“The organic industry in India has a huge potential both in terms of domestic consumption and export. This is a 135 billion Euros international market waiting to be explored and Indian industry will make use of this opportunity. BIOFACH India offers an effective platform for the industry to promote organic products” said Shri. Sunil Barthwal, Secretary Commerce while inaugurating the 15th Edition of BIOFACH India being held in Greater Noida during 6 to 8 September, 2023.
The event is witnessing the participation of over 180 exhibitors displaying organic products produced across the country. Indian organic products are gaining momentum in the global organic market with the implementation of a strong control mechanism evolved over a period of time. India exported organic products worth 708 million USD during 2022-23 to 48 countries.
BIOFACH India organized by Nuernberg Messe India in collaboration with APEDA (Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority) and co-located with NATURAL EXPO INDIA and MILLETS INDIA 2023 at India Expo Mart, Greater Noida has been successful in bringing leading organic, natural and millet producers and exporters together under a common roof. The exhibition is supported by leading International and National stakeholders – IFOAM (International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movement), ICCOA (International Competence Centre of Organic Agriculture), OFAI (Organic Farmers Association of India), AIOI (Association of the Indian Organic Industries), Association of Herbal and Nutraceutical Manufacturers of India (AHNMI) and Indian Institute of Millets Research (IIMR).
Shri. Rajesh Agrawal, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, joined the inaugural session along with Mr Bui Trung Thuong Trade Counsellor Embassy of Vietnam, New Delhi and Ms Ingeborg Bayer, Counsellor for Food and Agriculture, Embassy of Germany, New Delhi.
The Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal interacted with the stakeholders of organic sector in brief interaction at the APEDA pavilion wherein discussions were held on the current trend, challenges and outlook for the organic sector.
Besides the exhibition, Conference on various topics related to the standards and regulations, recognition agreements, market trends and challenges are also being held. These sessions have been well appreciated by the stakeholders, while providing valuable insights to the participants on various issues related to organic, natural and the millet sector.
Along with food business operators, Spices Board, Certification Bodies, food testing laboratories, state government organizations are exhibiting in the event. Wide range of categories of organic products such as Basmati rice, Millets, Cashew, Tea, Coffee, Spices and Condiments including Saffron, Herbs, Medicinal plant products, Fruits, Vegetables, Honey and Processed food products are being displayed by producers/growers, processors and exporters.
The exhibition has also drawn a good response from the states with Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Utttarakhand, Andhra Pradesh, Punjab putting up their pavilions. Further, North Eastern states of Assam, Sikkim, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh are also participating under the aegis of APEDA. They are exhibiting a wide range and variety of products like Turmeric, Ginger, Buckwheat, Large Cardamom, Lemon, Black Rice and value added products. APEDA also promoted participation of entrepreneurs from the Himalayan states to enable better market linkage of the products produced in these states.
A live demo of Indian organic Tea and Coffee is also being carried out for familiarizing the consumers on the tea and coffee brewing process. The event is being brightened with the live demo of millet based recipes which has been a major attraction for the visitors.
The Farmer’s Market Area is also drawing a very good response from the visitors who are drawn towards the attractive array of products on display. It is also offering forum for the visitors to directly network with the FPO’s and Agri-preneurs.
APEDA plays a very important and leading role in the organic ecosystem of the country. It functions as the Secretariat for the implementation of the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) since its inception in 2001. The Certification Bodies accredited by the National Accreditation Body (NAB) certifies the growers, processors and exporters for export of organic products from the country. Indian organic products are mainly exported to USA, EU, Canada, Switzerland, Great Britain etc.
Organic Oil cake/meal, Cereals, Oil seeds, Millets, Tea, Coffee, Spices, Pulses, Medicinal plant products, Processed fruits & vegetables, Tubers, Edible Oil etc. are exported from the country. Indian organic products are expected to attain greater heights in near future by expanding the export basket and in getting new markets in view of a number of initiatives being taken by APEDA on mutual recognition of standards, handholding of exporters, startups etc.
