National Programme for Organic Production [NPOP]

The National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) was launched by India's Ministries of Industries and Commerce in the year 2001. The goal was to promote a targeted and well-equipped system to ensure sustainable food production goals in the fields of organic farming and high-quality products.

The main objective of setting up the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) was to educate and encourage people about organic farming methods and their benefits.

What is the National Programme for Organic Production?

Organic farming certification is provided by NPOP through a third-party certification program.

It includes certification bodies' approval, meeting organic production standards, and organic agricultural marketing. It is administered by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry's Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA).

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Definition of Organic Farming

Organic farming refers to farming that is solely dependent on organic means to grow crops and livestock. Organic farming does not promote any use of synthetic or inorganic fertilizers, insecticides, or feed additives.

The organic method of agriculture employs the ancient and traditional methods of farming that include the use of intercropping, animal wastes, legumes, farmyard manure, off-farm byproducts and biopesticides and mineral-containing rocks, etc.

Facts About the National Programme For Organic Production

The certification process of the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) is delegated to an autonomous body that investigates the food production system and reviews it to check if all the organic production standards are met. The following list specifies the criteria that are being examined:

• Land management
• equipment used
• pesticide application
• post-harvest in crops
• Rearing strategies based on natural behaviour
• Animal protection
• use of manufactured feed additives
• Hormones inject
• restricting the use of allopathic medications and antibiotics in animal products.

National Programme for Organic Production Significance

It's impossible to overlook the prevailing fact that food quality and safety have degraded severely over time. This scenario has come to reality because of the massive increase in food demand as well as the overuse of synthetic and chemical ingredients in the farming sector. In this scenario, organic farming can only be a game-changer, not only for food quality but also for the betterment of the environment.

By monitoring and providing standards, the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) plays an important role here in navigating organic farming across the nation on the right path. This body also helps in the certification of organic products to be imported overseas to earn foreign exchange.

The use of synthetic ingredients not only harms our health but also causes irreversible damage to the environment. Hence, organic farming should be promoted widely to sustain a healthy environment along with a safe and sound body. The role of the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) is very important in achieving this goal.

FAQs on National Programme for Organic Production

Q.1. When did the National Programme for Organic Production come into action in India?

The National Programme for Organic Production came into action in India in 2001.

Q.2. Which department took the initiative to implement the National Programme for Organic Production?

The Ministry of Commerce took the initiative to implement the National Programme for Organic Production.

Q.3. What is the National Programme for Organic Production certification?

The National Program for Organic Production is a governmental initiative employed to establish organic production regulations and standards. It also specifies methods, parameters, and procedures that are required to be met to acquire the licence and logo of the governing body.

Q.4. What is the purpose of the National Programme for Organic Production?

The main purpose of the National Programme for Organic Production is to facilitate the production of organic farming and organic processing.

Q.5. How does the National Programme for Organic Production function?

An independent body is employed to carry on the certification process of the National Programme for Organic Production. The body is tasked with inspecting all stages of manufacturing, processing, handling, preservation, and shipping to ensure that organic production criteria are met.