India has set an ambitious target to double its exports of organic products to over $1 billion by the fiscal year 2025-26, up from the current $0.5 billion. The focus is on addressing quality concerns in edible products, which have posed more significant challenges than tariff barriers, according to government sources.
Key Initiatives and Developments:
- Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs):
- Existing MRAs with the European Union, China, and Bhutan.
- Negotiations are underway with Qatar to further streamline export processes for edible products, reducing clearances and improving quality parameter understanding.
- Market Access and Quality Control:
- Development of portals for market access and traceability.
- Adoption of IoT-based sampling techniques under the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP).
- Revised NPOP regulations to be launched by Union Home Minister Amit Shah on January 9, 2025, modernizing decade-old guidelines.
- Testing and Certification Enhancements:
- Expansion of ISO-17025 accredited labs from 21 in FY14 to 78 in FY25.
- Export Inspection Council (EIC) has approved 1,446 export establishments, up from 794 over the last decade.
- Export certificates accepted by importing nations increased from 61,000 to over 120,000.
Strategic Focus Areas:
The government aims to bolster exports in segments like fisheries, which face high rejection rates, by ensuring quality improvements and promoting awareness of global standards. These measures are part of a broader effort to position India as a key player in the global organic market.
This push highlights India’s commitment to enhancing its organic export potential through strategic agreements, regulatory updates, and robust quality assurance mechanisms.
