Participatory Guarantee System - National Standards for Organic Production

Standard requirements for crop production

Selection of seed and planting material

Seeds and planting material varieties should be well adapted to the soil, climatic conditions, suitable for organic management, resistant to pests and diseases and preferably of organic origin. In case organically grown seeds are not available then, chemically untreated conventional materials shall be used.
The use of genetically engineered seeds, pollen, transgenic plants or planting material is not allowed.

Fertilization

• Mineral fertilizers shall be used in their natural powdered form as supplementary source of nutrients.
  
• Use of synthetic fertilizers is strictly prohibited in any form, directly or indirectly.
  
• On-farm biodegradable material of microbial, plant or animal origin shall form the basis of fertilization policy. Green manuring, intercropping or crop rotation with legumes shall be the integral part of cropping system planning. Off-farm/ purchased biodegradable material of microbial, plant or animal origin can also be used provided it is ensured that no prohibited substances have been used in their preparation.
  
• Microbial preparations such as biofertilizers, biodynamic preparations, EM solutions etc can be used. Off-farm/industry produced inputs approved by NPOP accredited certification body as approved input for use in organic farming can be used without further approval of the group.

Pest, Disease and Weed Management including Growth Regulators

Selection of pest resistant varieties, suitable rotations, green manures, balanced fertilization, early planting, mulching, cultural, mechanical and biological control measures, disturbance in pest life cycles and ensuring survival of pest enemies should form the basis of pest management programme. Thermic weed control or thermic sterilization of soils can be resorted to only when it becomes absolutely necessary.

Microbial pest control formulations such as biopesticides can be used. On- farm fermentation products and botanical extracts can also be used. Off-farm purchased microbial or botanical preparations can also be used provided it is ensured that such products are approved as organic inputs under NPOP by APEDA accredited certification agencies.

Use of synthetic herbicides, fungicides, insecticides and other chemical preparations including synthetic plant growth regulators and synthetic dyes are strictly prohibited. Use of genetically engineered organisms or products are also prohibited.

Equipments/ implements and storage containers

All farming equipments, implements and tools etc must be washed and cleaned before use on the organic farm. Bags and containers used to harvest, store and transport organic produce must be clean and free from any chemical contamination and should not have been used for storage of conventional produce. All such containers and bags shall be clearly labeled “Organic Only”.

Storage and Transport

Organic Products must be protected at all times from co-mingling with non- organic products. Use of synthetic or chemical storage pesticides/ fumigants are prohibited. Natural and traditional ways and means for storing organic produce are allowed. Use of carbon-di-oxide, nitrogen or any other such inert gas is permissible.

Source :

Dr. K. Chandra, Director, National Centre of Organic Farming, Ghaziabad.
Dr. Jagat Singh, Regional Centre on Organic Farming, Bangalore.

Updated on : Nov 2014