New Delhi, January 10, 2025 - Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has announced an ambitious target for India's organic product exports, aiming to increase the current export value from Rs 5,000-6,000 crore to a robust Rs 20,000 crore over the next three years. This declaration came during the launch of the 8th edition of the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP), which introduces new regulations aimed at enhancing clarity, transparency, and alignment with global standards.
Goyal highlighted the significant growth potential within the organic sector, stating, "India has the potential to triple exports of organic produce in the next three years as more and more farmers enter organic farming." The minister pointed out that the global demand for organic products is currently around Rs 1 lakh crore, with forecasts suggesting this could escalate to Rs 10 lakh crore in the coming years, presenting a unique opportunity for India to capture a larger share of the international market.
The initiative is supported by a series of government efforts including skill development, training, and export facilitation for farmers and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs). These measures are intended to not only boost export volumes but also to improve the income of organic farmers, who currently number the largest in the world with India ranking second in terms of area under organic cultivation.
The launch event also saw the unveiling of several digital platforms:
- A dedicated NPOP Portal for better visibility and operational ease.
- TraceNet 2.0, an upgraded traceability system for seamless operations and regulatory oversight.
- An Organic Promotion Portal.
- The redesigned APEDA and AgriXchange portals for enhanced user experience and data analysis on agricultural exports.
These tools are expected to play a pivotal role in streamlining processes, from production to export, thereby supporting the organic farming community in their transition and expansion into international markets.
Goyal emphasized the importance of sustainable farming practices like organic farming, which combat water scarcity and reduce the harmful effects of over-fertilization on soil quality. He encouraged startups to innovate solutions that could further propel the sector, noting the collaborative efforts of the Ministries of Cooperation, Agriculture, and Commerce in this endeavor.
The strategy also aligns with broader governmental goals to make India a leading exporter of organic goods, with an ambition to reach USD 2 billion in organic food exports by 2030. This move is seen not only as an economic booster but also as a step towards sustainable agriculture and environmental conservation.
The announcement has been met with optimism from within the agricultural and trade communities, viewing it as a testament to India's growing prowess in organic production and a signal of strong governmental backing for eco-friendly agricultural practices.
