Unit 4 - Principles of Organic Farming| BSc AG - 5th Semester | Detailed Notes

Principles of Organic Farming

Unit-IV

Syllabus
The operational structure of NPOP

Certification process & standards of organic farming

The operational structure of NPOP

The National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) is a certification program for organic agriculture and organic food products in India. NPOP was launched in 2001 by the Government of India under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. The operational structure of NPOP is as follows:

1. National Steering Committee: The National Steering Committee (NSC) is the highest policy-making body for NPOP. The NSC is responsible for providing strategic guidance and overseeing the implementation of NPOP. The NSC is headed by the Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India. The NSC also includes representatives from various government departments, industry associations, and non-governmental organizations.
2. National Accreditation Body: The National Accreditation Body (NAB) is responsible for accrediting certification bodies that carry out inspections and certification of organic products. The NAB ensures that the certification bodies comply with the guidelines and standards of NPOP. The NAB is also responsible for monitoring and assessing the performance of the certification bodies.
3. Certification Bodies: Certification bodies are responsible for carrying out inspections and certifying organic products. These bodies are accredited by the NAB and must follow the guidelines and standards of NPOP. The certification bodies are responsible for reviewing applications, carrying out inspections, and issuing certificates of compliance.
4. Accredited Laboratories: Accredited laboratories are responsible for analyzing organic products and providing testing results to certification bodies. The accredited laboratories must comply with the standards of NPOP and are regularly monitored and assessed by the NAB.
5. Certification Process: The certification process starts with an application by the producer or handler of the organic product. The certification body then conducts an inspection to verify that the product meets the standards of NPOP. If the product meets the standards, the certification body issues a certificate of compliance. The certification process includes an initial inspection, an annual inspection, and random inspections to ensure ongoing compliance.
6. Inspection: The inspection process includes a review of records and documents related to organic production, an on-site inspection of the farm or processing facility, and testing of the product. The inspection is carried out by qualified inspectors trained in organic production and NPOP standards. The inspection process is designed to ensure that the organic product is produced in accordance with the standards of NPOP.
7. Standards: NPOP has established standards for organic production, which cover the entire production process from seed to processing and packaging. The standards cover a range of areas such as soil fertility, pest and disease management, use of inputs, and labelling and traceability. The standards are regularly reviewed and updated to ensure that they are consistent with international standards and best practices.

Overall, the operational structure of NPOP is designed to ensure the authenticity and quality of organic products in India. The program operates through a system of accreditation, certification, inspection, and testing to assure consumers that the organic products they purchase are produced per the standards of NPOP.

Certification process & standards of organic farming

The certification process of Organic Farming

The certification process for organic farming is a rigorous process that involves several steps to ensure that the farm meets the standards set for organic agriculture. Here is a detailed explanation of the certification process for organic farming:

1. Application: The farmer applies for organic certification by submitting an application to a certification body that is accredited by the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) or another recognized certification body. The application includes details about the farm, the crops or livestock to be certified, and the organic management practices that the farmer follows.
2. Documentation: The farmer must provide documentation that proves that the farm has been operated using organic management practices for a minimum of two years. This includes records of inputs used, crop rotations, and any other practices that the farmer follows to maintain the health of the soil and crops.
3. Inspection: An inspector from the certification body visits the farm to conduct an inspection. The inspection involves a review of records, an on-site inspection of the farm, and interviews with the farmer and farm workers. The inspector verifies that the farmer is following organic management practices and that the crops or livestock meet the standards for organic farming.
4. Certification decision: After the inspection, the certification body makes a decision about whether to grant organic certification to the farm. If the farm meets the standards for organic farming, the certification body issues an organic certification.
5. Annual inspection: The farm must undergo an annual inspection to maintain organic certification. During the annual inspection, the inspector reviews records interviews the farmer and conducts an on-site inspection of the farm to ensure that the farm continues to meet the standards for organic farming.
6. Compliance: The farmer must comply with the standards for organic farming throughout the certification period. The farmer must maintain records of all inputs used, including seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides. The farmer must also maintain records of crop rotations, soil management, and other practices used to maintain the health of the soil and crops.
7. Labelling: Once certified, the farmer can use the organic certification mark on their products. The mark signifies that the products have been produced using organic management practices and meet the standards set for organic farming.

In conclusion, the certification process for organic farming is a comprehensive process that involves several steps to ensure that the farm meets the standards set for organic agriculture. This process provides assurance to consumers that the products they purchase have been produced using organic management practices and meet the standards set for organic farming.

Standards of organic farming

Standards of organic farming are a set of guidelines that define the principles, practices, and procedures of organic agriculture. These standards are designed to ensure that organic farming methods are environmentally sustainable, socially responsible, and economically viable. Here are the general principles and standards of organic farming:

1. Soil health: Organic farming aims to build healthy soil that supports a diverse community of microorganisms and promotes plant growth. This is achieved through practices such as crop rotation, cover cropping, and the use of natural fertilizers like compost.
2. Biodiversity: Organic farming emphasizes the importance of biodiversity, including the conservation of native species and the use of diverse crop rotations to reduce the risk of pests and disease.
3. No synthetic chemicals: The use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, and genetically modified organisms (GMOs) is prohibited in organic farming. Instead, natural inputs such as compost, green manure, and natural pest control methods are used.
4. Animal welfare: Organic farming standards include requirements for the humane treatment of animals, including access to pasture and outdoor space, and prohibition of growth hormones and antibiotics in animal feed.
5. Traceability and labelling: Organic farming standards require proper documentation and traceability of organic products from the farm to the point of sale. Products that meet organic standards can be labelled as "organic" and may use a certification mark to signify compliance with organic standards.
6. Environmental protection: Organic farming promotes the use of sustainable practices to protect the environment, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions, conserving water resources, and promoting renewable energy.
7. Social responsibility: Organic farming standards promote fair labour practices, including ensuring fair wages, safe working conditions, and the right to organize.
8. Water conservation: Organic farming prioritizes the conservation of water resources through practices such as efficient irrigation and the use of drought-resistant crops.
   
9. Certification: Organic farming standards are typically enforced through third-party certification programs that verify compliance with established organic farming guidelines.
   

10. No genetically modified organisms (GMOs): Organic farming prohibits the use of genetically modified organisms in crop or livestock production.

These standards are designed to promote environmentally sustainable, socially responsible, and economically viable practices in agriculture. They are regularly reviewed and updated to ensure that they are consistent with international standards and best practices. In India, the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) has established organic farming standards that are recognized by the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM).