Exploring Organic Certification for Agriculture & Livestock Produce : Concept and Process
The traditional way of agriculture in India is organic, and it was only after the green revolution of 1960s that the chemical fertilizers and pesticides started substituting their organic counterparts. The recent change in perception in favour of the environment that came as a result of understanding the mounting environmental costs of chemical use in agriculture necessitates a revisit to the traditional organic farming. However, the crop response to the organic inputs may be lesser when compared to the chemical ones. Thus the farmers practicing organic agriculture will have to deal with more and more challenges, before harvesting their crop and marketing them. Finally if the market fails to provide premium price to the organic products, due to its inability to segregate between organic and non-organic products, then the whole efforts of farmers in avoiding chemicals from their fields will go in vain. Organic certification is a process developed to ensure premium price to the organic products. Concept of organic certification Organic certification is the process that certifies the organic food producers. Business activities closely dealing with food production like seed suppliers, food processors, retailers, restaurants etc. can also be certified in addition to the certification of farmers. The certification, however requires these actors to comply with certain standards at different stages of their operations like crop growing, storing, processing, packaging, transporting etc. These standards mainly target to avoid the chemical inputs and genetically modified organisms from use in agricultural fields, use the crop land that is free from such chemical for the last 3 years or more, maintain proper records related to farm activities etc. Regulation of organic certification in India National Program on Organic Production (NPOP) conceptualised and initiated by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India in the year 2001, provides the details on the standards to be maintained, the procedures to be followed, and the criteria under which organic certification can be issued. NPOP also provides details on the inspecting and certifying agencies, as well as the organic logo and the restrictions for its use.
Organic farming is the new vogue in the Indian agriculture sector. With a pressing global focus on sustainable development, climate change, and carbon emissions along with conventional farming becoming repugnant due to the overuse of diabolical chemicals, there is no choice other than to revert to organic farming practices. The concomitant surge in organic farming practices will be met with questions about the credibility of its products. That is why organic certification in India is essential.
Organic certification in India serves as a piece of unparalleled evidence for the credibility of organic products. Organic certification is an imperative label for farmers or organizations practicing organic farming. Indian organic certified products are accepted in India, North America, and the European Union. In addition to serving as an assurance of credibility, the certification helps fetch a premium price for the produce.
In today’s world, as we become increasingly aware of the impact of our choices on the environment, organic farming has gained immense popularity. It is a sustainable and eco-friendly approach to agriculture that emphasizes the use of natural methods to cultivate crops and raise livestock. This blog will delve into the concept of organic kheti examples, advantages and disadvantages of organic farming in India, and the methods involved.
What is Organic Farming?
Organic farming is an agricultural system that eliminates or significantly reduces the use of synthetic chemicals, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), and other artificial additives. Instead, it relies on natural techniques and processes to ensure healthy crop growth and livestock care. Organic farming prioritizes soil health, biodiversity, and ecosystem preservation while producing high-quality, chemical-free food.
Organic Certification in India
Organic certification in India refers to the compilation of all processes in granting the Indian Organic Certification to the eligible farmer.
It is a rigorous process involving intense scrutiny of the applicant’s details to check whether he/she is eligible for the certification. The scrutiny is based on certain standards or requirements that need to be satisfied for certification.
Who can apply for Organic Certification in India?
Registration for organic certification in India can be done by
- Individual Farmers: a farmer who is the legal owner of a particular piece of land, however large it may be, can apply for the organic certification in India label.
- Groups of Farmers: a conglomerate of two or more farmers of the same revenue district can apply. There is no restriction on the area of land. However, the number of farmers owning 10 acres of land should be less than 50% of the total group.
- Corporate bodies: it mainly refers to the association of farmers who come together to register as a corporate body. They can produce, process, and sell organic produce but they should have an office setup to monitor the activities of the farm.
Organic certification process
Individual farmers, or farmer collectives can apply for organic certification, provided that the number of members in such farmer groups are in between 25 and 500, and they have land in the same geographical region. Organic certification will be provided to the organically produced agricultural products, however the land cannot be certified as organic. Such products which are organically certified can then be sold in the domestic as well as foreign market with the organic label. Since the foreign markets provide better incentives for the farmers producing organic products, large volumes of organic certified agricultural products from India are exported. The Agricultural & Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) provided electronic service in the form of TraceNet to facilitate certification of the organic agricultural goods produced in India for export purpose. Thousands of stakeholders make use of the TraceNet facility that compiles all data on the traceability provided by the producers, operators and certification organizations in the organic supply chain. The products that get organic certification can use the logo “India Organic” for marketing.
