103 Mukti Organic Farmers Received PGS Certificate for the Year 2020

PGS is an alternative and complementary tool to third-party certification, PGS plays a vital role in rural development and farmer empowerment through active engagement of farmers in the whole process of verification, decision making, and marketing.

After the disaster of “Aila”, 2009, Mukti encouraged the farmers for organic farming. Gradually the farmers stared to produce organic vegetables. But the farmers faced a peculiar situation – either there wasn’t any market near to their field or though there was market availability, they were not having any formal recognition as organic farmers.

At that crucial time, Mukti stood by their side and arranged PGS certificate for them. Farmers formed a group of 10. They were bound to inform their group about their farming process. A peer appraisal (feedback system in the performance) is a must before applying for PGS certificate. After that they applied for PGS certificate. At first they received PGS Green Certificate. After one year they received PGS Organic Certificate. The validity of the certificate is only for 1 year. Peer appraisal must be done 1-2 times in a year.

For the year 2020, 103 Mukti organic farmers received PGS certificate.

PGS Organic Certificate is recognized by law; organic farmers will be able to get training and certification for their produce, without incurring heavy costs and will be able to sell his products throughout India. This is certainly going to have a positive impact on biodiversity and the livelihoods of organic farmers in the Sunderbans.