The Times of India, Lucknow

If you thought getting organic products in Lucknow is an arduous task. then think again. Sample this: an online searchleads to some company websites, which deal with organic products and are operating from Lucknow.

Consumers can sms to given num­bers, send an e-mail or call up the cus­tomer care to place an order for the de­sired product.

"Lucknow is an upcoming market for orgarilc products," said Krishan Gupta, MD of a company, which deals in organic products. "People are gradually getting convinced about the reasons why they should use orgamc products. The health benefits are the most prominent ones." said Gupta. He also stated that Lucknowites are already picking up prod­ucts like organic medicines, pulses and 'desi ghee'.

Although Lucknow is an expanding market for organic products, it is still far from cities like Delhi. Mumbai, Ban-galore, Hyderabad and Chennai. Entre­preneurs involved in marketing of or­ganic products cite lack of "consumer education" as the main impediment in market growth.

"There is nothing new about organ­ic farming. It is our old traditional method of farming with cow-dung as ma­nure and neem to keep insects away," said ,Rohit Sharma, a Lucknow based entrepreneur. The awareness and educa­tion of consumers can help make these products popular. S6cOndly, it can also do away with the common notion that organic products are costlier.

"Organic products are bound to be cheaper than other available products in the market, because cost of growing organic products is lesser than farming with fertilisers and chemicals," said Sharma, who is into manufacturing of eco-friendly range of certified organic disposable products.

Commenting on consumer behaviour. Gupta said, "Consumers have to be told about the benefits of organic products.”

WHAT ARE'ORGANIC PRODUCTS?
Organic products are grown under a system of agriculture without using chemical fertilisers and pesticides with an environmentally and socially responsible approach. This is a method of farming that works. At grass root level preserving the reproductive and regenerative capacity of the soil. Good plant nutrition and sound soil management produces nutritious food rich in vitality, which has resistance to diseases, India is bestowed with lot of potential to· produce all varieties of organic products due to its various agro-climatic regions.

CENTRE'S EFFORTS TO PROMOTE ORGANIC PRODUCTION
According to Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), the Centre has implemented  the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP). The national programme involves the accreditation programme for certification bodies, aortas for organic production, promotion of organic farming.

SOME MAJOR CHALLENGES FACED BY ORGANIC PRODUCTS

• Lack of public awareness and information Small number of consumers
• High prices
• Inability of organic products to compete' with' conventional products due to less consumers and small size of the market.
• Limited expertise in marketing