Pgs India Operational Manual

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Participatory
Guarantee System for
India
[PGS-India]

Operational Manual for
Domestic Organic Certification
[National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture]

Government of India
Ministry of Agriculture
Department of Agriculture and Co-operation

National Centre of Organic Farming
Sector 19, Hapur Road, Ghaziabad-201002

Publisher :
Govt. of India
Ministry of Agriculture
Department of Agriculture & Cooperation
National Centre of Organic Farming
Hapur Road, Kamla Nehru Nagar
Ghaziabad-201 002.
Phone : 0120-2764906, 2764901, 2764212;
Fax : 0120-2764901
Email: nbdc@nic.in. Website :http://ncof.dacnet.nic.in

Edition: 2015

Regional Centres :
Regional Centre of Organic Farming, Ghaziabad (HQ)
Regional Centre of Organic Farming, Bengaluru
Regional Centre of Organic Farming, Bhubaneshwar
Regional Centre of Organic Farming, Panchkula
Regional Centre of Organic Farming, Imphal
Regional Centre of Organic Farming, Jabalpur
Regional Centre of Organic Farming, Nagpur

Printed at :
National Centre of Organic Farming, Ghaziabad-201 002

PGS-INDIA

Abbreviations
CT

-Chemically Treated

DAC

-Department of Agriculture and Cooperation

-Effective Microorganism

GMO

-Genetically Modified Organisms

ICS

-Internal Control System

IFOAM -International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements
INM

-Integrated Nutrient Management

-Local Group

NAC

-National Advisory Committee

NCOF

-National Centre of Organic Farming

NGO

-Non-Government Organization

NPOP

-National Programme for Organic Production

-Non-Treated

-Regional Council

RCOF

-Regional Centre of Organic Farming

UID

-Unique Id

-Zonal Council

PGS-INDIA

Definitions
Accredited certification agency - An agency accredited by National Accreditation Body
under National Programme on Organic Production (NPOP) for certification of organic
production system.
Ayurvedic - Ayurveda is a traditional naturopathic system of medicines and health care of
India.
Buffer zone - A clearly defined and identifiable boundary area bordering an organic
production site that is established to limit application of, or contact with, prohibited
substances from an adjacent area.
Co-mingling – Accidental or intentional mixing of organic and conventional produce
Contamination - Pollution of organic product or land; or contact with any material that
would render the product unsuitable for organic certification.
Conversion period – The time period required for converting a conventional farm to organic
farm.
Diversity – Creation of biological diversity by planting different types of trees, bushes and
plants and by taking various types of crops simultaneously at given time
Habitat management - Practices and protocols for management of an area in which ideal
environment is created for existence of various plant or animal species naturally.
Homeopathy - Homeopathy is a system of medicine based on the principle of “Similia,
Similibus, Curentur (let likes be treated by likes)”.
Facilitating agency – A agency hired by the Local Group to assist in management and
implementation of PGS norms, including data management on PGS website on behalf of
Local Group/(s).
Local Group – A group of farmers working together for participatory organic guarantee
programme under PGS-India norms and guidelines
Livestock - Means any domestic or domesticated animal including bovine (including buffalo
and bison), porcine, caprine, equine, poultry and bees raised for food or in the production of
food. The products obtained by hunting or fishing of wild animals shall not be considered as
part of this definition.
Parallel production - Means any production system where the same unit is growing,
breeding, handling or processing the similar products both in organic and in non- organic
system.
Part Conversion - Means when part of a conventional farm or unit has already been
converted to organic production or processing and a part is either conventional or in the
process of conversion.
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PGS-INDIA
PGS-NAC – PGS-National Advisory Committee is the apex policy and decision making
body for PGS-India programme at Department of Agriculture and Cooperation.
Zonal Council – An agency authorized by PGS-NAC to coordinate and monitor the
functioning of Regional Councils under PGS-India organic Guarantee programme.
Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) - PGS is a quality assurance initiative that is locally
relevant, emphasize the participation of stakeholders, including producers and consumers and
operate outside the frame of third party certification.
As per the definition of IFOAM (2008) "Participatory Guarantee Systems are locally focused
quality assurance systems. They certify producers based on active participation of
stakeholders and are built on a foundation of trust, social networks and knowledge exchange.
Peer Review - A process whereby people in similar situations (in this case small holder
producers) in some way assess the production practices of their peers. The process can be
formal or informal.
Pledge – Pledge is a written document by the operator or local group member committing to
abide by the organic production system as per the PGS-India norms.
Regional Council - An agency authorized by PGS-NAC to coordinate, monitor and approve
certification decisions of Local Group under PGS-India organic Guarantee programme.
Third Party Certification – An organic guarantee programme operated under National
Programme on Organic Production involving an independent agency for verification and
certification of organic production processes.
Unani – Ancient system of medicines and health care emerged from Europe
Veterinary – A modern health care system for animals

PGS-INDIA

Contents
No.

Chapter

Page No.

Abbreviations

Definitions
1.

Participatory Guarantee System for India

1.1

Preamble

1.2

About PGS

1.3

Guiding Principles for participatory Guarantee System

1.3.1

Participation

1.3.2

Shared vision

1.3.3

Transparency

1.3.4

Trust

1.3.5

Horizontality

1.3.6

National networking

1.4

Advantages of PGS

1.5

Limitations of PGS

1.6

Operational structure

Structure,

Role

and

Responsibilities

different

key

Stakeholders

2.1 National Advisory Committee for PGS (PGS-NAC)

2.2 NCOF as PGS Secretariat

2.3 Zonal Council

2.4 Regional Councils

2.5 Local Groups

2.6 Farmer/ Farm family

Certification Process
3.1 Certification process with Farmer and Farm

3.2 Certification Process by Local Group (LG)

3.3 Certification Process by Regional Council

3.4 Verification of certification by consumers

3.5 Grant of Logo and unique certificate ID code

3.6 Separate logo for PGS organic and PGS under conversion status

PGS-INDIA
3.7 Conditions for use of logo
4.

PGS National Standards for Organic Production
19

4.1 General Requirements
4.1.1 Habitat Management

4.1.2 Diversity

4.1.3 Integration of animals/ livestock

4.1.4 Conversion period

4.1.5 Contamination control

4.1.6 Soil and water conservation

4.2 Standard requirements for crop production
4.2.1 Selection of seed and planting material

4.2.2 Fertilization

4.2.3 Pest, Disease and Weed Management including Growth

Regulators

4.2.4 Equipments/ implements and storage containers

4.2.5 Storage and Transport

4.3 Standard requirement for animal production
4.3.1

Conversion requirements

4.3.2

Rearing environment

4.3.3

Animal Nutrition

4.3.4

Veterinary Medicine

4.3.5
5.

21
22
22

Requirements for Bee keeping

Standard Requirement for food processing, handling and storage
5.1

General requirement

5.2

Storage

5.3

Ingredients, additives and processing aids

5.4

Processing

5.5

Packing and labelling

Formats
1. Application form for Registration of Regional Council

2. Format of Agreement to be executed between PGS-India Regional

Council and Local Group under PGS-India Programme

PGS-INDIA
3.

PGS-India Programme- Term of Reference for Operation of Local

Groups
4.

Details of Local groups and farmers registered in Regional Councils

Application form for entry into PGS Local Group

Farmer History Sheet

Organic Farmer‟s Pledge

Application format for Registration of the Local Group (LG) with

Regional Council
9.

Tentative Certification Team

10. Endorsement of Local Group

11. Format for proceedings and attendance Register for Meetings

12. Format for proceedings and attendance Register for Field Day /

Trainings
13. A. Peer Inspection / Field Inspection Appraisal Worksheet – Part 1

B. Peer Inspection / Field Inspection Appraisal Worksheet – Part 2

C. Peer Inspection / Field Inspection Appraisal Worksheet – Part 3

D. Peer Inspection / Field Inspection Appraisal Worksheet – Part 4

E. Peer Inspection / Field Inspection Appraisal Worksheet – Part 5

14. Peer Inspection/Appraisal Worksheet for Processing and Handling

59
61

15. Non-Compliance Guidelines

16. Local Group Summary Worksheet

17. Scope certificate
18. Annual Progress for the year (Report to be submitted by Regional
council )

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PGS-INDIA

Chapter-1

Participatory Guarantee System
For India (PGS-India)
1.1 Preamble
Organic producers around the world have been developing methods to guarantee the organic
integrity of their products for fifty years. Today, what are generally referred to as Third‐Party
Certification systems have become the dominant means of Organic Guarantee for world trade
and Indian producers have accredited Third‐Party Organic Certification agencies to choose
from. While Third Party Certification is an essential component to world trade, there are
downsides to the system. The inherent expense and paperwork required in a multi‐level
system discourages most small organic producers from being certified at all. This limits local
and domestic trade as well as access to organic products. Worse yet, it limits the growth of
the Organic Movement as a whole.
In an attempt to reduce the inequality, a number of alternative methods to guarantee the
Organic integrity of products have been developed for small domestic producers, and they are
growing rapidly. These alternative programs are now collectively referred to as Participatory
Guarantee Systems (PGS). The term PGS embodies the active participation of producers and
other stakeholders in their organic guarantee process.
1.2 About PGS
Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) is a quality assurance initiative that is locally relevant,
emphasize the participation of stakeholders, including producers and consumers and operate
outside the frame work of third party certification. As per IFOAM (2008) definition
"Participatory Guarantee Systems are locally focused quality assurance systems. They certify
producers based on active participation of stakeholders and are built on a foundation of trust,
social networks and knowledge exchange”. PGS is a process in which people in similar
situations (in this case small holder producers) assess, inspect and verify the production
practices of each other and take decision on organic certification (PGS-Green and PGSOrganic ).
PGS system has number of basic elements which embrace a participatory approach, a shared
vision, transparency and trust. Participation is an essential and dynamic part of PGS. Key
stakeholders (producers, consumers, retailers, traders and others such as NGOs, Societies/
Gram panchayaths/ State/Central Govt. organization/agencies /farmer etc.,) are engaged in
the initial design, and then in the operation of the PGS. In the operation of a PGS,
stakeholders (including producers) are involved in decision making and essential decisions
about the operation of the PGS itself. In addition to being involved in the mechanics of the
PGS, stakeholders, particularly the producers are engaged in a structured ongoing learning
process, which helps them improve what they do. This process is facilitated by the PGS
group itself or in some situations a supportive NGO/ Societies, Gram panchayaths,
State/Central Govt. organization/agencies etc. The learning process is usually „hands-on‟ and
involves field days or workshops. The idea of participation embodies the principle of
collective responsibility for ensuring the organic integrity of the PGS.

PGS-INDIA
1.3 Guiding Principles for Participatory Guarantee System
In tune with the international trends and IFOAM‟s PGS Guidelines, PGS India system is also
based on participatory approach, a shared vision, transparency and trust. In addition it gives
PGS movement a National recognition and institutional structure without affecting the spirit
of PGS.

1.3.1 Participation
Participation is an essential and dynamic part of PGS. Key stakeholders (producers,
consumers, retailers, traders and others such as NGOs, Societies, Gram panchayaths,
State/Central Govt. organization/agencies etc., ) are engaged in the initial design, and then in
the operation of the PGS and decision making.
The idea of participation embodies the principle of a collective responsibility for ensuring the
organic integrity of the PGS. This collective responsibility is reflected through:
• Shared ownership of the PGS
• Stakeholder engagement in the development process
• Understanding of how the system works and
• Direct communication between producers and consumers and other stakeholders,
producers, consumers, retailers, traders and others such as NGOs, Societies, Gram
panchayaths, State/Central Govt. organization/agencies etc.
Together these help to shape the integrity based approach and a formula for trust. An
important tool for promoting this trust is having operational processes that are
transparent. This includes transparency in decision making, easy access to the data base
and where possible farms are open to participation and visits of consumers. Participation
of traders/ retailers or consumers in decision making may not be possible under all
situations, but their participation in any form will increase the credibility and
trustworthiness of the group.
1.3.2 Shared Vision
Collective responsibility for implementation and decision making is driven by common
shared vision. All the key stakeholders (producers, consumers, retailers, traders and others
such as NGOs, Societies, Gram panchayaths, State/Central Govt. organization/agencies etc.)
support the guiding principles and goals, PGS is striving to achieve. This can be achieved
initially through their participation and support in the design and then by joining it. This may
include commitment in writing through signing an application/ document that includes the
vision.
Each stakeholder organization (or PGS group) can adopt its own vision conforming to the
overall vision and standards of PGS- India programme.
1.3.3 Transparency
Transparency is created by having all stakeholders, including producers and consumers,
aware of exactly how the guarantee system works to include the standards, the organic
guarantee process (norms) with clearly defined and documented systems and how decisions
are made. Public access will be ensured to documentation and information about the PGS
groups, such as lists of certified producers and details about their farms and non-compliance
actions. These will be available through a dedicated National database websites(PGS-INDIA
webportal). But still it does not mean that entire information on National PGS database will
be available to everyone.
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PGS-INDIA

At the grass roots level transparency is maintained through the active participation of the
producers in the organic guarantee process which can include
• Information sharing at meetings and workshops
• Participation in internal inspections (peer reviews)
• Involvement in decision making.

1.3.4 Trust
The integrity base upon which PGS are built is rooted in the idea that producers can be
trusted and that the organic guarantee system can be an expression and verification of this
trust. The foundation of this trust is built from the idea that the key stakeholders
collectively develop their shared vision and then collectively continue to shape and
reinforce their vision through the PGS. The ways this trust is reflected may depend
entirely on factors that are culturally/ socially specific to the PGS group.
The idea of „trust‟ assumes that the individual producer has a commitment to protecting
nature, maintaining biodiversity, maintenance of soil health, and consumers‟ health
through organic production which are free from chemical residues.
Mechanism for expressing trustworthiness includes:
• Declaration (a producer pledge) via a witnessed signing of a pledge document
• Written collective undertaking by the group to abide by the norms, principles and
standards of PGS
1.3.5 Horizontality
PGS India is intended to be non-hierarchical at group level. This will reflect in the overall
democratic structure and through the collective responsibility of the PGS group with
sharing and rotating responsibility, by engaging producers directly in the peer review of
each other‟s farms; and by transparency in decision making process.
1.3.6 National networking
PGS India while keeping the spirit of PGS intact also aims to give the entire movement an
institutional structure. This is proposed to be achieved by networking the groups under
common umbrella through various facilitating agencies, Regional Councils and Zonal
Councils. To make the system completely transparent and accessible to traders and
consumers entire data will be hosted on a common platform in the form of a website
(PGS-INDIA). National Centre of Organic Farming shall be the custodian of data, define
policies and guidelines and undertake surveillance through field monitoring and product
testing for residues. Regional councils and facilitating agencies will facilitate the local
groups in capacity building, training, knowledge/ technology dissemination and data
uploading on the PGS website. But at every stage it will be ensured that these agencies
including apex body do not interfere in the working and decision making of the group.
Even if surveillance is done and reports are made, the same will also be put on website in
public domain. What action is to be taken on adverse reports will be left to the group and
Regional Council.
1.4 Advantages of PGS over third party certification system
In PGS organic farmers have full control over the certification process and are able to
produce far more credible and effective system of quality assurance compared to third party
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PGS-INDIA

certification. Important benefits of this system over third party certification system are as
follows:
a. The procedures are simple; documents are basic and use the local language
understandable to farmers.
b. All the members are local and known to each other. Being themselves practicing
organic farmers have high degree of understanding on day-to-day knowledge or
acquaintance of the farm.
c. Peer appraisers are among the group and live in the same village, therefore have better
access to surveillance
d. Peer appraisal instead of third party inspections reduces cost
e. Mutual recognition and support between Regional PGS groups ensures better
networking for processing and marketing.
f. Empowers farmers with increased capacity building
g. Bring consumers to the farm without the need of middleman
h. Unlike grower group certification system, PGS offer every farmer with individual
certificate and each farmer is free to market its own produce independent of group.
i. Consumers and buyers are often involved in production and verification process
j. Random residue testing at regular intervals ensures the integrity and increases the
trust.
1.5 Limitations of PGS
PGS certification is only for farmers or communities that can organize and perform as a
group within the village or in close-by villages with continuous territory and is applicable on,
on-farm activities comprising of crop production, processing and livestock rearing (including
bee keeping) and off-farm processing "by PGS farmers of their direct products".
Individual farmers or group of farmers having less than 5 members are not covered under
PGS. They either have to opt for third party certification or join the existing PGS local group.
PGS is applicable on on-farm activities comprising of crop production, processing and
livestock rearing and off-farm processing "by PGS farmers of their direct products". Off-farm
processing activities such as, storage, transport and value addition activities by
persons/agencies other then PGS farmers away from the group are not covered under PGS.
Off-farm input approval granted by the group is applicable on the members of the same group
and cannot be taken as a basis for universal approval for other groups. Off-farm inputs need
to be approved by each group for their member‟s use on case to case basis.
PGS ensures traceability only up to end till it is in the custody of PGS group. Once the
product leaves the custody of PGS group there is no control of PGS on its integrity, Therefore
PGS is ideal for local direct sales/ direct trade between producer and consumer and direct
trade of packed finished product with PGS logo between PGS group and traders/ retailers.
But Local Groups and buyers in consultation with RC can devise some mechanism with full
traceability records to allow use of PGS logo on products packed by traders/ retailers.

PGS-INDIA
1.6 Operational Structure
Schematic operational structure of the PGS India is given below:
Local groups (Farmers group) (LGs)

Regional Councils (RCs)
Zonal Councils (RCOFs)
National Centre of Organic Farming (NCOF)
(PGS-INDIA Secretariat)
National Advisory Committee (NAC)

Chapter-2

Structure, Role and Responsibilities of different key Stakeholders
2.1 National Advisory Committee for PGS (PGS-NAC)
2.1.1 Structure
National advisory committee shall be the apex policy making body for PGS India
Programme with following composition:
1. Joint Secretary (INM), DAC
2. Director, NCOF
3. Regional Director, RCOF I
4. Regional Director, RCOF II
5. Additional Commissioner
6. Dy Commissioner (INM), DAC
7. Head Zonal Councils/(s)
8. Representatives of RC (North)
9. Representatives of RC (South)
10. Representatives of RC (East)
11. Representatives of RC (West)
12. Farmers‟ representatives
(4, one from each region)
13. Consumers representatives

Chairman
Executive Secretary
Member
Member
Member
Member
Member
Members
Members
Members
Members
Members
Member

First Six members of the committee will be permanent members, as they are represented
by their position. Representatives of Regional Councils will be nominated to the
committee by election for a fixed tenure of two years. Representatives of farmers and
consumers will be selected and co-opted by the other members of the committee on the
recommendations of RC and ZCs. The farmer representative is required to be the
member of a Local Group from that region with certain standing.
2.1.2 Role and Responsibility
PGS-NAC being apex policy making body shall be responsible for:
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PGS-INDIA
a. Defining operational and policy guidelines and PGS India Standards. In case of
changes the committee shall ensure that the amendments/ modifications are
considered "through intensive consultation with the base”.
b. Make changes, improvements and amendments to the programme and national
coordination structure as a whole without interference in the autonomic
functioning of Regional councils and local groups. Co-ordinate and monitor
national level capacity building, education, outreach and surveillance activities.
c. Selection and Authorization of Zonal and Regional Councils
d. Surveillance and monitoring on the functioning of Zonal and Regional councils
e. Sanction/ withdrawal of authorization to Zonal/ Regional councils on being found
not functioning or not functioning according to the guidelines.
2.1.3 Meetings of PGS-NAC
PGS-NAC will meet at least once a year to review the implementation process and for
authorization of new councils. PGS-NAC meetings can also be convened at the
discretion of the Chairman and/ or on the request of at least 25% members to take up
important matter.
Any policy change, modification in standards and sanctions/ punishments needs to be
endorsed by the majority of members present in the meeting. Minimum quorum for a
meeting will be 30% of total strength. If it is not possible to convene a meeting, urgent
issues can be decided by circulation. In all such cases at least 50% of responding
members within the given time frame must endorse the decision.
To give the programme a head start there may a need to meet PGS-NAC at regular
intervals in the initial years. Later once the programme is settled the PGS-NAC may
meet only once or twice a year.
Travel expanses of non-officials (members of NGO based ZC, RC and Farmers and
consumers representatives) shall be borne by PGS Secretariat.
2.2 NCOF as PGS Secretariat
National Centre of Organic Farming will be the Secretariat of the PGS programme with
Director NCOF as the Executive authority. Key role and responsibilities of the Secretariat
will be as follows:
a. All executive and secretarial responsibilities related to execution of the
programme, NAC meetings, implementation of the decisions of NAC, matters to
be put up to NAC and coordination with NAC members
b. Advise NAC on all technical and implementation issues
c. Capacity building, education, training and outreach activities for Zonal and
Regional councils.
d. Training of local group leaders through RCOFs in collaboration with Zonal
Council and Regional Councils.
e. Surveillance and monitoring of Zonal and Regional Councils
f. PGS India Website design, hosting and maintenance
g. Custodian of entire PGS India database
h. Receipt and processing of applications for authorization of NAC as
Zonal/Regional Councils
i. Facilitate election of members from RCs for nomination to PGS-NAC.
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PGS-INDIA
j. Facilitate and maintain positive relationship with controllers of Third party
certification system to ensure the compatibility of PGS programme with NPOP.
k. Coordinate and liaise with different State Governments for promotion and
popularization of PGS programme.
l. Surveillance of PGS products through residue testing including collection of PGS
samples, getting those samples tested for residue analysis and hosting of residue
analysis results on PGS website.
m. Appellate authority for local groups against the actions and decisions of Regional
Councils/Zonal councils and for Regional Councils against the action of Zonal
council.
n. Literature development, publicity, technology dissemination and awareness
creation through print and electronic media.
Except surveillance and monitoring on Zonal/ Regional Councils, the PGS secretariat in no
way will interfere in the autonomic functioning of Zonal/Regional Councils and local groups.
Even in some cases where secretariat undertakes monitoring of some local groups and find
some non-compliance, the same will be reported to the concerned Regional Council for
further course of action at their discretion. Even in the cases where the PGS samples have
been found to be having pesticide residues, the report will be hosted on the website with
information to the concerned Regional Council for further action at their discretion.
2.3 Zonal Council
As India is a large country with most of the producers as small and marginal, it is expected
there will large numbers of small-small groups in different states and geographical regions.
To coordinate such small groups effectively it is desirable that Regional Councils are locally
placed and do not need to travel long distances for effective coordination with local groups.
Under such scenario it is likely that there are numerous Regional Councils. To have effective
coordination with Regional Councils it is proposed to have up to Six Zonal Councils. Initially
there may be only two Zonal Councils (North and South Zone) but in due course of time with
the increase in number of RCs the number of NCs may be increased up to Six (North, South,
East, West, North-East and Central). To start the programme, pending selection and
appointment of Zonal Council, NCOF and its Regional Centres will act as Zonal Council.
Once the Zonal Councils are appointed the responsibility will be transferred to these Zonal
Councils and NCOF and RCOF will only be undertaking the functions assigned to it as PGS
Secretariat. For State-Agency Regional Councils NCOF/RCOF shall be the Zonal councils.
2.3.1 Appointment of Zonal Councils
Zonal Councils will be appointed by the PGS-NAC on the recommendations of PGS
secretariat. Only well established organizations with proven dedication to the cause of
organic agriculture movement and well versed with the organic guarantee/ certification
systems will be considered. Zonal Councils should be self dependent bodies with strong
financial health. RCOFs shall be the Zonal councils.
2.3.2 Role and Responsibilities
a. Receipt, processing and authenticity verification of application for authorization
as Regional Council. On being found suitable forwarding of applications to PGS
secretariat for approval of PGS-NAC.
b. Provide up-dated documents, policies, literature and other technical input to RCs
for further information of local groups.
c. Coordinate Regional Council Training workshops
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PGS-INDIA
d. Coordinate national level education and outreach activities in collaboration with
PGS Secretariat.
e. Surveillance and monitoring on the functioning of Regional councils.
f. Complaint redressal of farmers and local groups against the functioning and
actions of Regional councils
g. Appellate authority on complaints of certificate denial by RC or sanctions
imposed by RC on local groups
h. Appellate authority on complaints of traders/ retailers/ consumers on the quality/
organic integrity of PGS products of particular group and action taken by RC or
inaction of RC.
i. Collaborate PGS Secretariat in collection of PGS certified samples for residue
analysis
2.4 Regional Councils
Regional Council (RC) can ideally be floated by State agencies, existing NGOs, Organic
Certification service providers of Central and State Governments or any other
agency((producers, consumers, retailers, traders and Societies / Gram panchayaths/ farmer
etc.,). Local groups with three years standing in PGS programme are allowed to form their
own RC, provided they have support for at least 10 local groups. Local groups dissatisfied
with the functioning and control of their existing RC can, any time, come-together to form a
new RC, provided they have support of at least 10 local groups, and apply to PGS secretariat
through Zonal Council/RCOF for necessary authorization.
Initially to start the programme the RCs will be selected by the ZC and PGS secretariat,
existing PGS regional facilitators (regional councils, members of the existing PGS Organic
India council) will also be considered for appointment as RCs if they apply and meet the
criteria, but in due course of time the local groups will be encouraged to come forward with
their own RCs. Nomination of RCs to PGS-NAC will be done by election on Regional basis.
Each RC will have one vote.
2.4.1 Eligibility criteria for appointment of any agency as RC
a. May have proven record on promotion of agriculture and organic management practices
b. Situated in the area of functioning with permanent office and working personals.
c. Have access to computer, printer and internet facility
d. At least one member is well versed with data handling and data uploading in computer
on internet
e. Adequate knowledge on organic guarantee/ certification systems and/ or previous
experience in supporting Third party certification/Participatory Guarantee Systems or
promotion of agricultural activities in rural areas..
f. Should have support and endorsement from at least 10 local groups Members should
undergo necessary PGS training meant for RCs organized by ZC and PGS secretariat
g. Have adequate financial resources to operate as Regional Council.
h. Each RC will be initially authorized for a period of three years. Authorization needs
renewal after every three years. Renewal will be considered by NAC on application by
the RC and on the recommendation and surveillance report of ZC and PGS secretariat.

2.4.2 Role and responsibility of Regional Council
a. Training and support to existing and new local groups in procedures and paper
work necessary for each farmer‟s organic guarantee.
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PGS-INDIA
b. Translate and print PGS paper work in local language
c. Register local groups and issue user ID and password for data uploading on PGSIndia website.
d. Facilitate local groups in data uploading on PGS website, if local group do not
have access to computer and internet.
e. Confirms that the Local Group Summary Worksheet listing all the farms
that are to be Certified Organic is complete and was conscientiously
maintained by the group
f. Can NOT pick and choose individual farmers to certify, only
approve/confirms the collective decision of the Local Group as a whole and
organic integrity of the system adopted by the local group.
Ideally once a Local Group summary sheet with collective decision of the group signed by
at least three lead members is endorsed by the RC, the RC activates the UID. On UID
activation the group can directly print the certificates for all its members, but in case if the
group does not have access to computer and internet then the same will be facilitated by
RC.

