APEDA has strongly refuted allegations made during a recent press briefing that questioned the integrity of India’s organic certification system, particularly concerning organic cotton. The authority clarified that National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP), under which organic certification in India is carried out, follows a robust third-party certification process that is globally recognized by the European Commission, Switzerland, and accepted by Great Britain. Moreover, the programme is not limited to cotton or a single state, as alleged.
Launched in 2001 by Department of Commerce, under Ministry of Commerce & Industry, NPOP is implemented by APEDA (Agriculture & Processed Food Products Export Development Authority) and governs export of organic products from India. Responding to the briefing, APEDA firmly stated that neither it nor the Department of Commerce provides any subsidy to farmers under NPOP. The claims of a subsidy of Rs 50,000 per hectare and related projections were described as entirely baseless and lacking any factual basis.
APEDA further highlighted the wide national coverage of the NPOP. 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. These groups are engaged in cultivating a variety of crops such as cereals, pulses, oilseeds, tea, coffee, and spices, proving that the programme’s reach goes far beyond just cotton or Madhya Pradesh, as alleged.
The certification process under NPOP is carried out by 37 accredited Certification Bodies, including 14 state agencies. These bodies ensure compliance at every stage of organic supply chain. The system requires Internal Control Systems (ICS) to conduct biannual internal inspections of farmers, along with an annual audit conducted by the certification body. Sampling plans for audits are based on risk assessments, with provisions for additional inspections whenever necessary.
In addition, APEDA, through the National Accreditation Body (NAB), conducts unannounced audits and evaluations of operators and grower groups based on complaints or risk-based assessments. This multi-layered system of checks and balances ensures integrity and transparency throughout the certification process.
The authority also clarified that cotton is covered under NPOP only up to the production stage. Post-production activities such as ginning and processing fall under private certification systems.
APEDA admitted that, as with any regulatory framework, instances of non-compliance have been reported. However, stringent actions have been taken against certification bodies and grower groups involved in willful violations. 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.
Reaffirming its commitment to maintaining a credible, transparent, and internationally recognized organic certification system, APEDA stated that all violations are investigated thoroughly and penalized in accordance with NPOP regulations, following the principles of natural justice.
APEDA expressed concern over sweeping, unsubstantiated allegations that risk undermining public confidence in India’s organic certification system. It urged 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.
