Allegations Denied Over Organic Cotton Certification

28-Jul-2025 04:24 PM

New Delhi. Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has strongly denied the allegation that any irregularities have been committed in issuing certificates to organic cotton under the National Program for Organic Production (NPOP).

In a statement issued by the Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry, APEDA has clarified that the recent allegation to this effect is completely false, baseless and misleading and is only a means to weaken India's credible regulatory system.

It is worth mentioning that the program (NPOP) was launched by the Department of Commerce in the year 2001, which is an official organic certification program for cotton exports.

It is implemented and operated by APEDA and the process of third party certification is strictly followed in it. This system is recognized as equivalent to the European Union standard and has also been accepted by Switzerland and Britain. Meanwhile, in Asia, Taiwan has already recognized this system.

It was alleged that organic cotton is produced only in Madhya Pradesh and its cultivation is limited to some farmer groups, whereas certificates are also being provided for cotton produced in other areas.

But APEDA has called it untrue. It says that as of 19 July 2025, a total of 4712 active organic producer groups have been identified in 31 states and union territories of the country.

This includes 19.30 lakh certified farmers who produce grains, pulses, oilseeds, tea, coffee, spices and cotton through organic methods.