Centre to launch revised standards for organic agricultural products

India's export of organic products is regulated under the NPOP, which has been in effect since 2001 and is administered by the Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce and Industry

The government will introduce new standards for organic agricultural products, aligning them with the latest European Union (EU) grades. This initiative aims to enhance clarity and transparency in the processes involved, as well as strengthen regulatory oversight using data analytics.

 

According to Abhishek Dev, chairman of the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (Apeda), the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) 2014 is being updated to reflect the changes in the international organic landscape and global organic markets over the past decade since its last revision. He said that this revision aims to enhance clarity and transparency. The new standards are scheduled to be released on January 9.

 

India’s export of organic products is regulated under NPOP, which has been in effect since 2001 and is administered by the Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, in accordance with the Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act.

 

In the domestic market, NPOP is recognised under the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India regulations as part of the Food Safety and Standards (Organic Foods) Regulations, 2017, alongside the participatory guarantee system managed by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare.

 

The NPOP outlines standards for organic production, establishes criteria and procedures for the accreditation of certification bodies, and governs the use of the India Organic logo. Its standards and procedures are developed to align with international regulations regarding the import and export of organic products.

 

The NPOP standards for crop production have been recognised by the European Commission and Switzerland as equivalent to their countries’ standards and are also accepted by Great Britain. The mutual recognition agreement (MRA) for organic products with Taiwan has been implemented with effect from July 8, 2024. Negotiations for an MRA with Australia are at an advanced stage, according to the commerce ministry.

 

Apeda has been designated as the secretariat for the implementation of the NPOP and regulatory oversight over the operations of the certification bodies.

 

The NPOP regulations have been periodically updated, with the current seventh edition announced by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade in 2014. The NPOP 2014 is now being revised after a decade to reflect changes in the international organic landscape and global markets, aiming to enhance clarity and transparency while strengthening regulatory oversight through data analytics. Key changes focus on simplification and clarity by clarifying certification requirements for grower groups and streamlining the farmer shift process.

 

In addition, there will be improved transparency regarding certified organic operators, including grower group farmers, with basic information made publicly accessible. Details of all farmers will be available on the certification body’s website, and the internal control system of the grower group must have an office near the group’s location.

 

The NPOP 2024 will be supported by a revamped traceability system with data analytics and a mobile application for inspection and verification of operators (including grower group farmers) for strengthened oversight of the certification processes.

 

India has emerged as a prominent supplier of organic products in a span of two decades. India’s organic food exports have grown at a steady pace, and over the past decade, exports of organic products have grown from $213 million in 2012-13 to $494.8 million in 2023-24.

 

Indian organic products are exported worldwide. The major export destinations are the US, EU, Canada, Great Britain, Switzerland, Australia, West Asia, and Asian countries. The major export items are cereals and millets, processed food, tea, spices and condiments, dry fruit, sugar, medicinal plant products, pulses, coffee, oil cake/meal, oilseeds, etc.

 

Since the implementation of NPOP in 2001, India has come a long way and established its brand India Organic and NPOP across the globe, driving India’s organic exports.