“DOES YOUR PRODUCT NEED CERTIFICATION? IF YES, KNOW HOW DO YOU GET IT “

Organic products are grown under a system of agriculture without the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides with an environmentally and socially responsible approach. This is a method of farming that preserves the reproductive, regenerative capacity of the soil with proper soil management practices and produces nutritious food rich in vitality which has resistance to diseases.

India, with enormous potential to produce varieties of organic products due to its diverse agro-climatic conditions. The tradition of organic farming has been followed and practiced in different parts of the country for many years. The steadily growing market of organic produce in the domestic and export sector has growing demand for the organic producers. One reason is that customers prefer to buy organically certified foods these days than processed or chemical-based foods.

CERTIFIED BUT WHOM?

Every country has its own set of organic farming guidelines and standards. In India, the NPOP (National Program for Organic Production) and its regulatory body APEDA (Agricultural and Processed food products Export Development Authority) has laid down the guidelines for organic certification.

1. The APEDA, Ministry of Commerce & Industries, Government of India is implementing the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP).
2. The programme involves the accreditation of Certification Bodies, standards for organic production, promotion of organic farming and marketing etc.
3. The NPOP standards for production and accreditation system have been recognized by European Commission and Switzerland for unprocessed plant products as equivalent to their country standards.
4. With these recognitions, Indian organic products duly certified by the accredited certification bodies of India are accepted by the importing countries. APEDA is also in the process of negotiation with South Korea, Taiwan, Canada, Japan etc.

GUIDELINES TO FOLLOW FOR THE CERTIFICATION BY FARMERS

Some guidelines are needed to be strictly followed by the farmers to get organic certification for their products.

1. The land must be converted for organic farming with no use of prohibited substances (syn. chemicals) for a period of 3 years called “the conversion period”
2. All inputs to the farm must be natural.
3. No genetically modified inputs or irradiation technology is allowed.
4. The integrity of physical, biological, and mechanical processes must be always maintained.
5. Contamination of produce from nearby farms or other means should not be present.
6. Sustainable practices must be followed on the farm.
7. climate and environment protection
8. conservation of soil fertility
9. preservation of biodiversity
10. respect of natural cycles and animal welfare
11. absence of use of chemical and synthetic products
12. transparent labelling for consumers

India Organic

A trademark – “India Organic” will be granted based on compliance with the National Standards for Organic Production (NSOP) and will be owned by the Government of India. Only such exporters, manufacturers, and processors whose products are duly certified by the accredited inspection and certification agencies, will be granted the license to use of the logo which would be governed by a set of regulations. India Organic etched over the surface authenticates the carrier as “Organic” and establishes the Indian connection for all the carriers of the mark. Beautifully synthesizing all the elements of our environment, the logo also communicates total adherence to the National Organic Standards.

 JAIVIK BHARAT

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) introduces the Jaivik Bharat Logo to help customers identify authentic organic food. All products that must Jaivik Bharat Logo adhere to specific organic production standards within the country and can be exported to foreign countries as Indian Organic Products. As per the provisions laid down under Section 22 of the Food Safety Standards Act, 2006, the FSSAI is authorized to regulate the manufacture, distribution, sale and import of organic products.