Indian agriculture has always been the backbone of our economy, but in recent years it has been moving toward a crisis due to several factors. Climate change, soil degradation, shortage of irrigation water, and the harmful effects of chemical farming have not only reduced crop yields but also negatively impacted farmers’ income and health. Understanding this grave situation, the Government of Andhra Pradesh took a historic step by establishing the Andhra Pradesh State Organic Products Certification Authority (APSOPCA) on 23rd February 2022. This initiative was not just a government order but a new dawn for farmers.
The purpose of APSOPCA was to encourage farmers in Andhra Pradesh to adopt sustainable, natural, and organic farming. This institution has not only worked to increase farmers’ incomes but also taken several measures to make them self-reliant. APSOPCA functions as a bridge between the government and farmers, ensuring that their produce meets quality standards and also finds proper markets.
Krishi Jagran held an exclusive conversation with Dr. Yadalapalli Satish, Director of APSOPCA, to highlight its work and the benefits it has brought to farmers. Here’s the key snippet:
Q: Which major problem of farmers does APSOPCA solve?
A: Earlier, farmers practicing organic farming often did not get the right value for their efforts. Buyers doubted the quality of their products since they lacked an official certificate. APSOPCA has solved this issue at its root. The authority has established itself as a recognized body under three major certification schemes, enabling farmers to access both national and international markets. Now, farmers can certify their crops not just as produce from their fields but as branded products that meet global standards.
Q: What benefits are farmers getting because of APSOPCA?
A: The establishment of APSOPCA has brought many positive changes in the lives of farmers. These changes are not just economic but also social and technological:
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Higher product value: Certified organic products fetch 15–20% higher prices in the market. This ensures farmers receive fair value for their produce, strengthening their economic condition.
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Direct stakeholder linkages: APSOPCA connects farmers directly with traders, exporters, and government departments. This reduces the role of middlemen and ensures farmers get the full benefit of their hard work.
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Strong traceability system: APSOPCA has developed a web-based Traceability 2.0 system and a mobile app, which allow consumers to track products. This boosts consumer trust and ensures farmers get fair value.
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Knowledge and confidence building: APSOPCA not only provides certification but also trains farmers in modern and sustainable farming practices. This enhances their self-confidence and self-reliance.
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Self-reliance and dignity: Farmers are now focusing not just on yield but also on quality and market value. This strengthens their position and respect in society.
Q: What are the three major certification schemes?
A: APSOPCA offers farmers three levels of certification options, based on their needs and market requirements. Farmers can choose according to their situation:
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IndG.A.P. (India Good Agricultural Practices) Certification
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Farmers who use agrochemicals and fertilizers partially, as recommended by universities, can opt for this certification.
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The biggest advantage is that certified products can be exported to more than 130 countries.
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In 2024–25, about 3,495 farmers under 163 FPOs in Andhra Pradesh benefited from this scheme, cultivating around 2,621.17 hectares and producing more than 9,219.22 metric tons of certified products.
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NPOP (National Programme for Organic Production) Organic Certification
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Under this scheme, farmers who practice fully organic farming receive organic certification after three years.
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This certification is especially significant because its standards are equivalent to those of the European Union and Switzerland, allowing export to more than 50 countries.
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In 2024–25, about 18,953 farmers from 44 farmer groups in Andhra Pradesh and other states got over 1,42,248.46 metric tons of produce certified.
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Along with Andhra Pradesh, states like Telangana, Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Union Territories like Andaman, Puducherry, and Lakshadweep can also obtain organic certification through APSOPCA.
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PGS-India (Participatory Guarantee System) Certification
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This certification is designed for small and marginal farmers who cannot afford expensive certification costs.
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Under this system, farmers collectively inspect each other’s fields and certify their produce.
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In 2025, 335 farmers from 55 local groups were certified under this scheme.
Q: How much does certification cost per acre?
A: If a farmer applies for certification individually, the fee is Rs 3,500. For farmer groups (FPOs), the fee is Rs 55,000, covering 25 to 500 farmers. Group certification reduces costs significantly. The certificate is valid for one year.
Q: How has your plan for organic and natural farming progressed in Andhra Pradesh?
A: Currently, about 1 million farmers in Andhra Pradesh are practicing organic and natural farming across nearly 700,000 acres. Our next goal is to motivate 5 million farmers to adopt organic and natural farming by next year. This step will not only strengthen farmers’ financial positions but also raise the state’s agricultural system to global standards.
Q: What are APSOPCA’s future plans?
A: At present, we are functioning as a certification agency mainly for crop certification. But in the future, we plan to expand APSOPCA’s scope to other areas such as livestock, processing, and trading.
Q: What should farmers do if they want certification?
A: Farmers who wish to obtain certification can contact us through APSOPCA’s official website www.apsopca.org or via email at [email protected].
Q: What advice would you like to give farmers about organic and natural farming?
A: My advice is that farmers should start adopting organic and natural farming on a small scale and gradually expand it with patience. Initially, yields may decrease slightly, but as farmers begin to get fair value for their efforts, their profits will increase and their economic situation will strengthen. I suggest that farmers dedicate 25–30% of their land to organic farming at first and gradually increase it. Organic farming is not only beneficial for the environment but also makes farmers self-reliant.
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