   • Ongoing support is available to ensure smooth operations and adherence to safety and quality standards.

Conclusion

Alliance Food Engineering Consultant is dedicated to helping entrepreneurs and organizations establish successful Food Testing Laboratories. By leveraging our expertise in grant facilitation, project setup, and subsidy management, we ensure that your FTL project not only meets industry standards but also benefits from the financial support available under the MoFPI’s scheme. Let us guide you through every step of the process to achieve a successful and compliant food testing facility.