Apeda seeks to step up organic produce exports

The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (Apeda) is working with state governments to devise a strategy to boost export of organic farm produce, said a senior official from the government body.

“We are working to devise a state-centric plan for organic food exports,” he said.

In this process, exporters would connect directly with farmers to tie up for exports, and would guide them to grow crops in accordance with specific country norms.

At present, different countries have different residual norms for import of farm and food products, the official said.

India’s export of basmati rice has taken a hit due to strict residual norms for Tricyclazole in Eurozone and countries like US, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Jordon and Lebanon.

Therefore, it is important to educate and give proper guidelines to growers to meet norms of key importing countries. This would benefit both - farmers and exporters, the official said.

To boost export of organic farm and food products from India, the Apeda is working to increase the number of accredited laboratories that give certification. At present, there are 30 laboratories in India that give organic certification.

“We are working towards end-to-end certification for organic food, which means certification for organic would be given right from the farm level to cover the entire value chain including post-harvest management services,” he said.

There is huge potential to boost export of organic farm and food products from the country, he added.

India exports around 4.5 lakh tonnes of organic products annually to countries like the US, Canada, Switzerland, Australia, Israel, South Korea, Vietnam, New Zealand, Japan and European Union.

The country produces organic products like oilseeds, sugarcane, cereals, millets, cotton, pulses, medicinal plants, tea, fruits, spices, dry fruits, vegetables, coffee, and some other food products.