New Delhi, July 28, 2025 — The Agriculture & Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has strongly refuted recent allegations casting doubt on India’s organic cotton certification system. The remarks made by an opposition leader were labeled as “unfounded, misleading, and damaging” by the authority.
India’s Organic Certification Is Globally Recognized
India’s National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP), launched in 2001, is one of the most comprehensive certification systems in the world. It is implemented under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry and managed by APEDA.
The NPOP is not only nationally accepted but is also recognized by the European Commission, Switzerland, and Great Britain. India also has a Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) with Taiwan for organic products.
Third-Party Certification Ensures Transparency
Organic certification under the NPOP relies on a third-party certification system. This system audits the entire supply chain—right from farm to storage.
Currently, there are 37 accredited Certification Bodies in India. These include 14 State Certification Bodies, all responsible for inspecting and certifying organic operators within their scope.
Widespread Adoption Across 31 States
Contrary to claims that organic farming is concentrated only in Madhya Pradesh and only for cotton, organic farming is spread across 31 States and Union Territories. Cotton is just one of the many crops covered under the system.
As of July 19, 2025, 4,712 grower groups have been certified under the NPOP, encompassing over 19.29 lakh farmers. These farmers grow a variety of crops including cereals, pulses, tea, coffee, spices, and oilseeds—not just cotton.
No Subsidy for Organic Farmers Under NPOP
APEDA clarified that neither it nor the Department of Commerce provides any subsidy under the NPOP. Claims such as subsidies of ₹50,000 per hectare are “baseless and misleading.”
Robust Monitoring of Grower Groups
Under the NPOP, grower groups are managed by Internal Control Systems (ICS). These systems are required to perform biannual internal inspections.
Additionally, Certification Bodies conduct annual audits, including both office and on-ground farm inspections. These are done using risk-based sampling plans.
Multi-Layer Oversight by APEDA and NAB
Certification Bodies themselves are closely monitored by the National Accreditation Body (NAB), which functions under APEDA. They conduct unannounced audits based on risk assessments and complaints.
These audits ensure that certification bodies are adhering to the NPOP standards without compromise.
Strict Action Against Violators
Despite the checks, there have been isolated incidents of non-compliance. APEDA has taken stringent action against violators, including grower groups and certification bodies.
Recent revisions to NPOP regulations have introduced stricter rules regarding:
- Legal registration of grower groups
- Mandatory physical proximity of ICS offices
- Use of mobile apps for real-time inspections
Specific checks have also been added for organic cotton certification, including tighter zoning restrictions for Certification Bodies to allow for closer monitoring.
Building a Credible Organic Future
Organic farming is a lifeline for many small and marginal farmers across India. Attacking the system based on incomplete facts undermines both their efforts and India’s global reputation in sustainable agriculture.
APEDA emphasized its commitment to a credible, transparent, and robust organic certification ecosystem. Investigations into any violations are conducted with utmost fairness and according to legal procedures.
Opposition Claims Disputed
The recent press briefing by a political leader, which suggested widespread fraud in the organic certification system, has been labeled as irresponsible and factually incorrect.
Making broad allegations about an entire regulatory system based on a few isolated issues only serves to damage the credibility of legitimate farmers, certifiers, and institutions that work tirelessly to uphold organic standards.
Conclusion
India’s organic certification system under NPOP stands as one of the most rigorous and internationally respected frameworks. APEDA’s proactive steps to improve oversight and transparency show a genuine commitment to ethical organic trade.
Unfounded allegations may grab headlines, but facts, accountability, and transparent systems are what truly sustain trust—in India’s farmers and its certification systems alike.
