India's organic food products export reached $447.73 million in the first eight months of this fiscal (FY25), and are set to surpass last year's export figures, the Parliament was informed on Monday.
In the current financial year, the total amount of organic food product exports reached 263,050 metric tonnes (MT) till November 25 and the export of organic food products stood at $494.80 million last fiscal (FY24), Union Minister of Food Processing Industries, Navneet Singh Bittu, told the Lok Sabha in a written reply.
The ministry has not allocated any specific funds to incentivise the industries for producing organic products. However, the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industries, provides financial assistance to its member exporters, including exporters of organic food products, he added.
Further, the APEDA is implementing the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP). The programme involves the accreditation of Certification Bodies, standards for organic production, promotion of organic farming and marketing, etc.
The total number of organic-certified processing units under the National Programme for Organic Production in India is 1,016.
In September, the APEDA announced a partnership with global retail chain LuLu Group International (LLC) to showcase a wide range of certified Indian organic products in its stores across the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The APEDA will facilitate connections between the organic growers in India, including Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs), Cooperatives and the LuLu Group. This will ensure that Indian organic products reach a wider global audience.
The authority is dedicated to promoting Indian agro and processed food exports. The agency works towards organising B2B exhibitions in different countries, exploring new potential markets, and working closely with the Indian Embassies to promote natural, organic, and Geographical Indication (GI)-tagged agro-products, the minister told the house.
Family held at gunpoint, robbers looted house in Churaibari
According to reports, Sadhan Deb, a resident of the area, went to sleep as usual with his two children last night. However, around 2:30 AM, a gang of 7-8 armed robbers stormed into his house by breaking down the door with a sledgehammer.
Govt committed to transparency and public welfare: Dr Saha
Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha today said that the present state government is moving forward with a commitment to serve the people and work for their welfare, ensuring transparency in all areas.
Sri Lankan Navy arrests 32 Tamil fishermen, five boats seized
The Sri Lankan Navy has arrested 32 fishermen from Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu for allegedly crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) and fishing in Lankan waters.
Mann Ki Baat: PM Modi hails ISRO's century in rocket launches, urges people to dedicate a day for science
Addressing the 119th episode of his monthly radio programme, 'Mann Ki Baat', on Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the Indian Space Research Organisation, saying it has hit the century in space. Last month, the country witnessed the ISRO's 100th rocket launch.
Mizoram student stabbed to death in Kerala, batchmate arrested
A 22-year-old BTech student from Mizoram was stabbed to death near his college in Thiruvananthapuram. The deceased, Valentine, was a student at Rajadhani Institute of Engineering & Technology, Nagaroor.
Italy PM slams Left's double standards, says when Trump, Meloni, Modi talk, they are called threat to democracy
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has accused left-wing politicians of being "nervous" over former US President Donald Trump's victory, claiming that conservatives are unfairly labelled as a "threat to democracy" while leftist leaders are celebrated for similar global alliances.
NDRF intensifies rescue operation to save 8 trapped in Telangana tunnel
National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams on Sunday intensified rescue efforts to save eight persons trapped in an under-construction tunnel after a portion of its roof collapsed in Telangana’s Nagarkurnool district on February 22.
Israel delays Palestinian prisoner release after 'humiliating' hostage handovers
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Sunday that the release of Palestinian prisoners would be delayed until Hamas ceases its "humiliating ceremonies" during the release of Israeli hostages under the ceasefire deal.