New Delhi, 03 Jan 2024 | ANN

The government is set to introduce updated standards for organic agricultural products, aligning them with the latest European Union (EU) benchmarks. These changes aim to enhance clarity, transparency, and regulatory oversight through advanced data analytics. The revised standards will be officially released on January 9, 2024.

Modernizing the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP)

According to Abhishek Dev, Chairman of the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP), last updated in 2014, is being revamped to reflect shifts in global organic markets over the past decade. The updates are designed to improve transparency and streamline certification processes.

APEDA, which functions as the secretariat for NPOP, is tasked with overseeing the program’s implementation and monitoring the activities of certification bodies.

What is NPOP?

The NPOP, launched in 2001, regulates India’s organic exports under the Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce, and Industry. Administered under the Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, it establishes standards for organic production, accreditation criteria for certification bodies, and governs the use of the “India Organic” logo. These standards align with international regulations to facilitate the import and export of organic products.

Key Highlights of NPOP 2024

• Enhanced Traceability System: A new data-driven traceability system, including a mobile app for inspection and verification of operators, will be introduced to strengthen regulatory oversight.
• Transparency in Certification: Details of certified organic operators, including grower group farmers, will be publicly accessible. Certification bodies will also be required to maintain a local office near grower groups to improve oversight of internal control systems.

Booming Organic Food Exports
India’s organic food export sector has witnessed significant growth, increasing from $213 million in 2012-13 to $494.8 million in 2023-24. Major export destinations include the US, EU, Canada, Great Britain, Switzerland, Australia, West Asia, and Asian countries. Key export items are cereals, millets, processed foods, tea, spices, dry fruits, sugar, medicinal plants, pulses, coffee, oilseeds, and oil cake/meal.

This initiative represents a major step toward aligning India’s organic agriculture sector with global standards while ensuring transparency and efficiency in certification and regulation processes.
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