A Critical Appraisal of Organic Food Market in India

Abstract

Organic foods are outcome of organic farming which does not involve chemical fertilizers, pesticides, etc. By preserving the regenerative capacity of soil and sound soil management, such foods are produced which are naturally pure, safe, healthy, environment friendly and protects against diseases. With the rising awareness about the adverse effects of usage of preservatives, chemical fertilizers, etc. people have started to prefer organic food and many companies such as Fabindia, Organic India, etc. are actively involved in marketing of organic food items. Government has also realized the importance of organc farming for social welfare and preservation of environment and that is why the Government is promoting organic farming through various schemes like National Project on Organic Farming (NPOF), National Horticulture Mission (NHM), Horticulture Mission for North East & Himalayan States (HMNEH), National Project on Management of Soil Health and Fertility (NPMSH&F), Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) and also Network Project on Organic Farming of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). Government has also implemented the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP). Currently, India's rank is 10th among the top ten countries in terms of cultivable land under organic certification. For the expansion of organic food market, attention should be given to many factors such as low availability, high price, complexity of certification, lack of information, publicity of health benefits, freshness, taste packaging, etc. Although, in the recent past, there has been a huge increase in the turnover of organic food items but even though the percentage of organic food customers is very low. Hence, promotional and awareness programmes are needed to motivate people for purchasing such items and besides ensuring the easy and regular supply of organic food products, financial support from government and private enterprises is also required.