Q. With references to organic farming in India, consider the following statements:

  1. ‘The National Programme for Organic Production’ (NPOP) is operated under the guidelines and directions of the Union Ministry of Rural Development.
  2. ‘The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority’ (APEDA) functions as the Secretariat for the implementation of NPOP.
  3. Sikkim has become India’s first fully organic State.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  • 1 and 2 only
  • 2 and 3 only
  • 3 only
  • 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (b) 2 and 3 only

Notes:

  • Ministry of Commerce has implemented the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) since 2001. The objectives of NPOP are as under:
    • To provide the means of evaluation of certification programme for organic agriculture and products (including wild harvest, aquaculture, livestock products) as per the approved criteria.
    • To accredit certification programmes of Certification Bodies seeking accreditation.
    • To facilitate certification of organic products in conformity with the prescribed standards.
    • To facilitate certification of organic products in conformity with the importing countries organic standards as per equivalence agreement between the two countries or as per importing country requirements.
    • To encourage the development of organic farming and organic processing.
  • The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority’ (APEDA) is the implementation agency of NPOP.
  • Sikkim has become India’s first fully organic State.