India’s organic agricultural sector is experiencing a remarkable export boom, with organic product exports surging 34.6% to $665.96 million in 2024 25 from $494.8 million in the previous fiscal year. This impressive growth trajectory positions India as a formidable player in the global organic food market, which values authenticity, sustainability, and chemical-free production methods.

The diversification of export products tells a compelling story of India’s agricultural strength. Organic pulses exports increased dramatically from $5.25 million to $17.89 million, while organic essential oil shipments rose from $4.52 million to $12.35 million. Fresh organic fruits and vegetables doubled their export value to $9.2 million, demonstrating the international market’s growing appetite for Indian organic produce.

Rice continues to dominate India’s organic exports, leveraging the country’s traditional cultivation methods and diverse varieties. The export portfolio also includes oilseeds, herbs, spices, pulses, nuts, specialty products like ginger and turmeric, large cardamom, cinnamon, mango puree, and essential oils. This diversity showcases India’s agricultural heritage and commitment to sustainable farming practices that international buyers increasingly demand.

The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority APEDA has been instrumental in this success, recently showcasing India’s organic excellence at the Natural Products Expo West 2025 in California. The India Pavilion featured 13 leading Indian exporters and organized exclusive International Buyer-Seller Meets, facilitating meaningful collaborations and business opportunities with global organic industry leaders.

Government initiatives have created a robust foundation for this export success. The National Programme for Organic Production NPOP provides internationally harmonized standards for organic production and certification procedures. APEDA has revised NPOP regulations to make them more farmer-friendly, supporting India’s ambitious target of achieving $2 billion in organic food exports by 2030.

Regional success stories are emerging across India. The Northeast region, supported by the Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region MOVCDNER , has brought

1.73 lakh hectares under organic farming, benefiting 1.89 lakh farmers. The scheme has facilitated the formation of 379 FPOs/FPCs, created 205 collection and aggregation units, and established 123 processing units and pack houses, demonstrating the end-to-end value chain approach.

The certification ecosystem has evolved to support export growth. India’s PGS India

Participatory Guarantee System) certification is recognized internationally, providing a cost- effective alternative to third-party certification for domestic markets. For exports, NPOP certification ensures compliance with international organic standards, including USDA Organic requirements for the American market.

Premium pricing is a key driver for export growth. Organic produce fetches 20 30% higher prices in international markets compared to conventional products. This premium compensates for potentially lower yields during the transition period and higher certification costs, making organic farming economically attractive for export-oriented farmers.

The global market trends favor Indian organic exports. Increasing health consciousness in developed countries, growing awareness about environmental sustainability, and consumer preference for traceable, chemical-free food products create sustained demand. India’s competitive advantages include diverse agro-climatic zones, rich biodiversity, traditional knowledge of natural farming, and cost-effective production methods.

Looking ahead, the integration of technology will further boost export competitiveness. Blockchain-based traceability, digital certification processes, and AI-powered quality assurance systems are making Indian organic supply chains more transparent and trustworthy. These technological advances address international buyers’ concerns about authenticity and quality consistency, positioning India for sustained export growth in the global organic market worth billions of dollars.