New Delhi: The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has taken a significant step to strengthen India’s organic export sector by establishing a dedicated organic promotion division. This division now serves as a central point for coordinating efforts to enhance the country’s organic export potential.
The agricultural promotion body is actively working on a comprehensive strategy to improve Uttarakhand’s organic sector. APEDA’s plan includes improving farming practices, streamlining certification procedures, and identifying key export products. The primary goal is to raise Uttarakhand’s profile as a major player in the global organic market.
Building on Sikkim’s pioneering status as India’s first fully organic state, APEDA is developing a strategic roadmap to diversify exports and promote sustainable practices. By leveraging Sikkim’s unique strengths in organics, the promotion body aims to increase its international prominence.
With successful initiatives underway in Uttarakhand and plans in progress for Sikkim, APEDA aims to replicate these strategies in other states. By targeting regions with significant organic farming potential, the body aims to establish a network of thriving organic export hubs across India.
Additionally, in an effort to improve the accessibility of organic products in international markets, the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) is undergoing significant updates. The upcoming revisions in NPOP guidelines aim to align with prominent global regulations and standards, including the EU Regulation. This strategic realignment is designed with foresight into ongoing and potential Mutual Recognition Agreements. A key aspect of this overhaul involves modernizing NPOP’s IT infrastructure. The updated IT system is expected to provide a more robust oversight mechanism, with a particular focus on Certification Bodies and their certified operators. The revised IT system includes provisions for geotagging farms and geolocating inspection visits.