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Himachal to Get First Nutrition Policy, Rs 25 Crore Food Lab in Kangra

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has announced the formulation of the state's first-ever Nutrition Policy to ensure holistic public benefits. A key part of this initiative is the release of Rs 25 crore for establishing a new food testing laboratory in Kangra district. The government also plans to upgrade the Composite Testing Laboratory in Kandaghat and set up new regional labs in Mandi, Shimla, and Baddi. The policy aims to address nutritional deficiencies and pesticide contamination in food, targeting vulnerable groups like children and mothers.

Key Points: Himachal CM Announces Nutrition Policy & Rs 25 Crore Food Lab

  • First state Nutrition Policy
  • Rs 25 cr for Kangra food lab
  • Upgrading Kandaghat lab
  • New labs in Mandi, Shimla, Baddi
3 min read

Rs. 25 crore to be released for setting-up food testing lab in Kangra: Himachal CM Sukhu

Himachal CM Sukhu announces state's first Nutrition Policy and Rs 25 crore for a new food testing laboratory in Kangra to ensure food safety.

"Rs. 25 crore would be released for setting up the food testing laboratory in Kangra district. - CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu"

Shimla, January 21

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, while chairing a meeting of the Health Department here on Wednesday, stated that the state government would formulate the first-ever Nutrition Policy for the State to ensure holistic benefits to the people, highlighting that Rs. 25 crore are to be released for setting up Food Testing Lab in Kangra.

CM Sukhu said that the state government was implementing several nutrition and food security programmes, including the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), Mid-Day Meal Scheme and the Public Distribution System (PDS).

In view of these initiatives, nutritional profiling was of paramount importance, which would help in creating awareness among people about nutrients, caloric value and food fortification parameters.

The Chief Minister said that, prior to finalising the policy, basic infrastructure for nutrition and food testing was being strengthened across the State. As part of this initiative, the Composite Testing Laboratory (CTL) in Kandaghat would be upgraded, and new laboratories would be established. In the first phase, a new laboratory would be constructed in the Kangra district. In the coming years, regional testing laboratories will also be set up in other parts of the State. He said that the State Cabinet has recently cleared the proposal to establish new laboratories in Kangra, Mandi, Shimla, and Baddi in Solan district.

"The state government would provide Rs. 8.50 crore for strengthening the Kandaghat laboratory, while Rs. 25 crore would be released for setting up the food testing laboratory in Kangra district," he said. The Chief Minister also directed that adequate manpower be provided to ensure the efficient functioning of these laboratories.

Principal Advisor (Media) to the Chief Minister Naresh Chauhan, Secretary to the Chief Minister Rakesh Kanwar, Special Secretary Health Jitender Sanjta and other senior officers were also present in the meeting. (ANI)

The Chief Minister, on January 14, also stated that the government would formulate a State Nutrition Policy to ensure the availability of balanced, nutritious food for all vulnerable groups, including children, adolescent girls, and expectant and lactating mothers, during a review meeting of the Department of Health, Safety and Regulation.

He expressed concern that deficiencies in nutritional content and the presence of pesticides in food were contributing to an increase in diseases. He said that the state government was seriously addressing both issues and was working on effective solutions.

He said that the state government was continuously strengthening the health sector. World-class standards were being adopted in medical education, ICUs were being established in every medical college, and hospitals were ensuring a global-standard doctor-patient ratio.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Finally some focus on nutrition policy. The mid-day meal scheme and ICDS are crucial, but without proper testing for nutrients and pesticides, how do we know the food is actually healthy? Good move by CM Sukhu. Hope other states follow.
A
Aman W
Rs. 25 crore sounds like a lot for one lab. While the intent is good, I hope there is transparency in the tendering and construction process. We've seen funds being announced before with little to show on the ground later. The government must ensure this is completed on time.
S
Sarah B
As someone who travels to Himachal often, I think this is fantastic. The state produces such amazing organic produce. A certified testing lab will boost consumer confidence and help local farmers get better value for their products. Win-win!
V
Vikram M
The focus on vulnerable groups—children, mothers—is the right one. Malnutrition is a silent crisis. A state nutrition policy backed by actual testing infrastructure can make a real difference. Jai Himachal! 🇮🇳
N
Nikhil C
Good announcement, but the key is in the details. They mention 'adequate manpower'. Will they hire qualified food technologists and scientists, or will it be another political appointment? The lab's credibility depends entirely on its staff.

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