Kochi, April 30, 2025: The Spices Board, in collaboration with APEDA, conducted a one-day sensitisation programme on the 8th edition of the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) on spices at Kochi. The event aimed to raise awareness on updated NPOP standards for sustainable spice production besides promoting the export of organic spices and spice products.
The programme was inaugurated Ms. P. Hemalatha IAS, Secretary, Spices Board. Dr. Saswati Bose, General Manager, APEDA, Shri B. N. Jha, Director (Marketing), Spices Board; Mr Dharmendra Das, Director (Development), Spices Board and Dr Joji Mathew, Director (Retd), Spices Board and Lead Auditor, NPOP addressed the participants.
Speaking at the event, Ms. P. Hemalatha IAS said, “Sustainable agriculture aims to ensure safe and nutritious food at affordable cost, farmer profitability, and environmental conservation. In this context, the 8th edition of NPOP provides essential guidelines for organic spice production in harmony with nature. I hope this programme deepens stakeholders’ understanding and commitment to sustainable practices.”
The technical sessions featured insightful presentations on organic certification, updated NPOP standards, market trends, and practical challenges. Dr. Saswati Bose elaborated on the 8th edition’s provisions for sustainable spice production. A Q&A session was led by Dr. Joji Mathew, NPOP Lead Auditor and Retired Director (Development), Spices Board.
In the afternoon, Shri Thejas Thayyil, Business Head, Biowin Agro Research, spoke on the scope and global demand for organic spices, while Shri Johny Vadakkumcherry, President & CEO, Jeevagram, addressed implementation challenges and strategies.
The programme concluded with an interactive session for feedback and queries from participants.