India's Organic Agricultural Exports

India's Organic Agricultural Exports

India's organic agricultural sector has emerged as a vital component of its export economy, driven by global demand for sustainable and health-conscious products. This note provides a comprehensive analysis, covering the rise of organic farming, top exported products, key destinations, government initiatives, and future projections, ensuring a thorough understanding for stakeholders and enthusiasts alike.

Overview of India's Organic Agriculture

India's organic agriculture has seen significant growth, positioning the country as a global leader. According to the Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL) and International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM) 2023 Yearbook, India ranks second in terms of organic agricultural land and first in the number of organic farmers, with over 4.43 million farmers as per the Economic Survey 2022-2023 (Organic Industry Market Report 2021). The export volume reached over 312,000 metric tons in the financial year 2023, as reported by Statista (India's export volume), with a value of approximately USD 1 billion in 2020-21, reflecting a 51% increase from the previous year, as noted by the Press Information Bureau (Organic exports rise).

 

Top Organic Products Exported

The diversity of India's organic exports is a testament to its varied agro-climatic conditions. The following table outlines the leading organic products, based on recent data and industry reports:

 

Product	Details
Organic Cotton	Significant exports, with Madhya Pradesh leading in sustainable practices, valued for eco-friendly textiles.
Organic Rice	Includes non-basmati and basmati, meeting global demand for quality grains, with 8,250 shipments of organic basmati rice in 2023-24 (Organic Basmati Rice).
Organic Spices	Includes turmeric, cumin, and coriander, with exports valued at part of the USD 4.46 billion spice market in 2023-24 (Spice exports).
Organic Tea and Coffee	Appreciated globally, with organic green tea exports at 344 shipments in 2023-24, mainly to the USA and Germany (Organic Green Tea).
Organic Oilseeds	Includes sesame and flax seeds, with exports rising by over 20% to Rs 10,900 crore in 2022-23 (Oilseeds industry).

These products align with the top 10 organic exports identified by The Hindu Business Line, including processed food, oil seeds, cereals, and spices, reflecting a broad market appeal (Indian organic produce).

Export Destinations

The primary destinations for India's organic exports are well-established, with the USA, European Union, Canada, Great Britain, and Australia leading the list. According to APEDA and industry reports, these countries account for a significant share, with the USA absorbing 50% and the EU 37% of exports by value between 2019-22 (Export Potential). This distribution is driven by high demand for certified organic products, with additional markets like China also emerging, exporting 1,062.15 metric tons valued at $2.37 million during the same period.

Government Initiatives and Future Projections

The Indian government has implemented several initiatives to bolster organic exports, with the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) being central. Managed by APEDA under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, NPOP ensures quality assurance through accreditation of certification bodies and promotes organic farming (NPOP details). Launched in 2001, it has grown the certified organic area from 42,000 hectares in 2003-04 to over 1.45 million hectares by 2016-17, as per Jaivik Bharat (NPOP features).

Future projections are ambitious, with Union Minister Piyush Goyal announcing at the launch of the 8th edition of NPOP in January 2025 a target to triple exports to Rs 20,000 crore by 2028, from the current Rs 5,000-6,000 crore annually. This projection, while optimistic, is supported by initiatives like reduced conversion times for organic farming and flexibility for farmers, aiming to position India as a global organic hub.

 

Conclusion

India's organic agricultural exports are pivotal for economic growth and sustainability, with a diverse range of products meeting global demand. The sector's expansion, backed by government programs like NPOP and a projected value of Rs 20,000 crore by 2028, underscores its potential to enhance farmer incomes and promote eco-friendly practices, solidifying India's role in the international organic market.

 

Key Citations

·         India's export volume of organic products 2023