In a significant boost to agricultural quality assurance, the Andhra Pradesh Department of Agriculture has secured ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accreditation from the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) for three of its key testing facilities.
The accredited laboratories are the Fertiliser Control Laboratory (FCO Lab), Bapatla; the Bio & Organic Fertiliser Quality Control Laboratory (BOFQCL), Nellore; and the Pesticide Testing Laboratory (PTL), Kurnool. These facilities have been recognised for their technical competence and strict adherence to global standards in chemical analysis, ensuring that fertilisers and pesticides used in the State meet stringent quality norms.
Director of Agriculture Dilli Rao hailed the achievement as a milestone in Andhra Pradesh’s agricultural quality journey. “This is not just a recognition; it’s a responsibility,” he said, adding that the department aims to bring all agricultural laboratories in the State under NABL accreditation in a phased manner.
The move aligns local testing and calibration practices with international benchmarks, giving farmers greater confidence in the safety and effectiveness of agricultural inputs. Mr. Dilli Rao credited the dedicated efforts of the laboratory teams in Bapatla, Nellore, and Kurnool, noting that the accreditation will further strengthen scientific validation in farming practices.
By attaining NABL accreditation, Andhra Pradesh not only safeguards its farmers but also positions itself to emerge as a leader in agri-quality control at the national level.
Published – August 08, 2025 10:56 pm IST
