India Organic Product Exports 2018-19

India’s organic product exports during the financial year 2018–19 reflected remarkable growth, positioning the country among the leading global suppliers of certified organic food and agricultural products. Driven by increasing international demand, improved certification systems, and enhanced market access, India consolidated its reputation as a trusted source of sustainable and environmentally friendly produce.

Background and Overview

India has a long tradition of organic and sustainable farming practices rooted in indigenous knowledge systems. Over the past two decades, organic agriculture has evolved from being a niche practice to an organised and regulated sector under the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP), implemented by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
The NPOP provides a comprehensive regulatory framework for organic certification, accreditation of certification bodies, and promotion of organic exports. By 2018–19, India’s organic sector had expanded significantly, encompassing diverse crops and food products grown across multiple agro-climatic zones.

Export Performance in 2018–19

During 2018–19, India exported approximately 6.14 lakh metric tonnes (MT) of certified organic products valued at over ₹5,151 crore (approximately USD 757 million). This represented a substantial increase of around 50% in value terms compared to the previous financial year (2017–18), when exports were valued at about ₹3,453 crore.

Major Organic Products Exported

India’s organic export basket in 2018–19 was diversified, comprising a wide range of food and non-food products. The main categories included:

• Oilseeds: Soybean, sesame, and sunflower seeds constituted a major portion of total exports.
• Cereals and Millets: Organic rice (particularly basmati), maize, and millets were in high demand in international markets.
• Pulses: Various organic lentils and beans contributed to the export portfolio.
• Processed Food Products: Packaged and value-added items such as organic tea, spices, herbal products, and coffee saw growing exports.
• Sugar and Sweeteners: Organic sugar and jaggery gained increased market share.
• Spices and Condiments: Turmeric, ginger, black pepper, and cumin continued to be among the most exported organic commodities.
• Fruits and Vegetables: Mango, banana, and pomegranate featured prominently in the fresh produce segment.

Major Export Destinations

Indian organic products reached over 80 countries during 2018–19, reflecting global confidence in Indian organic certification and quality standards. The United States remained the largest importer of Indian organic goods, followed by:

• European Union (EU) countries such as Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Italy.
• Canada and Switzerland as significant non-EU markets.
• Emerging destinations in the Middle East, East Asia, and Southeast Asia, which showed rising demand for organic products.

Growth Drivers

Several key factors contributed to the robust growth of organic product exports in 2018–19:

1. Expansion of Certified Organic Area: India had more than 3.56 million hectares of land under organic certification (including wild harvest areas), making it one of the largest organic producers globally.
2. Government Initiatives and Policy Support: Schemes such as Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) and Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region (MOVCDNER) promoted organic farming and created export-oriented clusters.
3. Strengthened Certification and Traceability: The Tracenet system developed by APEDA enabled digital traceability of organic produce from the farm to the export destination, ensuring transparency and compliance with international standards.
4. Rising Global Demand: Growing consumer awareness about food safety, sustainability, and environmental impact increased demand for organic products in developed economies.
5. Value-Added Exports: Transition from raw commodities to processed organic products added greater value and enhanced export competitiveness.

Compliance and Certification

The National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) is recognised by major importing countries, including the European Union and Switzerland, ensuring equivalence in certification standards. Indian organic products certified under NPOP could therefore be exported directly to these regions without additional certification requirements.
For exports to the United States, certification under the National Organic Program (NOP), accredited by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), was followed. This dual recognition system enhanced India’s credibility in global organic markets.

Regional Distribution of Organic Production

The major organic-producing states contributing to exports included:

• Madhya Pradesh: The largest producer, accounting for nearly one-third of India’s total organic production.
• Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Gujarat: Key producers of oilseeds, pulses, and spices.
• Karnataka and Tamil Nadu: Significant for organic coffee, tea, and spice exports.
• Sikkim: Recognised as India’s first fully organic state, serving as a model for other regions.

Contribution to Global Organic Trade

India ranked among the top ten organic-exporting countries globally in 2018–19. Its share in the international organic trade increased steadily, supported by quality assurance, competitive pricing, and product diversity.
The success of India’s organic exports also demonstrated the growing alignment of Indian agricultural practices with sustainable development goals, particularly SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).

Challenges in Organic Export Growth

Despite impressive achievements, several challenges persisted in 2018–19:

• High Certification Costs: Small and marginal farmers often found certification procedures expensive and complex.
• Fragmented Supply Chains: Lack of aggregation and logistics support affected export efficiency.
• Market Access Barriers: Some countries imposed non-tariff barriers and additional quality checks.
• Awareness and Training: Limited knowledge among farmers regarding international quality standards.
• Infrastructure Gaps: Insufficient post-harvest processing and cold chain facilities in certain regions.

Way Forward

To sustain and expand organic exports, the following strategic directions were identified:

• Strengthening of organic farmer producer organisations (FPOs) for better aggregation and bargaining power.
• Investment in post-harvest infrastructure and processing facilities to enhance value addition.
• Expanding digital traceability and certification mechanisms to maintain credibility in global markets.
• Promoting domestic consumption of organic produce alongside exports to ensure market stability.
• Enhancing awareness and training for farmers on compliance and export requirements.

Significance

India’s organic product exports in 2018–19 reflected not just economic achievement but also environmental and social sustainability. The sector contributed to improved rural livelihoods, reduced chemical dependency, and strengthened India’s reputation as a leader in eco-friendly agriculture.