A Comparative Analysis of India’s Role in the Global Organic Agricultural Sector

Abstract

Organic agriculture has become an increasingly important component of sustainable food systems worldwide, supported by rising environmental concerns, health awareness and changing consumer preferences (Willer & Lernoud, 2023; FAO, 2021). In this context, India has attracted attention in the global organic sector, particularly because of its large number of certified producers and the steady expansion of land under organic cultivation (APEDA, 2023; Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, 2023). This study examines India’s role in global organic agriculture using a comparative framework. The analysis is based on secondary data sources, including government reports, international databases and published research studies (FiBL, 2023; OECD, 2020). Key indicators such as certified organic area, production trends, export performance, domestic market growth, and institutional support mechanisms were used to compare India with leading organic economies in Europe, North America, and Asia. The findings indicate that India holds a strong position in terms of producer participation and certified areas. However, its share in high-value global organic markets remains relatively limited (ITC 2021; Willer and Lernoud 2023). The analysis identifies several structural constraints affecting competitiveness, including fragmented landholdings, high certification costs, inefficient supply chains, and limited processing and value- added infrastructure (Gupta, 2017; Singh, 2021). Simultaneously, policy initiatives and growing domestic awareness have contributed positively to sectoral growth (Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, 2023). The study suggests that strengthening value chains, improving market access, enhancing certification support, and promoting product diversification could help improve India’s global standing (Kledal, 2012; FAO, 2021). Future research should focus on farm-level productivity analysis, impact assessment of specific policy interventions, and the role of digital platforms in improving market linkages for organic producers.