Hon'ble Union Minister for Commerce and Industry, Suresh Prabhu on Thursday inaugurated the 10th Edition of BIOFACH INDIA, the largest show on the "Organic Sector" in India.
Being organized by NuernbergMesse India and APEDA (Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority, Ministry of Commerce and Industry) and supported by the Indo-German Chamber of Commerce, BIOFACH INDIA is taking place in Hall No. 7 of Pragati Maidan from October 25th till 27th.
"With 150 exhibitors, 150 conference delegates and more than 60 international buyers from 15 countries, the 3 day exhibition cum international conference and buyer-seller meet, is the largest congregation of entire organic agriculture and organic food fraternity in India. The 10th edition is a good follow up event after Organic World Congress held last year in India," said Sonia Prashar, Managing Director of NuernbergMesse India Pvt. Ltd.
"More than 5000 delegates comprising of Exporters, Processors, retail chain industry, certification bodies and producers from India and abroad are participating in BIOFACH INDIA 2018, to discuss and have first hand feel of the Indian organic products including tea, spices, honey, basmati rice, coffee, cereals, dry fruits, vegetables, processed foods and medicinal plants," said Praban K Borthakur, Chairman, APEDA.
"The major highlight of BIOFACH INDIA 2018 is setting up of an organic Theme Pavilion by APEDA having direct display of items and to provide direct business opportunity to Indian organic food product producers with visiting international buyers through B2B and B2S meets. APEDA has invited and sponsored more than 50 buyers from important importing countries for direct market linkages of producers with international trade," added Borthakur.
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Growth in export of organic products is growing at fast pace and recorded an increase 25 per cent during 2016-17 and 39 per cent during 2017-18 over previous years. During the year 2017-18, India exported 4.58 lakh tons of various organic commodities worth of Rs. 3453 crores (US$ 515 million). Soybean, Basmati Rice, Sugar, Tea, Spices, Flax seeds, Pulses, and Processed Foods (Mango pulp and Soybean meal) are the major exported products. USA, Europe and Canada are the major export destinations followed by Switzerland, Australia, Israel and Korea.
One of the major attraction of BIOFACH INDIA is the conference, the theme being "Enhancing export of organic products trade from India - strategies and synergies". Experts from India, Germany, Italy and Sweden will be sharing their thoughts and help in setting roadmap for organic exports from India. Other attractions include a Dedicated Pavilion on "Naturals" - showcasing natural wellness products and Theme Pavilion by APEDA. Also, for the first time, BIOFACH INDIA is also featuring farmers conference and organic farmers market.
The event is supported by all International and National stakeholders - IFOAM (International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movement), FSSAI (Food Safety Standard Authority of India), OFAI (Organic Farmers Association of India), ICCOA (International Competence Centre of Organic Agriculture), BDAI (Biodynamic Association of India) and AIOI (Association of the Indian Organic Industries).
BIOFACH INDIA is also part of the BIOFACH WORLD forum, which includes events in Germany, USA, China, Japan, Thailand, Brazil organized by NuernbergMesse Germany. The event has been successful in highlighting INDIA's presence on the world map in the topic of "Organic Farming".
Organic agriculture in India
Although, India is traditionally organic and has history of more than 6000 years but the modern organic farming under defined standards and supported with internationally credible certification system started during 2000 with the launching of National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
Status of Organic farming in the country
During 2017-18, India has brought 3.56 million ha area under organic certification process. Out of this nearly 1.78 million ha is cultivated farm area and rest is wild forest for wild harvest produce collection. The major organic food producing states are Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Odisha and Karnataka.
With its varied agro-ecological conditions, Indian organic farmers are producing almost all types of crops. Major commodities with a share of about 85% include oilseed crops, sugarcane, cereals and millets, fibre crops, pulses, tea, spices etc are also being cultivated in a sizeable area.
The world of organic agriculture
According to the latest survey released during February 2018, (International Federation for Organic Agriculture Movements) 179 countries are doing certified organic production over an area of 57 million hectares. Oceania, Europe, Latin America and Asia are largest producers. Among countries Australia, Argentina and the United States are major producers.
Global retail sales of organic food products have reached 90 billion US$ with 12 per cent growth over the previous year. North America and Europe generate the most organic product sales (90 per cent). In 2015 the countries with the largest organic markets were USA (35.8 billion euros), Germany (8.6 billion euros) and France (5.5 billion euros). 47 per cent sales are concentrated in USA while EU accounts for 35 per cent.
Organic packaged food and beverage products category occupies around 40-50 per cent of the total global organic food market with an estimated market size of around USD 38-40 billion in 2015.
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