According to Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal, India’s organic food exports reached $495 million in FY24. Therefore, the stakeholders must focus on five important areas to increase the country’s position in the organic export market.
These five key domains include packaging, labeling, logistics, branding, and certification and testing.
During his keynote speech at the three-day ‘BIOFACH INDIA 2024’ event, which was held in conjunction with the ‘NATURAL EXPO INDIA’ and ‘MILLETS INDIA’ exhibitions in Greater Noida until August 5, the Commerce Secretary also brought up the recent Union Budget allocation for the establishment of 100 labs for quality checking and food quality, which will aid the industry in matching international standards.
“The Ministry is also working on mutual recognition agreements (MRAs) on organics with key countries to facilitate organic exports,” he stated.
The first-ever bilateral MRA for organic products was executed between Taiwan and India last month; it included organic items on both sides.
‘BIOFACH INDIA’, now in its 16th year, was organized in collaboration with Nuernberg Messe and APEDA (Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority).
According to APEDA Chairman Abhishek Dev, the country’s enormous agricultural diversity, rising consumer demand for organic food products, and rising health consciousness all contribute to the possibility for Indian organic products to take a bigger portion of the global market.
“We want to spread knowledge and awareness about the advantages of these practices for the environment, our local communities, and our health,” Dev stated.
As Sonia Prashar, Managing Director and Chairperson of the Board, NuernbergMesse India, pointed out, the event has been instrumental in putting the Indian organic sector on a worldwide stage and driving the growth of regional markets concurrently.
