Let's face it, navigating the grocery store can feel like wandering through a confusing maze. With so many choices and unclear labels, how do you ensure you're bringing home the healthiest food for your family? Fortunately, there's a better option available! Organic food has become a popular trend in the food industry, growing rapidly due to people's preferences for sustainable living and dietary needs.
Organic food is grown without man-made pesticides and fertilizers, and it avoids genetically modified organisms (GMOs). This means there are potentially fewer harmful residues in your food, and it promotes more natural farming practices.
Did you know? According to the World of Organic Agriculture 2018 report, 30% of organic producers globally are based in India. Let's explore to learn why there is a huge demand for organic products, the options available, and why it's a revolution in the Indian market.
Increasing Consumer Demand for Organic Products
Organic foods are often richer in beneficial nutrients like antioxidants compared to conventionally-grown foods. People with allergies to foods, chemicals, or preservatives may experience reduced symptoms or complete relief when they switch to organic foods.
Due to these benefits, consumers are shifting to natural, healthy, pure, and environmentally friendly foods. This has led to a significant growth in demand for organic food in recent years. Availability was a concern for people searching for it. However, e-commerce platforms and shopping marts removed this barrier.
Expansion of Organic Product Range
Consumers are now looking for organic options not only in food but also in cosmetics and self-care products. Organic beauty items focus on natural ingredients, which can lower exposure to harsh chemicals and promote well-being. While fruits and veggies are popular in the organic market, there's also demand for other categories like dairy (milk, cheese, yogurt), packaged foods (millets, beans, snacks), and beverages (coffee, tea, squash).
How the Government Promoting Organic Farming in India
In India, organic farming is a solution to soil erosion and resource degradation. It's all about keeping the soil healthy and increasing farmers' income. The government even started a program called the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) to help farmers and make sure the food is truly organic.
Several states, like Uttarakhand, Karnataka, and Madhya Pradesh, are leading the charge in organic farming. Government promotes organic farming through various schemes/programs like National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA), Paramapragat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY), Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY), Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH), National Mission on Oilseeds & Oil Palm (NMOOP), and Network Project on Organic Farming of ICAR.
Additionally, the Government implements a Cluster-based program called Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) to encourage farmers to promote organic farming.
Availability of Organic Products in the Indian Market
The organic food market has seen a surge due to growing consumer awareness about food choices. Favorable government policies supporting organic farming and an increase in land area under organic cultivation have contributed to this rise.
Moreover, the rise of e-commerce has revolutionized the organic food market in India. Dedicated online platforms for organic products have become popular, offering consumers convenient access to healthier and sustainable food options. These platforms provide a wide range of organic food, beverages, and household products, with the convenience of doorstep delivery and a diverse array of choices.
Consumer Education and Awareness
Awareness and education are the drivers of shaping consumer behavior. The Government and private organizations are working together to spread the word about the advantages of going organic.
Remember the recent initiative for millets by the Prime Minister? That's a perfect example. Millets are not only packed with nutrients, but they're also traditionally grown using fewer chemicals.
But spreading awareness is an ongoing process. It's important to keep educating people, especially about the wider variety of organic products available now. From your everyday fruits and veggies to groceries, dairy, and even personal care items, there are more organic options on the market than ever before.
The future of the organic market is bright, with a projected steady increase in sales globally. The Indian government's policies play a significant role in supporting the growth of organic farming in the country.
Looking to join the organic movement? Nirvana Organic works with women farmers in Uttarakhand to bring you a wide variety of certified organic products.
Ready to make the switch? Click here to explore our delicious and healthy options!
