Nuremberg, February 10 With India and the EU announcing the conclusion of a trade agreement, exhibitors from as many as 20 Indian states, including Assam, Meghalaya, and Kerala, are here to showcase their organic food products at Biofach Germany, the world's leading trade fair, the commerce ministry said on Tuesday.
This is expected to help promote India's exports of organic goods in European nations.
India and the European Union (EU) announced on January 27 the conclusion of a comprehensive free trade agreement. It is likely to be implemented this year.
The agreement will provide significant opportunities for Indian exporters to enhance their presence in the 27-nation bloc.
India is the "country of the year" at the four-day show, which will begin on February 10.
The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), the arm of the commerce ministry, said that India's participation reflects the expanding footprint of Indian organic exports, increased global demand, and growing participation from exporters, associations, and Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs).
"Exhibitors from more than 20 states/UTs are participating here," it said.
These included Delhi, Gujarat, Meghalaya, Haryana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Arunachal Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, and Uttarakhand.
About 67 co-exhibitors, including exporters of organic products, FPOs, cooperatives, organic labs, state government organizations, and commodity boards, will showcase products such as rice, oilseeds, herbs, spices, pulses, cashew, ginger, turmeric, large cardamom, cinnamon, mango puree, and essential oils, among others.
"With a rapidly growing organic market, India remains committed to offering high-quality, sustainably produced products that meet international standards," it said.
Reports estimate that India's organic product exports are valued at Rs 5,000-6,000 crore and are expected to rise to Rs 20,000 crore over the next three years. The global demand for these products is estimated at Rs 1 lakh crore, which is expected to increase to Rs 10 lakh crore in the coming years.
The government has taken a series of steps to boost the production and exports of organic products from India. A new edition of the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) has been launched with new regulations aimed at enhancing clarity and transparency in organic product standards as well as aligning with global standards.
Key features of the eighth edition of NPOP include farmer-friendly regulations, streamlined certification, enhanced transparency, and a revamped traceability system.
The eighth edition aims to bolster India's organic export sector, with an ambitious target of reaching USD 2 billion in organic food exports by 2030.