g. Activate and/or issue certification UID number to each approved Local Group
(received from the instant UID Pool maintained on PGS Website).
h. Print and distribute annual Organic Certificates for individual farmer.
i. Participate in sampling of Local Group farm appraisals
j. Provide Local Groups with guidelines for “Non‐compliance Sanctions”
k. Participate in online system to provide Summary Worksheet information to
interested parties and helps to connect interested parties with the Local
Groups for access to individual farmers‟ Organic Guarantee
l. To ensure complete transparency of the certification process
m. To facilitate Mutual Recognition and Support for the various groups (and
individual farmers) on a national level by allowing Regional Councils to
audit the Organic Guarantee of certified farms in other Regional Councils.
n. To quickly build trust and credibility in the system as a whole ensure
access to members of the public and media.
o. Submission of annual reports on PGS activity in a prescribed format to
NCOF/RCOFs.
p. Organize sufficient training to farmers on organic farming activity , assist in
annual action plan preparation, packing, marketing, logo preparation,
transportation etc.,
q. Residual analysis and Soil testing of samples through NABL labs
r. Assist farmers/LGs to upload data relating to PGS activity in PGS webportal
2.5 Local Group (LG)
Local group is the main functional and decision making body under Participatory
Guarantee System. It is a local group of farmers that live in the same village or close by
villages and interact regularly with each other. Participation of consumers or
representatives of traders or retailers in the group and its functioning should be
encouraged as it strengthens the integrity and trust. The local group can be an existing
organic group previously working under third party certification system or under the
NGO-based PGS Organic India Council or a new grassroots group started and run by
interested local farmers/consumers, or it can be started by a regional NGO or
Government agency that has agreed to facilitate the formation of a PGS Local
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PGS-INDIA
Group by coaching an initial group of farmers through the process. The PGS
Local Group function is even easier to add on to an existing group of farmers
(for example Farmer Self Help Groups or Farmer Cooperatives or Societies.)
2.5.1 Requirement and eligibility criteria for a local group
a. A Local group should comprise of minimum 5 members belonging to same village
or close by villages with continuous territory. Regional Councils can decide on
maximum number of farmers per group keeping local situations in mind.
b. Adequate participation of women farmers shall be ensured.
c. ` training on PGS guarantee system organized by Regional Councils, Zonal
Council or PGS Secretariat or have been part of the core team of other functional
PGS group for at least two years.
d. All the members in the group have signed the PGS pledge and group agreement to
adhere to the group specific vision, participatory approach and collective
responsibility.
e. Although, there is no restriction on the size of holding of any individual farmer
but in any case the holding of one single member should not exceed one third of
the total land under the group.
f. Under PGS organic guarantee system normally parallel production and part
conversion is not allowed, therefore it is necessary that all group members need to
bring their entire farm with livestock under organic management as per the PGS
standards. However, Regional Councils in some cases may allow conversion in
phases, but in any case the entire farm holding of the group members must be
brought under PGS organic management within 24 months of joining the group.
g. Have access to PGS documents and preferably have access to computer and
internet
If a farmer under PGS group fails to convert his entire land holding and livestock
within the stipulated 24 months time, then he will not be eligible for PGS organic
certification and shall continue to remain under conversion.
h. Registered with Concerned Regional Council and have obtained necessary user ID
and password to upload data on PGS website.
i. In case if farmer group is unable to operate on-line system of data up loading then
the services can be availed from Regional Council or of any other facilitating
agency or local NGO etc.
j. In case if it is essentially required to use off farm products for organic cultivation,
in such cases it should get approval from PGS-India Secretariat to use any such
products
2.5.2 Role and Responsibility of Local Group
a. Organize farmers in the group and each member individually sign PGS organic
pledge and group agreement.
b. Provide copies of PGS standards, operational manual and appraisal forms to all
the members in local language. If farmers are illiterate then they need to be
explained details and standards orally and through pictorial representations.
c. Prepare necessary field documents with individual farm history.
d. Elect Group leader and core team of peer reviewers (minimum 3 in 5 member
group). There is no upper limit. It will be an optimal situation if all members of

PGS-INDIA
the group can participate in peer reviews, as this contributes to capacity building
and information exchange between farmers, and reduces conflicts of interests.
e. Participate in the activities of any other registered PGS group to understand the
functioning of the PGS Group. Implement standard requirements on the farms of
all the group members and obtain endorsement from the other registered group.
This endorsement is needed only once at the time of registration.
f. Register the group on PGS website (facility available on-line) and obtain
registration approval from the nearest Regional Council.
The
g. ILocal Groups need to be approved only once and no further renewal is needed. If
theren are repeated problems (missing paperwork, a random pesticide inspection turns
up a problem, a random oversight inspection turns up a problem, etc) THEN they
could
c get disbanded/ sanctioned and have to re-apply and could get re-entry only after
taking
a necessary correction and thorough verification by RC.
s
e
no PGS registered group is there in the vicinity then State Agencies (State
Agriculture Department District Officer) may be requested to verify the
requirement and submit necessary verification report to RC. Else request RC to do
verification and grant registration approval. RCOFs can also be requested for
verification and endorsements of Local Groups for their recognition by Regional
Council.
h. Obtain User ID and password from RC for time to time data up loading.
i. Organize time to time meetings and maintain attendance register. Participation of
members in these meetings is a mandatory activity and is an indication of
dedication of the member to the cause of group‟s guarantee scheme. There should
be at least 6 times a year, compulsory meetings or more frequently as specified by
the Regional council and at key times of the year depending on the season, the
crops, etc.
j. Every member need to attend at least 50% of the meetings in a year and sign in
attendance register.
k. Advise each other and share information to improve the capacity of the group as a
whole.
l. Organize regular training courses by inviting practicing organic farmers from
other groups, RC members or experts of other State Govt and Non-Govt agencies.
m. Chalk out peer appraisal strategy and ensure timely appraisal of each farm at least
twice a year. Peer reviewers will ensure to complete Peer review appraisal form,
sign and submit to the group leader. Each farm is to be appraised by at least a
three member team. Inclusion of consumer‟s representative increases the
credibility and trust.
n. Inspection of peer reviewer‟s farms by another peer reviewer group. To increase
credibility and trust the group may have any number of peer reviewers.
o. At appropriate time the group decides which farmers are to be certified. Separate
out farmers which are yet to comply with the certification requirements. List out
defaulters and impose sanctions.
p. Organize final decision meeting explain the reviewer‟s results to all the members.
Collectively declare the group as conforming to PGS standards (in case of small
groups, up to 10 members). If the group is large then elect a sub-group or
certification committee, comprising of 5 or more members, which may review the
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q.
r.

s.
t.

results and decide upon the certification. Approval of majority group members is
required only in the cases of negative decision (denial of certification or
decertification). Full member body can also serve as an appeal body against the
decision of certification committee.
At appropriate time prepare summary sheet with list of farmers declared certified
with details of crops and expected quantity of produce.
Submit summary sheet to the RC with all other documents as required by RC. In
case if data has already been up loaded by the Group on-line, then provide only
the signed hard copy of the summary sheet.
On getting the approval from RC on-line the certificates can be printed directly
from the website and distributed to the individual farmers.
If there is any off farm materials is need to be used for organic production should
be get approval from NCOF/RCOFs before to using them in crop production

2.5 Farmer/ Farm family
As in PGS, part conversion and parallel production is not allowed, the entire family with
its farm and livestock is to be converted to organic and covered under PGS within the
stipulated period. Any farm family willing to embrace organic methods of cultivation and
become part of Participatory organic guarantee system, the first step in the process is to
become part of PGS group in the same village or in nearby village.
2.5.1 Role and responsibilities of farm family
a. Develop an understanding of organic standards and participatory guarantee
system. This can be done by obtaining the copy of PGS standards and
understanding it through reading, participation in PGS group meetings and
discussion with existing farmers.
b. Make sure that farm practices are compliant to the standards and PGS norms
c. Fill farm history sheet, registration form and make a pledge that they understand
organic system of cultivation and commit to adhere to the organic standards
d. Participate in appraisals/ inspections of other farms in the local group
e. Participate in key field day trainings
f. Participate in local group meetings and advise neighbors, share information and
improve the capacity of the group as a whole
g. Allow consumers/ buyers visits of the farms

PGS-INDIA

Chapter-3

Certification Process
3.1 Certification process with Farmer and Farm
Step 1
i.
Farmer decides to embrace organic farming and willing to be a part of PGS
certification process
ii. Reads or hear a summary of organic standards. For better understanding,
participation in group meetings will be beneficial
iii. Stops using all synthetic and chemical inputs on farm and on livestock.
iv.
Undertake adequate measures for contamination control, habitat management,
diversity and livestock integration.
v. In case farmer is unable to bring his entire land holding and livestock under
organic management at the time of entry to group, then provide a time schedule in
which farmer proposes to convert his entire holding to organic and obtain gradual
conversion approval from group. In turn Group need to obtain approval of
Regional Council.
vi.
Signs a PGS pledge committing to adherence to standards
Step 2
vii.
Regularly participates in group meetings and key field day trainings
viii. If possible maintain a farm and livestock diary to list out farm operations. Illiterate
farmers can take help of their literate sons or daughters or even the other literate
members of the group.
ix. Participate in peer appraisals of other farmers, first as shadow reviewer and then
later as part of peer appraisal team.
Step 3
x. The farmer is appraised by a group of peers from the local group, at least once in
every crop season. A minimum of three (or more as per the decision of the group)
peer reviewers must be present to sign and validate the appraisal form.
xi. If possible an external advisor or representative of trader/ consumers or a local
State Agriculture Department Officer may be included. But their presence is not
mandatory.
xii. To ensure consistent (i.e. complete but not overzealous) appraisals, all appraisals
are scripted and include both physical checks of various parts of the farm and
more importantly questions to make sure that the farmer understands the organic
standards and they are complying to all the requirements
xiii. Literate member of the appraisal group makes sure that every point in the
appraisal script is completed and checked off. At the end, all reviewers present
must sign off as supporting references and endorse the farmer‟s organic guarantee.
Peer appraisals are done in the presence of the farmer or his family member and at
the end of the inspection Peer appraisal sheet is also to be signed by the farmer.
Step 4
xiv. After inspecting all the members in a group, a decision is made by the group as a
whole or by the certification committee about which farmers will and won‟t be
certified in a given year.
xv. Group prepares local group summary worksheet on-line and sends signed hard
copy to the Regional Council.
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xvi.

On acceptance by RC, Group prints individual certificate and distribute to the
farmers.

Note:
If a farmer has satisfactorily completed the 3 main requirements of being certified (Attendance at group
meeting and field‐trainings, Farmer’s Pledge and Peer Appraisal) they will most likely be certified.
PGS is an inclusive system based on trust. This is different from a Third Party system where the farmer
has to convince the certifier of his/her “innocence” with huge amounts of paper “proof” as to his/ her
organic integrity.
In a small village, neighboring farmers know what happens on each other’s farms, and these are the
same neighbors empowered to make a final decision as to who is and isn’t certified. A non‐compliance
by one farmer could influence the certification status of the group as a whole, so for that reason (among
others) neighboring farmers are more likely to:
a. Deny certification to farmers known to be cheating
b. Proactively share knowledge, materials and moral support with a struggling farmer so they don’t
feel to resort to use of prohibited substances
c. Immediately apply reasonable sanctions to farmers for a non‐compliance (for example temporary
suspension of Certified Organic status but the farmer is still included in the Local Group)
There are ample evidences that the power of local social control is far greater than that wielded by trained ThirdParty inspectors who are outsiders and further visit only a few hours in a given year.

3.2 Certification Process by Local Group (LG)
Step 1
i.
Form a group comprising of minimum 5 farmers (belonging to close by villages
with continuous territory).
ii. Collect registration and farm history sheet from all the members.
iii. Obtain copies of PGS Standards and PGS operational documents from nearest RC
and distribute to all the members. These documents can also be downloaded from
PGS website.
iv.
Convene the meeting of all the members and ask all the members to sign the
pledge.
v. Prepare Local Group operational manual detailing requirement of documents to be
maintained by farmers, peer appraisal methodology and checkpoints to be
assessed, based on the broad guidelines of PGS-India norms
vi.
Ensure that members have committed to convert their entire land holding and
livestock to organic. In case if some members propose to convert their land in
phases then draw appropriate strategies to distinctly separate such units with
organic ones.
vii.
Invite already registered another Local Group to verify the group formation and
obtain necessary recommendations. In case if there is no other PGS-LG close by,
then contact local State Agriculture office, demonstrate the group‟s strength on
organic and obtain endorsement. Alternatively apply to the RC and request RC to
undertake verification. RCOFs can also be requested for endorsement of Local
Groups.
viii. Register the group on-line on PGS Website. In case if the group do not have
access to computer and internet, then services of an local computer operator/
internet cafe can be taken. Alternatively fill all the forms and submit to RC for
uploading the information on PGS website.
ix. Enter into agreement with the RC for services to be availed on payment basis (as
per mutual agreement).
x. Request RC to grant registration, user ID and password.
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PGS-INDIA
Step 2
xi. Follow the PGS guidelines on group meetings, key field trainings and knowledge
sharing.
xii. Keep vigil on neighboring farmer‟s farms and if some non-compliances are
noticed then inform other group members during group meetings
xiii. Ensure timely organization of training programmes in collaboration with RC.
xiv. Invite practicing organic farmers and other local experts for problem solving in
management issues such as in nutrient management, pest management etc during
key trainings and group meetings.
xv. Maintain attendance register for group meeting and key field trainings
xvi. If member farmers are using or propose to use off-farm inputs then verify their
organic status, discuss in group meetings and endorse or prohibit their use. Use of
such inputs without group‟s approval shall be treated as non-compliance.
Step 3
xvii. Chalk out peer appraisal schedule and constitute peer appraisal groups. Each
group should have minimum 3 peer appraisers. Depending upon the number of
farmers there can be any number of appraisal teams comprising of three or more
members. At least one member in the appraisal team must be literate and well
versed in filling the appraisal forms.
xviii. Reciprocal review between two member group farms is not allowed (i.e. A
reviews the B and B reviews A).
xix. Invite other group peer reviewers or representatives of consumers/ traders or local
State Agriculture Department officer as invited member of the peer group (but
their participation is not mandatory). This may increase the trust and credibility of
the group Guarantee.
xx. Complete peer review of all the farms at least once in each season. Ensure that all
farms have been reviewed objectively.
xxi. Discuss review reports in the meetings and decide upon the organic status of each
farm one by one.
xxii. Segregate farmers who have fulfilled all the requirements and consider them for
grant of certificate
xxiii. Discuss about the non-complying farmers and depending upon the nature and
gravity of non-compliances issue sanctions.
Step 4
xxiv. Appraisal paper work is checked for completeness and a local Group Summary
Worksheet is prepared.
xxv. Group or certification committee decides on certification and declares certification
status of each group member.
xxvi. Enter all details on-line in PGS website and send signed copy of the summary
worksheet to the RC. Alternatively send all details in hard copy along with signed
copy of summary sheet to RC for uploading the data into PGS website.
xxvii. Regional Council check details provided in hard copy or on-line. While deciding
on approval RC takes into consideration surveillance report (if any done),
complaints received, residue analysis report etc. RC cannot decide on inclusion or
non-inclusion of specific farmers based on information provided, it can decide
only on approval or non-approval of certification of the Local Group as a whole.
On being satisfied, grants necessary approval on-line.

PGS-INDIA
xxviii.

LG prints certificate from PGS website and distribute to individual farmers.
Alternatively LG requests RC to print the certificates and send to Group leader for
distribution.

Only the farmers which have completed full conversion period without any major or serious
non-compliance be declared as “PGS-Organic”. Farmers which have one or more major noncompliance or are under conversion period will be declared as “PGS-Green”. Only the crops
sown after joining the group, taking the PGS pledge in conformity of PGS standards and fully
conforming to the PGS standard requirements as per the recommendations of peer reviewers
shall qualify for “PGS-Green”. 3 continuous advisory on same issue can shift the status of
member.

