In accordance with the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (MoA&FW), India ranked first in number of organic farmers and 9th in terms of area under organic farming. Notably, Sikkim was the first state in the world to become completely organic and other states including Tripura and Uttarakhand have set targets to be on the same line.
Key Points:
-In 2015, two dedicated programs namely Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North East Region (MOVCD) and Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) were launched to encourage chemical free farming.
-The export from Assam, Mizoram, Manipur and Nagaland to the United Kingdom (UK), United States of America (USA), Swaziland (Eswatini) and Italy has increased due to demand for health foods.
-The logos of Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), Jaivik Bharat / PGS (Participatory Guarantee System) Organic India marks the authenticity of the produce. PGS Green is given to chemical free produce under transition to ‘organic’ which takes 3 years.
-The major organic exports from India have been flax seeds, sesame, soybean, tea, medicinal plants, rice and pulses.
-In 2018-19, organic exports increased by nearly 50% to Rs 5151 crore.
-Under One District One Produce concept government is trying to develop more clusters of organic produce
-Jaivik Kheti Portal was launched for farmers to sell all of their organic produce promoting organic farming globally.
-Webinars are conducted by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) on Organic Farming.
Recent Related News:
Narendra Singh Tomar inaugurated the ‘World Class State of Art Honey Testing Laboratory’ virtually. This is considered to be the first Government Honey Testing lab in India. The testing lab was established by National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) in Anand, Gujarat with support of NBB (National Bee Board).
About Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (MoA&FW):
Union Minister– Narendra Singh Tomar
Minister of State (MoS) for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare– Parshottambhai Rupala
MoS for Agriculture, Cooperation & Farmers Welfare– Kailash Choudhary
