The Indian government has signed deals with online retailer giants Amazon India and Grofers to enable smaller farmers and producers to make organic food available on the popular platforms at “cheaper” prices.
India has been rapidly stepping up its commitment to developing its organic market and exports, and in 2017 launched what it called “gamer-changing” new organic regulations and logo scheme. The country’s domestic domestic organic food market is forecast to achieve a compound annual growth rate of over 25% during 2015-20, according to analysts TechSci Research.
The latest initiative is being led by National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (Nafed).
Nafed managing director, Sanjeev Chadha, told Hindustan Times: “Our products will be cheaper because we will reduce our margins. The main idea is to help organic growers, especially small farmers.”
The plan is being implemented under the Indian Government’s Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY). The PKVY encourages small farmers to promote organic farming – the Indian Government provides financial aid and assistance under the scheme.
The move follows a 2017 government led scheme to link up organic growers and etailers, in efforts to “bridge a gap” between growing interest in healthier food options among India’s middle class.
May 3, 2022