Question: Organic agricultural products are …
(a) grown without the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
(b) grown with use of modern technology, chemicals and pesticides.
(c) only edible.
(d) prepared in factories.
Ans: (a)
- On 31st March, 2017, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave its approval for removal of all quantitative ceilings on individual organic products and allowed unrestricted exports of all organic agricultural and organic processed products.
- However, in respect of organic pulses and lentils, the quantitative ceiling on exports will continue but enhanced from the existing 10,000 MT per annum to 50,000 MT per annum.
- The decision to remove quantitative ceiling on wheat, sugar, non-basmati rice, organic sugar and increase the limit on export of organic pulses is expected to contribute to the Government’s objective of doubling the farmers’ income.
- It is notable that all organic products exports are certified by Agricultural & Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) under the National Programme for Organic Production.
- Organic products are grown under a system of agriculture without the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides with an environmentally and socially responsible approach.
- This is a method of farming that works at grass root level preserving the reproductive and regenerative capacity of the soil, good plant nutrition, and sound soil management, produces nutritious food rich in vitality which has resistance to diseases.
- The production is not limited to the edible sector but also produces organic cotton fiber, functional food products etc.
- India produced around 1.35 million MT (2015-16) of certified organic products which includes all varieties of food products namely Sugarcane, Oil Seeds, Cereals & Millets, Cotton, Pulses, Medicinal Plants, Tea, Fruits, Spices, Dry Fruits, Vegetables, Coffee etc. . The production is not limited to the edible sector but also produces organic cotton fiber, functional food products etc.
- Organic products are exported to European Union, US, Canada, Switzerland, Korea, Australia, New Zealand, South East Asian countries, Middle East, South Africa etc.
Reference:
http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=160381
http://apeda.gov.in/apedawebsite/organic/Organic_Products.htm