APEDA Releases New Standards For Organic Agri & Processed Food

New Delhi, Jan 1 (KNN) India's Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) is set to release the eighth edition of the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) regulations on January 9, marking a significant update to the country's primary organic regulatory framework.

The revised standards, which were last updated in 2014, have been designed to be more farmer-friendly and align with international standards for organic product trade.

APEDA Chairman Abhishek Dev highlighted that the new edition brings enhanced clarity and accessibility for farmers entering the organic sector.

The updates include streamlined certification requirements for grower groups, simplified procedures for farmer transitions, and improved transparency through public domain information sharing.

A notable technological advancement is the introduction of a revamped traceability system featuring data analytics and a mobile application for inspection and verification of operators.

The timing of these regulatory changes coincides with significant growth in India's organic export sector. During April-November of the current fiscal year, organic exports increased by approximately 40 percent to USD 456 million, building on the previous year's performance of USD 495 million.

The ministry has set an ambitious target of USD 2 billion in organic food exports by 2030, reflecting confidence in the sector's growth potential.

India's organic production has advanced significantly over the past 20 years, with exports rising from USD 213 million in 2012–13 to USD 494.80 million in 2023–24.

The country's organic products, including cereals, millets, processed food, tea, spices, and medicinal plant products, have gained significant traction in major markets such as the United States, European Union, Canada, United Kingdom, and Switzerland.

To further promote Indian organic products globally, APEDA is facilitating participation in 'BioFach', the world's largest organic food trade fair in Nuremberg, Germany, scheduled to begin February 11. 

The NPOP's standards have already received recognition fr0m the European Commission and Switzerland as equivalent to their domestic standards, and are accepted by Great Britain, establishing India as a trusted source in the international organic market.

(KNN Bureau)