(a) whether the organic farmers have to obtain certification for marketing their
produces;
(b) if so, whether the organic farmers are protesting against the third party
certification for marketing their produces;
(c) if so, the details thereof; and
(d) the reaction of the Government thereto?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE, FOOD PROCESSING
INDUSTRIES AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (SHRI HARISH RAWAT)
(a): Yes, Madam. As per the notification under Foreign Trade and Development Act
(FTDR) 2001, it is mandatory for organic farmers (operators) to obtain organic
certification from duly accredited certification agencies for export of their produce. As
per the Organic Agricultural Produce Grading and Marking Rules, 2009 dated 18th July
2009, it is voluntary for the organic farmers (operators) to obtain organic certification for
their produce in domestic marketing.
(b) to (d): No such matter has come to the notice of the Government.