Certified organic acreage grows to 4 million hectares, while Northeast India showcases turmeric, ginger, pineapple, and teas to 27 international buyers

India is accelerating its push into the global organic market, aiming to achieve $ 2 billion in organic agri-exports by 2030. The Agricultural & Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) convened policymakers, farmer producer organisations (FPOs), exporters, and international buyers in Shillong, Meghalaya, to discuss certification, traceability, market access, and capacity-building initiatives that can strengthen the country’s organic sector.

The event marked the inaugural Northeast India Organic Week, a platform designed to harness the region’s organic potential and showcase its unique produce. An exhibition highlighted key products such as Lakadong turmeric, organic ginger, pineapple, teas, and orchids, while a Buyer-Seller Meet connected 27 buyers from 14 countries with Indian exporters.

India’s organic production has expanded rapidly, rising from 13.35 lakh tonnes in 2015–16 to approximately 46.99 lakh tonnes in 2024–25, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15 per cent. The export trajectory has also strengthened, with organic food shipments growing from $ 213 million in 2012–13 to $ 665 million in 2024–25. APEDA’s 2030 export target, equivalent to roughly Rs 20,000 crore, aims to capitalise on this momentum.

Globally, organic agriculture is among the fastest-growing segments, with retail sales reaching $ 147 billion in 2023. Rising urbanisation, increasing consumer awareness of the risks posed by chemical fertilisers and pesticides, and higher disposable incomes are driving demand for organic products as both a lifestyle choice and a sustainable production system.

India’s organic land base has expanded to four million hectares in 2024–25, including 2.25 million hectares under certified organic cultivation and 1.71 million hectares under conversion. This steady growth, averaging a 15 per cent CAGR over the past decade, positions India to strengthen its footprint in the international organic market while promoting sustainable agriculture domestically.

APEDA’s initiatives in the northeast aim to combine regional biodiversity, high-quality cultivation practices, and market linkages, providing farmers with opportunities to increase income, enhance livelihoods, and integrate into global supply chains. The programme reflects India’s broader strategy to leverage organic agriculture as a driver of both economic growth and environmental sustainability.