Millets

Context: In a major boost to organic products exports from the country, first consignment of millets grown in Himalayas from snow-melt water of Ganges in Dev Bhoomi (Land of the God), Uttarakhand would be exported to Denmark.

• APEDA, in collaboration with Uttarakhand Agriculture Produce Marketing Board (UKAPMB) & Just Organik, an exporter, has sourced & processed ragi (finger millet), and jhingora(barnyard millet) from farmers in Uttarakhand for exports, which meets the organic certification standards of the European Union.
• Millets are unique agricultural products from India which have significant demand in the global market.
• In Uttarakhand, many of the common varieties of millets are the staple foods in the hills.
• Oil cake meal is a major commodity of the organic product exports from the country followed by oil seeds, fruit pulps and purees, cereals & millets, spices, tea, medicinal plant products, dry fruits, sugar, pulses, coffee, essential oil etc.
• India’s organic products have been exported to 58 countries including USA, European Union, Canada, Great Britain, Australia, Switzerland, Israel and South Korea.

National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP)

• At present, organic products are exported provided they are produced, processed, packed and labelled as per the requirements of the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP).
• The NPOP has been implemented by APEDA since its inception in 2001 as notified under the Foreign Trade (Development and Regulations) Act, 1992.
• The NPOP certification has been recognized by the European Union and Switzerland which enables India to export unprocessed plant products to these countries without the requirement of additional certification.
• NPOP also facilitates export of Indian organic products to the United Kingdom even in the post Brexit phase.
• NPOP has also been recognized by the Food Safety Standard Authority of India (FSSAI) for trade of organic products in the domestic market.
• Organic products covered under the bilateral agreement with NPOP need not to be recertified for import in India.

About Millets:

• MIllets are ancient grains that have been used as staple grains similar to rice and wheat.
• They have numerous health benefits and are a palatable option for some people who look for alternatives from rice and wheat.
• Cooking properties of millets vary, and some can only be specifically used after a fermentation process.
• Since they are high in fiber, phytonutrients, and micro nutrients they need to be pre-soaked or pressure cooked for most recipes.