Kohima, 20 June (MTNews): The Department of Industries and Commerce, Government of Nagaland, collaborated with Invest India’s “One District One Product – Districts as Exports Hub” team and the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry to organize a National Program for Organic Production (NPOP) awareness drive. The workshop, held at Hotel Vivor on 20 June, aimed to provide training and certification to farmers engaged in organic farming, specifically focusing on chilies and honey.
The workshop was organized with a vision to provide training and certification to farmers who are already pursuing organic farming but do not have the necessary certification for their products’ authenticity.
“This awareness drive will increase the export potential of chilies and Honey as organic certified products have a massive international market,” a PIB report stated.
Many such workshops are scheduled across the country for the hand holding of farmers with respect to training for organic certification and the prerequisites involved.
National Program for Organic Production (NPOP) under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India involves accreditation of Certification Bodies, standards for organic production, promotion of organic farming and marketing etc. The NPOP standards for production and accreditation have been recognized by the European Commission and Switzerland for unprocessed plant products as equivalent to their country standards. With these recognitions, Indian organic products duly certified by the accredited certification bodies of India are accepted by the importing countries.
“The One District One Product ODOP initiative is a visionary program aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of fostering inclusive development across all districts of India,” the report said. The objective is to identify and promote a distinct product from each district, thereby creating a niche identity for them. By focusing on these chosen products, ODOP aims to drive holistic socio-economic growth and improve market accessibility. Over 1000 products have been selected from all 761 districts of the country. The products are selected by the State Government in consultation with district administration.
The ODOP initiative covers a wide range of products spanning textiles, agricultural produce, processed goods, pharmaceuticals, and industrial items. The aim is to promote and harness the diverse expertise present in different sectors and communities across the country. By identifying and addressing challenges throughout the supply chain, enhancing market reach, and providing dedicated support to producers, ODOP aims to transform districts into prominent market hubs for their chosen product. Through this comprehensive approach, ODOP is set to empower districts, promote entrepreneurship, and contribute to the overall economic growth and prosperity of the nation.