Published: 10 February 2026PIB / DD News / Business Standard / ANIEconomy
India Designated 'Country of the Year' at BIOFACH 2026, Nuremberg — Organic Exports in Global Spotlight
India was designated as the 'Country of the Year' at BIOFACH 2026, the world's leading trade fair for organic products, held from February 10 to 13, 2026, at Nuremberg, Germany. The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, organised India's participation with a landmark India Country Pavilion spanning 1,074 square metres — featuring 67 co-exhibitors including organic exporters, Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), cooperatives, and state government bodies.
The pavilion showcased a diverse range of organic products including rice, oilseeds, herbs, spices, pulses, cashew, ginger, turmeric, large cardamom, cinnamon, mango puree, and essential oils, with participation from exhibitors across more than 20 states and Union Territories. This recognition marks India's return to global organic leadership after 14 years and coincides with the conclusion of EU-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations, which are expected to significantly boost India's organic food exports to the European market.
India is the world's largest producer of certified organic producers, with approximately 44 lakh certified organic farmers and 5.5 million hectares under organic cultivation. Rajasthan is a key contributor with organic spices, oilseeds, and medicinal herbs forming a significant part of its agricultural exports.
0Mains angle
Q: Examine the significance of India's designation as 'Country of the Year' at BIOFACH 2026, Nuremberg, for India's organic exports and the EU-India FTA trajectory.
Answer (50 words):
India was designated Country of the Year at BIOFACH 2026, held 10-13 February in Nuremberg, marking global organic leadership after 14 years. APEDA curated a 1,074 sq m pavilion with 67 co-exhibitors. India has 44 lakh certified organic farmers and 5.5 million hectares under cultivation, boosting EU-India FTA prospects.
6-axis classification
CoverageInternationalSubjectEconomicExamBasic Computer Instructor · CET Graduation · CET Senior Secondary · EO/RO · LDC · Mahila Supervisor · Patwar · PTI · RAS · REET · RPSC SI · School Lecturer · Senior Computer Instructor · Senior Teacher · UPSC · Vanpal · PrelimsSourcePIB / DD News / Business Standard / ANI
Frequently asked questions
What is BIOFACH and why is India's 'Country of the Year' designation at BIOFACH 2026 significant?
BIOFACH, held annually in Nuremberg, Germany, is the world's leading trade fair for organic products. India being designated 'Country of the Year' at BIOFACH 2026 (February 10–13) is significant because it gives India the largest platform, pavilion space, and global visibility at the world's premier organic trade event — directly boosting organic export prospects and international buyer interest.
What is APEDA and what was its role at BIOFACH 2026?
APEDA (Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority) is the Indian government body under the Ministry of Commerce responsible for promoting agricultural exports. At BIOFACH 2026, APEDA led India's participation by organising a 1,074 sq m national pavilion featuring 67 co-exhibitors showcasing a wide range of certified organic products.
Why does India have the highest number of certified organic farmers in the world?
India's 44 lakh (4.4 million) certified organic farmers — the highest globally — reflects the large scale of India's agricultural workforce, growing awareness of organic certification benefits, government support schemes like Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY), and the traditional low-chemical farming practices prevalent in many tribal and rain-fed regions.
What area of India is under organic cultivation and how does this compare globally?
India has 5.5 million hectares under organic cultivation, making it one of the largest in Asia and among the top globally. This rapid growth is driven by government push, rising export demand, and the conversion of rain-fed and tribal farmland to certified organic production, especially in states like Sikkim, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan.
How does India's recognition at BIOFACH 2026 benefit Rajasthan's organic agriculture sector?
Rajasthan has significant potential in organic spices (coriander, cumin, fenugreek), pulses, and oilseeds. The BIOFACH 2026 spotlight on India increases global buyer interest in Indian organic products, which can open new export markets for Rajasthan's certified organic farmers, improve their price realisation, and encourage more farmers to pursue organic certification.
