Organic Products in India: Sustainable Farming & Health Benefits

1. Organic Products Organic products in India have gained significant momentum over the past few decades, driven by increasing awareness of health, environmental concerns, and sustainable farming practices. The country's rich agricultural heritage, combined with a growing demand for chemical-free, natural produce, has led to the rise of organic farming across various regions. India holds the 2nd rank worldwide in terms of organic agricultural land and 1st rank in the total number of organic farmers. This is indicative of the vast potential to cater the steadily expanding demand for organic products, both within the nation and abroad. Organic food benefits consumers, farmers, and the economy by supporting sustainable, eco-friendly farming practices that reduce carbon footprints and promote biodiversity. Additionally, the rapid growth of the organic food market offers significant economic opportunities for farmers and stakeholders. In India, fibre crops represent the largest segment of organic products, followed by oilseeds, sugar crops, cereals and millets, medicinal and aromatic herbs, spices and seasonings, fresh fruits and vegetables, pulses, along with tea and coffee. Health benefits •Organic farmers use fewer pesticides •Land use on organic farms is more nature-friendly Fewer pesticides •Organic foods often contain higher levels of essential nutrients compared to their counterparts. conventionally grown Higher nutrients •Organic farming methods are more environmentally friendly compared to conventional farming methods, leading to a better quality of life. Better for the environment •Organic fruit and vegetables have no chemicals, so the full benefits of antioxidants consumption. are utilized while Higher amount of anti-oxidants •Organic foods are Genetically modified organisms-free, avoiding potential health risks associated with genetically modified ingredients. Avoiding GMOs Trade statistics States producing Organic Products (2023-24) Sr. No 1 2 3 4 State Name Maharashtra Madhya Pradesh Rajasthan Karnataka Organic Production (in MT) 10,44,382.88 8,49,782.72 3,31,358.02 1,97,328.09

2. 5 6 7 8 9 10 Source: APEDA website Gujarat Uttar Pradesh Odisha Uttarakhand Kerala Bihar 1,76,551.25 1,59,149.53 1,37,635.67 44,745.43 41,128.53 39,937.73 India produced around 3.6 million MT during 2023-24 of certified organic products. Major organic production is led by Maharashtra, with 10,44,382.88 MT, followed by Madhya Pradesh at 8,49,782.72 MT. Rajasthan at 3,31,358.02 MT and Karnataka at 1,97,328.09 MT are also major contributors. Other states like Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, and Odisha produce significant organic quantities, with Uttarakhand, Kerala, and Bihar contributing smaller amounts. Key Export Destinations (2023-24) Sr. No Country Name Exported (in MT) 102,463 75,098 14,251 13,718 12,348 3,226 11,075 1,016 9,390 1,931 2,44,516 Quantity Total Value (in Rs. crore) 1,954 1,312 163 161 66 64 53 45 39 20 3877 Total Value (in US$ million) 241 162 20 20 8 8 7 6 5 2 479 U.S. A European Union Canada Great Britain Sri Lanka Switzerland Vietnam Australia Thailand New Zealand 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Total Source: APEDA website India's total volume of export during 2023-24 was 2,61,029 MT. India's Export is led by U.S. being the largest market, accounting for 102,462.72 MT valued at Rs.1,953.97 Crore (US$ 241.23 million), followed by European Union accounting for 75,097.56 MT at Rs.1,312.39 Crore (US$ 162.02 Million). Canada accounting for 14,251.38 MT at Rs.162.81 Crore (US$ 20.1 Millions) and Great Britain accounting for 13,717.87 MT at Rs.161.28 crore (US$ 19.91 Million). Smaller markets such as Sri Lanka, Switzerland, and Vietnam also import significant quantities. showcasing strong global demand for Indian organic goods. Govt initiatives to promote the production and export of the commodity •Mission (MOVCDNER):It is a sub-mission of the National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) designed to establish organic value chains specific to various crop commodities and to tackle issues in organic crop production, wild crop harvesting, organic livestock management, and processing, among others. Under MOVCDNER, financial assistance of Rs.10,000/Ha (US$ 118.03 /Ha) for three years is provided for training, handholding and ICS documentation, and farmers organic value chain development for Northeast region

3. are given aid of Rs. 32,500/Ha (US$ 383.17/Ha) for three years for off-farm/on- farm organic inputs. The scheme also offers targeted support for different components based on specific needs. The scheme focuses on promoting certified organic production through a value chain approach, connecting producers with consumers. It supports the entire value chain, including inputs, seed supply, certification, and the establishment of infrastructure for collection, aggregation, processing, marketing, and brand development. •Jaivik Kheti, an organic e-commerce: In this scheme, the Ministry of agriculture and farmers Welfare, along with MSTC, directly links farmers with retailers as well as bulk buyers. The portal acts as a knowledge platform, posting case studies, videos, best farming practices, etc and also connects diverse stakeholders, including regional councils, farmer groups, individual growers, buyers, government bodies, and input providers, to foster the comprehensive growth and promotion of organic farming. •The National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP):Administered by APEDA, this initiative focuses on accrediting certification bodies, establishing standards for organic production and packaging, and promoting organic farming and marketing, among other activities. With accredited certification bodies of India, Indian organic products are accepted by the importing countries. Additionally, APEDA is actively negotiating with countries such as South Korea, Taiwan, Canada, and Japan to expand market access. •Production Linked Incentive Scheme for Food Processing Industry (PLISFPI): The second component of the scheme stipulates that Innovative/ Organic product of SMEs, including Free Range - Eggs, Poultry Meat, and Egg Products in these segments. This scheme’s objective is to provide support to food manufacturing companies that meet the specified minimum sales criteria and are prepared to invest the required amount in expanding processing capacities and establishing their brand presence overseas, encouraging the growth of robust Indian brands. Other schemes like Bhartiya Prakritik Kheti Bio-Input Resource Centres, PM Programme for Restoration, Awareness, Nourishment and Amelioration of Mother Earth (PM-PRANAAM), Galvanizing Organic Bio-Agro Resources Dhan (GOBARdhan), support organic and bio-inputs in the country and are encouraging farmers to use organic fertilisers. Outlook India's rapid urbanisation and growth have been a major contributor to the organic sector's growth in the past. India's distinct demographic characteristics, combined with the government's emphasis on agriculture, will position the country to achieve notable advancements in horticulture and organic farming. The expansion of the organic food

4. market in India is influenced by increased public knowledge of the positive health impacts of organic foods, concerns about the risks of chemical pesticides and fertilizers and rising interest in new farming technologies and sustainable practices. Indian farmers are progressively adopting advance farming technologies, with substantial incentives provided by the government. The emerging Agri-tech ecosystem will further bolster this progress. The significant rise in technological integration, along with India's unique and varied climate, will allow the country to reach new export milestones and enhance its global reputation.