What is PGS certification and how do I get it for my small farm?

PGS stands for Participatory Guarantee System, and PGS-India is the government recognised version run under the agriculture ministry. Instead of one outside inspector deciding, a local group of farmers inspects and vouches for each other's compliance, and this peer guarantee is what makes it cheap and practical for small holders. The process is, form or join a local group of at least the minimum number of farmers required, register the group with a regional council under the PGS-India portal, all members commit to the organic standards, members carry out peer appraisal visits of each other's fields, and on passing the group is granted PGS green or organic status which moves from conversion to fully organic over the required period. It is far cheaper than third party certification because there is no costly external inspection, but it is recognised mainly for the domestic market, not for export. To start, register on the official PGS-India portal or approach your regional council or a facilitating NGO or FPO. Confirm the current minimum group size and any fees on the portal, as the rules are updated from time to time.