Current Affairs

8th Edition of the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP)

India’s organic farming sector is poised for growth, with total export values projected to reach Rs 20,000 crore by 2028. This outlook was shared by Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal, during the launch of the 8th edition of the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP).

Key Launches

Key Digital Initiatives and Portals

  • NPOP Portal: Facilitates operations and visibility for organic producers and exporters.
  • Organic Promotion Portal: Connects farmers and FPOs with global buyers, providing capacity-building resources.
  • TraceNet 2.0: Ensures traceability and compliance with global certification standards.
  • Revamped APEDA Portal: Simplifies processes for agricultural and processed food exporters.
  • AgriXchange Portal: Provides trade insights and connects exporters to international buyers.

    • New Reforms in Organic Certification

  • Simplified Certification: Legal status for organic grower groups.
  • Reduced Conversion Period: Potential reduction of up to three years for converting land to organic farming.
  • Enhanced Monitoring: Strengthened oversight through IT tools and public access to farmer information.

    • Importance of Organic Farming

    Organic farming is increasingly recognised for its role in sustainable agriculture. It combats water scarcity and reduces the overapplication of harmful fertilisers and pesticides. Farmers adopting organic methods have reported increased yields and income, contributing to national food security.

    Showcasing Indian Organic Farming

  • The event witnessed the participation of over 1,000 farmers and prominent companies like Organic India and Amul.
  • Stalls organized by APEDA highlighted the diversity and quality of Indian organic produce.
  • Representatives from countries like the USA, EU, South Korea, Australia, and UAE, as well as organizations like FAO, IFOAM, and FiBL attended the event.
    1. APEDA – Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority.
    2. NPOP – National Programme for Organic Production, enhancing India’s organic certification.
    3. TraceNet – An online traceability system for organic products from farm to market.
    4. FPOs – Farmer Producer Organisations supporting collective farming efforts.
    5. NCOL – National Co-operative Organics Limited, promoting organic farming cooperatives.

    Future Prospects for Organic Exports

    With the launch of the 8th NPOP edition, India aims to solidify its position as a leading global exporter of organic products. The government’s commitment to sustainable agriculture and farmer welfare is evident in its initiatives. This strategic focus on organic farming is expected to generate employment and enhance India’s reputation in the international market.

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