Organic Farming Certification in India

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Organic Farming Certification in India

Global awareness about the environmental impact of conventional farming has been increasing, coupled with a growing health-conscious consumer base. The growing demand for chemical-free produce, adherence to sustainable farming practices, and the desire for healthier lifestyles are accelerating the growth of the organic farming sector in India. In the last ten years, India’s organic agriculture land under cultivation has increased by 145.1%. In 2023, the organic food industry in India was valued at Rs 131.41 billion. It is expected to reach Rs 625.69 billion by 2028, expanding at a CAGR of 37.01% during the 2024 - 2028 forecast period. According to the Economic Survey 2022-2023, India has 4.43 million organic farmers, the highest in the world.

Why is Organic Farming better than Conventional Farming?

Here are some points that highlight the advantages of organic farming and disadvantages of conventional farming:

In the long run, organic farming seems like a better option compared to conventional farming. It is more ethical (better for health and the environment) and can prove to be highly profitable.

Role of APEDA - Organic Food Certification

The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) was established by the Government of India under the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority Act, 1985. APEDA aims to foster export businesses of agriculture products and help exporters to grow their business. It also provides exporters with financial assistance and releases guidelines that can help to improve the quality and standards of their products.

APEDA implemented the National Program for Organic Production (NPOP), under which it provides testing facilities for those who want a certification mark called ‘India Organic’ for organically farmed food manufactured in India. This certification mark certifies that an organic food meets the national standards for organic products. Testing centers authorized by APEDA under NPOP are responsible for providing this certification mark. As a part of the certification process, an independent organization reviews entire production, processing, handling, storage and transport etc to ensure the compliance of organic standards. Organic products that have been certified by any Indian accredited certification agency under NPOP can be exported to Europe, Sweden and USA without the requirement of re-certification. 

NPOP’s Guidelines

NPOP lays down a set of standard guiding principles which need to be followed during the Indian organic farming certification process. They are mentioned below:

• Conversion of land for organic farming

Meaning: Before transitioning to organic farming, a conventional farm has to undergo a period of several years where chemical fertilizers and pesticides are discontinued and organic practices such as crop cultivation and composting are used for improving soil fertility and health. The conversion process ensures that the land meets the requirements for organic certification and can produce organic crops as per the organic standards.

• All inputs to the farm should be natural

Meaning: In organic farming only naturally occurring substances should be used for fertilization, pest control, soil management, and other agricultural practices. 

• No genetically modified inputs or irradiation technology should be used

Meaning: Organic farming forbids the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and irradiation methods during the cultivation method and processing of organic products. It focuses on natural and traditional agricultural techniques.

• Integrity of physical, biological and mechanical process must be maintained

Meaning: In organic farming, it is a necessity to uphold the integrity of physical, biological and mechanical processes to ensure that the organic standards and principles are followed.

• No contamination from nearby farms or other means must be present

Meaning: To maintain the purity and high quality of the organic products, it is important to take preventive measures to avoid contamination from the neighboring farms or any other sources.

• Sustainable practices must be followed on the farm

Meaning: Sustainable practices must be followed to adhere to the principles of organic farming. One example of sustainable practice is the use of cover cropping which helps to prevent soil erosion, suppress weeds, and improve water retention.

Conclusion

The demand for organic products has been increasing globally due to the increasing number of health conscious people, awareness about the side effects of chemical fertilizers and pesticides and environmental impact of conventional farming. Many people around the world are ready to pay extra money for organic products due to their purity and high quality, this is why organic farming is a great income idea. Getting ‘India Organic’ certification mark by authorized APEDA testing facilities under NPOP can help businesses to promote their products as organic and sell them at a higher price in the market. Organic products that have been certified by such agencies can be exported to Europe, Sweden and USA without the requirement of re-certification. 

FAQS about Organic Farming & APEDA

Q1. What is Organic Farming?

A. Organic farming is also called ecological farming or biological farming. It is a form of farming which utilizes organic origin fertilizers such as compost manure and green manure. It places emphasis on techniques such as crop rotation and cover cropping.

Q2. What is APEDA?

A. APEDA is short for Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority, an apex organization under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry of the Government of India. It is responsible for the development and promotion of the export of agro products from India. 

Q3. Where is the headquarters of APEDA?

A. The headquarters of APEDA is in New Delhi. Here is the complete address: 3rd Floor, NCUI Building, 3 Siri Institutional Area, August Kranti Marg, Hauz Khas, New Delhi - 110016.

Q4. Who needs APEDA registration?

A. Any individual or food business operator that indulges in export of one or more food products listed under the First First Schedule and Second Schedule of the APEDA Act is eligible for APEDA Registration as per the guidelines given in sub-section (1) of Section 12 of the APEDA act.

Q5. What is NPOP?

A. The National Programme for Organic Production or NPOP is an initiative by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, implemented since 2001. It provides a platform that can evaluate the certification programme for organic agriculture and products, according to the criteria approved by the government. It facilitates the certification of organic products in compliance with the approved standards. NPOP promotes organic farming, organic pressing and their development in the country.

Q6. What is NPOP equivalent to?

A. NPOP has equivalence with organic food regulations of the EU and a recognition agreement on conformity assessment with USDA. 

Q7. What application by APEDA is used for managing the organic system certification in India?

A. TRACENET is an online application tool which is managed by APEDA under NPOP for the purpose of managing the entire organic certification system in the country.

Q8. Which country is the highest importer of Indian organic products?

A. The United States is the top importer of Indian-origin organic products.

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