In India, agencies that promote organic farming are – A. APEDA B. Ministry of Commerce C. National Steering Committee D. Agri Business Committee E. GEAC

Correct option is B

The correct answer is (B) A, B, C & D Only

Explanation:
• Statement A (APEDA) is correct: The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority is the nodal agency for promoting organic exports and implementing the NPOP.
• Statement B (Ministry of Commerce) is correct: This ministry oversees the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP).
• Statement C (National Steering Committee) is correct: This committee is responsible for the implementation and administration of the NPOP guidelines.
• Statement D (Agri Business Committee) is correct: Various state and national level agribusiness committees facilitate the market linkages for organic products.

Information Booster:
• The National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) provides information about the standards for organic production and the systems, criteria, and procedures for accreditation of Certification Bodies.
• GEAC (Statement E) stands for Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee, which deals with GMOs and is generally not an agency that promotes organic farming (which prohibits GMOs).

Additional Knowledge:
• Sikkim was the first state in India to become 100% organic.
• Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) is another major scheme by the Ministry of Agriculture to promote organic farming among clusters of farmers.