What is Agmark?


AGMARK is a confirmation mark employed on agricultural items in India, guaranteeing that they conform to a set of standards affirmed by the Directorate of Marketing and Inspection, an office of the Government of India. The term AGMARK was presented by joining the words ‘Ag’ to mean agriculture and ‘mark’ for a certification mark. This term was presented initially in the bill introduced in the parliament of India for the Agricultural Produce (Grading and Marking) Act.

The Government of India, through its agency, Directorate of Marketing and Inspection (DMI), lays down standards for agricultural products which is implemented at State level. India is a country where agriculture plays a vital role, being one of the largest exporters in the world of agricultural produce and products. In this regard, the Agmark certification becomes almost a necessity so as to assure the public regarding the authenticity and quality of the products. In order to compete in the international markets, the grading standards are fixed, keeping in mind the requirements of the World Trade Organisation. The products bearing the Agmark insignia must conform to the standards laid down by Directorate of Marketing and Inspection (DMI), and any contravention in this regard may require free replacement of graded products by the producer.


Documents required for Agmark


1. Copy of test report(s), authenticated, from independent Agmark recognized lab.
2. Document authenticating establishment of the firm, like Registration by Company Registrar .
3. State Authority or Memorandum of Article in case Applicant Firm is a Ltd. company.
4. Partnership Deed if the applicant firm is under Partnership.
5. Name of the products.
6. Name of the applicant.
7. Name of the Firm/ Company.
8. Address of the Firm/ Company.
9. Sample of the product (in a pouch of 500 gm.or 1 kg.
10. Started period of time of product (specify exact Date/Month/year).
11. Total gross product in K.g. (for last year).
12. Turnover of last year.


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 DMI. The application form and list of required documents could be obtained from the nearest field office or from the DMI 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.