IHC urges govt to set up National Mission on organic farming

Umiam, May 3 (UNI) In a bid to position India as a major player in the global organic market, the Indian Horticulture Congress (IHC) has urged the government to set up a National Mission on Organic Farming.

This decision was taken by horticulturists during the second IHC meeting held at the Indian Council for Agricultural Research (North Eastern region), which concluded here recently.

''This mission will serve the stakeholders from organic producers to consumers, international cooperation and trade regulations, setting and maintaining standards,'' Indian Horticultural Society K L Chadha said.

According to Dr Chadha, India was poised for a national movement in the organic farming sector and was being successfully practised in the diverse climates, particularly in rain-fed, tribal and hilly areas of the country.

Senior horticulturists stated that the organic farming industry, estimated to be 20 million dollars in 2002, had grown nearly five times to about 100 million dollars in 2005, with the emerging organic retail stores, super markets and packaged deliveries.

Several states, including Mizoram, Nagaland and Sikkim had declared their policies on organic farming but this alone could not transform a state into an organic region, Dr Chadha added.

UNI