PROMOTION OF PRODUCTION AND TRADE IN INDIA
To
promote organic farming and export of organic products Department of Commerce,
Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, New Delhi has already launched a “National
Programme for Organic Production” in May 2001.
Under this programme, Ministry of Commerce is promoting organic farming
for export purpose and has established a regulatory mechanism which covers
fixing of standards for organic cultivation, accreditation of certification
agencies and inspection etc. At present APEDA and five commodity boards are
serving as accreditation agencies and four certification agencies have been
approved.
The
Department of Agriculture and Cooperation, Ministry of Agriculture has
formulated a scheme for X plan for giving a major push to organic farming in
the country. The scheme envisages setting up of a National Institute of Organic
Farming (NIOF) which will be responsible for promotion of organic farming,
setting standards wherever necessary, expanding the regulatory mechanism to
cover the requirements of small and marginal farmers etc. The Ministry of
Commerce and its agencies will continue to promote export of organic products.
