siliconindia | | MAY 20258India has proved itself to be a significant part of the global shift toward organic farming, encouraged by growing customer awareness about health, environmental friendliness, and food safety. The country accounts for the world's highest 2.3 million organic farmers and continues to make huge developments in embracing sustainability in agriculture. Government initiatives like the Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) and the National Program for Organic Production (NPOP) have been significant factors in the success of this change.Organic farming, as a method of eliminating the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, ensures enhanced biodiversity and better soil fertility and reduces pollution and is recognized as an increasingly vital component of sustainable agriculture. Increasing awareness among people about organic produce is bringing an increasing trend of demand for such products not only in India but internationally also. Organic farming has the benefits of preservation of the environment, pesticide-free produce for good health, increasing economic opportunities among farmers, and resilience to climatic change.Despite its growing rate, an important question remains: Can organic farming meet surging demand for sustainable food by addressing the issues of scalability and global accessibility? NPOP plays a crucial role in making these advancements possible.NPOP in Promoting Quality and Global TrustA landmark of the Indian organic farming and certification system is the National Program for Organic Production (NPOP), instituted by the Government of India as introduced in 2001 as an umbrella body regulating organic agriculture as a whole. NPOP formulates strict organic farming standards regarding processing and labeling, which is followed from top to bottom through the production chain. These standards encompass various aspects such as soil health, crop rotation, pest control, and livestock management. These promote sustainability and ecological balance. Products certified under NPOP carry the 'India Organic' logo, which is a mark of trust, thereby assuring consumers of strict organic guidelines followed.The other vital aspect of NPOP is authorization to the certification bodies that undertake organic producer and processor evaluations. This certification agency evaluates these producers thoroughly, ensures all its guidelines followed, and therefore, the produce is labeled organic. The program also provides market access to the products both domestically and internationally. Global recognition for NPOP standards ensures that India's organic produce meets international standards, thereby strengthening exports and developing the credibility of India as an authentic supplier of organic products.Through NPOP, increases consumer trust and confidence due to the guarantee of quality and authenticity by the 'India Organic' logo. NPOP working in tandem with bodies such as APEDA facilitates the streamlined export of certified organic products, making India an indispensable player in the global organic market.India's NPOP Revision Boosts Global Organic ExportsThe National Program for Organic Production is the bedrock of India's organic farming and certification ecosystem. It was established in 2001 by the Government of India as a comprehensive organic agriculture regulatory structure. NPOP defines a very robust set of standards for organic farming, processing, and labeling to ensure that the whole production chain is maintained in its integrity and quality. These standards EDITORIAL EXCLUSIVENPOP'S ROLE IN SHAPING INDIA'S ORGANIC FUTUREM R Yuvatha, Senior Correspondent, siliconindia
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