Steps for Obtaining Organic Certification in India
The process of organic certification in India involves several steps and a perspicuous understanding of each step is a must for the farmers to gain certification. The main steps are
Step 1: Understanding the Organic Certification Requirements
Understanding the requirements for the certification process is a prerequisite for organic certification in India. In India, these standards or requirements are set forth mainly by two agencies
- NPOP: National Programme for Organic Production
- PGS-India: Participatory Guarantee System of India
These agencies construct the standards that each applicant for organic certification must abide by to be conferred with the certification.
The NPOP is a central government body that regulates the certification process and other aspects of organic farming. In contrast, the PGS is a guarantee system that ensures the participation of stakeholders in the certification process.
The NPOP has established numerous requirements that need to be complied with by the farmers to be certified. The main requirements are
- Conversion: The land that was used for conventional agricultural practices must undergo a conversion to organic practices. This includes the prohibition of synthetic chemicals and Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs). This conversion usually takes about 2 to 3 years.
- Land: The land should be free from any kind of restricted substances and should maintain buffer zones to prevent contamination from non-organic sources.
- Agricultural inputs: Organic seeds, organic fertilizers, and organic plant protection substances should be used on the farm. The use of GMOs or any chemical fertilizer or pesticide will compromise the certification.
- Farm records: Records should be kept to document all the activities occurring on the farm like seeds used, fertilizers used, irrigation time, etc.
- Management plan: Farmers should maintain a management plan outlining all the activities that are to be done on the organic farm. It serves as the blueprint of all activities on the farm.
- Labeling: After successful completion of the certification process, the certified farmers can use the Indian Organic logo on their products. However, the use of this logo in labeling and packaging should comply with the NPOP standards of packaging and labeling.
- Post-Certification: the certified organic producers must continue to abide by the rules and regulations of NPOP to maintain their certification. They must undergo periodic inspections of their land to update their status. In case of any misconduct, the certification will be suspended or revoked.
Organic farming in India is a dynamic venture. The NPOP may revise its standards in the coming years. Therefore individuals seeking certifications should always update themselves on the latest NPOP guidelines and tweak their management plans accordingly.
Step 2: Selection of Certifying Agency
The NPOP is the main regulatory body concerned with organic certification in India. However, NPOP has dispersed this power with certain agencies throughout India. These agencies are responsible for inspecting the farms to check whether the NPOP standards are met for conferring the certification.
So once the NPOP and PGS-India requirements for organic certification in India are understood, the next important step is to select a certifying agency that is accredited by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA).
A person looking for organic certification in India has to contact any one of the nearest accredited certification agencies which will guide you through the process. The cost for further proceedings varies with the agency selected.
The applicant should probe into the track record, history of certifications done, the costs charged, and the overall reputation of the agency before providing the application for organic certification in India.
After a proper understanding of the requirements for organic certification in India, and selecting a suitable agency after adequate research, the next step is application and documentation, a crucial step in the process.
Step 3: Application and Documentation | Organic Certification Cost
After the selection of the certifying agency, the next step is submitting the application form containing the complete details of the applicant, and his farm.
The application form for registration should contain information on the name and address of the applicant, the venture for which the certification is intended, the total area of land, total land holdings, and other details.
The applicant should also produce additional documents like
- Duplicate of the application form
- PAN card
- Annual cropping pattern
- Field map
- General details of the farm
- Soil and water analysis report
- Land document details
- Written annual production plan
The annual production plan should be a wholesome document containing information on seeds used, the activities done for nutrient management and plant protection, methods of harvesting, and storage activities.
Along with these documents, the applicant is required to remit a certain fee associated with his application. The fee to be remitted for organic certification in India varies with the agency selected by the applicant and also according to the applicant.
