11-January-2025-Special-Article

ORGANIC FARMING AND THE NATIONAL PROGRAMME FOR ORGANIC PRODUCTION (NPOP)

India has immense potential for organic farming, with increasing recognition on the global stage.

The National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP), now in its 8th edition, aims to enhance India’s competitiveness in organic farming by establishing accreditation systems, production standards, and promoting the sector.

Recent efforts focus on simplifying certification processes and using technology to streamline operations, with a goal of boosting exports significantly in the next few years.

What is the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP)?

The NPOP, launched in 2001, is implemented by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry. The programme aims to:

• Set standards for organic farming.
• Certify organic products.
• Promote organic farming in India and globally.

Global Recognition: NPOP standards are recognized by the European Commission and Switzerland, enabling Indian organic products to be accepted in international markets.

Key Highlights of the 8th Edition of NPOP

Streamlined Certification Process: The NPOP has simplified certification for organic grower groups, replacing the Internal Control System (ICS) with a new approach, granting legal status to grower groups.

Technological Advancements:

• NPOP Portal: Provides a central hub for organic farming stakeholders, enhancing transparency and visibility.
• Organic Promotion Portal: Connects farmers, farmer producer organizations (FPOs), and exporters with global buyers.
• TraceNet 2.0: Ensures traceability and transparency from farm to market by upgrading the compliance system.
• AgriXchange Portal: Facilitates data analysis and helps connect international buyers and sellers.

About Organic Farming

Organic farming is an agricultural method that focuses on soil health, ecosystem balance, and human well-being. It avoids synthetic chemicals, instead relying on natural processes, biodiversity, and ecological cycles.

India’s Global Standing in Organic Farming:

• India ranks second in the world for organic agricultural land, with approximately 4.5 million hectares under organic certification.
• Sikkim became the world’s first fully organic state, and many states in the Northeast traditionally practice organic farming with minimal chemical use.
• India has the highest number of organic farmers globally, totaling 2.3 million.

Key Organic Products:

• Major organic exports include flax seeds, sesame, soybeans, tea, rice, and pulses. India also leads the world in organic cotton production.

Types of Organic Farmers in India

• Traditional Organic Farmers: These farmers, primarily located in North Eastern states, have practiced organic farming for generations, though often without certification.
• Reactive Organic Farmers: These farmers have switched to organic practices due to environmental or economic concerns such as soil degradation or the rising cost of chemical inputs. Some of them are certified, while others are not.
• Commercial Organic Farmers: These farmers see organic farming as a business opportunity, focusing on certified organic products for both domestic and international markets.

Initiatives to Promote Organic Farming in India

• National Project on Organic Farming (NPOF): Launched in 2004 to promote organic farming through training, capacity building, and development of organic inputs like bio-fertilizers and bio-pesticides.
• Participatory Guarantee System (PGS): Introduced in 2011, this system simplifies certification procedures, making it more affordable and accessible for farmers.
• Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY): Launched as part of the National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture, it focuses on promoting organic farming through farmer clusters and financial assistance.
• Mission Organic Value Chain Development for Northeastern Region (MOVCDNER): Focuses on creating an organic farming value chain in the Northeast to increase market access and improve farmer incomes.
• FSSAI Organic Foods Regulation (2024): A unified “India Organic” logo replaces previous logos to standardize the organic certification process in India.

Challenges Facing Organic Farming in India

• High Certification Costs: Organic certification is expensive, particularly for small and marginal farmers. Additionally, the European Union does not recognize the Participatory Guarantee System (PGS), limiting market access for Indian producers.
• Infrastructure Gaps: India lacks adequate cold storage, processing facilities, and supply chain infrastructure, leading to significant post-harvest losses.
• Limited Consumer Awareness: There is confusion among consumers due to misleading labels like “natural” and “chemical-free,” which can undermine trust in certified organic products.
• Low Productivity: Organic farming often faces lower yields during the transition period from conventional to organic farming, and there is limited availability of organic inputs like fertilizers and pest control agents.
• Market Access and Pricing Issues: Organic products often compete with cheaper, conventionally grown goods, and small-scale farmers struggle to access organized markets and earn premium prices.
• Global Trade Barriers: Non-tariff barriers, such as differing organic standards across countries, complicate the export of organic products. Trade barriers like the US Organic Recognition Agreement’s withdrawal in 2021 have hampered growth.
• Climate and Pest Vulnerability: Organic farming is more susceptible to climate variability and pest attacks due to limited use of chemical interventions.
• Lack of R&D and Training: There is insufficient research on suitable crop varieties and organic farming techniques, which hinders further growth.

Way Forward

• Improving Certification Processes: Simplify the certification process for small farmers and digitize the system to increase transparency and efficiency.
• Promoting Market Linkages: Strengthen Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) and Self-Help Groups (SHGs) to create direct market access and develop platforms for organic farmers to connect with retailers and exporters.
• Investment in Research and Development: Focus on developing high-yield, pest-resistant, and climate-resilient organic crops. Research on region-specific solutions for soil fertility and pest management is essential.
• Raising Consumer Awareness: Leverage popular influencers and public figures to promote organic products and ensure widespread use of the “Unified India Organic” logo to build consumer trust.
• Policy Support: Provide subsidies or financial assistance to farmers transitioning to organic farming. Offering tax incentives or reducing Goods and Services Tax (GST) rates on organic products could boost both production and consumption.
• Risk Mitigation: Introduce risk management strategies and insurance schemes to protect organic farmers against yield losses and other challenges.

Conclusion

Organic farming holds great promise for India’s agricultural future, offering a sustainable and profitable path forward. While significant challenges remain, especially regarding certification costs, infrastructure, and market access, targeted reforms, technological innovations, and consumer awareness can help elevate India as a global leader in organic farming.

Mains Question:

1. “Discuss the role of the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) in enhancing India’s organic farming sector and its potential to contribute to sustainable agriculture and global competitiveness.” (150 WORDS)