Jammu and Kashmir Trade Promotion Organization (JKTPO) in association with Invest India, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Government of India today organized organic certification drive for Walnut produce of district Kupwara under ODOP initiative at Town Hall here.
Senior officers of JKTPO, representative from Invest India and Aditi Group, District Horticulture Officer Kupwara, Area Marketing Officer, Horticulture Planning & Marketing Department Kupwara, more than 120 farmers and FPOs participated in the programme.
In his welcome address, District Horticulture officer Kupwara welcomed all participants and commended JKTPO, Invest India for organizing such drives.
Senior representatives from Invest India team and Aditi Group, while speaking on the occasion, explained the benefits and the documentation required for organic certification.
Under this initiative, the farmers will get organic certification of walnuts as proof for organic produce, through Invest India, Government of India which will fetch remunerative prices for the produce and boost economy of the district in a significant way. It is important to add that organic products and organic farming have of late found lot of resonance both nationally and globally and organic certification of Kupwara walnut will enhance its value and the acceptability in the market.
JKTPO in association with Invest India had already completed the Organic certification drive for three districts of UT J&K viz saffron for Pulwama, Saffron for Kishtwar and Honey for Ramban and the certificates are ready for distribution in these districts. JKTPO will carry out these drives for other districts also in future so that the farmers shall get benefitted.
Pertinently, National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) under Ministry of Commerce & Industries, Government of India involves accreditation of Certification Bodies, standards for organic production, promotion of organic farming and marketing etc. The NPOP standards for production and accreditation system have been recognized by European Commission and Switzerland for unprocessed plant products as equivalent to their country standards. With these recognitions, Indian organic products duly certified by the accredited certification bodies of India are accepted by the importing countries.
