ORGANIC FARMING IN INDIA

Introduction
Organic agriculture is one among the broad spectrum of production methods that are supportive of the
environment. Agriculture remains the key sector for the economic development for most developing
countries. It is critically important for ensuring food security, alleviating poverty and conserving the
vital natural resources that the world’s present and future generations will be entirely dependent upon
for their survival and well-being.
Essential Characteristics of Organic Farming
The most important characteristics are as follows:
1. Maximal but sustainable use of local resources.
2. Minimal use of purchased inputs, only as complementary to local resources.
3. Ensuring the basic biological functions of soil-water-nutrients-human continuum.
4. Maintaining a diversity of plant and animal species as a basis for ecological balance and economic
stability.
5.Increasing crop and animal intensity in the form of polyculture, agroforestry systems, integrated
crop/livestock systems etc. to minimize risks
Organic Farming

The concept of organic farming was started 1,000 years back when ancient farmers started
cultivation near the river belt depending on natural resources only. There is brief mention of several
organic inputs in Indian ancient literature like Rig-Veda, Ramayana, Mahabharata and Kautilya
Arthasashthra etc. In fact, organic agriculture has its roots in traditional farming practices that
evolved in countless villages and farming communities over the millennium.
India is home to 30 per cent of the total organic producers in the world, but accounts for just
2.59 per cent (1.5 million hectares) of the total organic cultivation area of 57.8 million hectares,
according to the World of Organic Agriculture 2018 report.
At the same time, most organic farmers are struggling due to poor policy measures, rising
input costs and limited market, says a study by the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry
of India (ASSOCHAM) and global consultancy firm Ernst & Young.
Organic farming is yet to taste success
Problems are evident even in Sikkim, which was recognised as the country’s first organic
state in 2018. A survey by Delhi-based Centre for Science and Environment shows that the state's
transition to organic farming is yet to become a true success. The survey found that the phasing out
of chemicals in Sikkim was not complemented by a simultaneous increase in availability of and
access to organic manure.
Farmers also complained of low productivity during the transition from conventional
chemical farming to organic farming. Pest attack on organic crops is another reason cited by the
farmers for low productivity and demanded education and training to deal with it. The problem of
pest attacks increased after the conversion to organic farming, but the state is yet to maintain data on
this, which is needed for plant disease management.
Similarly, nearly 98 per cent farmers in Rajasthan are aware of ecological hazards of
conventional chemical-based farming, but fear of decline in production and unavailability of organic
inputs in the market discourage them from switching to organic farming, says a 2015 study
conducted by the Consumer Unity and Trust Society.

Organic farming fraught with hurdles

According to the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, productivity on an average dips by
6.7 per cent in the first year, and the government needs to have a plan in place to support farmers
during the transition. The report on Doubling of Farmers’ Income by Ashok Dalwai committee, too,
echoes the concern of the farmers who claim up to 30 per cent drop in yields when embracing
organic. It takes about a decade to attain pre-conversion yield levels, according to the committee
report.
To ensure marketing of organic produce, connecting farmers with the domestic and global
supply chain is extremely important. But a new ICRIER study found the supply chain to be
underdeveloped. As a result, the small and mid-sized farmers located in hilly regions and tribal belts
find it extremely difficult to access the market.

Products Which Has More Value in Organic Production

After analysis, it is seen that the production of rice and spices can bring regular income to
new growers. Non-perishable nature of these products allows you to settle your business taking a
longer time. Apart from this reason, spices are of high demand in and outside India. Foreign
countries import spices from India in huge quantities. Thus, production of these will provide you
domestic and international opportunities.
The next in line is the production of cereals. Grading has become a trend in conventional
farming. The producers of cereals grade them according to their quality and this has clearly shown
the consumers about the quality of production. By considering this, people now shift their interests to
standardized quality of organic cereals.
In the end organic farming paves way for environmental health and public health.
employment opportunities will also increase as the industry expands. There are various schemes for
people who do not have a strong financial background. Under the scheme of National Project on
Organic Farming, the government of India offers 60 lakhs for bio fertilizers and manures.
Today most of the foods which are available in-the market are contaminated with the
fertiliser, pesticides, which is harmful or might be dangerous for our body. Today, due to health
awareness all of us want to have good and healthy food and the best source which is available in the
market is organic food, pesticides free foods. Nowadays all diet conscious people want to have
pesticides free foods. Many are ready to shed off some extra money for the healthy foods. There is a
huge scope of organic foods as it is an emerging market in near future. Goverment should play an
important role for encouraging organic foods. Indian Government can give subsidies or interest free
loans to those farmers who are doing organic farmings. India has a potential to become the largest
producer of organic farming in the world.
Developmental Era of Organic Farming

The development of the organic farming era worldwide had gone through mainly three stages,
Emergence, Development, and Growth in chronological sequence.

Methods of Organic Farming

 Cultivation
 Fertility
  Crop Rotation
 Organic Cycle Optimization
 Pest Control

Advantages of Organic Farming

 Natural Environment
 No Chemicals
 Healthier and Tastier
 The working environment for organic farmers is healthier
 Organic farmers can often create their own fertilizers at their farming location.
 Implemented in almost any geographic location or growing season.
 This farming process supports a healthier soil and supports pollinators.

Disadvantages of Organic Farming

 Expensive Products
 More Labour
 High MRP
 Cross Breeding Problem
 Labour Charges
 There are no subsidies offered for most organic farmers.
 Organic farmers must have specific knowledge about localized growing systems.
 Organic crops generally spoil faster.

CONCLUSION

Now India is at the crossroads. It has the responsibility of maintaining a reasonable buffer stock for
over a billion populations; it has to find solutions to the problems that have arisen out of the green
revolution technologies, and their impact, particularly on declining soil fertility and productivity.
There is a strong lobby against going organic in its true spirit, fearing that the production would go
down drastically and may turn the country into a ‘begging bowl’ to import food. However, to set right
the soil conditions and to sustain the productivity on which 70 per cent of our population depends for
their livelihood, it is imperative to go in for an alternative agriculture.