Indian Organic Products Certification

Indian Organic Products Certification

News: Recently, European Union (EU) audit has found “many weaknesses” in the certification of Indian organic products exported to the EU.

Key Findings:
 The audit team found “severe infringements” against the National Programme on Organic Production (NPOP). Farmers who are part of organic producer groups (PGs) don’t know a thing about organic farming.
 Farmers were unaware about PGs and their internal control system (ICS). They applied unauthorized substances and/or chemical fertilizers.
 The audit team found that the mandators were not necessarily certified as per the category for which they were supposed to bring their expertise (inspection/training). This could impede the effectiveness of the internal controls.

About Certification of Organic products in India:
 Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) (under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare) regulates the manufacture, distribution, sale or import of Organic products through the Food Safety and Standards (Organic Foods) Regulations, 2017 (under FSSA 2006).
 Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) - It is implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. The PGS ensures that organic product production adheres to quality standards. Under this, the certification is carried out by local groups consisting of producers and consumers and is based on trust. This involves a documented logo or statement as proof of certification.
 National Programme on Organic Production (NPOP) - It is implemented by APEDA, under the Ministry of Commerce & Industries. It involves accreditation of Certification Bodies and sets standards for organic production. Its Standards have been recognized by the EU, Switzerland, and the US.
 Other Programs for Organic Production - a) National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture - It promotes sustainable agriculture, including organic production, b) Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojna (PKVY) – It promotes organic farming, c) Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North East Region (MOVCD-NER) - It supports the development of organic value chains in the North East region of India.