CHENNAI: The Tamil Nadu Organic Farming Policy 2023, released by Chief Minister M K Stalin in Chennai today.

According to the Tamil Nadu Organic Farming Policy 2023, which was presented on Tuesday in Chennai by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, a single-window system would be put into place to streamline the certification process.

The Tamil Nadu Organic Certification Department (TNOCD) will now include the production of cattle and poultry products, beekeeping and apiculture, aquaculture, mushrooms, and poly greenhouses in the accreditation of agricultural products.

Also, a state gene/germplasm bank will be established to store traditional cultivar seeds for all types of crops. The policy noted that pesticide residues have been "proven to enter the food chain causing many health hazards to humans and animals" and that this has "found to be the source of many health issues worldwide." It also noted that the need for an environmentally safe food supply system has necessitated the formulation of the organic farming policy.
The statement read, "The organic agricultural policy would serve to ensure, uphold, and encourage chemical-free organic agriculture in Tamil Nadu and offer safe food for the people. In addition to providing safe, wholesome, and environmentally friendly food, the policy strives to spread the use of organic farming methods and to preserve and safeguard soil health, agro ecology, and biodiversity.

It also attempts to encourage "on farm" or locally generated inputs like farmyard manure, vermicompost, etc. through strengthening certification systems and residue testing processes. One of the goals of the strategy is to promote exports, increase farmer income, create market advisories and certification advisories, and promote organic farming in research and teaching.

With 31,629 hectares of organic farming land, including 14,086 certified ha and 17,542 ha under conversion, Tamil Nadu is ranked 14th in the nation. In terms of total area, Dharmapuri and Krishnagiri are in first and second place, respectively. In the fiscal years 2020–21, Tamil Nadu exported 4,223 MT of organic goods at a profit of Rs.108 crore.

The Chief Minister gave the first copy of the policy to M.R.K. Panneerselvam, Minister for Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare. Senior officials and Chief Secretary V. Irai Anbu were also present at the Secretariat event.