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

India's organic product exports could see a significant rise, potentially tripling to Rs 20,000 crore within the next three years, according to Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal. He shared this optimistic outlook while unveiling the eighth edition of the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP), which introduces new regulations to improve clarity and align with global standards.

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Currently, India's organic exports stand at Rs 5,000-6,000 crore. Goyal believes reaching Rs 20,000 crore is feasible, representing a three to 3.5 times increase. The global demand for organic products is around Rs 1 lakh crore and could grow to Rs 10 lakh crore in the future. This presents a unique opportunity for India.

Organic Farming and Export Potential

India boasts one of the largest numbers of farmers engaged in organic farming worldwide. The minister encouraged startups to develop solutions that support sector growth. The NPOP plays a vital role in boosting the credibility of organic products in both domestic and international markets by ensuring they meet strict standards.

The NPOP's eighth edition introduces farmer-friendly regulations, streamlined certification processes, enhanced transparency, and an improved traceability system. These updates aim to strengthen India's organic export sector with a target of USD 2 billion in organic food exports by 2030.

Technological Advancements and Portals

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 better regulatory oversight. A dedicated NPOP portal was also introduced for increased visibility and ease of operations for stakeholders.

The redesigned APEDA portal offers an improved user experience and information for stakeholders in agriculture and processed food products. The AgriXchange platform now provides more user-friendly data analysis and report generation on agricultural exports, making it accessible to the public.

NPOP's Role in Global Market

The NPOP is crucial for enhancing India's competitiveness in the global organic market by setting high standards for organic products. It helps farmers adopt eco-friendly practices while promoting sustainable farming. During April-November this fiscal year, exports rose by about 40% to USD 456 million compared to USD 495 million in 2023-24.

The NPOP standards are recognised by the European Commission and Switzerland as equivalent to their own standards and are accepted by Great Britain. APEDA serves as the secretariat for implementing the NPOP and overseeing certification bodies' operations.

Export Destinations and Products

India's primary export destinations include the US, European Union, Canada, UK, Switzerland, Australia, the Middle East, and Asian countries. Major export items consist of 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 strengthening India's organic certification system, NPOP opens new opportunities for farmers and exporters while promoting sustainable agricultural practices.