Indian Army’s Groundbreaking Initiative
In a significant step towards promoting sustainable nutrition, the Indian Army has made its inaugural request to the consumer affairs department, which oversees maintaining the country’s buffer stock of pulses, for the supply of organic pulses for its personnel.
Organic pulses, cultivated without synthetic pesticides, are known to enhance heart health, manage blood sugar levels, and assist in weight management. This initiative reflects the Army’s commitment to improving the dietary habits of its over 12.5-lakh personnel.
Procurement Process Underway
According to sources from the Times of India, efforts are underway to procure and deliver organic pulses to the force as part of a pilot program, starting with several tonnes. Government cooperatives, namely Nafed and the National Cooperative Consumers’ Federation (NCCF), have been assigned the task of identifying sources for procurement and developing the supply chain from storage to the point of delivery.
A source involved in the negotiations stated, “Discussions are ongoing with various farmer producer organisations (FPOs), farmers, and other entities engaged in organic farming. Although the procurement price for these pulses will be higher, the Army’s willingness to purchase them will facilitate the necessary arrangements.”
The official added that organic pulses tend to have a shorter shelf life, necessitating a robust supply chain from farm gate to consumption. Proper certification for these pulses is also crucial for their acceptance.
Encouraging Organic Pulses Production
Officials believe that the pilot scheme will serve as a foundation for creating an institutional requirement that encourages farmers to grow organic pulses, ensuring a steady demand for their products. There are currently more than half a dozen FPOs spread across Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, and Jharkhand, which collectively produce over 100 tonnes of various organic pulses, such as chana, green gram, moong, urad, and tur.
Certification Process for Organic Products
At present, organic agricultural products can only be labelled as “Natural Farming Certified” after receiving the “PGS India Natural” status, which is assigned through a decentralized, peer-reviewed certification system regulated by the agriculture ministry. This system ensures that crops are grown without synthetic fertilizers.
Additionally, organic products are certified by independent third-party agencies accredited under the government’s National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP). These products are typically marketed under the Jaivik Bharat label, governed by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), the national food safety regulator.
