Here's an analysis of who decides what is
"organic" in India, based on the provided sources:
The primary regulatory bodies governing organic
certification in India are the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export
Development Authority (APEDA) and the National Programme for Organic Production
(NPOP).
APEDA is an autonomous body established by the
Government of India to promote the export of agricultural and processed food
products.
NPOP, launched by the Government of India, sets
the standards for organic production and certification within the
country.
Role of NPOP
APEDA's role is primarily focused on facilitating
the export of organic products. It oversees the certification
process for organic products, ensuring they meet international organic
standards. APEDA grants the "India Organic" certification
mark to eligible organic products, which signifies compliance with NPOP
standards. This certification is crucial for Indian organic
producers seeking access to the global organic market.
NPOP establishes the criteria and requirements for
organic certification in India. It lays down comprehensive standards
for the production and processing of organic products, covering aspects like
soil management, crop rotation, pest control, and livestock management. To
claim a product as organic in India, it must be certified under the NPOP. Certified
organic products bear the "India Organic" logo. NPOP also
accredits certification bodies responsible for assessing and certifying organic
producers and processors.
Certification Bodies
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India
(FSSAI) introduced the Jaivik Bharat logo to help consumers identify authentic
organic food.
Jaivik Bharat
Certification bodies, accredited by APEDA under
the NPOP, play a crucial role in determining what is considered organic. These
bodies conduct inspections and audits to verify compliance with NPOP
standards. Examples of certification bodies mentioned in the
provided sources include INDOCERT, ECOCERT India, and Food Chain ID (CERT ID
India Private Limited).
Summary
In India, the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP), under the purview of the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), sets the standards for organic production and certification. Certification bodies accredited by APEDA are responsible for assessing and certifying organic producers, ensuring compliance with NPOP standards.