3.3 Certification Process by Regional Council
Step 1
i.
Receive registration applications (on-line or off-line or in hard copy) of Local
Groups (LG). Check details of individual farmer history. Check for other group
recommendation or endorsement by Central/State Govt authorities.
ii. Finalize working modalities and if required enter into some sort of agreement
including payment of fee for services provided. If data uploading work is to be
done by RC then finalize necessary modalities for the same.
iii. Ensure that LG has brought their entire holdings under organic. In cases of
gradual conversion verify the facts and on being satisfied, grant necessary
approval with time frame.
iv.
On being found adequate and finalization of working modalities/ agreement etc
grant registration.
v. If data and application have been provided on-line then approve registration online and provide user ID and password on PGS website.
vi.
If application is in hard copy or off-line then upload the information on website
and grant registration with user ID and password.
vii.
Provide copy of PGS standards and LG operational manual guidelines.
Step 2
viii. Time to time organize training programmes and if possible participate in some of
the group meetings or key field trainings of group.
ix. Encourage and build the capacity of the group for on-line data management (may
be through internet café)
x. If required undertake random surveillance on some groups for assessment of
standards implementation and capacity of the Local Group
xi. Receipt and redressal of complaints against the LGs and their functioning
Step 3
xii. On receipt of entire data set and Local Group Summary Sheet, screen the details
and on being found compliant to PGS standards and norms approve grant of
certification. Approval is to be issued on-line for printing of certificate at Local
Group‟s end.
xiii. RC needs to endorse the certification decision of the LG, if requirements have
been met and there are no complaints, adverse residue testing report or adverse
surveillance report etc.
xiv. In case of Non-approval, reasons must be communicated in writing with
justification.

PGS-INDIA
xv.

The RC needs to decide on certification request within 15 days from the date of
uploading the LG-summary sheet or submitting the hard copy of the group
decision to RC. If RC fails to endorse the decision of the LG or otherwise within
15 days then ZC need to intervene and decide the issue within next 7 days. In case
if ZC also fails to intervene and decide in time then the group can approach PGS
Secretariat for decision.

Note that the Regional Council does not make a decision to include or not include specific farmers
based on the information provided. They can only approve or not approve the certification of the
Local Group as a whole.
One example where this might apply would be if the Regional Council has a concern about Farmer X
(for example because of a random pesticide residue test result) but the Local Group continues to list
that farmer as Certified Organic with no sanctions and no explanation, the Regional Council may
rightly be concerned and withhold certification approval of all farmers in the Local Group.
Another example could be that the Regional Council feels that some individual farmers‟ Peer
Appraisals were faked or handled in a sloppy fashion. While the Regional Council can not hold-up the
certification status of those specific farms, they can and SHOULD withhold certification approval
from the Local Group as a whole.
Although the individual farmer is part of a Group Guarantee process, the Organic Certificate and
identification number is given to them individually. Unlike with Third Party Group Certification,
there is no requirement of common point of sale, and the farmer may sell to whomsoever they
wish separately from the group.

For sales that are not local and direct to consumers, a system to maintain integrity through the
chain of custody as well as to give consumers more confidence and immediate feedback about
batches requires that the code number for each Local Group appears on every bag/batch shipped
through non-direct sales channels.

xvi.

In case if the group has no access to internet and computer The Regional Council
enters summary information for every local group into a PGS website database
and sends a paper certificate certifying the individual farm. Each farmer‟s
certificate has an individual unique identification code (UID) that includes codes
for both the Local Group and the Regional Council.
xvii. All issued certificates bear unique ID (UID) code for traceability and access to the
entire information on production system, peer appraisal and decision system of the
group.
Step 4
xviii. Zonal Council and PGS secretariat also under take independent surveillance and
communicate results to RC through website.
xix. A small percentage of farms/ products are randomly selected for random pesticide
residue testing each year and the results are placed on the website. Adverse results
on both counts may impact the Certification status of the Local Group as a whole.
xx. Pesticide Residue testing is coordinated by the NCOF-the PGS secretariat but it is
the Regional Council and the Local Group that has to decide what to do about a
positive result. The Regional Council provides Local Groups with non-compliance
guidelines, but can not apply those guidelines to an individual farmer. ONLY the
Local Group can sanction the individual farmers. The Regional Council can only
suspend the certification of the entire Local Group.
xxi. In PGS although there is no system of transaction certificate and traceability is
ensured only up to the farm gate (or till it is in the custody of the group), but LG
and RC can device some mechanism to ensure traceability till retail point.
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3.4 Verification of certification by consumers
National PGS website will be the database for the entire programme. To make the system
transparent entire data base will be kept in public domain. Even the surveillance reports and
residue analysis reports will also be made available on the website. Consumers or public will
be able to access the summary reports of LG, details of groups, products being offered by
each group and their certification status. The information in respect of farmers/ groups which
have lost their certification will be available on the website for a period of at least 5 years
after the loss of certification status occurred.
With access to unique ID code of particular product, consumers will be able to access the
entire information on the group in respect of past history, cultivation practices and peer
appraisal reports etc.
Efforts will also be made in the programme to launch SMS based internet traceability system
in which, through SMS consumers will be able to know the certification status of the product
in question with origin of the produce.
3.5 Grant of Logo and unique certificate ID code
On getting the certification approval from the Regional Council Local Group can print
individual certificates from PGS website and can use the PGS logo on packets or containers
of PGS certified products. Individual farmer certificate will have a unique ID code,
identifying the RC, Local Group and the farmer. Each certificate will also list out the area,
crops and products certified during the year as Annexure. Details in respect of quantity of
each produce shall be available on PGS-India Website.
The validity of the certificate shall be 12 months from the date of decision of the group. On
submission of subsequent summary sheet a new certificate will be granted with fresh 12
month validity from the date of last certification decision by the group as approved by the RC
and so on.
Logo on the product is required to be printed with the unique ID code. Consumers can access
the entire information about the group, its certification status, production practices, peer
appraisals, surveillance reports etc by entering this unique ID code in PGS website.
3.6 Separate logo for PGS organic and PGS under conversion status
Two separate logos shall be granted for PGS organic and PGS under conversion as follows:

PGS

Organic

Green

(For detailed color specifications see inside of back cover)
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PGS-INDIA
3.7 Conditions for use of logo
PGS certified products can be labeled with PGS logo along with unique ID code provided on
the certificate only when they are packed under the supervision of either Local Group or by
the certificate holder farmer himself. In case if packing is done away from the farm at some
pack house then also the group need to ensure that it is done in their supervision and all
precautions are taken to prevent the product from co-mingling.
Logo is to be used only on quantity certified as per the details provided to the RC and placed
on the PGS-India website.
Use of logo without unique ID code is not allowed
Separate logos need to be used for organic and in-conversion products

Chapter-4

PGS National Standards for Organic Production
4.1 General Requirements
4.1.1 Habitat Management
Habitat management is an important part of organic management system and forms the first
step towards organic conversion. To ensure proper living conditions for all living beings,
steady supply of green material for manuring and to create diversified plant stand it is
essential that diversified plants/ trees etc are planted on bunds and other non-cultivated area
of the farm. Adequate space may be provided for plantation of nitrogen fixing trees. Nitrogen
fixing tree hedge not only act as biological fence but also ensure steady supply of biologically
fixed nitrogen and other nutrients drawn from deeper layers of soil. These plants also provide
home and shelter to friendly insects and birds.
If required rain water harvesting pits and farm ponds can also be created.
4.1.2 Diversity
Diversity in crop production is second most important step of organic management which not
only helps in management and control of pests and diseases but also ensure balance nutrition
of the soil. Diversity can be achieved by a combination of mixed cropping, intercropping,
relay cropping and rotation with legumes. Use of trap crops and barrier crops also add to the
diversity.
4.1.3 Integration of Animals/ livestock
As successful organic farming depend upon continuous supply of dung and urine, efforts
should be made to integrate crop production with livestock rearing.
4.1.4 Conversion period
The time taken for a farm to comply with the PGS organic standards is defined as the
conversion period. In other words, it is the time required by the conventional farm to attain
full PGS organic status. The whole farm including the crop production and animal husbandry
shall be converted to organic management. Parallel or part conversion is not allowed under
PGS organic management. For newly acquired fields or fields managed conventionally, the
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conversion period shall be not less than 24 months in case of seasonal and annual crops while
it shall be not less than 36 months in case of perennial and permanent crops from the last date
of use of prohibited inputs or from the date of taking the pledge, whichever is later. However,
Regional Councils in some cases may allow conversion in phases, but in any case the entire
farm holding of the group members must be brought under PGS organic management within
24 months of joining the group.
Duration of conversion period can be reduced to 12 months if no prohibited substances have
been used since last three years and all the members in the group are fully satisfied with past
history of no synthetic input use and collectively declare so.
Conversion period for animal products shall be not less than 12 months provided they are fed
with fully organic feed and fodder and all the members of group are satisfied that the standard
requirements have been met since last 12 months.
In case of existing ICS groups (under NPOP) or members of such groups joining PGS, their
certification status, as granted by accredited certification body and valid at the time of joining
PGS shall continue, provided the group/ members meets all other requirements of PGS and
have necessary documents to prove their claim to the full satisfaction of other group members
(if they join an existing group) or RC (if they join as independent group).
4.1.5 Contamination control
All organic production units shall have effective measures to check accidental contamination
with prohibited substance through drift or water flow. All organic farms shall be either
protected with biological fence (hedge/hedge rows etc) or maintain a buffer zone.
Organic farms also need to be protected from contaminated water flow from adjoining nonorganic fields. This can be achieved by putting appropriate bunds and escape channels.
4.1.6 Soil and Water conservation
Relevant measures should be taken to prevent erosion, salination of soil, excessive and
improper use of water and the pollution of ground and surface water.
Clearing of land through the means of burning organic matter, e.g. slash-and burn, straw
burning shall be restricted to the minimum. The clearing of primary forest is prohibited.
4.2 Standard requirements for crop production
4.2.1 Selection of seed and planting material
Seeds and planting material varieties should be well adapted to the soil, climatic conditions,
suitable for organic management, resistant to pests and diseases and preferably of organic
origin. In case organically grown seeds are not available then, chemically untreated
conventional materials shall be used.
The use of genetically engineered seeds, pollen, transgenic plants or planting material is not
allowed.
4.2.2 Fertilization
On-farm biodegradable material of microbial, plant or animal origin shall form the basis of
fertilization policy. Green manuring, intercropping or crop rotation with legumes shall be the
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PGS-INDIA
integral part of cropping system planning. Off-farm/ purchased biodegradable material of
microbial, plant or animal origin can also be used provided it is ensured that no prohibited
substances have been used in their preparation.
Microbial preparations such as biofertilizers, biodynamic preparations, EM solutions etc can
be used.
Off-farm/industry produced inputs approved by NPOP accredited certification body as
approved input for use in organic farming can be used without further approval of the group.
Mineral fertilizers shall be used in their natural powdered form as supplementary source of
nutrients.
Use of synthetic fertilizers is strictly prohibited in any form, directly or indirectly.
4.2.3 Pest, Disease and Weed Management including Growth Regulators
Selection of pest resistant varieties, suitable rotations, green manures, balanced fertilization,
early planting, mulching, cultural, mechanical and biological control measures (including use
of insect pest parasites and predators), disturbance in pest life cycles and ensuring survival of
pest enemies should form the basis of pest management programme.
Thermic weed control or thermic sterilization of soils can be resorted to only when it
becomes absolutely necessary. Microbial pest control formulations such as biopesticides can
be used. On-farm fermentation products and botanical extracts can also be used. Off-farm
purchased microbial or botanical preparations can also be used provided it is ensured that
such products are approved as organic inputs under NPOP by accredited certification
agencies.
Use of synthetic herbicides, fungicides, insecticides and other chemical preparations
including synthetic plant growth regulators and synthetic dyes are strictly prohibited. Use of
genetically engineered organisms or products are also prohibited.
4.2.4 Equipments/ implements and storage containers
All farming equipments, implements and tools etc must be washed and cleaned before use on
the organic farm.
Bags and containers used to harvest, store and transport organic produce must be clean and
free from any chemical contamination and should not have been used for storage of
conventional produce. All such containers and bags shall be clearly labeled “Organic Only”.
4.2.5 Storage and Transport
Organic Products must be protected at all times from co-mingling with non-organic products.
Use of synthetic or chemical storage pesticides/ fumigants are prohibited. Natural and
traditional ways and means for storing organic produce are allowed. Use of carbon-di-oxide,
nitrogen or any other such inert gas is permissible.
4.3 Standard requirement for animal production
4.3.1 Conversion requirements
The whole farm, including livestock, should be converted to organic within the specified
conversion period. Part conversion or parallel production is not allowed under PGS after 24
21

PGS-INDIA
months. The minimum conversion period for all animals except poultry shall be not less than
12 months. The poultry birds for egg production or for meat purpose shall be fed only on
organic diet from 2 day onwards after hatching.
4.3.2 Rearing environment
The management of animal environment shall ensure free movement, sufficient access to
fresh air, day light, water, lying and resting place and protection against excessive sunlight,
rain and wind etc.
Mutilations in any form should not be resorted except for castrations, tail docking, dehorning,
ringing and mule sing.
Breeds and breeding
Breeds should be chosen which are adapted to local conditions. Breeding goals should not be
at variance with the animal‟s natural behaviour and should be directed towards good health.
Reproduction techniques should be natural. Artificial insemination is allowed.
Hormonal heat treatment and induced births are not allowed, unless applied for medical
reasons under veterinary advice.
Genetically engineered species or breeds are not allowed.
4.3.3 Animal Nutrition
The livestock should be fed 100% organically grown feed of good quality. All feed shall
come from the farm itself or be produced on the farms of other group members or have been
harvested from wild where no prohibited substances have been used. Products from the
organic feed processing industry shall be used. Colouring agents shall not be used in organic
livestock production.
The following products shall not be included nor added to the feed given to farm animals:
 Synthetic growth promoters or stimulants
 Synthetic appetisers
 Preservatives, except when used as a processing aid
 Artificial colouring agents
 Urea
 Farm animal by-products (e.g. abattoir waste) to ruminants
 Droppings, dung or other manure (all types of excreata) even if technologically
processed
 Feed subjected to solvent (e.g. hexane), extraction (soya and rape seed meal)
 Feed prepared with the addition of other chemical agents
 Pure amino acids
 Genetically engineered organisms or products thereof
Vitamins, trace elements and supplements shall be used from natural origin when available in
appropriate quantity and quality.
4.3.4 Veterinary Medicine
The well-being of the animals is the primary consideration in the choice of illness treatment.
Natural medicines and methods, including homeopathy, ayurvedic, unani medicine and
acupuncture, shall be emphasised. The use of conventional veterinary medicines is allowed
when no other justifiable alternative is available.
22

PGS-INDIA

Where conventional veterinary medicines are used, the withholding period shall be at least
double the legal period.
Use of the following substances is prohibited:
 Synthetic growth promoters
 Substances of synthetic origin for production, stimulation or suppression of natural
growth
 Hormones for heat induction and heat synchronisation unless used for an individual
animal against reproductive disorders, justified by veterinary indications
Vaccinations shall be used only when diseases are known or expected to be a problem in the
region. Legally required vaccinations are allowed. Genetically engineered vaccines are
prohibited.
4.3.5 Requirement for Bee Keeping
As bee keeping is considered a part of animal husbandry, general principals of animal
husbandry shall also apply on bee keeping. In addition following requirements shall also be
met:





Bee hives shall be made of natural materials free from toxicity.
Bee hives shall be placed in organically managed farms and/ or wild natural areas,
away from the fields or areas where prohibited substances have been used.
Veterinary medicines/ antibiotics shall not be used in bee keeping and no repellents
consisting of prohibited substances be used when working with the bees.
For pest and disease control and for hive disinfection use of caustic soda, lactic,
oxalic, acetic, formic acids, sulphur, etheric oils and Bacillus thuringensis are
allowed.

