Organic cotton certification under NPOP is denied being misrepresented; APEDA states the system is globally acknowledged as credible.
The National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP), a robust third-party certification process launched in 2001, continues to play a crucial role in promoting organic product exports from India. Implemented by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), NPOP now spans over 31 states and union territories, with more than 19 lakh farmers organised into 4,712 active Organic Grower Groups[1][4].
Certification Process and Coverage
The NPOP certification process is a rigorous one, involving 37 accredited Certification Bodies (CBs), including 14 state agencies. These bodies ensure compliance throughout the entire organic supply chain[1][2][3]. The certification process involves Internal Control Systems (ICS) that conduct biannual internal inspections of all member farms. Annual external audits by Certification Bodies include both office and farm inspections guided by risk-based sampling plans[1][2][3]. APEDA and the National Accreditation Body (NAB) carry out unannounced audits and inspections to maintain adherence and credibility[1][2][3].
Recent Revisions and Integrity Measures
In response to reported malpractices, APEDA has recently tightened regulations with legal and procedural reforms. Measures include more stringent grower group structures and zone-based certification, especially for organic cotton. Enhanced monitoring mechanisms involve the use of mobile app-based inspections and tighter regional oversight[1][2][4]. APEDA actively investigates and penalizes violations based on confirmed evidence, following the principles of natural justice[1][2][4].
Clarifications
APEDA has refuted misleading claims such as the provision of subsidies like ₹50,000 per hectare for organic cultivation under NPOP, stating no such subsidies exist[1][3]. It is important to note that certification under NPOP is not restricted to any single state or crop; cotton certification under NPOP covers only the production stage, while processing stages are subject to private certification systems[2].
Expansion of NPOP
APEDA has announced plans to extend NPOP to organic textiles, cosmetics, Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha & Homeopathy[5]. This expansion aims to bolster India's growing presence in the global organic market.
In conclusion, NPOP represents a comprehensive, multi-layered, internationally accepted organic certification framework in India, backed by stringent internal and external audits and ongoing reforms to maintain integrity, transparency, and global credibility in organic production and export certification.
[1] APEDA (2025). NPOP - National Programme for Organic Production [2] Ministry of Commerce and Industry (2025). National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) [3] Times of India (2025). APEDA refutes claims of subsidies for organic farming [4] Press Information Bureau (2025). Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) [5] Business Standard (2025). APEDA to extend NPOP to organic textiles, cosmetics, Ayurveda
- Science and Technology Integration: To further improve the NPOP certification process and ensure transparency, APEDA has implemented mobile app-based inspections and zone-based certification, leveraging advanced technology for better management and oversight.
- Education and Self-Development Opportunities: With the expansion of NPOP to organic textiles, cosmetics, and various traditional medical systems like Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha & Homeopathy, there presents a significant potential for growth and skill development in these sectors, thereby promoting environmental-science and finance-related educational and entrepreneurial opportunities in India.
