RENUKA Eapen, a mother of two, switched to eating organic food because 'it would be better for my children and the environment'. Arkaja Singh made the move because organic food 'often tastes much better'.
Thousands like them are driving the demand for organic food, which is now a Rs.5.6 billion market in India, according to the International Competence Centre for Organic Agriculture (ICCOA) in Bangalore.
'Organic food is now more accessible in India, with more shops coming up and more information available to those who want it,' said Eapen.
Traditionally organic - farms that follow traditional agricultural practices and have never used chemical pesticides or fertiliser. These include small farms whose owners are organic farmers by default, as they cannot afford synthetic fertiliser or pesticides.
In-convergence organic - farms that have recently switched to organic farming and are in the process of acquiring certification; they are under the purview of certifying agencies.
Certified organic - farms that are certified organic by agencies such as SGS, Skal, Ecocert or Indocert; certification is fairly new in India, and has developed with an eye to exports. However, with greater awareness, even the Indian consumer is seeking certified organic products.
Photographs: stock.Xchng
Mail this Topic 
A Network Eighteen Venture
Tell us what you think…