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Participatory Guarantee System

PGS India is a locally relevant, trust-based quality assurance system for organic certification, especially for smallholder farmers and producer groups. Unlike third-party certification, PGS India relies on the participation of local stakeholders, including producers and consumers, to ensure adherence to organic standards. It operates at a regional level, with Regional Councils overseeing the process and endorsing decisions made by local groups. 

Key aspects of PGS India:

  • Local Focus:
    PGS India is designed for local needs and communities, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility among producers.
  • Participant-Driven:
    Certification is based on the collective effort of a group of farmers who agree to follow organic standards and monitor each other
  • Trust-Based:
    The system relies on the trust and reputation of the producer group, rather than relying solely on external verification.
  • Low-Cost Option:
    PGS India is a more economical alternative to third-party certification, with lower documentation and certification fees.
  • Consumer Involvement:
    Consumers can participate in the certification process through peer reviews and decision-making, enhancing trust in the system.
  • Recognized by the Government:
    PGS India is recognized by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).
  • Local Group / Individual Farms:
    PGS certification is typically for groups of farmers, Local Group / individual farms.
  • Regional Councils:
    National Centre of Organic Farming (NCOF) implements PGS India through Regional Councils, which provide guidance, support, and oversight.

How it works:

  • Local Groups:

Farmers form local groups (minimum of 5 members) and agree to follow organic standards. 

  • Regional Council:

The local group registers with a Regional Council, which provides support and guidance. 

  • Peer Appraisal:

The group members monitor each other's practices, ensuring compliance with organic standards. 

  • Consumer Participation:

Consumers can participate in the certification process to build trust and ensure transparency. 

  • Certification:

The Regional Council endorses the group's decisions and provides the certification. 

Benefits of PGS India:

  • Empowerment of Small Farmers:
    Provides a platform for small and marginal farmers to access organic markets.
  • Local Economy:
    Promotes local markets and strengthens local economies.
  • Environmentally Sustainable:
    Encourages sustainable farming practices that benefit the environment.
  • Low-Cost Certification:
    Reduces the cost burden of organic certification for smallholders.

Standards for Organic Production - PGS Page

INM Division of the Department of Agriculture, Cooperation and Farmer’s Welfare (DAC & FW) through National Centre of Organic Farming (NCOF) is implementing Participatory Guarantee System (PGS). It is a quality assurance initiative that is locally relevant, emphasizes the participation of stakeholders, including producers and consumers and operates outside the frame of third party certification. The term PGS embodies the active participation of producers and other stakeholders in their organic guarantee process. PGS-India covers standards for crop production, animal production, food processing, handling and storage etc.

    • Participatory Guarantee System (PGS-India) : salient features
    • PGS-India programme was launched in 2011 by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare with National Centre of Organic Farming as its secretariat.
    • PGS-India is a decentralised certification system.
    • PGS-India is a locally applicable quality assurance system for grower group certification, implemented together by locally known small group of farmers, traders and consumers under the supervision of Regional Councils.
    • The programme with the nationwide network operates through 563 Regional Councils located across the country.
    • PGS-India programme is based on the standards of NPOP but is distinct in its certification procedures.
    • In 2015, financial assistance started through Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) scheme, since then number of farmer groups/clusters have raised to 4178 and number of farmer increased to 173887 by March 2017.
    • Area under PGS-India certification has raised from 6064 ha in 2012-13 to 143817 ha land in March 2017.
    • The PKVY scheme is aiming to cover 5 lakh ha over a period of next three years forming 10000 clusters.