Purchased inputs such as compost, biofertilisers and biopesticides can put a farm's organic status at risk. The PGS-India Standards say who approves them and how. This episode sets out the rule, how input problems are graded, and what a Regional Council checks.
The short version
- The Local Group evaluates purchased inputs before they are used.
- Inputs approved by an NPOP-accredited certification body need no further group approval.
- Unapproved off-farm inputs are a major non-compliance.
- Biofertilisers and biopesticides need FCO or CIB registration where applicable.
Who Approves Off-Farm Inputs
The Local Group evaluates purchased inputs before use; inputs already approved by an NPOP-accredited certification body need no further approval.
Under the PGS-India Standards, purchased inputs are evaluated by the group before use, to confirm that no prohibited substances were used in making them and that the method of production is physical, mechanical or biological. Off-farm inputs approved by an NPOP-accredited certification body can be used without further approval of the group.
Microbial preparations such as biofertilisers are permitted. Mineral nitrogen, synthetic fertilisers, chemical hormones and synthetic growth promoters are not.
Did you know?Off-farm inputs already approved by an NPOP-accredited certification body can be used without further approval by the group.
How Input Problems Are Graded
The peer appraisal worksheet grades unverified or unapproved off-farm inputs as major non-compliances.
| Situation found at appraisal | Grade |
|---|---|
| Off-farm compost or manure used without checking its quality | Major non-compliance |
| Off-farm input with no details or approval showing it meets the standards | Major non-compliance |
| Suspected use of chemical fertiliser | Major non-compliance |
| On-farm compost or slurry not fully fermented | Minor non-compliance; follow the fermentation process in future |
What the Regional Council Checks
Check that each purchased input was evaluated by the group or is already approved, and that bills and labels match.
- The product name, maker, and label or composition details.
- Evidence of the group's evaluation, such as meeting minutes, or proof that an NPOP-accredited certification body has approved the input.
- For biofertilisers and biopesticides, registration under the Fertiliser Control Order (FCO) or with the Central Insecticides Board (CIB), where applicable.
- Bills that match the quantities the farmer reported.
The RC checks inputs when it assesses a group's certification decision and during physical inspection. A major non-compliance on inputs can hold up the group's certification.
Illustrative workload. At about three minutes per input, 50 groups with two purchased inputs each take about 5 hours to check.
Check yourself
Tap an answer to see whether you are right, and why.
A farmer uses a bio-input approved by an NPOP-accredited certification body. Does the group need to approve it?
- Yes, always
- No, it can be used without further group approval
- Only the RC can approve it
The Standards exempt inputs already approved in this way.
An off-farm input has no details showing it meets the standards. How is it graded?
- Minor
- Major
- It is not graded
Unverified off-farm inputs are a major non-compliance.
Remember these things
- The group evaluates purchased inputs before use.
- NPOP-approved inputs need no further group approval.
- Unapproved inputs are a major non-compliance.
- Check labels, registrations and bills.
Checking inputs before use is far easier than defending them at appraisal. KrushiFlow validates these fields and submits farmer records to the portal in bulk.