India is set to release updated standards for organic agricultural products on January 9, aligning them with the latest European Union guidelines. The revised standards aim to enhance clarity, transparency, and regulatory oversight using advanced data analytics, a senior official said.
Abhishek Dev, Chairman of the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Development Authority (APEDA), stated, “The National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) 2014 is being revised to address the evolving global organic market and bring in transparency and efficiency in certification and traceability.”
India’s organic exports are governed by NPOP, which was first implemented in 2001 and is recognized by the European Commission, Switzerland, and Great Britain. A Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) with Taiwan has been active since July, and negotiations with Australia are in advanced stages.
The updated NPOP will simplify certification processes for grower groups, streamline procedures for transitioning farmers to organic practices, and enhance transparency by making basic information about certified organic operators publicly accessible. A revamped traceability system with data analytics and a mobile app for inspections will further strengthen regulatory oversight.
India has emerged as a leading exporter of organic products, with exports rising from $213 million in 2012-13 to $494 million in 2023-24. During April-November 2024, organic exports surged by 40% to $456 million. The government targets organic exports worth $2 billion by 2030.
The global organic product market is valued at $146 billion, and India is positioning itself as a key supplier to major markets, including the US, EU, Canada, Great Britain, Switzerland, Australia, the Middle East, and Asia.
Key export items include cereals, millets, processed food, tea, spices, dry fruits, sugar, medicinal plants, pulses, coffee, oil meal, and oil seeds.
To further promote Indian organic products, APEDA is facilitating participation in BioFach, the world’s largest organic food trade fair, held in Nuremberg, Germany, from February 11.