JKTPO and Invest India (DPIIT) organised Organic Certification program
for Garlic growers under ODOP-DEH initiative at Kulgam, to facilitate Value
Addition.
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 Auditorium Hall of DC Office Kulgam. This program,
held under the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP), focuses on
obtaining organic certification for Garlic, an ODOP product of Kulgam District.
The JKTPO in pursuance
of directions of worthy Chief secretary J&K and under the guidance of
Commissioner Secretary, Industries and Commerce department, is continuously
striving to build capacity and facilitate value addition through various
interventions and create market linkages for fetching better remuneration for
farmers/entrepreneurs/artisans.
More than 100 garlic farmers from various parts of Kulgam district
participated in the event, with a larger number anticipated to seek organic
certification. On-the-spot registration for organic certification was completed
for 50 farmers growing garlic. JKTPO intends to replicate such initiatives in
other districts of Jammu and Kashmir to raise awareness about NPOP among
producers.
The workshop was also attended by the District Agriculture Officer,
Kulgam, District Subject Matter Expert Agriculture, government officials, Garlic
growers, representatives from JKTPO, Invest India, and the certifying agency
Aditi Organic Certifications Pvt Ltd.
Speaking on the occasion, District Agricultural Officer, Kulgam District
said that garlic holds significant export potential and, obtaining organic
certification will undoubtedly enhance its value and lead to increased income
for farmers.
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 Garlic, but lack the
necessary certification to authenticate their products. This initiative is
aligned with JKTPO's mandate to promote ODOP-DEH products in Jammu and Kashmir
and raise awareness among garlic growers.
The workshop emphasized the importance of boosting organic garlic 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 garlic growing farmers of the region.