Covering FSSAI Initivate “Jaivik Bharat” in detail with Jaivik Organic and its registration and certification. This post also help students preparing for UPSC exam.

Jaivik Bharat

Jaivik Bharat is an initiative of FSSAI for the welfare of the Indian people and to promote food safety and security. with the initiative of Jaivik Bharat, the Indian Government wants to promote Organic food and ensure consumers of the genuineness of Organic food products. Here we are covering Jaivik Bharat UPSC approach.

Jaivik Bharat meaning

“Jaivik Bharat” is a term derived from the Hindi language. “Jaivik” translates to “organic” or “natural,” while “Bharat” is the Hindi name for India. Therefore, “Jaivik Bharat” can be understood as “Organic India” or “Natural India.” The term is often used to refer to the promotion and adoption of organic farming practices, sustainable agriculture, and the production of organic food within India. It signifies an emphasis on environmentally friendly and ecologically balanced approaches to agriculture and the use of natural resources.

Jaivik Bharat FSSAI initiative

With the increase in the production and demand for Organic products, the authenticity and genuineness of the product become a matter of concern. Considering this situation, the Food Safety and standards authority of India (FSSAI) in 2017 launched the food safety and Standards (Organic Food) Regulations 2017, along with the “Jaivik Bharat” logo and the Indian Organic Integrity Database Portal.

Jaivik Bharat Logo

What is Organic Food under Jaivik Bharat

Organic foods are products of holistic agricultural practices focusing on biodiversity, soil health, chemical-free inputs, etc. with an environmentally and socially responsible approach that has been produced in accordance with organic production standards.

Food Safety and Standards (Organic Foods) Regulations 2017

The Food Safety and Standards (Organic Foods) Regulations 2017 is a set of regulations implemented by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to establish standards for the production, labeling, and certification of organic food products in India. The regulations were introduced to ensure the authenticity and quality of organic products and to protect the interests of consumers.

Key features of the Food Safety and Standards (Organic Foods) Regulations 2017 include:

1. Definition of organic food: The regulations provide a clear definition of organic food, which refers to food products that are produced and processed using organic farming methods without the use of synthetic chemicals, pesticides, fertilizers, or genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
2. Certification requirements: The regulations outline the procedures and requirements for organic certification bodies to accredit and certify organic food producers. Certification is necessary for any product to be labeled and sold as “organic.”
3. Labeling requirements: The regulations specify the labeling requirements for organic food products. Products labeled as organic must comply with specific guidelines for the display of the organic logo, mandatory information about the certifying body, and the organic content of the product.
4. Traceability and record-keeping: Organic food producers are required to maintain records and maintain traceability of their products throughout the supply chain. This helps ensure transparency and enables verification of the organic status of the products.
5. Import and export regulations: The regulations also cover the import and export of organic food products. Importers of organic products need to provide evidence of compliance with organic standards, and exported organic products must meet the regulatory requirements of the importing country.

Overall, the Food Safety and Standards (Organic Foods) Regulations 2017 aim to promote consumer confidence in organic food products, prevent fraud and mislabeling, and create a reliable framework for the organic food industry in India.

Other Important Key Features of Food Safety and Standards (Organic Foods) Regulations 2017

• “Food Safety and Standards (Organic Foods) Regulations 2017” is to ensure the genuineness of food products labelled as organic. It covers the labelling, transport, storage, distribution, retail of NPOP or PGS certified organic food.
• All foods offered or promoted for sale as “Organic Food” to comply with any of the requirements of:
  1. National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP)
  2. Participatory Guarantee System for India (PGS-India)

• Direct sales of organic food by the small original producer or producer organisation to the end consumer are exempt from verification of compliance.
• Organic Food Label to have a certification mark of PGS-India or NPOP along with FSSAI Logo with License No.
• Retailers display organic foods distinguishable from conventional foods.

Indian Organic Integrity Database

• It helps the consumer to verify the authenticity of organic foods.
• Through this portal, consumers can access all information with respect to the producer, the certification system and the availability of certified organic products in specific markets.

National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP)

• it is launched in 2001 for the systematic development of the organic agriculture sector in India.
• NPOP is managed by APEDA under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. (APEDA – the agricultural and processed food products export development authority – estd in 1986)
• NPOP is the mainstay for quality assurance for organic agriculture products in India operated through 28 accredited certification bodies.
• The NPOP standards for production and accreditation system have been recognized by 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.

Participatory Guarantee System (PGS)

PGS India refers to Participatory Guarantee System for Organic Products in India. It is a certification system for organic products that is based on active participation and involvement of farmers and local communities. PGS India is recognized by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and provides an alternative to third-party certification for small-scale organic farmers.

The Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) is a grassroots-oriented approach to organic certification, where farmers themselves participate in the certification process and vouch for the organic production practices followed by their fellow farmers. It relies on trust, transparency, and peer-review mechanisms within the local community.

Under PGS India, a group of organic farmers collectively verifies and certifies each other’s products as organic. The certification process involves regular inspections, internal control systems, and adherence to organic farming practices as per the prescribed standards. The participating farmers and their products are identified with a PGS-India logo, which signifies their adherence to organic practices.

PGS India aims to provide a more affordable and accessible certification option for small-scale farmers who may find it challenging to comply with the requirements of third-party certification systems. It fosters local networks, knowledge sharing, and community-building among organic farmers.

While PGS India certification is primarily targeted at domestic markets, it is also recognized internationally through the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM) and can be used for export purposes, depending on the requirements of the importing countries.

Overall, PGS India plays a crucial role in promoting organic farming, empowering small-scale farmers, and building trust among consumers in the authenticity of organic products in India.

PGS India important points:

• PGS-India (Participatory Guarantee System of India) is a quality assurance initiative that is locally relevant, emphasize the participation of stakeholders, including producers and consumers and operate outside the frame of third-party certification.
• PGS-INDIA covers standards for crop production, animal production, food processing, handling and storage etc.
• PGS-INDIA Programme was launched in 2011 by the ministry of agriculture and farmers welfare with the national center of organic farming as its secretariat.
• four Pillars of PGS are Participation, Shared Vision, Transparency and Trust.
• PGS-INDIA is a locally applicable quality assurance system for grower group certification, implemented together by a locally known small group of farmers, traders and consumers under the supervision of regional councils.

Jaivik Bharat registration and certification

Jaivik Bharat registration

To obtain Jaivik Bharat certification or any organic certification in India, you typically need to follow these steps:

1. Contact a Certification Body: Identify a recognized Certification Body accredited by the National Program for Organic Production (NPOP) or the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA). These bodies are authorized to conduct organic certification in India.
2. Application and Documentation: Submit an application to the chosen Certification Body. You will be required to provide detailed information about your farming practices, land, cultivation methods, seed sourcing, inputs used, and any previous certifications, if applicable.
3. Inspection: After reviewing your application, the Certification Body will conduct an inspection of your farm or production facility. They will assess compliance with organic standards, including the absence of synthetic chemicals, adherence to sustainable practices, and proper record-keeping.
4. Certification Decision: Based on the inspection findings, the Certification Body will make a certification decision. If your practices meet the required organic standards, you will be granted the Jaivik Bharat or organic certification.
5. Certification Issuance: Once certified, you will receive a certificate or license confirming your organic status. This certificate may include the Jaivik Bharat logo or any other relevant organic certification mark.

It’s important to note that specific requirements and procedures may vary depending on the certification body and the type of organic certification you are seeking (domestic or export-oriented). It’s recommended to directly contact the Certification Body or relevant authorities for precise and up-to-date information regarding the registration process for Jaivik Bharat certification or any other organic certification in India.

Jaivik Bharat Certification

Jaivik Bharat certification is a specific India organic certification program for organic products in India. It is an FSSAI organic certification scheme recognized by the Government of India and implemented by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA). Jaivik Bharat certification ensures that organic products meet the prescribed standards and guidelines for organic production and labelling.

Here are some key points about Jaivik Bharat certification:

1. Standards: Jaivik Bharat certification follows the National Standards for Organic Production (NSOP) set by the Government of India. These standards define the requirements for organic farming practices, including the use of organic inputs, crop rotation, soil and water management, pest and disease control, and post-harvest handling.

2. Certification Process: To obtain Jaivik Bharat certification, producers need to apply to an APEDA-recognized certification body. The certification body conducts inspections and assessments to verify compliance with organic standards. This includes farm visits, documentation review, and testing of samples if required.

3. Traceability and Documentation: Organic producers seeking Jaivik Bharat certification are required to maintain proper records of their organic farming practices, including inputs used, seed sourcing, and production processes. Traceability and documentation are essential to demonstrate compliance with organic standards throughout the supply chain.

4. Labeling: Once certified, products can display the Jaivik Bharat logo on their packaging. The logo signifies that the product is certified organic under the Jaivik Bharat program. It helps consumers identify genuine organic products and builds trust in the organic market.

5. Domestic and Export Certification: Jaivik Bharat certification can be obtained for both domestic and export-oriented organic production. For exports, additional requirements and regulations may apply, including compliance with the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) standards and meeting specific requirements of importing countries.

It’s important to note that the specific details of the Jaivik Bharat certification process, including fees, application procedures, and documentation requirements, may be subject to change. It’s recommended to reach out to APEDA or the designated certification bodies for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding Jaivik Bharat certification.

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