I have been farming without chemicals for two years and want a real certificate so I can sell as organic. Where do I even start and how long does it take?
There are two recognised certification systems in India and you pick based on your scale and market. PGS-India (Participatory Guarantee System) is a group based, peer verified, low cost route suited to small farmers selling mostly in the domestic market. NPOP (National Programme for Organic Production) is third party certification by an accredited certification agency, needed for exports and for buyers who demand it, and it costs more and involves outside inspection. The basic steps are the same in spirit, register (with a PGS local group, or with an NPOP certification body), then go through a conversion period where you farm fully organic and keep records, undergo inspection or peer appraisal, and then receive certification. The conversion period is typically around two to three years from the last chemical use, and your past two clean years may count if you have proof and records, so keep your input and field diaries. Start by deciding your market, then for PGS contact your regional council or state organic body, and for NPOP contact an accredited certification agency. Confirm current fees and the exact conversion timeline with the certifying body, as these are updated periodically.
Record keeping is the thing that decides everything. I almost lost a year because I had no written proof of what I did. From day one write down every input, date and field. The inspector wants the diary.
For local sales I went PGS, much cheaper and the group helps you. If you are not exporting do not jump straight to expensive third party certification.
Decide your market first like the team said. I rushed into NPOP without a buyer and the cost hurt. A neighbour did PGS, sold locally and made better net money. Match the certificate to where you will actually sell.
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