By Mr Narendra Nerla
Indian farming sector face many challenges in every season and some of those challenges can be addressed through regenerative agricultural practices. However, lack of any certification body to define the standards in regenerative practices always questioned the effectiveness of these practices. Govt. of India through QCI started working on this framework a while ago and launched IndG.A.P to address this challenge
IndG.A.P (Indian Good Agricultural Practices) is an important certification standard to validate the sustainable and regenerative agricultural practices, designed by QCI (Quality Counsel of India). IndG.A.P provides a mechanism which gives direction to introduce quality in the production system to ensure food safety and hygiene thereby increasing acceptability of the produce by consumers and food processing industry
In one of QCI’s first pilot in 2023, farmers from Andhra Pradesh participated in IndG.A.P certification and witnessed the potential for fetching optimal prices for their products. They anticipate the future acceptance in over 135 countries for exporting agricultural products
Andhra Pradesh Government Andhra Pradesh State Organic Products Certification Authority (APSOPCA), which is the first such organisation in the country partnered with QCI to implement IndG.A.P in the state of Andhra Pradesh. Sreshta Farms is one of the first farmer producer company in Andhra Pradesh to implement these farming practices and get certified on IndG.A.P
26 of our turmeric farmers got certified on IndG.A.P and 20 more maze farmers are going through the certification process in 2024
Farmers & Farmer Producer Companies should consider obtaining IndG.A.P (Indian Good Agricultural Practices) certification for multiple reasons:
- Market Access: IndG.A.P certification enables farmers to access broader markets, both domestic and international. Many retailers, wholesalers, and export markets require certification to ensure that agricultural products meet certain quality and safety standards. Having IndG.A.P certification can open up opportunities for farmers to sell their produce to these markets
- Consumer Confidence: Certification assures consumers that the agricultural products they purchase meet specific quality and safety standards. With increasing concerns about food safety and quality, consumers are more likely to choose products with certifications like IndG.A.P, which indicates that the produce has been grown using safe and sustainable agricultural practices
- Compliance with Regulations: IndG.A.P certification helps farmers comply with regulatory requirements related to food safety and agricultural practices. By adhering to the standards set by IndG.A.P, farmers can ensure that their operations meet the legal requirements, thereby reducing the risk of fines or penalties for non-compliance
- Improved Productivity and Efficiency: The IndG.A.P certification process involves implementing best agricultural practices, which can lead to improved productivity and efficiency on the farm. By following guidelines related to soil management, water usage, pest control, and post-harvest handling, farmers can optimize their operations and achieve higher yields with fewer resources
- Environmental Sustainability: IndG.A.P certification emphasizes environmentally sustainable agricultural practices that minimize negative impacts on the environment. By promoting practices such as crop rotation, organic farming, and integrated pest management, IndG.A.P certification encourages farmers to adopt methods that preserve natural resources and biodiversity
- Brand Reputation: IndG.A.P certification can enhance the reputation of farmers and their brands in the market. Certification demonstrates a commitment to quality, safety, and sustainability, which can differentiate farmers' products from competitors and attract environmentally and health-conscious consumers
- Access to Support and Resources: Becoming IndG.A.P certified may provide farmers with access to support services, technical assistance, and resources offered by government agencies, agricultural organizations, and industry stakeholders. These resources can help farmers improve their agricultural practices, solve problems, and stay informed about the latest developments in the industry
Overall, IndG.A.P certification offers numerous benefits to farmers, including expanded market opportunities, increased consumer confidence, regulatory compliance, improved productivity, environmental sustainability, enhanced brand reputation, and access to support services. As a result, farmers who pursue IndG.A.P certification can position themselves for long-term success in the agricultural industry
The writer is Managing Director, agriDNA Ventures. Views are personal
