ORGANIC CERTIFICATION AND MARKET OPPORTUNITIES FOR FRUIT CROPS – A REVIEW

ABSTRACT Organic fruit production has gained worldwide importance in recent years owing to rising health consciousness, environmental concerns, and demand for residue-free produce. Organic certification serves as an assurance system that authenticates the production and handling of fruits according to specific organic standards. Certified fruits command premium prices and access niche domestic and export markets, especially in developed nations where consumer awareness is high. Despite these opportunities, challenges such as high certification costs, complex documentation, inadequate infrastructure, and limited consumer awareness restrict the widespread adoption of organic fruit farming. This review highlights the concept and process of organic certification, its role in fruit crop production, market prospects at both domestic and international levels, associated constraints, and strategies to strengthen the organic fruit sector for long-term sustainability.