PGS-India (Participatory Guarantee System) is a quality assurance system for organic certification that emphasizes stakeholder participation. It is ideal for domestic marketing.
Key Features: • Peer-review based certification • Lower cost than third-party certification • Community-based quality assurance • Recognized for domestic organic sales • Integrated with PKVY subsidy scheme
Process: 1. Form Local Group (minimum 5 farmers) 2. Register on PGS portal 3. Conduct peer appraisals 4. Facilitation Council review 5. Certification issued with unique ID
Eligibility Criteria
Minimum 5 organic farmers form a Local Group
Farmers must be practicing or transitioning to organic
Commitment to organic standards
Benefits
Subsidized under PKVY (₹3,000/ha)
Free registration on portal
Unique certification ID
Domestic market recognition
How to Apply
1. Form a Local Group of 5+ organic farmers 2. Register on pgsindia-ncof.gov.in 3. Submit pledge and farm appraisal forms 4. Conduct peer appraisals (at least once per season) 5. Facilitation Council reviews and recommends 6. Certificate issued by Regional Council