India’s organic farming sector is poised for significant growth, with the potential to triple its export value to Rs 20,000 crore (US$24.2 billion) in the next three years. A press release was issued on January 9, 2025.
This target was announced by Union Commerce and Industry Minister during the launch of the 8th edition of the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP).
Focus on Transparency and Ease of Doing Business
The revamped NPOP introduces several key changes aimed at simplifying procedures and enhancing transparency for stakeholders, particularly farmers. Key highlights include:
- Certification requirements for organic grower groups have been streamlined, granting them legal status in place of the Internal Control System (ICS).
- Revised derogation provisions allow for a potential reduction of up to three years in the conversion period to organic farming, subject to specific conditions.
- Organic grower groups’ ICS must ensure procurement of the entire organic produce or establish market linkages to support farmers.
- Public disclosure of information about organic farmers and other relevant details will bolster system credibility.
- Integration of IT tools and the web-based traceability system, TraceNet 2.0, strengthens monitoring, surveillance, and data analytics.
Boosting Organic Exports
The launch also saw the unveiling of several new portals designed to support the organic sector:
- Dedicated NPOP Portal providing increased visibility and simplifies operations for organic stakeholders.
- Organic Promotion Portal enabling farmers, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), and exporters to showcase products, generate leads, and connect with global buyers. It also offers online training and information on organic trade events.
- Upgraded TraceNet 2.0 as an online traceability system ensures transparency, traceability, and compliance for organic products throughout the supply chain. (Link: tracenet.apeda.gov.in)
- Redesigned APEDA Portal providing a more user-friendly experience with enhanced information for stakeholders involved in agricultural and processed food products.
- Revamped AgriXchange Portal: Offers improved data analysis and generation of reports on agricultural exports, making information more accessible to the public.
Government Commitment and Industry Collaboration
The event highlighted the government’s commitment to promoting sustainable agriculture, farmer welfare, and food security.
The 8th edition of NPOP positions India to become a leading global exporter of organic products. By fostering a supportive ecosystem and strengthening organic certification, the initiative empowers stakeholders across the value chain and promotes sustainable farming practices. This collaborative effort between the government, industry, and farmers has the potential to significantly boost India’s organic exports and contribute to a more sustainable future.
