PGS-India certification is a quality assurance system that certifies organic products based on the principles of participatory guarantee, which involves active participation of farmers and consumers in the certification process. It is recognized by the Government of India as an alternative certification mechanism for organic farming.

The PGS-India certification system involves a peer-review process where farmers within a local community collectively assess and verify each other's compliance with organic farming standards. This participatory approach builds trust and transparency among farmers and consumers, ensuring the integrity of organic products.

Key features of PGS-India certification include decentralized decision-making, farmer empowerment, community involvement, transparency, and cost-effectiveness. It promotes knowledge sharing, skill development, and mutual support among farmers, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility towards organic farming practices.

Any farmer or group of farmers practicing organic farming methods can participate in the PGS-India certification system. This includes small-scale farmers, cooperatives, self-help groups, and producer organizations engaged in crop cultivation, livestock rearing, or agro-processing activities.

PGS-India certification offers several benefits to farmers, including reduced certification costs, enhanced market access, premium prices for organic products, improved livelihoods, and recognition for their sustainable farming practices. It also promotes community cohesion, knowledge exchange, and capacity building among farmers.

While PGS-India certification is primarily focused on domestic markets, it is also recognized internationally by certain countries and organic certification bodies. However, recognition may vary depending on the specific requirements and regulations of importing countries.

The integrity of PGS-India certification is ensured through rigorous internal control systems, regular farm inspections, participatory monitoring and evaluation, documentation of farm practices, and periodic reviews by certification bodies and accreditation agencies. Any instances of non-compliance or deviation from organic standards are addressed through corrective actions and follow-up inspections.

Yes, consumers can trust PGS-India certified organic products as they are produced in accordance with organic farming standards and verified through a participatory guarantee system involving farmers and consumers. PGS-India certification promotes transparency, accountability, and traceability throughout the production process, instilling confidence in the authenticity and quality of organic products.

Farmers interested in obtaining PGS-India certification can contact local organic farming groups, NGOs, or government agencies involved in promoting organic agriculture. They can participate in training programs, capacity-building workshops, and awareness campaigns organized by these entities to learn about the requirements and procedures for PGS-India certification.

Consumers play a crucial role in the PGS-India certification process by providing feedback, supporting local organic farmers, participating in farm visits and inspections, and promoting awareness about the benefits of organic farming. Their active involvement helps strengthen trust, accountability, and sustainability within the organic farming community.

Yes, the PGS-India program is a government-approved certification system operated by the Department of Agriculture and Cooperation under National How PGS-India program is different from other PGS programs being operated in other countries? Although PGS-India program is also based on IFOAM’s fundamental guiding principles of participation, shared vision, trust, transparency, and horizontality, it differs in its institutional structure and national institutional surveillance and random residue testing by the Government

You can join the PGS-India program as an individual farmer or as part of a local group with at least 5 members. Alternatively, you can opt for Large Area Certification where isolated villages in groups are certified as a whole.

Some important advantages of PGS-India over third-party certification systems include:
Simple procedures and basic documents in local languages understandable to farmers.
All members are local and known to each other, enhancing trust.
Peer appraisers live in the same village, reducing costs.
Mutual recognition and support between Regional PGS groups for better networking.

PGS-India certification is applicable for the local and domestic market. Certified products cannot be exported as organic but can be exported as conventional to receive a premium.

Yes, individual farmers can be certified under the PGS-India program. However, individual producer registration is an interim arrangement, and efforts should be made to bring in other members. If unable to form a group after 2 years, the Regional Council will attach farmers to the nearest group.

PGS certification is designed for farmers or communities that can organize and perform as a group within the village or in close proximity. It covers on-farm activities like crop production, processing, livestock rearing (including beekeeping), and off-farm processing of direct products under their group. Groups with less than 5 members are not covered under PGS and must opt for individual certification.