Uttarakhand

• 26 Feb 2025

Uttarakhand's Organic Exports Decline

Why in News? 

The Confederation of Organic Food Producers and Marketing Agencies (COII) expressed concern over a sharp decline of 66 % in exports of organic products from Uttarakhand. 

Key Points 

• The exports of organic products in Uttarakhand have fallen from 285 tonnes worth Rs 11.6 crore in 2022-23 to 97 tonnes worth Rs.4.2 crore in 2023-24, registering a sharp decrease.  
• Reasons for Decline: 
  • The decline in exports is mainly due to the non-implementation of the declared policy of "Uttarakhand Organic" by the state government.  
  • The continuous migration of people in search of livelihood, as they do not find agriculture economically viable. 
  • The lack of state government’s support to farmers with incentives, mandis, training, and demonstration programs.  
• Initiatives Taken: 
  • MoU signed between COII and GB Pant University to provide organic farming technology to farmers. 
  • Training of 500 farmers and assistance in obtaining organic certification. 
  • Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) should help to hold training programmes in interior parts of the state and buyer-seller meets on a regular basis. 
  • The state government must provide financial help to each farmer switching from synthetic farming to organic farming for at least three years and strengthen the infrastructure. 
• Expected Outcomes: 
  • Once organic farming becomes economically beneficial, horticulture and handicrafts sectors will be revived and a new generation will promote it further to a level of agri-based micro and small industries which will generate new employment opportunities. 

Organic Farming

• About: 
  • Organic farming is an agricultural system that emphasizes the health of soils, ecosystems, and people by avoiding synthetic chemicals and focusing on natural processes.   
  • It relies on ecological cycles, biodiversity, and combines tradition, innovation, and science to promote environmental benefits and fair relationships.  
  • While generally Organic farming avoids external inputs, certification systems allow the use of organic, biological, and mineral supplements when needed. 
• National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP): 
  • The NPOP, launched in 2001 implemented by Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) under the Ministry of Commerce & Industries, focuses on accreditation, organic production standards, and promoting organic farming.  
  • It enhances India's global competitiveness in organic farming. NPOP standards for production and accreditation are recognized by the European Commission and Switzerland, allowing Indian organic products to be accepted internationally. 

 CONFEDERATION OF ORGANIC FOOD PRODUCERS & MARKETING AGENCIES (COII)

• The Confederation of Organic Food Producers & Marketing Agencies (COII) serves as a unifying body for all stakeholders in India's organic sector, including farmers, producers, processing centers, buyers, sellers, exporters, importers, seed and technology providers, financial institutions, and government bodies at both state and central levels. 
• The Confederation, since its inception, has been promoting and protecting the interest of all the stakeholders in the organic food industry and providing a collective voice for the industry.  
• The Confederation promotes the industry’s general ideal, commercial, and business interests, particularly by fighting unfair competition and providing information and changes in technology.