AGSUNBIO SEEDS (INDIA) PVT.LTD

Technical know how of PGS Certification

A quality assurance initiative that is locally relevant, emphasize the participation of stakeholders, including producers and consumers and operate outside the frame of third-party certification.

A participatory approach, shared vision, transparency, and trust are the basic element of PGS -India.

To ensure entry of individual farm producers and PGS-India certified organic farm produce into organized processing and retail sales, PGS-India provides a system of continued verification of organic integrity for farms (Individual & Group), on-farm and off-farm processing and handling.

AGSUN BIOSEEDS INDIAis one the Regional Council approved by National Executive Committee (PGS -NEC) for offering PGS – India certification services as per revised guidelines across all the 29 states and Union Territories.

Steps for Certification

Step 1:

Unifying Farmers – Creating a Collective Force

Setting forth on this transformative journey, an energetic alliance of at least 5 farmers emerges, united by a shared dedication to attaining the prestigious PGS-India Certification. Springing from the same earth and neighboring landscapes, they converge to craft a collaborative tapestry woven with responsibilities and heartfelt endorsements.
Step 2:

Nurturing Digital Seeds – Planting Data Online

In a digital symphony, the newly formed local group plants the seeds of their aspirations by meticulously inputting data onto the revered PGS website (https://pgsindia-ncof.gov.in/). Here, they lay the groundwork for their future, gaining access to user credentials and creating avenues for Regional Council selection. This selection dances to the rhythm of local nuances, orchestrating maximum farmer inclusion guided by the council's discernment.
Step 3:

Council's Reflection – Forging Distinct Identity

With a perceptive eye and discerning heart, the Regional Council delves into submitted documents, crafting a narrative that echoes endorsement. This narrative paves the way for generating unique identity numbers – a testament to each farmer's unwavering commitment. As they tread this path, individual farmers seek insights from neighboring compatriots through peer appraisal, a ritual enriched with camaraderie and mutual growth. This tapestry of wisdom is then tenderly presented to the Council, encapsulating collective yearning.
Step 4:

Bonds Forged – Harmonizing Peer Review

In harmonious pairs or spirited trios, peer reviewers grace the agricultural stage, wielding the wand of evaluation. A consumer's viewpoint lends an aura of credibility to their dance of assessment. The group's journey is distilled into an online narrative, resonating with the echoes of their collective spirit. For solitary farmers yearning for validation, the doors to the Regional Council's inspection swing open, beckoning toward coveted certification.
Step 5:

Council's Pronouncement – Crafting Inspection Tapestry

A symphony of meticulous cross-verification resounds within the esteemed halls of the Regional Council. Peer appraisal data melds harmoniously with the rhythm of field inspections. Past, present, and future intertwine as the Council composes a new chapter, the PGS-India Scope Certificate. This parchment, adorned with yield estimates, reflects the farmers' aspirations, a harbinger of forthcoming abundance.
Step 6:

Harvesting Abundance – Recording Actual Yields

Amidst the fields teeming with nature's bounty, the act of recording actual yields unfolds. This pivotal step nurtures transparency and accountability, prerequisites for reaping rewards. The local group, now a cohesive orchestra, ensures the meticulous recording of this harvest, laying the foundation for the impending crescendo.
Step 7:

Empowerment's Anthem – Certainty in Harvest

As the Regional Council's approving gaze rests upon the yields, a profound chord is struck. An anthem of empowerment reverberates through the collective, signaling the time to unveil the banners of PGS-certified produce. From this harmonious juncture emerge individual Transaction Certificates, each farmer member a unique note in this symphony. The journey of unity, collaboration, and sustainable growth culminates in a triumphant flourish, a testament to the potency of collective dreams.

Certifications: Participatory Guarantee System (PGS)

Who can be certified?

Individual farm producers

PGS-India provides specific provisions to certify these farms through verification and guarantee from nearby PGS-India groups as per the guiding principles of PGS-India for groups. In exceptional cases where there is no PGS-India group nearby for such guarantee then national institutional structure through Regional Councils can assist such farmers for verification of their compliance to PGS-India guarantee process. But such farmers should make all out efforts to create groups and become part of PGS-India groups as and when possible. Individual farmers in villages where PGS-India groups are existing or are in close-by villages of such PGS-India groups, they shall be treated as part of those groups.

Individual producer registration is an interim arrangement and the producer must initiate efforts to bring in other members from the village community to form the group in due course (maximum 2 years) and transform individual status to group status. In case if an individual farmer is unable to form a group even after 2 years, then Regional Council will attach the farmers with the nearest group.

Group of Farmers

Minimum of 5 farmers can form a group and apply for certification abiding by the as per the general guiding principles of PGS-India involving peer appraisal and decision making by group.

Processor & handlers

On-farm processing and handling by the PGS local group shall form integral part of PGS-India groups and shall be covered as per the general guiding principles of PGS-India involving peer appraisal and decision making by group.

Off-farm processing and handling in stand-alone facilities away from PGS-groups can also be certified by adopting “Conformity assessment and verification” criteria similar to third party certification systems and individual units will be approved for PGS-India organic processing and handling.

Timelines and documentation

For Local Group

Four group meetings, at least two in each season. One training, any time during the year. First training within 6 months of registration. Peer appraisal to be done during crop growth period starting from 15 days of sowing till 15 days before harvest. Uploading of peer appraisal summary sheet till 7 days before harvest date. Uploading of actual yields within 60 days of harvest. If no TCs are issued and stock remains unsold the PGS-India website will delete the stock in auto mode after 12 months from the date of harvest.

LG need to maintain following documents for verification by RC

Application form of each member with last one year’s farm history ii. Copy of PGS-India pledge of each member iii. Copy of agreement with RC iv. Copy of individual peer appraisal sheets for last four seasons (24 months) till the physical inspection by RC v. Attendance and proceeding register for group meetings vi. Attendance registers for trainings vii. Copy of peer appraisal summary sheet (season-wise as submitted to RC)

PGS is a process of certifying organic products, which ensures that their production takes. place in accordance with laid-down quality standards. The certification is in the form of a. documented logo or a statement. PGS replaces expensive third party audits, making organic farming certification possible for the small scale and marginal farmers that make up nearly 70% of India's agricultural sector

Formation of “Local Group-LG” of five or more organic farmers, ‘’Peer reviews” and “farmer’s pledge’’ to follow organic standards are unique features of this system. The peer review team can engage traders, civic leaders and local consumers to build social relationships and social control on farming practices. The PGSOC secretariat meets periodically to review the function of groups, updated data, issue certificates and engages in liaisoning with state.

PGS India – a decentralized organic farming certification system

In a major development, the Govt of India has launched the PGS India through the Department of Agriculture and Cooperation (DAC), the Govt of India had issued a notification dated the 7th of April, 2011 which explains the background and process of PGS India certification. It shall function under a National Advisory Committee. The National Centre of Organic Farming, with its Secretariat at Ghaziabad, will set organic standards, guidelines and involve in capacity building programmes.

The FSSAI recognises and allows PGS India organic certified products in the market. PGS-India web portal was launched in 2015. PGS-India has since then evolved with the introduction of online registration, approval, documentation, and certification and transaction certificate for sales.

PGS-India certified products can be labeled with PGS-India logo along with unique ID code provided on the certificate. Use of PGS India Organic logo

Types of certification

1) Individual farm Certificationa

2) Local Group Certification

3) Processing unit Certification

4) Livestock Certification

(Transaction Certificate available)