Shillong, Oct 7: The Meghalaya Natural and Organic Farming Society for Livelihood and Innovation in Agriculture (MEGNOLIA), in collaboration with FoodChain ID, organised a three-day training programme on NPOP Organic Certification from October 5 to 7 at MAMETI, Upper Shillong.
The training was organised as part of capacity-building efforts towards strengthening implementation of organic farming programmes, particularly in preparation for the next phase of the Meghalaya State Organic Mission (MSOM).
The programme was led by FoodChain ID resource persons Sanchal Prabhu and Amruta Raoran. The first day focused on the national and international organic regulatory landscape, covering NPOP, USDA-NOP, EU and others, and technical sessions on organic crop production.
The second day focused on Internal Control Systems (ICS) and certification of grower groups, organic food processing and handling, and requirements relating to India Organic and Jaivik Bharat logos.
The final day covered organic food trading, supplier verification, traceability and overview of Tracenet, followed by assessment.
Around 130 participants attended, including MEGNOLIA officials, District Programme Managers, Field Inspectors, representatives from KFW-SLM, officers from District Horticulture Offices across 12 districts, farmer representatives, FPOs, FIGs and cooperatives.
The programme concluded with a valedictory session and certificate handover.
