India's Organic Products Exports May Surge to Rs 20,000 Crore in Three Years, Says Piyush Goyal

India's organic product exports could potentially surge to Rs 20,000 crore within three years, according to Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal. He made this statement while unveiling the eighth edition of the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP). The new regulations aim to enhance clarity and transparency in organic standards, aligning them with global norms.

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Currently, India's organic exports stand at Rs 5,000-6,000 crore. Goyal believes a three to three-and-a-half times increase is achievable. He highlighted the global demand for organic products, valued at Rs 1 lakh crore, which could grow to Rs 10 lakh crore in the future. This presents a significant opportunity for India.

Organic Farming and Export Growth

India boasts one of the largest populations of farmers engaged in organic farming worldwide. The minister encouraged startups to develop solutions that support sector growth. The NPOP's eighth edition introduces farmer-friendly regulations, streamlined certification processes, and improved traceability systems.

The revised NPOP aims to boost India's organic export sector with a target of reaching USD 2 billion by 2030. During April-November this fiscal year, exports increased by about 40% to USD 456 million, compared to USD 495 million in 2023-24.

New Portals and Technological Advancements

Five new portals were launched: TraceNet 2.0, APEDA, NPOP, Organic Promotion, and AgriXchange. TraceNet 2.0 is an upgraded traceability platform for seamless operations and regulatory oversight. The redesigned APEDA portal offers enhanced user experience and information for stakeholders in agriculture and processed food products.

The AgriXchange platform now enables user-friendly data analysis and report generation on agricultural exports, making it accessible to the public. These technological advancements aim to improve visibility and ease of operations for organic stakeholders.

NPOP's Role in Organic Certification

The NPOP plays a vital role in enhancing the credibility of organic products both nationally and internationally. It ensures that agricultural products labelled as organic meet stringent standards, protecting consumer interests and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

Overseen by the Commerce Ministry, the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) manages its implementation. APEDA has been designated as the secretariat for NPOP's implementation and regulatory oversight over certification bodies.

International Recognition and Market Access

The NPOP standards for crop production have been recognised by the European Commission and Switzerland as equivalent to their standards. They are also accepted by Great Britain. This recognition has been crucial for market access of Indian organic products.

Major export destinations include the US, European Union, Canada, UK, Switzerland, Australia, the Middle East, and Asian countries. Key export items are cereals and millets, processed food, tea, spices, dry fruits, sugar, medicinal plant products, pulses, coffee, oil cake/meal, and oil seeds.

The revised NPOP regulations are expected to help India achieve its USD 2 billion export target for organic food products by 2030. By setting high standards for organic products, NPOP enhances India's competitiveness in the global market while supporting farmers in adopting eco-friendly practices.