India Targets ₹20,000 Crore in Organic Produce Exports by 2028
New Delhi: In a bold move to solidify its position in the global organic market, India aims to triple its organic produce exports to ₹20,000 crore by 2028. Union Minister for Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, made this announcement at the launch of the 8th edition of the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP). With a current annual export value of ₹5,000-6,000 crore, India is gearing up to enhance domestic production and ramp up exports to achieve this ambitious milestone.
### India’s Organic Export Vision
Goyal highlighted India’s potential to dominate the global organic market, given its large number of organic farmers and vast organic cultivation area. Despite being the world’s eighth-largest agricultural exporter in 2023, India experienced a slight decline in exports from $51.12 billion in FY23 to $48.77 billion in FY24. However, with a renewed focus on transitioning farmers to organic practices and bolstering support systems, Goyal remains optimistic about India’s ability to reach the ₹20,000 crore mark.
### Government Initiatives and Support
To support this vision, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, in collaboration with the Ministries of Agriculture and Cooperation, is implementing various initiatives. These include skill development programs, training sessions, marketing support, export facilitation, and improved packaging for farmers and farmer producer organizations (FPOs). Additionally, a new agriculture export policy is in the works to boost farm product shipments and increase farmer incomes.
### Enhancing Regulatory Framework
The launch of the new NPOP portal and TraceNet 2.0, a traceability platform, signifies a significant step towards enhancing visibility and operational efficiency in the organic sector. The eighth edition of NPOP introduces farmer-friendly regulations, simplified certification processes, greater transparency, and an upgraded traceability system. These improvements aim to strengthen India’s organic export sector and pave the way for $2 billion in organic food exports by 2030.
### Expert Perspective
Rajesh Agrawal, Additional Secretary of the Department of Commerce and Chairman of the National Accreditation Body (NAB) under NPOP, emphasized the importance of these new initiatives in propelling India towards becoming a global organic food hub. The revised NPOP includes provisions for reduced conversion time from non-organic to organic farming, as well as flexibility for farmers to switch service providers or production groups, ensuring fair compensation.
As India charts its course towards organic export dominance, stakeholders in the sector anticipate a transformative journey that could reshape the country’s agricultural landscape and solidify its position as a key player in the global organic market.
*[Personal Touch]*
Growing up in a rural Indian village, I witnessed the hard work and dedication of local farmers firsthand. The shift towards organic farming not only promises economic benefits but also holds the potential to revolutionize agricultural practices in the country. As we look towards a future of sustainable agriculture and increased organic exports, the journey ahead is filled with promise and possibilities.
