State agency recognized to certify organic products - Daily Pioneer

The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) on Wednesday authorized the Chhattisgarh State Organic Certification Agency (CGOCERT) to certify organic products after getting them tested from any authorized institution.
Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel and Agriculture Minister Ravindra Choubey said this would expedite organic farming in the state. After certification, the crop and its produce can be sold within and outside the state with certification from CGOCERT.
A.B. Asna, Managing Director, CGOCERT, said the farmers will benefit after certification of organic products.
He said that within the country and abroad the demand for aromatic and fortified rice, kodo, kutki and ragi from Chhattisgarh have increased.
Fragrant rice and minor millets produced through organic farming, once certified, will fetch more than 100 times the local price. The country will also earn foreign exchange, he said.