PGS-INDIA

Chapter-5

Standard Requirements for Food processing, Handling and
Storage
5.1 General requirement
Any food processing, handling and storage of organic products, on-farm and/or off-farm or
under hired facilities away from the farm can be certified under PGS, provided the entire
operation is carried out under the supervision of PGS Group and the items/ materials to be
processed are the direct produce of the PGS group. If required many PGS groups can make
their federation and get their federation registered with RC for collective processing, handling
and storage. Necessary guidelines for making federation and handling of products from
different groups will be laid down by the concerned RC.
5.2 Storage
Organic products shall not be stored and transported together with inorganic products unless
they are properly packed and labelled and physically separated from each other with no
chances of contamination or co-mingling.
Control measures should ensure that organic products do not come in contact with the inorganic products and prohibited substances during storage, transportation and processing.
No synthetic preservatives, chemicals, fumigants etc or storage aid shall be used. Use of
controlled temperature, cooling, freezing, drying, humidity control through mechanical
means and fumigation with nitrogen or carbon-di-oxide gas is permitted. Ethylene gas is
permitted for ripening.
5.3 Ingredients, additives and processing aids









All ingredients and additives of agriculture origin shall be PGS-organic.
Water and salt may be used without any restriction.
For the production of fermentation / microbiological products the medium shall be
composed of organic ingredients.
Commercial microbial formulations for use as inoculants in such processes can be
used.
In cases where ingredients of organic agriculture origin are not available or some
ingredients of non-agriculture origin are to be used then the guidelines provided under
NPOP be followed and the quantity of such non-agriculture additives should not
exceed 5% of total dry weight (excluding water and salt) of the raw material.
Use of genetically modified organisms or their products are prohibited
Minerals, vitamins and similar other ingredients of chemical origin shall not be used.

5.4 Processing
 All processing equipments and machinery should be properly washed and made
contamination free before using for organic processing.
 All processing equipments and filtration aids shall be free from contamination and
shall not release any substance that may negatively affect the organic integrity
 Measures should be in place to prevent co-mingling and contamination of organic
produce with non-organic.
 Services of NPOP certified processing units can be availed.
24

PGS-INDIA




Processes approved under PGS organic are: mechanical and physical, biological,
smoking, extraction, precipitation and filtration. Extraction shall be done with water,
ethanol, plant and animal oils, vinegar, carbon-di-oxide, nitrogen or carboxylic acids.
All such solvents/ extraction liquid shall be of food grade.
Irradiation is not allowed

5.5 Packing and Labelling
 Packing material should not affect the organoleptic character of the product
 The description of the PGS group with PGS logo and unique ID code shall be clearly
printed.
 Single ingredient products may be labelled as “PGS-Organic” when all standard
requirements have been met and the produce has been declared PGS-organic.
 PGS In-conversion products may be labelled as “PGS-Green” when all standard
requirements for declaring the Local PGS group under PGS In-conversion have been
met and the produce has been declared as PGS-Green.
 In case of mixed/ processed products if minimum of 95% ingredients is PGS-organic
the product may be labelled as PGS-Organic. If proportions of organic ingredients are
between 95 and 70% the products can be labelled as “Made with PGS-organic
ingredients”, but in such cases PGS logo cannot be used.
 Only PGS Local groups and their duly authorized federations are allowed to use PGS
Logo on the products, produced, processed and packed under their supervision.

PGS-INDIA

Format-1
Photo of
Proposed RC
In charge

Sl No.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

6.
7.
8.
9.
10.

11.

12.
13.

14.
15.
16.
17.
18.

Application form for Registration of
Regional Council

components
Name of the applicant organization
Logo of the Operation
State
District
Address
City Town
Pin code
Telephone with STD code
Mobile Number
Fax Number
Email ID
Status of Organization
Central Govt .
State Govt.
Central/State Govt. Agency
Cooperative
NGO
Company
Other
Registration Number and act
In case of Cooperative/ NGO/ Pvt. Company etc
Registration No with act under which Registered
(Attach copies of Registration, bye laws)
Registration Expiry date
Financial category (In case of Cooperative/ NGO/
Pvt. Company etc attach last 3 years audited
balance sheets)
Government
Govt Funded
Self financed
Other (Pl specify)
Attach atleast 3 year audited report sheet
Facilites available (Computer, Phone, Internet,
Vehicles )
Office building (own/rent)
Experience / Competence in Organic Farming
(Attach a Copy)
Whether worked as service provider of
Central/State Government/Other agency for
organic adoption and certification (attach a proof)

Photo of Head
of
Organization

Details

PGS-INDIA
19.
20.
21.

22.

23.

24.

25.

26.
27.
28.

Experience in any Participatory Guarantee System
(Attach proof)
Experience in Organic certification system or ICS
(Attach proof)
Knowledge in Organic Standard
PGS-India NPOP NOP EU standards Others (Pl
specify)
Proposed area of operation
State :
District :
Villages :
Proposed farmers and group details
Total Number of Groups:
Total Number of farmers :
Total Area proposed (Ha) :
Whether already have registered farmers as per
their requirement of PGS guidelines (If yes then
provide details, Group wise with list of farmers in
each group and their organic status)
Regional Council operational manual prepared or
not (if yes provide a copy)
Local Group operational manual prepared or not
(If yes then provide a copy)
Detailed strategy of operation as Regional Council.
(If required attach on separate sheets)
Head (Attach Photo)
1. Name of the Head of organization
2. Designation
3. Telephone No. with STD code
4. Mobile Number
5. Email ID
6. ID Proof (Enclose a copy)

29.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

30.

Operating Person (Attach Photo)
Name of the person responsible for
operation of regional Council
Designation
Telephone No. with STD code
Mobile Number
Email ID
ID Proof (Enclose a copy)

Total staff strength (Attach list of staff
members with photos, designation and
qualifications and assigned work)

PGS-INDIA
31.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Technical Staff details
Name of the Technical Staff
Designation
Telephone No. with STD code
Mobile Number
Email ID

32.

Any other information

33.

List of enclosures attached

I/We the members of the organization hereby declare that the information provided above is
true to the best of my/ our knowledge.
I/ We have read the PGS-India operational Guidelines and are convinced that the proposed
organization ………. (Give name of Organization) …….. fully meets the eligibility criteria
prescribed in PGS-India guidelines.
I/We understand that PGS-India Programme do not provide any financial assistance and the
entire operation shall be taken up from the organization‟s sources
I/We declare that the organization is in sound financial health and capable of meeting the
expanses needed for operation of Regional Council.
I/ we declare that on being selected as Regional Council under PGS-India programme we
undertake to abide by the PGS-India guidelines and instructions issued by the NAC/ PGS
secretariat from time to time and shall implement the programme in true spirit of PGS
Principal

Signature of Head of organization with seal
(Name Head of organization)
Designation
Date

PGS-INDIA

Format-2
Format of Agreement to be executed between PGS-India Regional Council
and Local Group under PGS-India
(To be signed on Rs. 20/- Non-Judicial Stamp paper)
An agreement made on______day of_______ (month) of year Two thousand ........................
between the_____________________________________________ (Name of Regional
Council) (hereinafter called the RC, which expression shall include their successors and
assignees) on one part and__________________________Name and address of Local
Group) {hereinafter called the said LG which expression shall include their heirs,
administrators, executors and legal representatives} on the other part.
Whereas the said LG has under the provisions of the PGS-India programme as stipulated and
detailed in PGS-India operational Guidelines and PGS Terms of Reference (ToR) for Local
Groups (hereinafter referred to as the said rules, which expression shall include the provisions
in force and amendments/ modifications made from time to time) has applied to
the_________________________Regional Council for grant of Registration as LG and
whereas the________________________Name of Regional Council has agreed to
authorize_______________________Name of local Group) as PGS-India Local Group on
the terms and conditions as stipulated in ToR, NOW IT IS HEREBY AGREED that:
1. M/S _________________________(Name of LG) as PGS-India Local Group shall
abide by the operational guidelines and ToR for Local Groups, as prescribed by and
on
behalf
of
the
Executive
Secretary
PGS
India
programme
and_______________________ (Name of RC) and undertake to perform in true spirit
of the PGS-India programme with full commitment and responsibility without any
personal interest towards persons or organizations according to the said rule and
hereby
authorize
the
Executive
Secretary
PGS-India
and
_________________________(Name of RC) to take any appropriate action as per the
said rules in the event of violations.
2. _________________________(Name of RC) hereby declare that as the
_______________________(Name of LG) has completed all necessary requirement
as stipulated under PGS-India programme and in accordance with ToR for LGs the
group is granted with registration under PGS-India programme as per the details given
in the Registration certificate.
3. _________________________(Name of RC) undertake to provide all the assistance
to the said LG in terms of literature, copies of operational manual, standards and
capacity building activities, including development of competence of local group
members in standards implementation, peer review, analysis of review results and
decision making.
4. _________________________(Name of LG) undertakes to provide all assistance and
access to all documents, fields, store houses, processing units, cattle houses, fodder
storages etc to the authorized persons of RC for surveillance and verification.
_________________________(Name of LG) shall be providing copies of all peer
appraisal sheets with necessary LG Summary sheet at the end of every season or at
least twice in a year to RC and provide necessary help and assistance in surveillance
as authorized by RC.
5. _________________________(Name of LG) declare that they will keep all their
information and documents in easy access for inspection by any officials of RC, Zonal
Council or of PGS-Secretariat.

PGS-INDIA
6. _________________________(Name
of
RC)
and
_________________________(Name of LG) have finalized the mutual working
arrangement including the financial payments for the services, to be provided by the
RC and agree to abide by our agreement.
7. It is understood that the Local Group or the RC shall have no claim for any financial
assistance from Government of India or PGS-India Secretariat.
8. The Executive Secretary, PGS-India, Secretariat shall have full authority for
surveillance, verification and monitoring of the functioning of Local groups.
9. _________________________(Name of LG) on being registered as Local Group
under PGS-India programme hereby declare that they shall not be the part of any
other certification process, other than PGS-India, including the similar PGS
programme being run by other non-Government agencies, without the prior approval
of the RC/PGS-India secretariat.
IT
IS
HEREBY
FURTHER
AGREED
AND
DECLARED
THAT
_________________________(Name of LG) and _________________________(Name of
RC) shall work together effectively towards image building of the PGS-India programme and
shall not be doing anything or activity which lowers or tarnish the prestige of the programme
and/ or jeopardize or threaten the integrity of the organic guarantee. Further it is also declared
that none of the partners of LG and RC have any conflict of interest in functioning of the
PGS-India organic guarantee process.
Signed on behalf of the
Regional Council
Signature of Group leader of LG
Name_________________________
Name________________________
Address_______________________
Address______________________
Date__________________________
Date_________________________
In witness of
Witness 1 (signature)
Witness 1 (signature)
Name and Address ______________
Name and Address______________
______________________________
_____________________________
Witness 2 (signature)
Name and Address
_______________________________

Witness 2 (signature)
Name and Address
______________________________

PGS-INDIA

Format-3
PGS-India Programme
Term of Reference for Operation of Local Groups
PGS-India is a voluntary organic Guarantee programme, being operated by the National
Centre of Organic Farming (NCOF) under National Project of Organic Farming, Department
of Agriculture and Cooperation, Government of India.
PGS-NAC (PGS-National Advisory Committee) is the apex policy and decision making
body. National Centre of Organic Farming shall be the secretariat of the programme with
Director, NCOF as the Executive authority.
The programme intends to create a network of local organic farmer‟s groups having
competence of organic certification system which are capable of providing organic guarantee
based on PGS-India Standards through participatory approach. To make the system
transparent and trust worthy there is a provision for appointment of local agencies as
Regional Councils. These Regional Councils shall be the agencies situated within the close
geographical proximity of the groups and through their participation in group processes,
surveillance, and supervision and by verification of documented peer appraisals confirm the
organic integrity of the group.
It must be clearly understood that registration of any Local Group by the Regional Council
authorized by PGS-India NAC or PGS-India Secretariat is purely voluntary and do not give
any guarantee/ assurance for any financial assistance from the Secretariat or Ministry of
Agriculture, Govt. of India or its any other Institution/ organization associated to the
secretariat.
PGS-India NAC being the apex governing body and NCOF being the secretariat of the PGSIndia programme, although, shall not be interfering in the autonomic functioning and decision
making of the RCs and Local Groups (LGs), but have full right to review the decisions of the
LGs and RCs in accordance with the spirit of the PGS and PGS-India operational guidelines.
PGS-India NAC and PGS-India Secretariat shall have the right to surveillance, monitor,
review and random sampling of products for residue testing. In all such cases the report shall
be sent to the concerned RC for action and simultaneously shall also be hosted on the website
of the PGS-India programme.
Registration of LG by RC shall be subject to the fulfilment of eligibility conditions,
prescribed in the PGS-India operational manual. Registered LG on being registered is
required to function as per the requirement of the PGS-India programme, as specified in
PGS-India operational manual and should ensure that that at all times they contribute to the
confidence building of the consumers in the PGS-India guarantee system.
Although PGS-India programme do not stipulates any fee, but RCs and LGs may agree upon
some fee structure to be paid by LGs to RC, depending upon the services being offered by the
RC.
Terms of reference for Registered Local Groups under PGS-India Programme
1. The Local Group on being registered as PGS-India Local Group (hereinafter referred as
LG) shall ensure that it has provided a copy of the following documents to the Regional
Council:
a. Application form of LG for registration
b. List of farmer members with a copy of individual application form and duly signed
PGS-India pledge
c. Individual member‟s farm history sheet in prescribed proforma.

