Date:02/04/2005 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2005/04/02/stories/2005040201661700.htm

Back Nod for policy framework on organic farming awaited: TNAU

Our Bureau

Coimbatore , April 1

A POLICY framework on organic farming awaits Government approval. The structure has been prepared and submitted to the Tamil Nadu Government by the farm varsity.

Disclosing this at a seminar on `Organic Agriculture in Peninsular India - Promotion, Certification and Marketing,' the Vice-Chancellor of the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU), Dr C. Ramasamy, emphasised that Government initiatives and investments were critical for the growth of the organic farming industry.

He called upon the scientists to reorient organic farming technologies.

It is estimated that the world retail sales of organic products in 16 European countries, the US and Japan is worth $17.5 billion, and this is expected to grow.

While the market for such products has increased in the UK, it has stagnated in Germany and Denmark.

"Market forces are decisive and we need to keep a careful watch," Dr Ramasamy said and expressed concern over the lack of certification and regulatory body for organic products in many Asian countries, except for Israel and Japan.