- Updated On Jan 22, 2025 at 07:35 AM IST
India’s organic sector has witnessed remarkable growth, with the total certified organic area expanding to 7.3 million hectares in 2023-24. Organic production reached 3.6 million metric tons, encompassing a diverse range of products such as oilseeds, cereals, sugarcane, and millet.
The National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP), launched in 2001 under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, has been the cornerstone of India's organic agriculture sector. Over the years, it has facilitated the systematic development of organic farming by ensuring quality assurance and enabling international market access for Indian organic products.\
The programme's editions include the First Edition in May 2001, Second Edition in January 2002, Third Edition (Consolidated Version) in November 2002, Fourth Edition in June 2003, Fifth Edition in June 2004, Sixth Edition in May 2005, and the Seventh Edition in November 2014. These periodic updates have ensured the programme's relevance and adaptability in a rapidly evolving international organic landscape.Administered by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), NPOP outlines comprehensive standards for organic production, certification, and the use of the India Organic logo. This robust framework has played a pivotal role in establishing India as the second-largest country in organic agricultural land and the largest organic producer globally.
The revision of NPOP released on January 9, marks a pivotal moment for the organic farming sector. The new standards aim to align India's framework with the latest European Union (EU) regulations, incorporating changes in the international organic landscape over the past decade. This alignment is critical, as India’s major export destinations include the EU, USA, Canada, and Australia, which collectively account for significant demand for Indian organic products.
India’s organic sector has witnessed remarkable growth, with the total certified organic area expanding to 7.3 million hectares in 2023-24. Organic production reached 3.6 million metric tons, encompassing a diverse range of products such as oilseeds, cereals, sugarcane, and millet. According to the FIBL and IFOAM (International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements) Year Book 2024, India ranks 2nd globally in terms of organic agricultural land and 1st in the total number of organic producers.
Exports have also surged, with organic food export realizations reaching INR 4007.91 crore (USD 494.8 million) in 2023-24. However, achieving the ambitious USD 2 billion export target by 2030 will require enhanced standards to meet global expectations and sustain this growth trajectory.
Catalyzing Sectoral Growth
The revised NPOP standards will transform India’s organic agriculture by enhancing regulatory clarity and oversight through data analytics, boosting confidence among farmers, exporters, and international buyers. Adopting EU-equivalent standards will open new markets, deepen India's existing foothold, and increase export volumes and revenues.
Domestically, the revisions will promote organic farming as a sustainable alternative, addressing environmental concerns and ensuring chemical-free, nutritious food for consumers. The participatory guarantee system under the Ministry of Agriculture will further encourage small and marginal farmers to adopt organic practices.
Key benefits include simplified certification for farmers, leading to fairer prices and reduced costs. A study by FiBL in Switzerland found that simplified certification for smallholder farmers in Latin America reduced costs by 15-20 per cent. Similarly, India’s NPOP has introduced simplified procedures for smaller producers, making certification more accessible as highlighted in APEDA reports.
Improved market access for exporters will boost India’s credibility globally, with alignment to EU regulations facilitating trade. Between 2018 and 2022, India’s organic exports to the EU grew at an annual rate of 15 per cent (APEDA). Higher-quality products for consumers will result from organic farming, as research by USDA shows higher levels of nutrients and antioxidants in organic crops. Consumer surveys (Nielsen, Statista) confirm strong demand for organic products due to health and environmental benefits.
Way forward
The upcoming revision of the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) is a timely and strategic initiative poised to reshape India’s organic agriculture landscape by addressing existing gaps and aligning with global standards. The revised NPOP is expected to enhance market access, empower farmers, and boost exports.
To ensure successful implementation, key policy recommendations include investing in farmer training and capacity-building programs to equip farmers with the knowledge and skills necessary for organic farming practices and strengthening the role of farmer producer organizations (FPOs) in collective bargaining, market access, and resource accessibility. Promoting public-private partnerships to support organic infrastructure development, such as processing facilities, cold storage, and transportation, is essential for the efficient movement of organic produce.
Additionally, integrating specific guidelines for millet cultivation and certification under NPOP will enable farmers to capitalize on the growing global demand for these superfoods. With the UN designating 2023 as the "International Year of Millets," this presents an opportunity to position Indian millets as a flagship organic product globally. By prioritizing millets and implementing these measures effectively, India can solidify its leadership in sustainable and health-focused agriculture, achieve its USD 2 billion export target, and set new benchmarks in organic farming.