PGS-INDIA
d. In case, if all the members are not converting their entire land holding and cattle
herd to organic in one go, then detailed conversion plan of fulfilling the
requirement within 24 months
e. Agreement to be entered into with RC.
2. There is a mandatory requirement of group‟s endorsement by any other registered PGSIndia Group or by State Govt Agriculture/ Horticulture Department‟s District Officer or
by RC itself or by Zonal council or Regional Centres of Organic Farming.
3. At the time of Registration each LG needs to obtain following documents from the RC
a. Copy of PGS-India operational manual
b. Copy of PGS-India standards in local language
c. Copy of all the forms, peer appraisal sheets and LG summary sheet in local
language
d. LG operating manual, developed by RC along with the checklists (if any
developed by RC)
e. List of the services and activities to be provided to LG by the RC.
f. RCs shall also facilitate availability of technical literature on crop management,
nutrient management, plant protection or any other such issues as needed by
farmers.
4. The LG shall make all out efforts to promote organic farming and work towards image
building and confidence building among its members and other stakeholders of organic
farming and consumers
5. If a LG is having only five members then each member shall be the part of certification
team. But if the group is large then each LG need to elect its certification team
comprising of five members as Follows:
Group leader
Training and meeting coordinator
Peer review facilitator
Documentation In-charge
Public relation and RC Coordinator
Certification team is elected every year with the post of Group Leader being rotated.
6. All efforts should be made to ensure that each and every member of the group is active
participant in peer review process.
7. Capacity building of farmers is an important component of PGS-India Programme each
LG shall ensure adequate capacity building measures in consultation with group leaders
and RCs for total compliance of standards. At least 2 members of each group need to be
properly trained by RC.
8. In cases where LGs do not have access to computer or internet or LGs are unable to
upload the data, RCs need to help them in developing their capacities or obtain the entire
data in hard copy and upload in the website. In such cases LGs need to provide all
information to RC in hard copy on paper.
9. LG shall ensure that the members of RCs shall participate in LG group meetings, LG key
training programmes and some peer appraisal visits to assess the strength of the group and
to help them improve their implementation processes.

PGS-INDIA
10. Although entire PGS data shall be on-line in the PGS-India website, but each LG shall
also ensure that original hard copies of the records such as LG summary sheets, peer
appraisal sheets, LGs application with each member history sheet are also maintained in
hard copy in separate member files at LG office.
11. LG shall prepare half yearly calendar of activities (such as trainings, capacity building
programmes, peer appraisals etc) and intimate all group members and RC for effective
coordination.
12. LGs shall also prepare annual or half yearly crop calendar before every sowing season
with details of activities to be taken and intimate to RC in time.
13. As per the requirement each LG shall meet at least six times a year and maintain
attendance register and details of meeting proceedings. Each and every member is
required to participate in at least half of such meetings. Participation of members in such
meetings reflects the commitment of the member to the programme and an important step
for endorsement of certification decision by RC.
14. To keep on building the competence of the members, LGs need to organize some key
field day trainings. Proceedings, details of such trainings along with attendance is also an
important component for endorsement of certification decision by RC.
15. LGs shall provide full access to all the documents, records and information, including
their fields and members for surveillance, monitoring and groups‟ competence assessment
to representatives of RCs, Zonal Councils or PGS-India Secretariat at any point of time
during their visits.
16. LGs shall ensure mutual recognition and support among different LGs at regional and
national level by studying each other‟s processes and functioning and by having
surveillance in each other‟s areas.
17. In case if any LG wanted to leave and desire to join other RC, then the group need to
apply to the concerned RC or in case if RC is not cooperating then to Zonal Council for
No Objection Certificate with full reason and justification. On being satisfied RC/ ZC can
allow LGs to join other RC. In such cases after obtaining NOC from RC/ ZC, they can
apply for registration to other RC with a copy of NOC. Entire record pertaining to that
group shall be transferred to the new RC on their request without any prejudice or
condition, what-so-ever.
18. AS PGS-India programme do not provide for part conversion and parallel production, RC
shall ensure that all LGs stick to these requirements and in case where phased conversion
is allowed, proper time schedule of full conversion is chalked out and approved. LGs
need to ensure that approved time frame is adhered. In cases where a group or a member
of the group fails to meet the requirement of full conversion, he will not be entitled for
organic certification, in spite of being attaining full requirements of organic on part fields.

PGS-INDIA
19. Entire Certification process to be followed by LGs is as follows:
Certification Process by Local Group (LG)
Step 1
xxix. Form a group comprising of minimum 5 farmers (belonging to close by villages
with continuous territory).
xxx. Collect registration and farm history sheet from all the members.
xxxi. Obtain copies of PGS Standards and PGS operational documents from nearest RC
and distribute to all the members. These documents can also be downloaded from
PGS website.
xxxii. Convene the meeting of all the members and ask all the members to sign the
pledge.
xxxiii. Prepare Local Group operational manual detailing requirement of documents to be
maintained by farmers, peer appraisal methodology and checkpoints to be
assessed, based on the broad guidelines of PGS-India norms
xxxiv. Ensure that members have committed to convert their entire land holding and
livestock to organic. In case if some members propose to convert their land in
phases then draw appropriate strategies to distinctly separate such units with
organic ones. Also chalk out a plan for phased conversion and get it approved by
Regional Council. As per PGS-India norms each member has to bring his entire
land holding with livestock within 24 months from the date of registration in the
group.
If a farmer under PGS-India group fails to convert his entire land
holding and livestock within the stipulated 24 months time, then he
will not be eligible for PGS organic certification and shall continue to
remain under conversion.
xxxv.

Invite already registered another Local Group to verify the group formation and
obtain necessary recommendations. In case if there is no other PGS-LG close by,
then contact local State Agriculture office, demonstrate the group‟s strength on
organic and obtain endorsement. Alternatively apply to the RC and request RC to
undertake verification. RCOFs can also be requested for endorsement of Local
Groups.
The Local Groups need to be approved only once and no further
renewal is needed. If there are repeated problems (missing
paperwork, a random pesticide inspection turns up a problem, a
random oversight inspection turns up a problem, etc) THEN they
could get disbanded/ sanctioned and have to re-apply and could get
re-entry only after taking necessary correction and thorough
verification by RC.

xxxvi.

xxxvii.
xxxviii.
xxxix.

Register the group on-line on PGS Website. In case if the group do not have
access to computer and internet, then services of an local computer operator/
internet cafe can be taken. Alternatively fill all the forms and submit to RC for
uploading the information on PGS website.
Enter into agreement with the RC for services to be availed on payment basis (as
per mutual agreement).
Request RC to grant registration, user ID and password.

PGS-INDIA
Step 2
xl. Follow the PGS guidelines on group meetings, key field trainings and knowledge
sharing.
xli. Keep vigil on neighboring farmer‟s farms and if some non-compliances are
noticed then inform other group members during group meetings
xlii. Ensure timely organization of training programmes in collaboration with RC.
xliii. Invite practicing organic farmers and other local experts for problem solving in
management issues such as in nutrient management, pest management etc during
key trainings and group meetings.
xliv. Maintain attendance register for group meeting and key field trainings
xlv. If member farmers are using or propose to use off-farm inputs then verify their
organic status, discuss in group meetings and endorse or prohibit their use. Use of
such inputs without group‟s approval shall be treated as non-compliance.
Step 3
xlvi. Chalk out peer appraisal schedule and constitute peer appraisal groups. Each
group should have minimum 3 peer appraisers. Depending upon the number of
farmers there can be any number of appraisal teams comprising of three or more
members. At least one member in the appraisal team must be literate and well
versed in filling the appraisal forms.
xlvii. Reciprocal review between two member group farms is not allowed (i.e. A
reviews the B and B reviews A).
xlviii. Invite other group peer reviewers or representatives of consumers/ traders or local
State Agriculture Department officer as invited member of the peer group (but
their participation is not mandatory). This may increase the trust and credibility of
the group Guarantee.
xlix. Complete peer review of all the farms at least once in each season. Ensure that all
farms have been reviewed objectively.
l.
Discuss review reports in the meetings and decide upon the organic status of each
farm one by one.
li. Segregate farmers who have fulfilled all the requirements and consider them for
grant of certificate
lii.
Discuss about the non-complying farmers and depending upon the nature and
gravity of non-compliances issue sanctions.
Step 4
liii. Appraisal paper work is checked for completeness and a local Group Summary
Worksheet is prepared.
liv.
Group or certification committee decides on certification and declares certification
status of each group member.
lv.
Enter all details on-line in PGS website and send signed copy of the summary
worksheet to the RC. Alternatively send all details in hard copy along with signed
copy of summary sheet to RC for uploading the data into PGS website.
lvi.
Regional Council check details provided in hard copy or on-line. While deciding
on approval RC takes into consideration surveillance report (if any done),
complaints received, residue analysis report etc. RC cannot decide on inclusion or
non-inclusion of specific farmers based on information provided, it can decide
only on approval or non-approval of certification of the Local Group as a whole.
On being satisfied, grants necessary approval on-line.
lvii. LG prints certificate from PGS website and distribute to individual farmers.
Alternatively LG requests RC to print the certificates and send to Group leader for
distribution.
35

PGS-INDIA

Only the farmers which have completed full conversion period without
any major or serious non-compliance be declared as “PGS-Organic”.
Farmers which have one or more major non-compliance or are under
conversion period will be declared as “PGS-Green”. Only the crops sown
after joining the group, taking the PGS pledge in conformity of PGS
standards and fully conforming to the PGS standard requirements as per
the recommendations of peer reviewers shall qualify for “PGS-Green”. 3
continuous advisory on same issue can shift the status of member.

20. Time limit for grant of certification decision
The RC needs to decide on certification request within 15 days from the date of uploading
the LG-summary sheet or submitting the hard copy of the group decision to RC. If RC
fails to endorse the decision of the LG or otherwise, within 15 days, then ZC need to
intervene and decide the issue within next 7 days. In case if ZC also fails to intervene and
decide in time then the group can approach PGS Secretariat for decision.
Signed on behalf of the
Regional Council
Name_________________________
Address_______________________
Date__________________________

1. Signature of Group leader of LG
Name________________________
Address______________________
Date_________________________

Format-4
Details of Local groups and farmers registered under Regional Councils
Sl No.

Name of Local Group
Address details (Complete
postal address with phone
numbers, email ID) and
date of Registration and
Unique ID no. of Group

Group Leader Name
and Address details
(Complete postal
address with phone
numbers, email Id)

Total
Number of
farmers in
Local Group

Farmer Name and
Name of Village to
which farmer belong

Unique ID No.
of farmer

Grand
Total

Total
Area
covered
under
organic
farming
(ha)

PGS-INDIA
Format -5
Application form for entry into PGS Local Group
To
The Group Convener/Leader
PGS Local Group
Village .................
District ...................
State………………….
Sir,
I am willing to undertake organic crop cultivation and livestock production as per PGS
standards and want to become a member of your PGS local group for PGS organic guarantee
programme.
Necessary details of my family and farm, past history of production and inputs use and
livestock are enclosed herewith in the prescribed format.
I have obtained a copy of PGS Standards and Local Group operational manual and I
undertake to adopt these standards on long term basis.
I also undertake to participate in all the activities of PGS Local Group including regular
participation in group meetings, key field day training programmes and peer appraisals of
farms of other members of the group.
I undertake to abide by the rules and regulations of the Local Group and follow all
directives. I undertake to abide by the collective decisions of the Group.
On being formally inducted I undertake to sign the PGS organic pledge and follow it in letter
and spirit.
Signature of Farmer
Name……………….

Date
Place

Address……………………………………
For Use by Local Group Office
Application No in sequence………………………………………………….
Details checked and found adequate or not……………………………………
Placed before the LG executive on Dated for approval……………………….
Accepted as LG member …………….( Yes / No)
Assigned Membership Code......................
Signature of Local Group Leader……………….

PGS-INDIA
Paste a
photo of
farmer

Format -6
FARMER HISTORY SHEET

NAME OF GROUP:- _________________________________________________________
Sl.

Components

Details

No.
1

Name of the Farmer

Father‟s name

Age

Gender (M/F)

Category (SC, ST, OBC, GEN)

Mobile Number

E-mail id (if any)

Name of the family members and 1
Relation

2
3
4
5
6

Village
Tehsil/Block
District
State

Total area of land holding (ha.)

PGS-INDIA
11

Area offered for Organic (ha.)

No. of plots offered for organic (plots
having in different locations)

Date of use of Prohibited substances
(Synthetic

chemical

fertilizer

and

pesticides)
14

Irrigation facilities (source and no.)

1
2
3
4
5

Machine and tools (name and no.)

1
2
3
4
5

Live stock (name and no.)

1
2
3
4
5

Live stock feed and fodder used (on-farm
or off-farm) (name and quantity) (kg/day)
Live stock waste
(dung) (kg/day)
39

PGS-INDIA
(urine) (Lit./day)
18

Live stock medicines used (Name and
Quantity)

Contamination control measures proposed

Storage facilities

On-farm input production facilities

Post harvest facilities available

Post harvest processing facilities

Farm field map

Soil testing (Attach Report)

Water testing (Attach Repot)

PGS-INDIA
(RABI)
Sl.
No.
1

Components

Details

Crop
Category
(Cereals,
Pulses, Vegetables etc.)
Name of Crop taken

Fertilizer used

Chemical
Fertilizer
(name
and
qty/ha)

Biofertilizers
(Name and
qty/ha)

Organic
Manures
(Name and
qty/ha)

Plant protection measures

Chemical

Botanical
extracts

Biopesticides

Others

Note: (Data for previous three years of RABI seasons required at the time of registration)
Use the same format to give details of each season details

PGS-INDIA
(KHARIF)
Sl.
No.
1

Components

Details

Crop
Category
(Cereals,
Pulses, Vegetables etc.)
Name of Crop taken

Fertilizer used

Chemical
Fertilizer
(name
and
qty/ha)

Biofertilizers
(Name and
qty/ha)

Organic
Manures
(Name and
qty/ha)

Plant protection measures

Chemical

Botanical
extracts

Biopesticides

Others

Note: (Data for previous three years of KHARIF seasons is required at the time of
registration)
Use the same format to give details of each season details

PGS-INDIA
(SUMMER)
Sl.
No.
1

Components

Details

Crop
Category
(Cereals,
Pulses, Vegetables etc.)
Name of Crop taken

Fertilizer used

Chemical
Fertilizer
(name
and
qty/ha)

Biofertilizers
(Name and
qty/ha)

Organic
Manures
(Name and
qty/ha)

Plant protection measures

Chemical

Botanical
extracts

Biopesticides

Note: (Data for previous three years of SUMMER season
registration )
Use the same format to give details of each season details

Others

is required at the time of

PGS-INDIA
Format -7

Organic Farmer’s Pledge
I ____________________________________son/daughter
of
________________________of
Village___________________District____________________hereby declare on________
day of month_______year___________that:
1. I will follow the PGS organic standards in crop production and livestock rearing/
processing to ensure synthetic input free production system for the long term
sustainability, health and well being of soil, environment, crops, livestock, my family and
community. I have received a copy of PGS standards and Local Group operational
manual.
2. I will not use any synthetic input (such as chemical pesticides, insecticides, herbicides,
fungicides, chemical fertilizers, growth regulators and synthetic hormones etc) in any
form directly or indirectly in my farming operations brought under PGS programme.
3. I commit to bring my entire farm operations including livestock under organic (or within a
period of 24 months)
4. I will check with the Local Group before using any off-farm product that I am unsure of
its organic status.
5. I will work with my fellow farmers in the Local Group and attend meetings and trainings
to expand and share my knowledge of the standards and organic production techniques.
6. I will work to build the soil through ecologically sustainable farming practices such as
crop rotations, composting, cover crops and green manures.
7. I will care for my livestock in ways that ensures their well-being in full compliance of
PGS organic standards.
8. I will only use bags and containers that are clean and clearly labeled „organic only‟ to
harvest, transport and sell our organic products.
9. I will work to prevent contamination by suitable buffers and other means.
10. I will encourage biodiversity through my farming system.
11. I will sell products as Organic only when they are grown on certified land, and have been
grown in accordance with PGS organic standards.
12. I will ensure that on the farm during storage, processing, transport and sale there is no
contamination or mixing of organically grown with non-organically grown produce.
13. I agree to accept the decision of the Local Group in regards to my certification status.
14. I will participate in appraisals on other farms as per group norms.
15. I will report even minor or unintentional non-compliances to the organic standards on my
farm to my Local Group
I hereby further declare that the information I have provided in the application and farm
history sheet is true to the best of my knowledge. I also hereby declare that during peer
appraisal I will fully cooperate with the peer reviewers and provide true information to the
best of my and my family‟s knowledge and I will keep my information up to date with any
changes occurred during the process.
Date
Place

Signature of farmers

PGS-INDIA
Format -8

Application format for Registration of the
Local Group (LG) with Regional Council
To
The _________________________
_____________________________(Name of Regional Council)
Address_______________________
______________________________
Sub:- Request for registration of Local Group under PGS-India programme.
Sir,
We the members of the ........................ (name and Address of local group) ...... are
willing to join the PGS-India programme as Local Group to develop an organic participatory
guarantee system for our produce. Details of the group are as follows:
Name of the
Group______________________________________________________________
Total number of farmers (Enclose list of farmers, duly signed by each
member)______________
Total area to be
covered__________________________________________________________
Copy of application and PGS pledge in respect of individual farmer members are enclosed at
S.No_______ to_______.
Farm History sheet complete in all respects individually for each farmer is enclosed at
S.No._______to________.
We the members of the ________________________(name of the local group) collectively
and individually declare that:
a. We have read and understand the PGS-India programme thoroughly and declare that
the group is in a position to carry out all the activities of Local Group, as specified
under PGS-India operational manual.
b. We have obtained the copy of PGS-India operational manual and PGS-India
Standards and have explained to all the members. A copy of standards in the local
language has also been provided to each member.
c. Each member has signed the PGS pledge in front of the group members and we
collectively undertake to ensure that all the members will follow the PGS-India
guidelines in letter and spirit.
d. _______________ members of the group (enclose the list with name and addresses)
have undergone the training on PGS-India programme and are in a position to act as
peer reviewers.
Contd....
e. We undertake to convene the meetings of the Group at least once in two months (at
least 6 times a year) to discuss the progress of the programme and to share the
experience of each other earned from contacts, trainings or otherwise.
45

PGS-INDIA
f. All the farmers have committed to bring their entire land holding along with cattle
under PGS-India programme in __________________________months time.
g. We undertake to abide by the guidelines and instructions of the PGS-India programme
and the instructions/ guidelines of Regional Council issued from time to time.
h. We undertake to abide by the decision of the Regional Council and shall work
towards image building of the programme.
i. For administrative purpose we have elected/ constituted our Certification team
comprising of following members and we authorise the certification team members to
undertake all documentary requirement as and when needed as per the requirement of
PGS-India programme. Besides certification decisions, the role and responsibility of
each team members is mentioned against each:
i.
ii.
iii.
iv.
v.

Shri ____________________________
Shri____________________________
Shri ____________________________
Shri ____________________________
Shri ____________________________
Coordinator

Group Leader
Training and meeting coordinator
Peer review facilitator
Documentation In-charge
Public
relation
and
RC

j. For data uploading on PGS-India Website we have necessary facilities and
competence available at our end and shall be doing by our own
Or
We have hired the services of agency (Give name of the agency) for data uploading
and the concerned agency has obtained all necessary details from RC.
Or
We request the Regional Council to kindly provide all such facilities and for the same
we shall be providing all the details in hard copy to Regional council.
The _______________________________(Name of RC) is hereby requested to kindly
accept our group as authorized local group and grant us with necessary registration, User ID
and Pass word etc.

Signature & Name

Member 1

Member 2

Member 3

Member 4

Group Leader Signature
Name___________________________

PGS-INDIA
Format -9

Tentative Certification Team
Local groups Name: _________________________________
List of Farmers (Members in group)
Sl No

Farmer Name

Code No.

Village

Certification
member
(Mention
members who
will perform
certification
(Yes or No) )

Note: This is tentative indication of farmer among the members of local group who
can perform inspection of fields and document peer appraisal details, Young and
Educated farmer (both men and women) can perform this activity. It may chage later
as per requirement of local group

Group Leader Signature
After Approval of Local Groups

PGS-INDIA
Format -10

Endorsement of Local Group

Particulars
Name of Endorsing Agency

Details & Remarks

1State Government Authority
2. Regional Council
3. PGS Local Group
Name of Group being Endorsed
Date of Endorsement
Group is competent enough to undertake PGSIndia programme as per guidelines
Constitution of the group fulfils the requirement of
PGS-India programme and the members are
trusted with proven dedication for organic
Few member of the group are fully aware about
PGS standards, operational requirements and can
undertake peer appraisals
Please provide details that how the group is
propose to undertake on-line data uploading work
through

Yes

Own

Through Regional
council

I/We___________________________(name

and

address

endorsee)_______________________is/are convinced that the group as
mentioned above fulfils the minimum requirements as per PGS-India
operational guidelines, at least few members are well versed with the standards
and peer appraisal strategy and can carry forward the implementation strategy of
PGS-India organic guarantee scheme. The members of the group are known and
can be trusted. I/We considered for grant of registration under PGS-India
programme.

Date
Signature
Place

Name and address of the endorsee

PGS-INDIA

List of documents to be submitted at the time of
registration of Regional Council
Applicant / Regional Council Name
:
Address
:
Sl No.
Documents to be submitted at the time of registration of
Regional Council
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.

Yes /
No

Remarks
/ page no.

Application form with duly signed by competent authority
Biodata/ Name, address, photo with resumes of the head of
organization with identity proof
Should have support and endorsement from at least 10 local groups
supporting to RCs (Local group formats should be enclosed )
Copy of TOR signed on each page as token acceptance of terms and
conditions (duly signed by farmers and Regional Council members )
Agreement duly executed on Rs. 20 non judicial stamp paper duly
signed by and executed in two copies (Format as per PGS guideline :
refer Local group formats)
List of farmers and farmer as per prescribed format
Documents of legal status of agency with 3 years balance sheets
Affidavit of financial soundness with undertaking of PGS activities
operations with their own resources
Have adequate financial resources to operate as Regional Council
Proven record in promotion of agriculture and its management (if
any )
Proof / certificates of adequate experience of PGS , organic farming,
and certification (if any )
Registration of applicant organization under acts govt. of India /
State (enclose proof copy)
Situated in the area of functioning (proposed to operate PGS-INDIA
programme) with permanent office and working personals
Have access to computer, printer, internet facility
Any knowledge on organic guarantee/ certification systems and/ or
previous experience in supporting TPC(if any )
If members have undergone necessary PGS training meant for RCs
organized by ZC and PGS secretariat (enclose documents)
At least one member is well versed with data handling and data
uploading in computer in internet
Sample copies of peer appraisal sheet and sample copy of certificate
issued earlier ( if any )
Any other related documents to substantiate Technical / Financial
credential to operate smooth function of RCs / PGS (if any )

PGS-INDIA

Formats used after
Approval of Local groups

PGS-INDIA
Format -11

Format for proceedings and attendance Register for Meetings
1. PGS Local Group Name.....................................................
2. Total number of members............................................
3. Date and time meeting.....................................................
4. Important issues discussed and planning done (if any)
................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................
5. Number of peer appraisals completed since last meeting......................................................
6. Peer appraisals planned for next two months.........................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................
7.

Proposal for any input approval or query on problem solving (give brief)
................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................
8. Any other specific issue raised and discussed........................................................................
................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................
9. Decisions made (if any)
................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................
Members present
S.No. Name of member

Signature

PGS-INDIA
Format -12

Format for proceedings and attendance Register for Field Day / Trainings
1. Name of PGS Local group : ....................................
2. Number of members : ....................................
3. Location of training : ....................................
4. Date of training and duration : ....................................
5. Subject and theme of training :
6. Expert persons invited :
..............................................................................................................................................
..............................................................................................................................................
..............................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
7. Training was organized in collaboration of whom :
..............................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
8. Brief description of issues discussed
..............................................................................................................................................
..............................................................................................................................................
..............................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
..............................................................................................................................................
..............................................................................................................................................
..............................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
Members present
S.No.

Name of member

Signature

PGS-INDIA
Format -13A

Peer Inspection / Field Inspection Appraisal Worksheet – Part 1
Peer Appraisal sheet for Season…………...... Year...........
Local Group Name :
Local Group Code No. :
Name of peer Appraisers with their member code
1. ................................
2. ................................
3. ...............................
4. ...............................
5. ...............................

1. Farmer‟s details
S.
Component
No.
1.
Farmers Name
2.
Member Code
3.
Status of farmer as per last
appraisal
4.
Area of farm
5.
Is there any change on farm in
area or infrastructure
6.
Is there any change in livestock
position
7.
Name of family member present
during inspection*
8.
Date of Inspection

Details

*During peer appraisal presence of at least one member of the family who is well versed with
the PGS programme is a must requirement. In the absence of any representative appraisal
cannot proceed

PGS-INDIA

Format -13B

Peer Inspection / Field Inspection Appraisal Worksheet – Part 2
2. Background Information
S.
Component
Observation
Status of NC*
No.
1.
Date of last use of prohibited substances
2.
Since how many months farmer is doing organic
3.
Are you satisfied that since taking pledge farmer is
not using any synthetic inputs
4.
Whether farmer has adopted some measures to
improve habitat
If yes please provide details.
If not then advise improvement
5.
How diversity is being maintained
Explain the measures initiated since last inspection
or after taking pledge
6.
If under conversion period, then what is the exact
period of conversion on the date of inspection
7
Are you satisfied that conversion requirements are
being met
8.
Do you feel any need for reduction in conversion
period? If yes then specify reasons and evidences
9.
Buffer zone is being maintained or not?
If yes then specify that are you satisfied with the
buffer zone
If not then advise (but this advice is applicable in
conversion period only). Non-maintenance of
buffer zone after conversion period becomes noncompliance
10 Are you satisfied that adequate measures have
been taken to prevent contamination from water
flow
11. What is source of irrigation? Does it meet the
requirements of organic standards
12. Specify if any soil and water conservation
methods have been adopted. If not please advise
(it is a continuous process)
13 Are you satisfied that the farmer is well
acquainted with PGS organic standards and
protocols?
*Status of non-compliance – In case the nature of deficiency or non-compliance is not
threatening the organic integrity; it should be rated as A (advisory). If it is threatening organic
integrity it should be rated as M (Major non-compliance). If it is of serious nature and a gross
violation it should be rated as Serious (S). Major NC reverts the organic status of farmer into
in-conversion and Serious (S) NC necessitates sanction (such as suspension, expulsion or
reversion of status to registered). Three Advisory (A) on particular issue in three consecutive

PGS-INDIA
appraisals turns into Major (M) non compliance and threatens certification status. Full
compliance is indicated as “C”.
Format -13C

Peer Inspection / Field Inspection Appraisal Worksheet – Part 3
1. Compliance of PGS organic standards
S.
Item
Comments
No.
1.
Seed and planting material
a. Organic (o) or conventional (c)
b. If
conventional
whether
chemically treated (CT) or not
(NT)
c. Genetically modified (GMO) or
not (Non-GMO)
Are you satisfied that seed and planting
material meets PGS standards
2.
List on-farm manures used and quantity
Are you satisfied that they meets PGS
standards
List any off-farm purchased input used. If
yes then give details
Whether it was approved by group or not
Does input is approved under NPOP by
any agency (give detail)
Are you satisfied that fertilization process
and inputs meets PGS standards
3.
Weed management practices adopted

Status of NC*

Are you satisfied that weed management
process meets PGS standards
Provide details on plant protection
measures
a. On-farm measures
b. Off-farm inputs
Whether off-farm inputs were approved
by group or not
Whether off-farm inputs are approved
under NPOP by any agency (give details)
Are you satisfied that pest management
process meets the requirement of PGS
standards
Whether equipments and tools used are
properly washed for use in organic
farming
Whether containers used for storage of
organic produce meets PGS standards
55

PGS-INDIA
7.

9.
10.
11.
12.

13.

14.

