What Is Agmark?
Agmark (Agricultural Mark) is a Government of India certification mark for agricultural products, guaranteeing quality, purity, and standardisation. It is governed by the Directorate of Marketing & Inspection (DMI) under the Agricultural Produce (Grading and Marking) Act 1937.
How Agmark Standards Are Fixed?
Agmark standards are fixed according to the following:
- Physical Properties: Colour, size, shape, texture, etc.
- Chemical Composition: Purity, moisture level, nutrient content.
- Microbiological Standards: Freedom from dangerous bacteria, pesticides, or adulterants.
- Packaging & Labeling: Sanitary hygiene, storage, and transport conditions.
- Consumer Safety: Adherence to food safety legislation and regulation.
Process For Agmark Certification
- Step 1: Seek Agmark Certification:—The manufacturers are required to register under the Agricultural Produce (Grading & Marking) Act, 1937, and make an application to the Directorate of Marketing & Inspection (DMI) along with documents and payment of prescribed fees to commence the process of certification.
- Step 2: Testing of Product: The product undergoes extensive quality tests in Agmark-approved laboratories to check for conformity with quality, purity, and safety requirements. Only products that meet all prescribed quality tests are considered fit for certification.
- Step 3: Manufacturing Unit Inspection: Government inspectors strictly inspect the processing, packaging, and storage facilities to ensure that the manufacturing unit conforms to the hygiene and safety standards necessary for Agmark certification.
- Step 4: Issuance of Agmark Certification: Once the product fulfils all the requirements, the Agmark certification is issued, which makes it legally fit to bear the Agmark seal, indicating its compliance with high-quality standards.
Benefits Of Agmark Certification
- Quality & Purity Assurance: Guarantees that agricultural products are of high quality.
- Prevention of Adulteration: Reduces contamination and food toxins.
- Trust & Reliability: Enabling consumers to make informed buying decisions.
- Improved Market Price: Agmark-certified items fetch improved prices.
- Export Opportunities: Increases global market acceptability.
- Government Recognition: Certification increases brand credibility.
Key Takeaways
Agmark is a government quality mark for agricultural products in India, guaranteeing purity, safety, and standardisation. It is governed by the Directorate of Marketing & Inspection (DMI) according to the Agricultural Produce (Grading & Marking) Act 1937. Agmark-approved products are strictly tested and inspected to satisfy quality standards, which benefits consumers with safe products and manufacturers with increased market value and trust.
