India's organic product exports have seen a significant surge, with a 34.6% increase in value in 2024-25, reaching USD 665.96 million, compared to USD 494.8 million in the previous fiscal year. This growth is driven by the increasing demand for organic items such as pulses, essential oils, and fresh fruits and vegetables in developed countries. The rise in shipments reflects a global shift towards healthier, sustainable food choices, positioning India as a key player in the international organic market. With a stronger regulatory framework, the country aims to achieve USD 2 billion in organic food exports by 2030.
Surge in Organic Product Exports Reflects Global Demand
India's organic product export sector has witnessed a remarkable expansion, showcasing a robust 34.6% growth in value, reaching USD 665.96 million in the fiscal year 2024-25. This increase represents a significant rise from USD 494.8 million in the previous year. The sharp rise in demand for organic products like pulses, essential oils, and fresh fruits and vegetables, particularly in developed countries, has been a major driving factor. As global consumers increasingly prioritize health-conscious and sustainable consumption, the demand for organic food products has surged. India's organic offerings, particularly pulses and essential oils, have gained traction in markets such as Europe, the United States, and other affluent regions, underlining the growing recognition of India's agricultural potential on the world stage.
Volume Growth Accompanies Value Increase
In addition to the surge in export value, the volume of organic product shipments from India has also increased. The volume rose by over 4% in the 2024-25 fiscal year, totaling 368,155 tonnes. This upward trend in both value and volume reflects the rising international demand for Indian organic products and signifies India’s expanding footprint in global organic markets. The demand for organic items is not merely confined to niche markets but is becoming more mainstream in many countries, as consumers opt for healthier and environmentally sustainable options. India's capacity to scale up organic production has allowed the country to meet this growing demand while adhering to global organic standards.
Key Categories Driving Export Growth
Several key product categories have seen notable growth in India's organic export portfolio. Organic pulses, essential oils, and fresh fruits and vegetables have contributed significantly to this rise. The export of organic pulses increased to USD 17.89 million in 2024-25 from USD 5.25 million in the previous year. Similarly, shipments of organic essential oils surged to USD 12.35 million from USD 4.52 million, and exports of fresh fruits and vegetables grew to USD 9.2 million from USD 4.52 million. These products have resonated particularly well in international markets, where there is a strong demand for plant-based proteins, natural wellness products, and sustainably grown produce. India's ability to meet these demands through its expanding organic farming sector has positioned the country as a global leader in the organic export space.
NPOP Regulations Key to Industry Expansion
The National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP), a regulatory framework managed by the Agriculture and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), plays a pivotal role in ensuring the quality and authenticity of India's organic exports. The program has been revamped to make it more farmer-friendly, thus promoting greater participation from local producers. By simplifying the certification and accreditation process, NPOP has made it easier for Indian farmers to enter the organic export market. The updated regulations aim to further bolster India's organic sector, ensuring compliance with international standards for organic production. This alignment with global norms has significantly enhanced India's credibility in foreign markets, making its organic products highly sought after. As a result, the NPOP has become instrumental in expanding market access for Indian organic products.
Path to USD 2 Billion in Exports by 2030
The Indian government has set an ambitious target for the organic sector, aiming to achieve USD 2 billion in organic food exports by 2030. To reach this goal, APEDA is continuously working on expanding the scope of organic farming and improving certification processes, thus fostering greater participation from both small-scale and large-scale farmers. The vision for 2030 involves not just enhancing the quantity of organic exports but also ensuring the sustainability of production practices. With a clear regulatory framework and an increasing number of farmers transitioning to organic farming, India is poised to strengthen its position in the global organic food market.
Conclusion: India's Growing Role in Global Organic Markets
India’s rise as a global supplier of organic products signals a positive shift toward sustainable agriculture, both within the country and abroad. With a favorable regulatory environment and growing international demand for organic goods, the future of India’s organic export sector looks bright. The country’s focus on expanding its organic farming base, enhancing product offerings, and adhering to international standards will likely propel India’s organic exports to new heights, positioning it as a key player in global food security and sustainability. As the organic food market continues to evolve, India’s role in this sector will only strengthen, setting the stage for future growth.
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