India took centre stage at BIOFACH 2026 as the “Country of the Year”. The fair ran from 10 to 13 February 2026 in Nuremberg, Germany. Notably, BIOFACH is the world’s leading trade fair for organic products. The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) led India’s participation. According to APEDA, India returns to this role after a gap of 14 years. Hence, the honour signals India’s growing weight in global organic trade.
India Pavilion in Hall 1
Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal inaugurated the India Pavilion. It covered 1,074 square metres in Hall 1. Moreover, it hosted 67 co-exhibitors from more than 20 States and Union Territories. Also, APEDA said participation and area grew by 50% over previous editions. As a result, India became the top non-EU exhibitor and one of the top five exhibiting countries.
Organic Products and Heritage Rice on Display
The pavilion showcased rice, pulses, spices, cashew, large cardamom, mango puree, tea, coffee and millets. Visitors also tasted biryani made with organic basmati rice. Besides, they sampled five GI-tagged heritage rice varieties, including Gobindbhog and Chak Hao (black rice).
India-EU Organic Trade Push
During the fair, Agrawal underlined recent amendments to the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP). According to him, these changes strengthen the credibility of India’s organic framework. Furthermore, he said the India-EU Free Trade Agreement would “enhance bilateral trade and investment ties”. He also called for an early Mutual Recognition Agreement on organics with the EU. Notably, around 30% of India’s organic exports go to Europe.
About APEDA and NPOP
APEDA works under the Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry. Parliament set it up through the APEDA Act, 1985. Also, APEDA acts as the secretariat for the NPOP, launched in 2001. Since then, the NPOP has set organic standards and accredited certification bodies for exports.
BIOFACH 2026: Key Facts for Revision
- Event: World’s leading trade fair for organic products
- Venue and dates: Nuremberg, Germany; 10 to 13 February 2026
- India’s role: Country of the Year, after a gap of 14 years
- Lead agency: APEDA, Ministry of Commerce and Industry
- India Pavilion: 1,074 sq m in Hall 1, with 67 co-exhibitors
- Inaugurated by: Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal
Why BIOFACH 2026 Matters for UPSC and UKPSC
Notably, organic farming links agriculture, exports and sustainability in the syllabus. So, remember the venue, the lead agency APEDA and the NPOP framework. Also, link this honour with India-EU trade talks and GI-tagged rice varieties. For official updates, also visit APEDA. Next, for a related story, read about GI-tagged products across states.
So, are you preparing for the UKPSC Upper PCS 2026 prelims? Then join our UKPSC 2026 Prelims Test Series for regular practice.