The fee structure for application for organic certification in India as per the Tamil Nadu Organic Certification Department is as follows
Fee structure per farm unit of a farmer
| Sl. No. | Item | Certification only on NPOP(in Rupees) | Certification on Foreign Standards(in Rupees) | Remarks |
| 1 | Registration Fee | ₹500/- for small and marginal farmers₹1000/- for other farmers | ₹1000/- | Annual renewal fee 25% of the registration fee |
| 2 | Fee for inspection and certification | ₹1000/- per day | ₹1200/- per day | For preparation inspection and certification work |
| 3 | Fee for travel time | ₹200/- per day | ₹200/- per day | NIL |
| 4 | Travel expenses | Actual | Actual | For travel, food and accommodation when applicable |
| 5 | Fee for scope certificate | ₹1000/- | ₹1500/- | The added value of widely recognized certificate |
| 6 | Fee for transaction certificate if required | ₹500/- | ₹1000/- | |
| 7 | Chemical analysis if required | Actual cost | Actual cost | Soil samples, water, leaf samples, and product sample. |
Fee structure for organic certification as per TNOCD
The above fee structure is for a single farmer. The fee structure is different for groups of farmers and corporate or business categories.
The application and documentation process is necessary for the certifying agency to assess the compliance of farm activities as per the NPOP standards. This is crucial to obtain organic certification in India.
Step 4: Inspection and Evaluation
Upon receiving the application and documentation, the selected certifying agency conducts an on-site inspection of the farm. Qualified professionals of the agency will conduct an elaborate tour of the applicant’s fields. Along with on-site inspection, the examination of records as well as an interview of the applicant is done.
The daily activity record is an important document that will be thoroughly checked. The activities of the farm will be inspected to verify the information in the records and ensure that these activities comply with the NPOP guidelines.
Further, the inspector has the right to collect soil samples and send them for laboratory analysis to check the presence of any restricted chemical application in the field.
The farmers must be available for inspection at any time. In addition to this, surprise inspections will also be done by the certification officer. The inspection is a crucial step in the certification process and can be done multiple times as per the officer’s convenience.
Step 5: Compliance and Correction
Based on the field inspections done, the certifying agency will notify the shortcomings of the field to the farmer. A detailed list of areas that need to be modified to adhere to NPOP norms will be provided. It is the sole responsibility of the farmer or the business to make the required corrections as soon as possible to meet the requirements of the certification agency.
Step 6: Certification Decision
After the inspection procedure, the certification agency reviews the findings. If the certification agency finds that the applicant has complied with all the NPOP norms in his practices, the certification agency confers the organic certification to the farmer.
The validity of the organic certificate is 3 years and after that, it needs to be renewed.
On receiving the organic certification in India certificate, the farmer can sell his products with the Indian Organic Logo which lauds the authenticity of the product in India and abroad. He/she can also sell the products at a premium price compared to products from conventional farming practices.
Step 7: Annual Review and Renewal
Every farmer enjoying the benefits of organic certification in India must be aware of the fact that the certification is not a one-time process. The certification underlines the fact that the farmer or the business will be under close surveillance by the certification agency.
The certified farms will be subjected to annual reviews and inspections to ensure compliance with the certification standard and he/she does not resort to any malpractices.
The certified farmer must continue to adhere to the organic certification in India standards to retain the certification.
Time for Obtaining Organic Certification in India
The period for obtaining organic certification in India varies with the type of unit registered for the application. It can take a period ranging from 1 day to 3 years. The period of some of the units registered for organic certification in India is
| Unit | Time |
| Farm | 2 years |
| Fruit Orchard | 3 years |
| Diary Unit | 3 months |
| Food Processing Unit | 1 day |
Time for certification of different farm units
This time can vary greatly depending on the certifying agency, the farmer or business, and several other factors.
Steps in organic certification in India
In India, accredited bodies under NPOP are responsible for carrying out organic certification. NPOP also provides norms for organic agriculture and targets to promote organic farming in India. The standards issued by NPOP for organic production and the accreditation procedure is accepted by the USDA, European commission and Switzerland. This means that those countries consider the NPOP standards as equivalent to theirs.
The important steps in organic certification in India are:
§ Application for organic certification sent to accredited organic certification body by individual farmer or group of farmers
§ The accredited body will then issue the standards and other operational details to the applicant
§ Fee payment
§ Auditing the documents related to the farm operations
§ Field inspection and documentation of details by the external inspector along with farm manager
§ Checking the compliance with standards through thorough inspection
§ Report writing by the field inspector § Review of report by a designated body
§ Final decision to be made on the certification
As per NPOP, the following principal standards need to be maintained for organic certification:
The land must be converted to organic farming must be done.
