Procedure of obtaining Agmark Certification- Ensure Quality & Authenticity of Agro Product

Agriculture is playing an extremely crucial role in India as it is the major exporter globally in the world of agricultural produce as well as items. So, with regard to this, the Agmark registration has become almost a necessity as it is providing assurance to the public with regard to the authenticity as well as the quality of the items. So, to compete within the global market, there is a need for fixing the standards, everything is kept in mind with regard to the World Trade Organization (WTO). The items that will be bearing the Agmark sign must be in condition conforming to the standards that have been laid down through the DMI (directorate of marketing & inspection). So, any type of contravention with regard to this will require the free replacement of the graded items through the producer. The AGMARK certification is the most crucial of the quality assurance mark which is meant to ensure the safety, standardization as well as authenticity of the agro-based products within the country. It provides the consumers with the confidence as well as the trust that is needed while purchasing agricultural products, saving interest as well as protecting everything from substandard or adulterated items.

What Agmark certification entails?

The Agmark certification is meant for agricultural produce, to ensure that they are conforming to the grade standards as notified by the DMI (Directorate of Marketing & Inspection). Such standards will be differentiating between the quality as well as the 2 to 3 grades according to the prescribed for each & every commodity. So, till now the grade standards for the 222 of the agricultural products will be prescribed for each & every commodity. Also, this will include fruits and vegetables. Cereals, oil seeds, vegetable oil, butter, wheat, and other products. So, when you are framing the standards, the existence of the standards within the Food Safety and standards act will be considered. Also, the trade associations, as well as the research institutions will be consulted. The Agmark is meant the agricultural marketing and this is a certification mark that has its use in the agricultural products within the nation. This was introduced by the Government of India in the year 1937 as per the Agricultural Produce, grading & Marking Act. This is actually certifying assurance that the products marked with this mark meet specific quality standards and working in confirmation with the specific regulations that are being set through the Agricultural Produce Grading & marking act in confirmation to all the specific of the regulations that have been setup by the regulatory authorities.

Regulatory compliance & certification process

The certification scheme is voluntary and food safety as well as the standards regulations 2011 will prescribe of the mandatory certifications for AGMARK items which will include several of the products which will be including blended oil, fat spread, till oil, ghee, and several others. Also, there is the implementation of the certification scheme through 11 of the regional offices, 26 sub-offices, 11 regional agmark laboratories along with the central agmark laboratory of the directorate.

What is objective of Agmark licensing?

• This scheme is meant to supply consumers with premium-grade and hygienic food items.
• The symbol for AGMARK has its issuance for the most accurate of the food products' weight according to the state Government.
• The AGMARK will ensure that there is a granting of the license of the packers under the direct supervision of the authorities for confirming the quality as well as the agricultural goods purity through local farmers.

What advantages do AGMARK Registration provide?

• It is instilling trust within the customers as well as the vendor.
• It is making the interstate as well as the global marketing most convenient.
• Marketing of disputes that could be resolved in a peaceful manner.
• There is a guarantee that the pricing for remains stable.
• Farmers will be obtaining bank loans based on the grades of food kept within the warehouse.
• Abolishing of the intermediaries' obscene cost-fixing.
• Assistance in increasing the quality of crop.
• Minimization of the transactional risk for the producer as well as the seller.
• Subsequent marketing is conducted more easily. There is the evolution of the grades into the commercial quality indicator.
• It is also helping in implementing contract farming.

The Agmark has its imprint upon the application of agricultural or food products in the country. The items have been Agmark installed and are expected to meet a certain set of specific standards. Such standards have got approval from the directorate of marketing & inspection from the government of India. The usage of the Agmark has its enforcement through the Agricultural Products Act of 1936.

What documentation is needed for Agmark registration?

• The documentation providing authenticity with regard to the setting up of the company for example registration licensing.
• MOA (Memorandum of Association) under condition of limited company.
• Deed of partnership when there is situation of partnership firm.
• Name, postal address of the business, and contact details included.
• The premises address in which the grading as well as licensing is done.
• Grading of commodities name.
• Period for which the applicant has been in business.
• Duration for which applicant remains within business.
• Testing report copy which is authenticated from a recognized laboratory (independent) through Agmark.
• Products samples sachets submitted.
• Previous year’s turnover details.
• Previous year’s total gross products, in Kgs.

Step by step Process of Agmark Registration

Step 1

The individual or organization can access the website or visit the DMI (Marketing & Directorate inspection, nearest department to acquire the correct application form. Form A will illustrate the domestic business needs for issuing the authorization certification for the purpose of grading as well as marking goods.

Step 2

The requisite documentation along with the prescribed application fee needs to be annexed as well as enclosed through the application form as per the nature of the commodity/ items for which there is the submission of the application. The registration fee needs to be submitted in the form of the demand draft and this is based on the many independent factors that are listed within the form, annexes which include the grading as well as the processing fee.

STEP 3

To qualify for the grading and certification of a notified well under Agmark:-

• For qualifying grading as well as the notified certification under AGMARK licensing.
• The individual must have the authorized grading laboratory access or have their own laboratory.

Step 4

Only when such needs are being met, the individual is liable to apply for licensing authorization to DMI. So, this certification will be rendered once the completion of the verification procedure is accomplished. The verification process will take 30- 40 months to complete.

Is it possible to review Agmark certification?

There is an evaluation of the raw material along with the finished items that are carried out through the authorized chemist before products are packaged within the containers. The field officers of the DMI would be conducting daily testing upon the graded as well as the approved commodities in comparison to the samples from the premises of the packers with that in the market. The authorization licensing renewal could be conducted in the form A- 4 for INR 5000.