Frequently Asked Questions
It is a system of farming aimed at sustainability and production of healthy and safe farm produce. In organic farming, focus is given to enhancement of soil fertility and biological diversity, prohibiting synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, hormones, antibiotics, and genetically manipulated organisms (GMOs). Organic farming provides safe, toxic residue-free, nutritious and safe food to all.
Due to intensive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, the environment has been polluted to a severe extent. The fertility status of land, quality of water and air is affected
due to conventional farming practices. Unless we take urgent steps to arrest the present degradation of soil and environment, the future productivity will be in danger. Organic farming is aimed at reversing this dangerous trend and improve sustainable livelihood for farmers and healthy food for consumers.
It is authentication of organic production system of a farmer, or farmer group, processor, or trader by a third-party accredited by the Government of India. It provides assurance to the consumer that the production system has been subjected to audit and review. It provides the much-needed trust to the consumer about the organic products. The farmer gets Organic Certificate and Organic label after subjecting his land to a conversion process. During the 2 or 3 years of conversion period the farmer’s land goes through all the desirable organic, natural production practices. Apart from avoiding chemicals, the farmer uses natural inputs for crop nutrition and crop protection, adopts cultural practices and natural cycles in the farming system. This will enhance the fertility of land and biodiversity within the soil and above the soil. Such soils will produce healthy organic food and other agricultural produce.
Generally, there are two types of Organic Certification Systems available. The first one is the third-party certification caried out by accredited organic certification bodies. This is helpful for operators who aim at connecting to big domestic and export markets. As per Government of India’s orders, any product exported out of this country with Organic label, must be certified by APEDA accredited third-party certification body as per NPOP Standards.
Apart from direct exporters, there are domestic bulk buyers, who aggregate organically certified products to build exportable volumes and supply to exporters. They may also require third-party certified products as per NPOP standards. This certification system is monitored by APEDA, Ministry of Commerce.
The other system of certification is PGS-Organic. This is mainly useful for small farmers who produce organically for local markets. This is a quality assurance initiative that is locally relevant, emphasize the participation of stakeholders, including producers and consumers and operate outside the frame of third-party certification. This system also follows the same NPOP standard but inspected by nominated group members themselves. Farmers in the group make a pledge that they will follow organic production methods meticulously and allow other stake holders like local traders and consumers also to participate in the certification system to increase trust and confidence. The group members will pay a small service charge to the local regional council for all the paperwork and other services. It is affordable to small farmers.
Chola organic certification is mainly in the third-party certification activity. If any farmer wishes to have PGS-Certification, Chola will give the necessary connection and assistance.
Apart from direct exporters, there are domestic bulk buyers, who aggregate organically certified products to build exportable volumes and supply to exporters. They may also require third-party certified products as per NPOP standards. This certification system is monitored by APEDA, Ministry of Commerce.
The other system of certification is PGS-Organic. This is mainly useful for small farmers who produce organically for local markets. This is a quality assurance initiative that is locally relevant, emphasize the participation of stakeholders, including producers and consumers and operate outside the frame of third-party certification. This system also follows the same NPOP standard but inspected by nominated group members themselves. Farmers in the group make a pledge that they will follow organic production methods meticulously and allow other stake holders like local traders and consumers also to participate in the certification system to increase trust and confidence. The group members will pay a small service charge to the local regional council for all the paperwork and other services. It is affordable to small farmers.
Chola organic certification is mainly in the third-party certification activity. If any farmer wishes to have PGS-Certification, Chola will give the necessary connection and assistance.
Yes, the organic status must be inspected and certified every year by paying the required fee. Failure to renew the certificate will end up in losing the organic status of the operation.
When a farmer switches from conventional farming to organic farming, he has to bring his land to organic status through a conversion process. For annual field crops, the land must be under organic practice for at least 24 months period. For perennial crops, it takes 36 months conversion period. The crops grown after this conversion period is eligible for “ORGANIC” status. Then only the operator can label his/her product as organic and market with India Organic label. During the conversion period, the operator can use the words like “In-conversion -Ist Year” or “In-conversion-II year” and so on.
