Organic cotton certification process under NPOP is not misleading, as asserted; international community acknowledges its recognition
The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has expressed concern over unsubstantiated allegations that risk undermining public confidence in India's organic certification system. However, APEDA reaffirms its commitment to maintaining a credible, transparent, and internationally recognized organic certification system through the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP).
Launched in 2001 by the Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, NPOP aims to promote the export of organic products through a system of accredited certification bodies and standards for organic production. As of July 19, 2025, there are 4,712 active grower groups covering nearly 19.3 lakh certified organic farmers across 31 States and Union Territories in India. These groups are engaged in cultivating a variety of crops such as cereals, pulses, oilseeds, tea, coffee, and spices, moving beyond the focus on cotton.
NPOP standards have received global recognition. They are recognized by the European Commission and Switzerland as equivalent to their own standards for unprocessed plant products, and are also accepted by Great Britain. India also has a Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) for organic products with Taiwan. This international recognition allows organics certified under NPOP to be accepted by multiple importing countries.
To accommodate small and marginal farmers, NPOP introduced the grower group certification system in 2005. Currently, 37 certification bodies (including 14 state certification bodies) operate under NPOP to certify organic operators. These bodies ensure compliance at every stage of the organic supply chain.
Regarding compliance and non-compliance, NPOP operates on a robust third-party certification model with accredited certification bodies that conduct oversight and certification across the value chain. APEDA has admitted instances of non-compliance in the NPOP system, and stringent actions have been taken against certification bodies and grower groups involved in willful violations. All violations are investigated thoroughly and penalized in accordance with NPOP regulations, following the principles of natural justice.
Recent revisions to the NPOP regulations have introduced stricter norms, including more stringent grower group structures, enhanced monitoring via mobile applications, and tighter regional oversight, particularly for organic cotton certification.
APEDA urges all stakeholders to support the organic movement and uphold the integrity of the regulatory institutions that underpin India's growing presence in the global organic market. By adhering to these standards, India's organic farmers and businesses can continue to benefit from international trade opportunities while maintaining the trust of consumers worldwide.
- The National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) in India, with its comprehensive policy-and-legislation and focus on food-and-drink export, significantly impacts the lifestyle of many farmers and consumers within politics, encouraging general-news coverage.
- APEDA's stance on maintaining a credible organic certification system not only ensures the transparency and international recognition of food-and-drink products but also contributes to strengthening India's policy-and-legislation, influencing both politics and general-news involving food-and-drink and lifestyle.