Are you satisfied that requirements of
storage, containers, bags etc meet PGS
standards
Whether livestock are being treated in
proper manner and provided with
adequate facilities
Whether livestock is being fed with
organic feed and fodder
Are you sure that no prohibited substances
are being fed to animals
Give details of veterinary medicines given
and vaccinations
Are you satisfied that veterinary
medicines meet the PGS standards and
were given only in emergency.
Give details of with-holding period after
medication
Are you satisfied that all requirements for
animal production have been met as per
PGS standards
Beekeeping
 Are you satisfied that bee hives and
boxes meet the standards requirement
 Are you satisfied that the bee boxes
have been placed under organic
management/ wild natural fields
 Are you satisfied that no prohibited
substances have been used in bee
rearing or handling
Are you satisfied that all standard
requirements for Bee keeping have been
met

*Status of non-compliance – In case the nature of deficiency or non-compliance is not
threatening the organic integrity; it should be rated as A (advisory). If it is threatening organic
integrity it should be rated as M (Major non-compliance). If it is of serious nature and a gross
violation it should be rated as Serious (S). Major NC reverts the organic status of farmer into
in-conversion and Serious (S) NC necessitates sanction (such as suspension, expulsion or
reversion of status to registered). Three Advisory (A) on particular issue in three consecutive
appraisals turns into Major (M) non compliance and threatens certification status. Full
compliance is indicated as “C”.

PGS-INDIA

Format -13D

Peer Inspection / Field Inspection Appraisal Worksheet – Part 4
1.

Chemical fertilizers used :

Chemical
/Insecticide etc

Yes/No

pesticide/weedicide Yes/No

iquid Biofertilizer consortia/ Liquid
Biopesticides/ Neem cake/ Neem Oil/
Phosphate Rich Organic Manure /
Zyme Granules Applied
4. Soil samples collected from your field
by any members of Regional Council
/other members (State/Central Govt. /
Public agencies
5. Organic
farming
practices
recommended to you to follow in your
farm field by members of Regional
Council /other members (State/Central
Govt. / Public agencies) based on soil
test results
6. Field inspection done in your farm field
during crop production by members of
Regional Council /other members
(State/Central Govt. / Public agencies)
7. Samples collected from your farm field
has been analyzed for residues of
chemicals and pesticides by members of
Regional Council /other members
(State/Central Govt. / Public agencies)
8. Traditional organic Input Production
units (Panchagavya, Beejamruth and
Jeevamruth etc. ) of your own /
sponsored under government scheme in
your farm field
9. Planted any Nitrogen Harvest plants in
your farm field during organic crop
production
10. Botanical extracts production units
(Neem cake, Neem oil) in your farm
field of your own / sponsored under
government schemes/other agencies
11. Vermicompost production units in your
farm filed of your own / sponsored
under
government
schemes/other

Yes/No

Fertilizer
Name
Quantity(Kg/Ha)
Category
Name
Quantity(Kg/Ha)
Category
Quantity(Kg/Ha)
Source of Funding

Yes/No

Member Name
No. of Sample
No. of Sample Tested

Yes/No

List of Practices

Yes/No

Name Of LG Member
Date Of Inspection
Name Of Other Members

Yes/No

Name Of Member
Sample Collected
Name Of Other Members
Result Reports

Yes/No

Name Of Unit
No of Unit Capacity
Source

Yes/No

Name Of Seed
Quantity
NO of Plants
Name Of Unit
NO of Unit
Source of Funding

Yes/No

NO of Unit Quantity(kg/Ha)
Source of Funding

PGS-INDIA
agencies
12. Transportation facilities you are having Yes/No
or any transportation convenience
arranged to you for transportation of
organic produce by cluster/RCs/
State/Central Govt. / Public agencies on
packs of your products which are going
to sale in market
13. Spending any amount on utilization of
Machineries / Agricultural implements Yes/No
from Custom Hiring Centre (CHC)

14. Training Attend on organic farming

Yes/No

15. Exposure visits of organic field Yes/No
organized by attended any meeting on
organic farming

Distance of Market
Transportation
Facility Arrangement

Amount(By Own)
Amount Supported By RC
Cluster Other
Name
of
Agriculture
Implements
Training Date Subject
Place
Duration
Visit Date
Place
Duration

Format -13E

Peer Inspection / Field Inspection Appraisal Worksheet – Part 5
4. Production details
S.
Crops/ produce
No.

Expected yield

Requirement for
home
consumption

Surplus available
for sale

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
2. Inspection summary and recommendations
Although the peer review team does not make the final decision on certification but now
that the inspection is over, what would you recommend?
Full Certification
In Conversion Certification
Farmer should make listed improvements and apply for certification next year.
Date of peer appraisal _______________________
How long did the peer appraisal take ____________
58

PGS-INDIA
Who was responsible for filling in the peer appraisal worksheet
______________________________
Printed Name, Signatures and Date of all peer-appraisers present at this inspection
_____________________________________________________
__________________________________________________

Format -14

Peer Inspection/Appraisal Worksheet for Processing and Handling
Peer Appraisal sheet for ……...... Year......
Type of processing
Details of processing and processing facility
On-Farm/ Off-Farm or Hired facility
Facility owned by
Details of other processing activities on premises
Name of peer Appraisers with their member code
1. Sh
2. Sh
3. Sh
4. .....
5. .....
1. Local Group details
S.
Component
No.
1.
Group Name
2.
Group Code
3.
Details of organic produce to be processed
with quantity
4.
Proportion of various ingredients to be
used including water salt and other nonorganic additives
5.
Name/(s) of Group member present
responsible for supervision/ processing
6.
Name of Group member/ representative
present during inspection*
7.
Date of Inspection

Details

*During peer appraisal presence of at least one member of the group who is well versed with
the PGS processing standards is a must requirement. In the absence of any representative
appraisal cannot proceed

PGS-INDIA
2. Appraisal report sheet of processing process
S.
Component
Observation
No.
1.
Storage
 Does storage facility meet standard
requirement of PGS
 Are you satisfied that necessary
measures have been put into place to
prevent co-mingling and
contamination
 Are you satisfied that no prohibited
substances have been used in storage
Are you satisfied that full standard
requirements have been met in storage
2.
Processing facility
Specify whether processing facility is
certified organic or undertakes nonorganic processing also.
Whether all equipments, containers and
processing facility has been cleaned
thoroughly to ensure that no prohibited
substances are incorporated in the
processing
Are you satisfied that the processing
unit meets all standard requirements for
PGS-organic processing
3.
Processing
 Give details of process and specify
whether the process is approved
process under PGS-organic
programme or not
 Whether all ingredients are PGS
organic or not. If not then provide
details for each organic and nonorganic ingredients
 Are you satisfied that all nonorganic ingredients/ purchased
ingredients meet standard
requirements
 Name, quality and quantity of nonorganic additives used
 Are you satisfied that no prohibited
substances have been used in
processing
Are you fully satisfied that the entire
processing process meets the standard
requirements or not.
If not then specify non-conforming
activity/ingredient

Status of NC*

PGS-INDIA

3. Production details
S.
Type of finished Expected
No. product
yield

total Details of packing Specify number
of
containers with sizes

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

3. Inspection summary and recommendations
Although the peer review team does not make the final decision on certification but now
that the inspection is over, what would you recommend for:
Storage facility
Processing unit
Process and out put
Date of inspection _______________________
Name, Signatures and Date of all peer-inspectors present during the appraisal

PGS-INDIA

Format -15

Non-Compliance Guidelines
“Catalogue of Sanctions”
Sanctions are given to farmers by the Local Group as a whole OR by the Local
Group‟s elected Ethics Council (if one was created).
Situations
Type of sanction



Missing Attendance at a required Field Day
Unsatisfactory production system





Minor violations of the standards or regulations
Repeated written warning for similar problem
Not responding to approval conditions

Verbal warning

Short Suspension of Certification
Period determined by length of
time it takes for the Grower to get
a new peer
inspection/consultation
Suspension for a fixed period
 Repeated minor violations
 Clear violation of the standards not threatening the after until
farmer(s) take corrective actions.
organic integrity of the product
Longer term suspension for 1
 Clear violation of the standards threatening the
year
organic integrity of the product eg: use of
Farmer may be moved back into
prohibited pesticides or synthetic fertilisers.
“In
Conversion” status
 Repeated violations leading to penalties, suspension Termination of participation
Farmer(s) banned from PGS
or withdrawal of approval.
membership either permanently
 Obvious fraud
or for a set period of time.
 Intentional obstruction of the inspection eg:
denying inspector access.
 Refusal to respond to written requests for additional
information
The Right of Appeal : The farmer's can make an appeal to the Regional Council within 2
weeks of the date of notification of the sanction by the Local Group OR to the Local Group
as a whole if there is an Ethics Council that implemented the sanction.

PGS-INDIA
Format -16

LOCAL GROUP SUMMARY WORKSHEET
(To be submitted to the Regional Council for certification decision approval)
List of Local Group Farms to be Certified this Calendar Year
Calendar Year: __________________
LOCAL GROUP ID# __________________
(Assigned at the time of formation of the Local Group)
LOCAL GROUP LEADER/Representative ____________________
Contact Information: _______________________________
Total number of farmers
1. Number of farmers fully conforming to certified status
(list enclosed as A)
2. Number of farmers granted in-conversion
(List enclosed as B)
3. Number of farmers sanctioned
(List enclosed as C)
Certification decision
We the members of the Local Group ………………… ID No. …………… hereby
individually and collectively declare that members listed at A have achieved the PGS
certified status (PGS Organic) and fully conformed all the requirements.
We individually and collectively declare that farmers at B are granted with In-conversion
status (PGS Green – Grown without chemicals).
Details of expected produce under PGS-Organic and PGS-Green are given at Annexure I.
Regional Council is requested to kindly approve our certification decision. All required
information including peer appraisal sheets have been up-loaded on PGS website and is
available for review.
We all group members undertake to abide by the decision of the Regional Council.

Local Group Representative Signature Date
__________________________________________________

Decision of the Regional Council

PGS-INDIA

Certification decision approved

Certification unique ID Code ….
Or
Certification decision not approved due to reasons
1
2
3

Signature
Regional Council Certification Manager Date
The Right of Appeal
In case of certification approval denial by Regional Council the Local Group can make an
appeal to the National Council or to NAC through PGS Secretariat within 2 weeks of the date
of notification of the certification denial by the Regional Council OR to the Appellate
authority designated by the NAC.

PGS-INDIA

PGS - India
A Participatory Organic Guarantee Programme
Department of Agriculture and Cooperation
Govt of India
Certificate No. …………………………
Date of Issue (MM/DD/YYYY)………….

Scope Certificate
This is to certify that the product(s) and areas(s) of the
mentioned farmer DHDHD
belonging to PGS-India Group
…………………………
Registered with Regional Council No …………………and name…….
are in accordance with requirements of

PGS-India National Standards
For Organic Production
For the process of :
“Crop Production”

This Scope Certificate
valid from (MM/DD/YYYY) until (MM/DD/YYYY)
for those product(s) and area(s) specified in the annexe
The validity of this certificate solely depends on the continued compliance with the
required standards and PGS-India guidelines.

Signature of PGS India Group Leader
Local Group No. …………….
Logo
Authorized by :
Signature of Head of Regional Council
Date- …………………………
Name of Regional Council ………….
Authorization No. ………………
65

PGS-INDIA

(Any one of the type of logo used depending on the organic cultivation status of
farmer)
Local Group Name : …………… ……
Local Group Code : …………………..
Farmer's Name : ……………………
The validity of this certificate solely depends on the continued compliance with the
required standards and PGS-India guidelines.

Member
Code

Member
Name

Total
Organic
Area(Ha)

Farmer
Status

Crops
name

Production
(kg/ha)

Signature of PGS India Group Leader
Local Group No………………..
Logo
Authorized by :
Signature of Head of Regional Council
Date- …………………………
Name of Regional Council ………….
Authorization No. ………………
66

PGS-INDIA
Format -17
Annual Progress Report for the year …………………..(Report to be submitted by Regional council )
(Soft copy to be mailed at nbdc@nic.in)
Name of Regional Council…………………………………
Complete Address and contact details:…………………………………………..
Year of Registration / Authorization …………
Year of Expiry of Authorization
PGS-INDIA Registration ID……………..
Sl.
No

No. of Groups

Total
number
of
Groups
upto
previous
year
(April
YYYY)

Total
number
of Groups
added in
the
present
year
(April
YYYY)

Gran
d
Total
num
ber
of
Grou
ps

Total No. of Farmers

Area ((Ha)

Total
numb
er of
Farm
ers
upto
previo
us
year
(April

Total of
Area
(Ha)upto
previous
year
(April
YYYY)

Total
number
of
Farmers
added in
the
present
year
(April

Grand
Total
numb
er of
Farme
rs

Total
Area
(Ha)add
ed in the
present
year
(April
YYYY)

Grand
Total
Area
(Ha)

Total
No.
of
Farmers certified

Name of Products
produced

Production
In tones

PGS
Green

PGS Green

PGS
Green

PGSorganic

Total
Amount
of
Revenue
generated
from marketing (Rs. In
Lakh)
PGS
- PGSGreen
organic

1
67

PGS-INDIA

Present Status of PGS-INDIA
To promote organic farming and domestic organic market a free / no cost domestic organic
certification system called Participatory Guarantee system-India (PGS-India) in India is being
implemented by Ministry of Agriculture, Department of Agriculture & Cooperation,
Government of India through National Centre of Organic Farming (NCOF), Ghaziabad and
its seven Regional Centres (Ghaziabad -Head Quarter, Bangalore, Nagpur, Jabalpur,
Panchkula, Bhubaneswar & Imphal ). At present, fifty five Regional councils are authorized
(on 26-03-2015) to work under PGS India Programme. Out of fifty five regional councils,
seven are Regional centers of NCOF and forty eight are from different NGOs/ Society/ State
Govt. organization/Departments from different States {Karnataka (6), Kerala (3), Tamil Nadu
(3), Maharashtra (1), Andhra Pradesh (1), Rajasthan (11), Utter Pradesh (2), Madhya Pradesh
(13), Chhattisgarh (2), Manipur (2), Odisha (1), Sikkim (1), Uttarakhand (1), Car Nicobar
(1)}. The PGS organic certification at free of cost to the farmer under Paramparagat Krishi
Vikas Yojana Scheme is promoted under components of National Mission for Sustainable
Agriculture.
Logos used in Participatory Guarantee System-INDIA organic certification
Programme

Logo Used while
marketing
on
the
products
produced
from the field under
conversion

Logo Used while marketing
on the products produced
from fields of completely
converted into organic

681

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