Organic food is increasingly gaining attention across the world and has potential to grow in India despite a number of challenges.
Organic products are generally recognised as those that emerge from raw products that are grown in a sustainable manner, without or with minimal adulterants. In food, thus, organic products are those whose agricultural processes follow a principle of not using chemicals or fertilisers, with a focus on ethical practices for the environment. In India, some traditional methods of farming have incorporated this form of agriculture, yet incorporating such practices into manufactured and processed food has also become an important aspect to be looked into. A National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) exists for accreditation of certification bodies as well as for looking after promotion and implementation of standards of production. With the help of growing interest by private bodies, India looks at expanding the scope of organic processed food.
In figures
As per data available through the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), India’s production of certified organic products as of 2015-2016, stands around 1.35 metric tonnes (MT). Varying products such as organic cotton and functional food products are also counted in this, along with food products such as oil seeds, cereals and millets, pulses, medicinal plants, tea, fruits, spices, dry fruits, vegetables and coffee. Madhya Pradesh (Centre) has been marked with largest agricultural area covered under organic certification, with Himachal Pradesh (North) and Rajasthan (West) following at second and third position respectively.
This story is from the September - November 2017 edition of Biz@India.
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This story is from the September - November 2017 edition of Biz@India.
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