Published 02/10/2025
Updated 03/03/2025
5-minutes read!
India's growing organic agriculture sector has made it crucial for farmers and agribusinesses to understand the certification process that guarantees their produce meets organic standards. Certification is essential for farmers who want to ensure that their products are recognized as genuinely organic, both in domestic and international markets. In this article, we will explore the Indian organic certification process, providing detailed information about the steps involved and phone numbers, addresses, and licenses required.
Organic certification helps ensure that agricultural products have been grown and processed according to strict standards that promote ecological balance, conserve biodiversity, and protect natural resources. Certification allows farmers to market their produce as organic, fetch premium prices, and access lucrative export markets. The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) and the National Centre of Organic Farming (NCOF) oversee the certification system in India.
APEDA (Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority): APEDA is the main agency under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry responsible for promoting the export of organic products and managing the certification process.
Address: APEDA, 3rd Floor, NCUI Building 3, Siri Institutional Area, August Kranti Marg, New Delhi - 110016, India.
Phone: +91-11-26513204 / +91-11-26514572
Website: www.apeda.gov.in
NPOP (National Programme for Organic Production): NPOP operates under APEDA and provides standards for organic farming, including the certification of organic production.
NCOF (National Centre of Organic Farming): NCOF, under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare, focuses on capacity building, training, and developing organic farming practices across the country.
Address: NCOF, CGO Complex, Kamla Nehru Nagar, Ghaziabad - 201002, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Phone: +91-120-2764212 / +91-120-2764906
Participatory Guarantee System (PGS): PGS is a locally focused certification scheme for domestic organic produce. It is simpler and less expensive than third-party certification and is suitable for small farmers selling locally.
Third-Party Certification (NPOP Certification): Third-party certification is required for exports and markets where international standards must be met. This type of certification follows the guidelines of the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) and is managed by APEDA.
Farmers or producers must apply to a government-approved certification body to initiate the certification process. APEDA has authorized several third-party certification bodies that farmers can choose from. Here are a few certification bodies recognized by APEDA:
OneCert International Pvt. Ltd.
Address: E-172, Ind. Area, Phase 8B, Mohali, Punjab - 160059, India.
Phone: +91-172-5055673
Website: www.onecertasia.in
Control Union Certifications
Address: 602, 6th Floor, Copia Corporate Suites, Jasola District Centre, New Delhi - 110025, India.
Phone: +91-11-65651818
Website: www.controlunion.com
IMO Control Pvt. Ltd.
Address: 52B, Okhla Industrial Area, Phase III, New Delhi - 110020, India.
Phone: +91-11-49070900
Website: www.imo-control.com
The applicant must fill out the application form with the required details, including farm location, crops grown, and farming practices employed.
Once the application is submitted, the certification body will review it and provide a service agreement. The applicant must agree to the terms and provide the necessary documentation, which includes:
Land ownership documents
Previous crop history
Farm maps
Details of farming inputs used
A field inspection is conducted by the certification body to verify that the farm adheres to organic farming practices as outlined by NPOP standards. During the inspection, all farming practices, input materials, and records are evaluated to ensure compliance.
The inspection process typically includes:
Verification of farming inputs (e.g., organic fertilizers, bio-pesticides)
Evaluation of soil health, water management, and pest control methods
Recordkeeping and traceability of organic practices
For land to be considered organic, it must undergo a conversion period, during which no prohibited substances (e.g., synthetic pesticides or chemical fertilizers) can be applied. The conversion period usually lasts for two-to-three years, depending on the condition of the land and its historical and cultural methods of pest control.
Once the inspection is completed and the conversion period is met, the certification body reviews the inspection report and decides whether the farm can be certified organic. If all requirements are met, the farmer is awarded an organic certificate that allows them to market their produce as organic under the NPOP label.
The certification body will also issue a Scope Certificate that lists the certified products, validity, and conditions of certification.
After certification, periodic inspections and audits are conducted to ensure continued compliance with organic standards. Farmers are required to maintain records of farming activities, inputs used, and sales of organic produce. Non-compliance can lead to suspension or revocation of certification.
Application Form: Available from the certification body’s website.
Farm Map and Land Ownership Proof: Required to show farm boundaries and land details.
Input Records: Details of all inputs used on the farm (e.g., fertilizers, seeds).
Inspection Report: Provided after field inspection.
The cost varies depending on the size of the farm, the crops being certified, and the certification body. Typically, the costs include:
Application Fee: Ranges from INR 2,000 to 5,000.
Inspection Fee: Charged annually, starting from INR 10,000.
Certification Fee: Based on farm size and complexity, ranging from INR 10,000 to 20,000.
Government schemes such as the Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) provide financial assistance to small and marginal farmers seeking organic certification, helping cover the costs involved in certification.
APEDA Helpline: +91-11-26514572
NCOF Helpline: +91-120-2764906
PGS-India Helpline: +91-120-2764212
For assistance, farmers can also contact the nearest Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) or Common Service Centre (CSC), which can help with applying and understanding the process.
The organic farm certification process in India ensures that agricultural products meet stringent quality standards, making them healthier for consumers and more sustainable for the environment. While the process may seem complex, certification bodies and government programs are available to help farmers navigate each step. Organic certification not only helps in accessing premium markets but also supports the growing movement towards sustainable agriculture.
Farmers interested in getting their produce certified should take advantage of the resources provided by APEDA, NCOF, and certification bodies to simplify the journey. As the demand for organic products continues to grow both in India and globally, becoming certified can open new opportunities for farmers and agribusinesses.
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Erica is a seasoned content writer and journalist with a deep passion for transforming complex topics into compelling, relatable narratives. Since launching her writing career in 2009, she has championed the power of storytelling to educate, inspire, and connect with readers on a personal level. Erica excels at diving deep into subjects through meticulous research, then crafting stories that are not only informative but also unforgettable. With expertise in marketing, education, sustainable medicine, pregnancy, and motherhood, she has a unique ability to create content that resonates deeply with her audience. Erica is particularly passionate about how advancements in these fields can empower women, enhance their well-being, and create lasting positive impacts.
Erica is a seasoned content writer and journalist with a deep passion for transforming complex topics into compelling, relatable narratives. Since launching her writing career in 2009, she has championed the power of storytelling to educate, inspire, and connect with readers on a personal level. Erica excels at diving deep into subjects through meticulous research, then crafting stories that are not only informative but also unforgettable. With expertise in marketing, education, sustainable medicine, pregnancy, and motherhood, she has a unique ability to create content that resonates deeply with her audience. Erica is particularly passionate about how advancements in these fields can empower women, enhance their well-being, and create lasting positive impacts.
