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Source: The post is based on the article “EU audit finds ‘many weaknesses’ in Indian organic products certification” published in The Hindu Business line on 24th May 2023
What is the News?
A European Union (EU) audit has found “many weaknesses” in the certification of Indian organic products exported to the EU.
What are the findings of the EU audit on Indian organic products’ certification?
Farmers know little about organic farming: The audit team found “severe infringements” against the National Programme on Organic Production (NPOP). Farmers who are part of organic producer groups (PGs) know nothing about organic farming,
Note: The EU audit was carried out on the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), which is the coordinator in implementing the National Programme on Organic Production (NPOP).
Application of chemical fertilizers: In many cases, farmers did not even know about their PGs or their internal control system (ICS). They applied unauthorised substances and/or chemical fertilizers.
High degree of non-compliance: The recent unannounced controls by APEDA and the audit team’s own findings show a high degree of non-compliance with the NPOP at producer groups and also witnessed the poor quality of inspections.
Uncertified mandatory: The audit team found that the mandators were not necessarily certified as per the category for which they were supposed to bring their expertise (inspection/training). This could impede the effectiveness of the internal controls.
The report concluded that the production rules of the NPOP are recognised as equivalent by the European Commission. But it is not permanently and effectively applied like it is in the EU.
About Indian organic products’ certification
Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) (under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare) regulates the manufacture, distribution, sale or import of Organic products through the Food Safety and Standards (Organic Foods) Regulations, 2017 (under FSSA 2006).
Various certifications of organic products’ certification:
Participatory Guarantee System (PGS): It is implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. The PGS ensures that organic product production adheres to quality standards.
Under this, the certification is carried out by local groups consisting of producers and consumers and is based on trust. This involves a documented logo or statement as proof of certification.
National Programme on Organic Production (NPOP): It is implemented by APEDA, under the Ministry of Commerce & Industries. It involves accreditation of Certification Bodies and sets standards for organic production. Its Standards have been recognized by the EU, Switzerland, and the US.
Other Programs for Organic Production: a) National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture: It promotes sustainable agriculture, including organic production, b) Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojna (PKVY): The promotes organic farming, c) Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North East Region (MOVCD-NER): It supports the development of organic value chains in the North East region of India.
