India’s organic promise for the conscious consumer

As India’s organic exports flourish, so does the demand for clarity and trust in what consumers buy. But for the everyday consumer, navigating the ‘organic’ label can be confusing. This article delves into the meticulous journey of Indian organic products from farm to global markets, ensuring you confidently choose truly organic products on your grocery shelf. This article illuminates the robust regulatory framework and visible indicators that ensure the authenticity of India’s organic exports, guiding you to make informed decisions for a healthier future.

The scent of fresh earth, the crunch of a pesticide-free apple – the allure of organic food cannot be denied. As India stakes its claim as a global leader in organic production, its “green gold” is increasingly finding its way onto dinner tables across the world. But for the everyday consumer, navigating the labyrinth of labels and claims can feel like a riddle. So, how can you truly know if that ‘organic’ label on your grocery shelf is the real deal? Let’s peel back the layers and understand the fascinating world of organic food exports, straight from the source.

India stands tall, not just as the largest producer of organic farmers globally, but also among the top countries in terms of organic agricultural land. This isn’t just a feel-good statistic; it represents a profound shift in agricultural practices and a significant economic opportunity.

Organic is a lifestyle (and a process!)

Here’s the crucial insight: organic isn’t a product certification; it’s a process certification. This means that it’s not just about what’s in your food, but how it was grown, processed, and handled every step of the way. Think of it as a meticulously documented journey from farm to fork, where every stage adheres to stringent environmental and ethical standards.

The NPOP, India’s robust framework for organic certification by APEDA, outlines these very standards. It’s a comprehensive system that includes:

• Accreditation of Certification Bodies: Imagine an army of watchful eyes. These are the independent third-party agencies accredited by APEDA’s National Accreditation Body (NAB). They are the ones who actually go to the farms and processing units to verify compliance.
• Standards for Organic Production: These are the rules of engagement. They dictate everything from soil management (no synthetic pesticides or fertilisers for a prescribed period, usually 2-3 years, before certification), to pest control (natural methods only), seed sourcing (non-GMO), animal welfare, and even how crops are rotated to maintain soil health. The soil itself undergoes rigorous inspection and testing to ensure it meets organic standards.
• Promotion of Organic Farming & Marketing: APEDA actively promotes organic farming practices and helps connect Indian organic producers with global markets.

This multi-layered system ensures accountability and trust. As Yatin Gambhir, MD, Vedant Organics, elaborates, “APEDA is controlling all the certification bodies. And certification bodies are actually taking care of all the companies like us”. This meticulous process ensures that when you see an authentic organic label, it signifies a commitment to sustainability, biodiversity, and a chemical-free food system.

Decoding the organic seal: What to look for

So, you’re at the supermarket, ready to make a conscious choice. How do you cut through the marketing noise and identify genuine organic products? Here are the key identifiers you absolutely must look for:

1. The “India Organic” Logo: This is the most recognizable symbol of authenticity for Indian organic products. It’s the hallmark of products certified under NPOP. If you don’t see this logo, be wary.
2. The Jaivik Bharat Logo: Introduced by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), this logo, often accompanied by the FSSAI license number, is another crucial indicator for domestically sold organic food. It signifies that the product complies with the Food Safety and Standards (Organic Foods) Regulations, 2017.
3. Name and Logo of the Accredited Certification Body: Remember those “watchful eyes” we talked about? Their logo and accreditation number should also be visible on the packaging. These are the agencies that have physically verified the organic integrity of the product. APEDA’s website has a list of accredited certification bodies, so you can even cross-check if you’re feeling particularly diligent!
4. Transaction Certificate (TC) for Exports: While you won’t see this on your retail packaging, it’s vital to understand its role. For organic products leaving India’s shores, a Transaction Certificate (TC) is a mandatory document issued by an accredited Certification Body. This certificate acts as a digital passport, verifying the organic status of the product for the importing country and ensuring traceability. This is a crucial step that prevents fraudulent organic claims in international trade.

The legal backbone: Beyond the “SPDR Act”

You mentioned an “SPDR Act.” While there isn’t a specific “SPDR Act” for organic food in India, the legal framework that underpins organic food safety and certification is robust. The Food Safety and Standards (Organic Foods) Regulations, 2017, notified under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), are the primary legal instruments governing organic food in India.

These regulations recognize two major systems for organic certification:

• National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP): This is the third-party certification system, largely managed by APEDA, which is mandatory for organic exports and now also recognized for the domestic market.
• Participatory Guarantee System for India (PGS-India): This is a decentralized, peer-to-review system for small farmers, primarily for the domestic market. Small original producers or producer organizations (with an annual turnover not exceeding Rs 12 lakhs) are exempted from the formal certification systems for direct sales to consumers, provided they maintain traceability records. However, they cannot use the “Jaivik Bharat” logo without certification.

Essentially, these regulations ensure that any food labelled “organic” in India, whether for domestic consumption or export, must comply with stringent standards and be certified by an authorized body. This prevents mislabeling and protects consumers from false claims. The increased awareness and strict measures from APEDA are actively working to curb malpractices in the market.

India’s Organic Momentum 

India’s potential in the organic sector is immense, driven by its diverse agro-climatic conditions and the inherent tradition of natural farming in many regions. Our organic products, ranging from spices and oilseeds to fruits, vegetables, and processed foods, are now finding eager markets in the USA, European Union, Canada, Switzerland, and many other countries.

The recognition of NPOP standards by the European Commission and Switzerland, signifying “equivalence” to their own organic standards, is a huge testament to the credibility and rigor of India’s certification system. This recognition simplifies trade and opens doors for more Indian organic products to reach these lucrative markets.

One of the biggest hurdles for organic adoption has been the perception of higher costs. As Yatin Gambhir points out, “if the demand is high and the supply is less then automatically the prices are higher on a higher side”. However, efforts are underway to address this. “Our first step is that we are actually giving trainings to the farmers that you know what all the practices they have to use,” says Gambhir, dispelling the misconception that organic farming is inherently more expensive. The goal is to increase yield and bring down prices, making organic food accessible to everyone as a “fundamental right”.

APEDA and companies like Vedant Organics are actively working with farmers, forming Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), and providing training on best practices to grow organic products. They meticulously monitor practices and soil conditions to ensure 100% organic integrity. This comprehensive approach, from farmer education to rigorous certification, is building a robust and trustworthy organic ecosystem.

The future of the Indian organic market looks bright, with growing demand, especially in European and North American markets. The push for greater awareness , potentially through social media campaigns and improved traceability features like QR codes on labels, will further strengthen consumer trust. As Gambhir summarizes, “We will earn our trust back because players like us, there are more players also that they also have same kind of vision and purpose as I have”.

The conscious consumer’s power

As consumers, our choices wield immense power. By actively seeking out certified organic products, we not only support sustainable farming practices and the hardworking farmers behind them, but we also invest in our own health and the planet’s well-being.

Remember the meticulous journey that organic product has undertaken. Look for the “India Organic” and “Jaivik Bharat” logos, the name of the accredited certification body. Choosing organic is a conscious decision to embrace a healthier, more sustainable future, chemical-free bite.