An FPO can certify its farmers' produce as organic in two ways: PGS-India, run by farmers' groups for the domestic market, or NPOP third-party certification, needed for export. This episode compares the two routes and lists the documents to gather before starting either.
The short version
- PGS-India is for the domestic market; NPOP is needed for export.
- A PGS group needs at least 5 farmers; an NPOP grower group needs 25 to 500.
- PGS is certified by peer appraisal and a Regional Council; NPOP by an accredited Certification Body.
- Gather every document first, and check names against Aadhaar.
Two Routes to Organic Certification
Choose PGS-India for domestic sale and lower cost; choose NPOP when the produce will be exported.
PGS-India
- For the domestic market
- Local Groups of at least 5 farmers
- Farmers appraise each other; a Regional Council approves
- Run on pgsindia-ncof.gov.in
NPOP (third-party)
- Needed for export
- Grower groups of 25 to 500 farmers
- An internal control system, then an accredited Certification Body inspects
- Run on APEDA's Tracenet
PGS-certified land can later count towards NPOP conversion: land certified under PGS for 3 continuous years without sanctions may be recognised as its conversion period.
Did you know?Land certified under PGS-India for 3 continuous years without sanctions may be counted as its conversion period under NPOP (NPOP 8th Edition, 3.1.4).
Documents for the FPO
Proof that the FPO is a legal entity, the board's decision, and a complete member list.
- Registration certificate of the FPO, society or co-operative.
- Memorandum and Articles of Association, or bye-laws.
- PAN card of the organisation, and GST registration if held.
- A board resolution to apply for organic certification, naming the scope (for example, crop production).
- List of directors or office bearers, with contact details.
- List of member farmers joining the certification, with father's or husband's name, village, land and crops.
Documents for Each Farmer
Identity, land record, farm location and history, and a signed agreement to follow the standards.
| Document | Why it is needed |
|---|---|
| Aadhaar card | Identity; the name must match the land record |
| Land record or lease | 7/12 extract, khasra, patta or a lease showing the survey number and area |
| Farm location | GPS coordinates or a sketch map with neighbouring land use |
| Farm history | Crops and inputs used in recent years, which decides the conversion period |
| Signed agreement | The farmer's commitment to follow the standards and accept inspection |
| Bank passbook | For payments to the farmer |
Avoiding Delays
Collect everything before applying, check every name and number, and keep copies.
- Start early.Collect documents at a village meeting, one village at a time.
- Check names and numbers.The name on the land record must match Aadhaar; the survey number must match the record exactly.
- Keep copies.One file per farmer, and a master list for the FPO.
- Begin records now.Records of seeds, inputs and sowing dates are checked at every inspection, so start them before applying.
Check yourself
Tap an answer to see whether you are right, and why.
An FPO wants to export organic turmeric. Which certification does it need?
- PGS-India
- NPOP third-party certification
- Either one
PGS-India is for the domestic market.
How many farmers must an NPOP grower group have?
- At least 5
- 25 to 500
- Over 1,000
NPOP 5.2 sets 25 to 500 (10 for aquaculture).
Remember these things
- PGS for domestic sale; NPOP for export.
- Gather FPO and farmer documents first.
- Match names across Aadhaar and land records.
- Start farm records before applying.
Choosing the right route and gathering documents first saves months later. KrushiFlow validates these fields and submits farmer records to the portal in bulk.