India has the potential to increase exports of organic products to ₹20,000 crore within the next three years, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal stated on Thursday.
He made this announcement while unveiling the eighth edition of the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP), featuring updated regulations aimed at improving clarity and transparency in organic product standards and aligning them with global benchmarks.
"Currently, our organic product exports stand at ₹5,000-6,000 crore. Within three years, we can easily achieve ₹20,000 crore in exports, representing a 3-3.5 times increase from the current level," Goyal said during an event organised in collaboration with the industry body FICCI.
He highlighted that the global demand for organic products is approximately ₹1 lakh crore, which could grow to ₹10 lakh crore in the coming years—a unique opportunity India must seize.
India already has one of the world's largest numbers of farmers engaged in organic farming. Goyal also urged start-ups to develop solutions to drive growth in the sector.
The NPOP, initially introduced in May 2001, has undergone multiple revisions. The eighth edition marks a significant update to the regulatory framework for organic products in India, with the last revision occurring in 2014.
Key features of the eighth edition include farmer-friendly regulations, streamlined certification processes, enhanced transparency, and an upgraded traceability system. It aims to strengthen India's organic export sector with an ambitious target of achieving USD 2 billion in organic food exports by 2030.
Ministers of State for Cooperation Krishan Pal Gurjar and Murlidhar Mohol, Minister of State for Commerce Jitin Prasada, and Cooperation Secretary Ashish Kumar Bhutani also attended the event.
NPOP plays a critical role in bolstering the credibility of organic products in both domestic and international markets. It ensures that agricultural products labelled as "organic" adhere to strict standards, safeguarding consumer interests and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
Overseen by the Commerce Ministry and implemented by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), NPOP is a cornerstone of India's organic farming initiatives.
The launch also featured TraceNet 2.0, an enhanced traceability platform for seamless operations and improved regulatory oversight. Additionally, a dedicated NPOP portal for increased visibility and user convenience, as well as upgraded versions of the APEDA portal and agri exchange portal, were unveiled.
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