§ Only natural inputs are allowed for use in the farm
§ Genetically modified inputs and the irradiation technology is prohibited for use
§ Physical, biological and mechanical processes followed must be integrated all the times
§ Contamination from the neighbouring farms or other external sources must be prevented § Follow sustainable agricultural practices only .
The process of organic certification in India is tiresome. It is expensive and time-consuming. Organic farming, contrary to conventional farming practices, does not produce substantially high yields. This combined with the high cost and prolonged time for organic certification in India deter people from converting to organic farming practices. But the positive news is that there is an exponentially growing global demand for organic produce. This will fetch high profits for people who undertake organic farming practices against all odds.
This is where organic certification in India becomes handy. It serves as an object of assurance for consumers who are ready to spend high on healthy chemical-free produce. The Indian organic certification logo is a symbol of trust that carries its honor throughout the country and beyond. So the farmers should strive to attain the certification by strictly complying with the organic certification standards.
Types of Organic Farming in India
- Crop-Based Organic Farming:One of the Organic kheti examples is crop-based. In this approach, farmers focus on growing crops using organic methods. They use natural fertilizers like compost and manure, practice crop rotation to enhance soil fertility and employ biological pest control measures such as beneficial insects.
- Livestock-Based Organic Farming:This type of organic agriculture emphasizes raising animals in an environmentally friendly and humane manner. Livestock are provided with organic feed, and access to open pasture, and are not treated with growth hormones or antibiotics.
- Mixed Organic Farming:Many organic farms employ both crop and livestock-based methods, creating a balanced and sustainable system. Crop residues and livestock manure contribute to a closed-loop nutrient cycle, enriching the soil and reducing waste.
- Traditional Farming Practices:In this organic farming examples many Indian farmers follow age-old practices that align with organic principles, such as using cow dung and organic manure for soil enrichment, crop rotation, and pest control through natural means.
- Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF):ZBNF, popularized by Subhash Palekar, encourages minimal external inputs and relies on natural resources and farm-sourced materials. It emphasizes the use of locally available resources and indigenous seeds.
- Organic Horticulture: India is a major producer of fruits and vegetables, and organic horticulture has gained traction. This method focuses on organic orchards and gardens, producing chemical-free and healthier produce.
Advantages of Organic Farming
Environmental Benefits:
- Reduced chemical usage, which helps in preserving soil quality and preventing water contamination.
- Enhanced biodiversity and wildlife habitat, as organic farms promote the existence of various species.
- Carbon sequestration through healthier soil management practices.
Health Benefits:
- Organic foods are free from synthetic pesticides, herbicides, and GMOs, reducing health risks associated with chemical residues.
- Higher nutritional value in organic produce due to better soil quality.
Taste and Quality:
- Organic produce is often considered to have superior taste and quality due to the absence of chemical additives.
Sustainability:
- Organic kheti practices help to maintain long-term soil fertility and overall ecosystem health.
- Reduced reliance on fossil fuels as organic farms typically use less energy-intensive methods.
Support for Local Economies:
- Many organic farms are smaller and local, supporting rural communities and providing fresh, seasonal produce.
Disadvantages of Organic Farming
Lower Yields:
- Organic farming can result in lower crop yields compared to conventional farming due to the reduced use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides.
Higher Costs:
- Organic kheti often requires more labor and expensive organic inputs, making it more costly for both farmers and consumers.
Market Price Fluctuations:
- Organic produce can be more expensive, and the market can be influenced by price fluctuations.
Pest and Disease Management:
- Organic methods for pest and disease control can be less effective, leading to potential crop losses.
Transition Period:
- Converting a conventional farm to organic may take several years and can be financially challenging.
Organic Farming Methods
Organic farming in India encompasses a variety of methods and practices that prioritize sustainability, soil health, and natural processes. These methods are often rooted in traditional agricultural practices and adapted to the specific needs and conditions of Indian agriculture. Here, we’ll elaborate on some key organic agriculture methods practised in India:
Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF):
- Jeevamrutha and Bijamrutha:These are essential components of ZBNF. Jeevamrutha is a fermented microbial culture made from cow dung, cow urine, jaggery, and pulses. Bijamrutha is made from seeds and cow dung. These are used as natural fertilizers to enrich the soil.
- Mulching:Applying crop residues as mulch helps conserve soil moisture, suppress weeds, and improve soil structure.
- Crop Rotation:Crop rotation is practised to prevent the buildup of pests and diseases in the soil.
