What Does “Organic” Really Mean in India?

Not every “organic” label is real. Here’s what the law says and how to verify.

NPOP Standards

No synthetic pesticides/fertilizers, no GMO, soil management, full traceability. Recognised by EU, USDA, Switzerland.

Certification Bodies

INDOCERT (Kerala-based), LACON, OneCert, Control Union. Annual inspections, surprise audits, soil testing.

India Organic & Jaivik Bharat

India Organic logo = NPOP certified. Jaivik Bharat: green+white = NPOP, green+brown = PGS. QR traceability.

FSSAI Regulations

Since 2017, selling as “organic” without certification is punishable. Must display FSSAI + Jaivik Bharat logos.

PGS-India

Peer-review system for small farmers. Groups of 5+ inspect each other. PGS Green (converting) or PGS Organic (converted). Valid for domestic sale.

Misleading Labels

• “Natural” — no legal meaning
• “Pure” — not about farming practices
• “Chemical-free” — no regulatory backing
• “Farm fresh” — says nothing about how grown

How to Verify

1. Look for Jaivik Bharat logo
2. Check certifier name + certificate number
3. Use jaivikbharat.fssai.gov.in portal
4. Verify certifier on APEDA website
5. Ask the seller for documentation

FAQ

Always more expensive?

15-40% premium, narrowing. Buy direct from farms for best value.

Trust farmers’ market without cert?

Look for PGS-India certificates. Visit the farm if no cert.

NPOP vs PGS?

NPOP: third-party, domestic+export. PGS: peer-review, domestic only. Both FSSAI-recognised.

Report false claims?

File with FSSAI at fssai.gov.in with product details and photos.