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

India's organic product exports could potentially increase more than threefold to Rs 20,000 crore within the next 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), which introduces new regulations to enhance clarity and align with global standards.

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Currently, India's organic exports stand at Rs 5,000-6,000 crore. Goyal expressed confidence in achieving Rs 20,000 crore in exports within three years, marking a significant increase. The global market for these products is valued at around Rs 1 lakh crore and could expand to Rs 10 lakh crore in the future, presenting a unique opportunity for India.

Organic Export Growth Potential

India boasts one of the largest numbers of farmers engaged in organic farming worldwide. Goyal urged startups to develop solutions that support sector growth. The minister also launched five portals: TraceNet 2.0, APEDA, NPOP, Organic Promotion, and AgriXchange. These platforms aim to streamline operations and enhance regulatory oversight.

The NPOP has undergone several updates since its inception in May 2001, with the latest revision marking a significant update to India's organic product regulations. Key features include farmer-friendly regulations, streamlined certification processes, enhanced transparency, and a revamped traceability system.

Regulatory Enhancements and Market Access

The eighth edition of NPOP aims to strengthen India's organic export sector with an ambitious target of reaching USD 2 billion in organic food exports by 2030. Ministers of State for Cooperation Krishan Pal Gurjar and Murlidhar Mohol, Minister of State for Commerce Jitin Prasada, and Cooperation Secretary Ashish Kumar Bhutani attended the event.

NPOP plays a vital role in enhancing the credibility of organic products in both domestic and international markets. It ensures that agricultural products labelled as organic meet stringent standards, safeguarding consumer interests and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

Technological Advancements

The Commerce Ministry oversees NPOP, with the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) managing its implementation. TraceNet 2.0 is an upgraded traceability platform designed for seamless operations and improved regulatory oversight tools.

A dedicated NPOP portal was launched to provide more visibility and ease of operations for organic stakeholders. Additionally, an upgraded APEDA portal was unveiled to enhance user experience and information access for agri and processed food product stakeholders.

Global Recognition and Export Destinations

The redesigned AgriXchange platform will enable user-friendly data analysis and report generation on agricultural exports, making it accessible to the general public. The revised NPOP regulations are expected to help India achieve its USD 2 billion export target for organic food products by 2030.

NPOP is a key government programme that strengthens India's organic certification system, promoting sustainable farming practices and opening new opportunities for farmers and exporters. By setting high standards for organic products, NPOP enhances India's competitiveness in the global market while supporting eco-friendly farming practices.

Export Statistics

During April-November this fiscal year, organic exports rose by about 40% to USD 456 million compared to USD 495 million in 2023-24. NPOP serves as the primary organic regulatory standard in India, accepted by importing countries and driving market access for organic products.

NPOP standards for crop production have been recognised by the European Commission and Switzerland as equivalent to their standards and are also accepted by Great Britain. APEDA acts as the secretariat for implementing NPOP and overseeing certification bodies' operations.

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