The Uttarakhand Organic Commodity Board (UOCB) is steadfast in its mission to transform Uttarakhand into India’s organic capital. The board actively collaborates with farmers to offer essential support, including organic certification, training, and market connections. This partnership ensures the adoption of sustainable organic farming practices that boost both farm productivity and income. Through these efforts, UOCB has cultivated a robust network of organic producers, offering a diverse range of premium organic products. The board’s initiatives are designed to empower farmers, enhance their financial returns, and drive the state’s socio-economic progress.
In an exclusive conversation with The Interview World, Vinay Kumar, Managing Director of the Uttarakhand Organic Commodity Board, sheds light on the state of organic farming in Uttarakhand. He discusses the initiatives aimed at increasing the number of Geographical Indication (GI) tags for the state’s products, the premium prices farmers receive for organic goods and GI-tagged products, and the support provided by the Uttarakhand government to promote organic farming. Below are the key takeaways from his insightful conversation.
Q: What is the current state of organic farming in Uttarakhand? Additionally, how successful has the region been in adopting sustainable agricultural practices?
A: Our state is small, both in size and agricultural capacity. Over 91% of our farmers are small-scale operators, with limited resources. This presents a challenge, but also an opportunity to add value. To address this, we began with organic certification, which laid the foundation for further growth. Following that, we introduced Geographical Indication (GI) tags. Organic certification alone can add up to 25% more value, while a GI tag can increase value by an additional 10-15%.
To date, we have awarded 18 GI tags for indigenous products. Consider this: our state, established in 2000, had no GI tags until 2022. That year, we successfully secured seven GI tags, a milestone achieved under the direct monitoring of the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) and the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) through a dedicated program.
Q: What initiatives are being undertaken to increase the number of GI (Geographical Indication) tags for products from your state?
A: Uttarakhand is inherently an organic farming state, with a long history of pesticide-free agriculture—it’s a tradition, not just a choice. We work together in groups, collaborating across various schemes to further our goals. In my research on Geographical Indication (GI) tagging, I came across reports indicating that our state has the potential to secure up to 100 GI tags for its unique products.
Our crops have distinct backgrounds and species. For instance, while Toor Dal from Uttarakhand and other regions belong to the same family, their species differ. As I delved deeper into the literature, I discovered numerous hidden gems.
Take Berinag Tea, for example—though Darjeeling tea was the first Indian product to receive a GI tag, Berinag tea has a similar history. It was cultivated at the same time but missed out on the GI tag earlier. Now, we’ve successfully secured its GI tag and certified it organically. This tea, known for its floral, addictive taste, is gaining popularity. Once you try it, it’s hard to stop. We are focusing on such niche products, with farmers’ families working hard to bring them to the forefront.
Q: What premiums are farmers receiving for producing organic products and those with GI tags?
A: Farmers are already benefiting from a 10 to 15 percent premium for their organic products. With organic certification alone, they receive a minimum of 25 percent more value. When a product also earns a GI tag, it adds an additional 10 percent. In total, farmers experience significant financial gains when their products are awarded a GI tag.
Q: What kind of support is your government providing to initiatives promoting organic farming?
A: The government provides 100% support for all schemes, including bio-fertilizer production, farmyard infrastructure, marketing facilitation, and organic certification. Farmers do not need to bear any costs for these services. Additionally, we are bridging the critical gap between producers and buyers, which is essential for the success of Uttarakhand’s organic movement. To further empower farmers, the Uttarakhand Organic Commodity Board (UOCB) offers opportunities for them to attend national and state-level fairs and exhibitions, fostering strong connections with potential buyers.
UOCB has successfully built comprehensive supply chains, connecting farms directly to markets while promoting a transparent buy-sell process. The board has made significant strides across various product categories, with growing demand for Basmati, Mandua, chillies, wheat, pulses, traditional rice, and perishables like vegetables. Mandua, a crop widely cultivated in Uttarakhand, has now become a key ingredient in the ‘India Mix’—a mid-day meal program standardized by the World Food Program (WFP), creating a market for 1,000 metric tons. Additionally, organic Dehradun Basmati and Basmati from the US Nagar region now have a market potential of 2,000 hectares.
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“I appreciate the detailed breakdown of organic fertilizers! I’ve been using compost for years, but I never thought about adding rock phosphate for phosphorus. Have you noticed a big difference in plant growth?”