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APEDA orders 100% physical verification of organic farmers to strengthen certification integrity
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Saturday, 06 December, 2025, 12 : 00 PM [IST]
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Our Bureau, New Delhi
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In a major regulatory push to safeguard the credibility of India’s organic sector, the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has ordered 100 percent physical verification of all registered organic farmers under the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP). The move comes amid rising concerns over inconsistencies in certifications, fraudulent entries, and growing global scrutiny of organic exports originating from India.
According to officials, the decision aims to tighten oversight, eliminate loopholes, and restore confidence among international buyers, many of whom have raised questions about the authenticity of organic consignments in recent years. Physical verification will include on-ground inspection of farms, crop assessments, verification of input usage, adherence to organic practices, and cross-checking data uploaded in certification systems.
The directive is expected to cover lakhs of farmers currently registered with accredited certification bodies across the country. APEDA has instructed certifying agencies to complete the verification process within a defined timeframe and submit detailed reports, supported by photographic and geo-tagged evidence. Any discrepancies, including mismatch in acreage, false declarations or non-compliance with organic standards, will attract strict penalties, suspension, or blacklisting of operators.
Industry observers say the measure is timely, especially given the increasing demand for organic products in the EU, US, and Middle Eastern markets. However, these regions have also tightened import checks, with the EU introducing stringent residue testing norms. In the past, non-compliance by a few exporters has impacted the credibility of the entire Indian organic export ecosystem. APEDA’s latest order is seen as an attempt to implement a zero-tolerance approach toward malpractice.
The verification exercise is also expected to streamline the TraceNet system, improve transparency, and build a stronger database of genuine organic growers. Experts believe that although the initiative will increase short-term workload for certification bodies and farmers, it will significantly strengthen India’s positioning as a trusted supplier.
By ensuring every organic farmer is physically verified, APEDA hopes to protect India’s organic brand value, reduce rejection rates in export markets, and boost long-term growth of the sector. The move underscores the government’s commitment to building a credible, traceable, and globally compliant organic agriculture ecosystem.
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