AGMARK is a certification mark for agricultural produce, assuring that they conform to a grade standard notified by Directorate of Marketing & Inspection (DMI), Department of Agriculture, Cooperation and Farmers Welfare, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare under Agricultural Produce (Grading Marking) Act, 1937.These standards differentiate between quality and 2-3 grades are prescribed for each commodity. Till date, grade standards for 222 agricultural commodities have been notified. These include fruits, Vegetables, cereals, pulses, oilseeds, vegetable oils, ghee, spices, honey, creamery butter, wheat, atta, besan, etc.
While framing the standards, the existing standards in The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, Codex Alimentarius Commission, International Organization for Standardization, etc. are considered. Trade Associations, Research Institutions, etc. are also consulted.
While the certification scheme is essentially voluntary, Food Safety and Standards(Prohibition and Restrictionon Sale)Regulations 2011 have prescribed mandatory certification under AGMARK for certain products viz. Blended Edible Vegetable Oil, Fat Spread. In case of Til Oil, Carbia Callosa, Honey dew, Tea and Ghee FSSAI has prescribed few conditional restrictions.
The certification scheme is implemented through 11Regional Offices, 26 SubOffices, 11 Regional Agmark Laboratories and Central Agmark Laboratory (Apex laboratory) of the Directorate. Out of twelve laboratories, 09 laboratories are accredited with the National Accreditation Board for testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) as per the International Standard ISO17025.Persons desirous of grading and certifying a notified agricultural commodity under Agmark can apply to the nearest field office of the DMI. The details are available at www.dmi.gov.in portal under AGMARK icon.