Pantnagar: The Confederation of Organic Food Producers and Marketing Agencies (COII) has voiced serious concerns over a significant drop in the exports of organic products from Uttarakhand.
On Tuesday, COII Chairman DS Rawat highlighted the 66% decrease in exports during a training and demonstration program for sustainable organic exports held at Pantnagar, attended by over 100 farmers.
Non-implementation of the “Uttarakhand Organic” policy by the state government is responsible
According to Rawat, the exports of organic products fell from 285 tonnes worth Rs 11.6 crore in 2022-23 to 97 tonnes worth Rs 4.2 crore in 2023-24. This dramatic decline is attributed to the non-implementation of the “Uttarakhand Organic” policy by the state government and the continuous migration of people seeking better livelihoods, as they do not find agriculture economically viable.
Need to establish mandis (markets), and provide training on all aspects of organic farming
Rawat emphasized the need for the state government to incentivize farmers, establish mandis (markets), and provide training on all aspects of organic farming. He warned that without these measures, the situation would remain troubling and could lead to farms becoming uncultivable over time.
An MoU was signed between the Pantnagar university and COII
Despite the growing global market for organic food, Uttarakhand’s organic food production is becoming negligible, despite its significant potential. The program was conducted with the support of the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) and GB Pant University of Agriculture & Technology. An MoU was signed between the university and COII to transfer organic farming technology to farmers in the state.
Prioritize organic farming to discourage migration
Rawat urged APEDA to conduct training programs in interior parts of the state and hold regular buyer-seller meets. He also called on the state government to prioritize organic farming to discourage migration and attract those who have migrated by making farming profitable.
COII plans to train 500 farmers in organic farming
COII plans to train 500 farmers in organic farming with the help of these institutions and facilitate the issuance of organic certificates from competent authorities. Rawat stressed the importance of providing financial support to farmers transitioning from synthetic to organic farming for at least three years and strengthening infrastructure. He expressed optimism that once organic farming becomes economically beneficial, it would revive the horticulture and handicrafts sectors and promote the development of agri-based micro and small industries, generating jobs and attracting a new generation to sustainable farming practices.
