JKTPO, Invest India (DPIIT) organised Organic Certification program
for walnut growers under ODOP-DEH initiative at Rajouri.
The Jammu and Kashmir
Trade Promotion Organisation (JKTPO), as part of its efforts to promote ODOP
products in Jammu and Kashmir and enhance their export potential, has arranged
a workshop and awareness program at the Chief Horticulture officer's office in
Rajouri. This program, held under the National Programme for Organic Production
(NPOP), focuses on obtaining organic certification for walnut, an ODOP product
of Rajouri District.
The JKTPO under the
guidance of Commissioner Secretary, Industries and Commerce department and in
pursuance of directions of worthy Chief secretary J&K is continuously striving
to build capacity and generate awareness about various interventions and create
forward linkages for fetching better remuneration for farmers/entrepreneurs/artisans.
This initiative is a
collaboration with the Invest India, DPIIT (Department for Promotion of
Industry and Internal Trade), Ministry of Commerce and Industry. The National
Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) sets standards for organic production,
promotes organic farming and marketing, and is overseen by APEDA under the
Ministry of Commerce & Industries, Government of India.
The workshop's objective was to deliver certification and training to
farmers who are already involved in producing organic walnuts but lack the
necessary certification to authenticate their products. This initiative is
aligned with JKTPO's mission to promote ODOP products in Jammu and Kashmir and
raise awareness among walnut growers.
The workshop emphasized the importance of boosting organic walnut
production in the region to meet market demands, upgrading packaging /Storage etc
to align with global standards, which is expected to increase demand and
contribute to the enhanced income of farmers.
The drive was attended by over 65 farmers of walnut from Budhal,
Thanamandi and Manjakote regions of Rajouri district, and more farmers are
expected to come under organic certification. On spot registration for Organic Certification
for walnut was done of 40 farmers. JKTPO plans to conduct similar initiatives
across different districts of J&K to promote NPOP awareness among producers.
At the outset, the workshop was attended by the Chief Horticulture
officer, District Horticulture officer, government officials, walnut growers,
representatives from JKTPO, Invest India, and the certifying agency Aditi
Organic Certifications Pvt Ltd.
According to the Chief Horticulture Officer Rajouri, the Department of
Horticulture has earmarked 200 hectares of land for walnut plantations across
different areas in Rajouri. Additionally, an extra 80 hectares have been
already utilized for planting walnut trees.