ORGANIC REGISTRATION IN INDIA:
Organic certification can be defined as the process of certifying agricultural and natural products and is identified as certified organic products in teh markets . As whole, organic operations must specify that they are protecting natural resources, conserving biodiversity, and use only approved substances. The main aim of using all these practices is to protect the environment, optimize biological diversity, minimize soil degradation and productivity in order to promote the healthy conditions of the environment.
Certification needed for the organic cultivation is “Organic” and is an important part of the organic cultivation. A set of guidelines should be followed to obtain organic certification. To get organic certification, synthetic chemical inputs such as fertilizers, food additives, pesticides, antibiotics and genetically modified seed should be avoided. Certified organic producers go ahead without any risk as they have certified organic products.
Application submission.
Cost Estimation.
Invoicing and payment of fees.
Signing of inspection contract.
Inspection and submission of inspection report to the certification department.
Issuance of certification decision.
Compliance of certification decision and issuance of certificate.
Issue of Transaction Certificates/Inspection Certificates.
Evolution of Organic Farming in India:
India has a long history of traditional and organic farming practices. However, the Green Revolution in the mid-20th century introduced chemical-based agricultural inputs to boost crop yields. While this initially led to increased productivity, concerns about environmental degradation, soil health, and the impact on human health started to emerge.
As awareness about the drawbacks of conventional farming practices grew, there was a shift towards organic farming. Farmers and consumers alike recognized the need for a system that prioritized ecological sustainability, minimized chemical inputs, and promoted the overall well-being of the ecosystem.
The Birth of Organic Certification:
To address the increasing demand for organic products and ensure credibility in the market, the Indian government, along with various certification bodies, established a framework for organic certification. The National Program for Organic Production (NPOP) was introduced in 2000 under the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), a nodal agency responsible for promoting the export of agricultural products from India.
NPOP sets the standards for organic production, processing, labeling, and marketing in India. It follows the guidelines laid down by the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM), ensuring conformity with global organic standards.
The Certification Process:
Organic certification in India involves a comprehensive process to verify that farms and processing units comply with the NPOP standards. Farmers seeking organic certification must undergo a three-year conversion period during which they transition from conventional to organic farming practices without using synthetic chemicals. The certification process includes the following key steps: