Organic grocery shopping in India has been gaining momentum over the last few years, as an increasing number of consumers are becoming health-conscious and environmentally aware. This trend is driven by a growing understanding of the harmful effects of pesticides and genetically modified organisms (GMOs) on both our health and the environment.
Organic food is produced without using most conventional pesticides; fertilizers made with synthetic ingredients or sewage sludge; bioengineering; or ionizing radiation. The farmers who grow organic produce and meat don’t use conventional methods to fertilize, control weeds, or prevent livestock disease. Instead, they rely on natural processes and materials to cultivate their products.
In India, organic farming is practiced in 27 states. Sikkim became India’s first fully organic state in 2016, with all its farmland certified organic. Other states like Mizoram and Kerala have also initiated steps towards going completely organic.
When it comes to grocery shopping for organics in India, there are several options available to consumers including supermarkets, local markets and online platforms. Supermarkets such as Nature’s Basket offer a wide range of organic products from fresh fruits and vegetables to grains, pulses, spices and even dairy products.
Local farmer’s markets are another great place where you can find fresh organic produce directly from the farms. These markets not only provide you with healthy food options but also give you a chance to interact with the farmers themselves and understand more about their farming practices.
Online platforms like BigBasket’s Organic World section offer a vast array of certified organic goods that can be delivered right at your doorstep making it highly convenient for urban dwellers who may not have easy access to local farmer’s market or supermarket chains offering organics.
However, while purchasing it’s important to look out for certification labels which authenticate that the product is truly organic. In India ‘India Organic’ logo certifies that product adheres to national standards for organically grown food items. Similarly, ‘Jaivik Bharat’ logo is another certification for organic food in India.
Despite the higher price tag as compared to conventionally grown foods, many Indians are opting for organics due to their superior taste and nutritional value. Organic farming also supports small-scale farmers and rural communities, promoting sustainable agriculture that doesn’t degrade our environment.
In conclusion, organic grocery shopping in India may seem like a daunting task at first with its limited availability and higher prices. However, with an increasing number of outlets both offline and online offering organic products coupled with growing consumer awareness about the benefits of organic food consumption – it’s becoming easier than ever to incorporate organics into one’s daily diet.