Training on Organic Production and Certification

On 12 May 2025, a competency development program on Organic Production Systems and Certification Frameworks was conducted by Clover Organic, with full participation from MSOCB personnel. The training covered the fundamental principles of organic agriculture, including the exclusion of synthetic inputs, soil fertility management through composting, green manuring, crop rotation and mulching, biodiversity conservation, and biological pest management. Emphasis was placed on the effective use of locally available resources as a sustainable and cost-efficient production approach. The program also provided comprehensive insights into certification requirements under the NPOP framework, including conversion period protocols, buffer zone management, produce segregation, and traceability obligations. Participants were guided through the complete certification process, covering operator registration, documentation, internal inspections, external audits, and approval procedures. Special attention was given to the implementation of Internal Control Systems (ICS) within group certification schemes, focusing on record-keeping, compliance monitoring, and internal verification mechanisms. Documentation practices, such as maintaining farm diaries, input registers, and sales records, were highlighted as critical components of audit preparedness and traceability. Interactive knowledge-sharing sessions further enhanced participants’ practical understanding of field-level implementation, strengthening the technical capacity of MSOCB personnel in both organic production and certification systems.