India-Taiwan MRA for Organic Products Implemented to boost trade

The India-Taiwan Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) for Organic Products came into effect on 8 July 2024. This was announced at the 9th Working Group on Trade Meeting of Indian and Taiwan in New Delhi. The landmark agreement is likely to give a push to trade in organic products between the two countries.

Significance of the Mutual Recognition Agreement

Under the agreement, organic products from India can be exported to Taiwan after it is certified by a competent authority in India which confirms to the provisions of the  National Programme for Organic Production.

Similarly, Taiwan's organic products can be sold in India if they are certified by a competent authority in Taiwan and confirm the National Programme for Organic Production norms of India.

The agreement is expected to boost the trade of organic products between the two countries. It will also push the export of Indian organic products, such as Aromatic and Medicinal Plants, Rice, Processed Food, Green/Black and Herbal Tea, etc., to Taiwan.

Implementing Agencies of the Agreement 

The implementing Agency for the Mutual Recognition Agreement from the Indian side is the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), under the Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry, 

The implementing agency of Taiwan is the  Agriculture and Food Agency, Ministry of Agriculture, Taiwan.

National Programme for Organic Production 

Organic farming refers to agriculture that does not use chemical fertilisers or pesticides. Instead, it uses natural vermicompost and bio-fertilisers.

The government of India has launched the National Programme for Organic Production to promote organic farming and its marketing in the country, set standards for organic farming, and accreditation of certifying bodies.

• According to APEDA,India has the 2nd largest land under organic farming and is the largest producer of organic products in the world.
• Madhya Pradesh has the largest area under organic certification, followed by Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Odisha, Sikkim, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Kerala, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.
• The total production of organic products in 2022-23 was 3.6 million tonnes. India produces all varieties of organic food products, such as Aromatic and Medicinal Plants, Oil Seeds, fibre, Sugar cane, Cereals and Millet, Cotton, Pulses, Tea, Coffee, Fruits, Spices, Dry Fruits, Vegetables, and Processed foods. 
• APEDA is the implementing the National Programme for Organic Production 

India -Taiwan relation

India has no diplomatic ties with Taiwan, officially known as the Republic of China. 

However, in 1995, it established a representative office in Taipei.

Capital: Taipei 

Currency: New Taiwan Dollar 

President William Lai Ching-te