Organic Manure and Compost:
- Traditional organic manures like cow dung, vermicompost, and poultry litter are widely used in Indian organic agriculture. These organic sources improve soil fertility and provide essential nutrients to crops.
- Vermicomposting, in particular, is gaining popularity as it involves earthworms breaking down organic matter into rich, nutrient-laden compost.
Biofertilizers and Microbial Inoculants:
- Biofertilizers, such as rhizobium for legumes and mycorrhizal fungi, are used to enhance nutrient availability to plants.
- Microbial inoculants like Trichoderma and Pseudomonas are employed to protect plants from diseases and promote growth.
Crop Diversity and Polyculture:
- Indian organic farms often practice diverse cropping systems and polyculture. This reduces the risk of pests and diseases, enhances soil fertility, and promotes biodiversity.
- Mixed cropping, intercropping, and agroforestry systems are common methods used to maximize land use and minimize environmental impact.
Natural Pest and Disease Management:
- Indian organic farmers employ various methods for pest and disease control, including the use of neem-based pesticides, biopesticides, and biological control agents like ladybugs and spiders.
- Companion planting and trap cropping are also used to deter pests naturally.
Seed Saving and Heirloom Varieties:
- Many Indian organic farmers focus on saving and preserving traditional, heirloom seed varieties. These seeds are adapted to local conditions and maintain genetic diversity.
- Community seed banks and initiatives encourage the exchange and conservation of traditional seeds.
Organic Livestock Integration:
- Organic farming in India often involves integrating livestock into the agricultural system. Cow dung and urine are valuable inputs, and the practice of cow-based farming (Gauvansh) is gaining traction.
- Organic livestock farming methods, such as raising indigenous and non-exotic breeds, emphasize humane treatment and organic feed.
Conservation Agriculture:
- Conservation tillage practices, like zero tillage and minimum tillage, help reduce soil erosion and improve moisture retention in arid regions.
- Organic mulch and cover cropping are essential components of conservation agriculture.
Local and Indigenous Knowledge:
- Indian organic agriculture often draws on traditional and indigenous knowledge, passed down through generations, to make informed decisions about planting, harvesting, and pest control.
Consider the following features shared by successful organic farmers when deciding if organic farming is right for you:
- A commitment to a safer food supply and environmental protection.
- Patience and keen observation skills are required.
- knowledge of ecological systems
- Good marketing skills and a desire to spend time looking for new markets are essential.
- A readiness to share and learn from others’ accomplishments and setbacks (information networks are often underdeveloped for organic farmers).
- Flexibility and a willingness to try new ideas and practices.
Challenges of Organic Farming in Indian Agriculture
- Awareness and Education:Many farmers lack awareness and training in organic agriculture practices, making the dissemination of knowledge a critical challenge.
- Transition Period:Shifting from conventional to organic farming can be financially challenging for farmers due to reduced initial yields and the time required for certification.
- Certification Process:Obtaining organic certification can be a bureaucratic and time-consuming process for farmers, particularly smallholders.
- Market Access:Organic produce often faces challenges in distribution and market access, as there is a need for organized supply chains and awareness among consumers.
- Pests and Diseases: Organic pest and disease management can be more labour-intensive and may require more expertise.
In conclusion, organic farming in India represents a holistic and sustainable approach that resonates with today’s growing environmental awareness. With practices deeply rooted in tradition and a fusion of modern agricultural science, Indian farmers nurture the land through methods like Zero Budget Natural Farming, organic manure, and biofertilizers. This approach prioritizes environmental benefits, health, and local economic support, making it a promising choice.
However, challenges such as limited awareness and bureaucratic certification processes must be overcome. Successful organic farming in India demands patience, ecological knowledge, and a commitment to safer food production and environmental preservation. By embracing flexibility and sharing knowledge, Indian farmers can ensure a thriving future for organic agriculture, fostering a healthier environment and more prosperous communities. Supporting organic farming in India means endorsing a conscientious and sustainable path toward safer food and a greener planet.
Benefits of organic certification
- Organic certified products attracts premium price § Such products can access, regional, national and international markets § Empower and support domestic farmers and economy § Attract funding and technical guidance § Environmental friendly production process
Compiled & Shared by- This paper is a compilation of groupwork provided by the Team, LITD (Livestock Institute of Training & Development)
Image-Courtesy-Google
Reference-On Request
