2023-01-07 12:40:49

Agmark Registration

Background:

Several Acts and Orders are in place in India to safeguard consumers against unfair business practices and adulteration. In India, the Agricultural Produce Quality Control Act was the starting point for quality control (Grading & Mark Act, AGMARK, 1937). Under the Grading and Marking) Act of 1937, the Indian central government has the authority to adopt rules for fixing grade designations to reflect the quality of any scheduled commodity. Specifying grade designation marks to symbolize specific grade designations and defining the quality reflected by each grade designation. Grade designations are used to represent the quality of any scheduled item. The Department of Agriculture, Cooperation, and Farmers Welfare, which is part of the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, has an office called the Directorate of Marketing and Inspection that provides AGMARK to assure the quality standard of the scheduled product. The grading can be used for both export and domestic purposes.

What is AGMARK?

AGMARK is a combination of the phrases AG+MARK, where AG stands for agricultural and Mark represents a certification mark. A certification mark is a mark that confirms the existence of a standard confirmed commercial product from the manufacturer. Therefore, AGMARK is a certification mark used on agricultural products to ensure that they meet the Directorate of Marketing and Inspection's set of standards. Quality is differentiated by these norms, and each commodity is assigned one of two classifications. Different grades are assigned depending on the intrinsic quality of agricultural commodities as well as a variety of additional factors such as cleanliness, extraneous matter, active ingredients, and so on. Grade criteria for 222. agricultural commodities have been announced so far. Vegetables, fruits, pulses, cereals, ghee, spices, vegetable oil, honey, creamery butter, wheat, besan, atta, and other items are among the products. The AGMARK had its root in 1934 where Archibald MacDonald Livingstone, Agricultural and Marketing Advisory to the government put forward the idea of certification so that the local growers will be prevented from any undue exploitation by the dealers of the produce. Except for edible vegetable oils and fat spread, which are required by FSSAI Regulations, 2006, AGMARK certification is optional.

Registration Process of Agmark:

There are two ways to obtain an application form for AGMARK registration. The first method is to obtain the relevant form by visiting the nearest Directorate of Marketing & Inspection (DMI) office, and the second method is to obtain the required form by visiting https://dmi.gov.in. All information pertaining to the issuance of a certificate of authorization for the grading and marking of commodities for the domestic market will be provided. The registration fee must be paid in the form of a demand draught. If all of the requirements are completed, the person may apply to the DMI for a Certificate of Authorisation. In most cases, the certificate is issued within 30-40 days.

Documents Required for Agmark Registration:

The registration will also necessitate the submission of some papers, including

(Registration Certificate) the firm's registration certificate will serve as proof of the company's existence.
In the case of a Limited Company, the MOA (Memorandum of Association) is required.
In the event of a partnership firm, a deed of partnership is required.
The company's name and postal address, as well as contact information.
The complete address of the location where the grading and certification will take place.
Names of commodities that will be rated.
Business experience of the applicant (period for which he has been in business)
A copy of the test result has been authenticated by an AGMARK-approved laboratory.
Samples of the product to be submitted
Information on the prior year's revenue
In kilos, the previous year's total gross product.

Eligibility Criteria for Agmark Registration:

To get eligible for grading and certifying a notified commodity under AGMARK

The individual must have the infrastructure required to process the commodity.
The individual must have access to a laboratory that has been approved or have their own laboratory.
When a person is granted access to an approved laboratory, the approval letter of the laboratory accepted under AGMARK must also be provided in Form A-3.
The raw materials should be tested before being packed, and the processed commodities will be carried out by qualified chemists.
A regular survey is conducted of the product graded and certified by comparing samples from the packer's premise with those in the market is undertaken by a DMI officer.
The renewal of the certificate of authorization can be done for rupees 5000/-

Conclusion:

AGMARK certification is the most effective approach to building trust between buyers and sellers. It promotes interstate and international marketing, and market disputes may be resolved quickly, resulting in price stability. Farmers profit as well, as they may readily obtain loans based on their grades. It also lowers the risk of both the producer and the seller in a transaction. AGMARK is also promoting contract farming.