India's organic products exports surge by 50 per cent in 2018-19: APEDA

In 2018-19, India saw a rise of nearly 50 per cent with Rs 5,151 crore (US$ 757 million) in organic product exports.

As per the estimation done by Agriculture and Processed Food Products Exports Development Authority of India (APEDA), flax seeds, sesame, soybean, tea, medicinal plants, rice and pulses i.e. arhar and chana are the key organic food products that drove this growth.

Approximately 2.67 million tonnes of certified organic products are produced in India, including oilseeds, sugarcane, cereals and millets, cotton, pulses, medicinal plants, tea, fruits, spices, dry fruits, vegetables and coffee also produces the organic cotton fiber and functional food products.

"In terms of commodities oilseeds are the single largest category followed by sugar crops, cereals and millets, fibre crops, pulses, medicinal, herbal and aromatic plants and spices and condiments. The total volume of export during 2018-19 was 6.14 lakh tonnes," the statement added.

According to APEDA, as on March 31, 2019, total area under the organic certification process were registered under the National Programme which is basically for Organic Production is stood at 3.56 million hectares. This includes 1.94 million hectare cultivable area and other 1.49 million hectare for wild harvest collection. Along with the statement, APEDA, a statutory body under Ministry of Commerce and Nurberg Messe India are jointly organising Biofach India 2019 from 7th-9th November 2019 and is expected to be attended by more than 6,000 delegation of exporters, processors, retail chain industry, certification bodies and producers.

Disclaimer: This information has been collected through secondary research and IBEF is not responsible for any errors in the same.