Agmark

What is Agmark?

AGMARK is a certification mark used in India to indicate that agricultural products adhere to specific standards set by the Directorate of Marketing and Inspection, an agency of the Government of India. The term “AGMARK” is a combination of “Ag,” which stands for agriculture, and “mark,” which denotes a certification mark. The Agricultural Produce (Grading and Marking) Act introduced this term in a bill presented to the Indian parliament.

Since agriculture plays a significant role in India’s economy, the government, through the Directorate of Marketing and Inspection (DMI), establishes standards for agricultural products that are enforced at the state level. To ensure the authenticity and quality of products, the Agmark certification is almost essential, particularly for India, one of the world’s largest exporters of agricultural produce and products. The grading standards are established to meet the World Trade Organisation’s requirements, enabling Indian producers to compete in international markets. Any products bearing the Agmark insignia must adhere to the standards established by the DMI, and producers may be required to replace graded products at no cost if any violations are found.

Documents required for Agmark

  1. An authenticated copy of test report(s) from an independent Agmark-recognized lab is required.
  2. A document proving the establishment of the firm, such as registration by the Company Registrar, is needed.
  3. For a limited company, either a state authority document or a Memorandum of Article is necessary.
  4. A Partnership Deed is required if the applicant firm is a partnership.
  5. The name of the products must be provided.
  6. The name of the applicant is needed.
  7. The name of the Firm/Company must be provided.
  8. The address of the Firm/Company is required.
  9. A sample of the product in a pouch of 500 gm or 1 kg must be submitted.
  10. The starting period of the product, with the exact date/month/year, must be specified.
  11. The total gross product in Kg for the last year must be provided.
  12. The turnover of the last year must be submitted.

Commodity Listed under Agmark Registration in India

Currently, about 213 items are included in different categories of agro-related products under Agmark. Items Include Food Grains and Allied Products, Fruits and vegetables, Spices and Condiments, Oil Seeds and Fat and Vegetables Oil etc.

What if a Consumer is Not Satisfied with the Quality of the Produce Under Agar?

The person can make a complaint to the Agricultural Marketing Adviser by furnishing:
1. Agmark Label/Replica Serial Number
2. Lot number
3. Date of Packing
4. Best before date
5. Trade Brand
6. Name and address of authorised packer
7. Name and address of authorised seller

Process of Agmark Registration

Step-1: The First Step is to prepare the documents necessary for the application filling in the Agmark authority.
Step -2: The Next Step is to file the application at the regional Agmark Registration authority.
Step-3: The Next Step is to submit a hard copy of the application along with the documents.
Step-4: After reviewing the application, an inspection team will visit the physical site for inspection.
Step-5: On successful inspection, the Agmark Registration shall be issued to the applicant. Agmark Registration mark is issued within 30-40 days of the submission of the application.

FAQ on Agmark Registration

Q1. What is Agmark?
AGMARK, under the Agricultural Produce (Grading & Marking) Act, 1937 and a 1987 Amendment, is a mark certified through the government of India for every agricultural product ensuring their good quality as well as standard.

Q2. How can we apply for Agmark Certification?
The individuals wishing for of grading and certifying a notified agricultural commodity under Agmark could apply to the nearest field office of the Eraw. The application form and list of required documents could be obtained from the nearest field office or from the Eraw website.

Q3. Is it Compulsory for producers to use mark on products?
No, it is not compulsory for all the producers to use this mark on their products. It is used only on those products which affect the health and safety of the consumers.

Q4. Who can apply for Agmark?
Any individual or body of persons wishing to start a grading and marketing business of agricultural produces could apply for the certification.