PROJECT REPORT

MASSIVE OPEN ONLINE COURSE

ON ORGANIC FARMING

.
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SAYAN SOORAJ
DEPT OF BROADCASTING AND JOURNALISM
ST PAUL’S COLLEGE, KALAMASSERY
 ORGANIC FARMING

Project work submitted to the Mahatma Gandhi University

as a part of Massive Open Online Course in Organic
Farming
(2023-2024)
By

SAYAN SOORAJ
Year of Study: 2021-2024

Submitted To

Department of Broadcasting and Journalism

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 CONTENTS

Page No

1. ABSTRACT 4

2. CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION 5-9

3. CHAPTER 2: MATERIALS & METHODS 10-11

4. CHAPTER 3: OBSERVATION & DATA COLLECTION 12-15

5. CHAPTER 4: PHOTOGRAPHS 16-17

6. CHAPTER 5: COST BENEFIT ANALYSIS 18-19

7. CHAPTER 6: CONCLUSION 20

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 ABSTRACT

Agriculture became a high investment and low yielding due to uncontrolled use of
synthetic chemicals which are becoming harmful to the ecosystem. To protect our
ecosystem organic farming is well practiced without using harmful chemicals, they
are replaced by bio-fertilizers, bio- pesticides etc. this also maintains the soil fertility,
use of chemical fertilizers kills the useful soil organisms but organic farming can
support the life of soil organisms and gives high yielding. The present study period
was from 2021- 2022 (30 days). Five different crops were selected for farming in 20
grow bags. The growth of plants was monitored. Cost-benefit analysis was done.
Results from the present study showed that organic farming gives more profit to
farmers. The crop that is most suitable for our locality was Red chillies.

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 CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
Organic farming is a form of agriculture that depends on various techniques such
as vermicomposting, crop rotation, green manure, Animal Husbandry, Bio
fertilizers and biological pest control. Organic farming is the form of doing
crop/plant cultivation by using organic manures which are eco-friendly manures
that support the life of soil and other useful organisms in the soil. Organic farming
is an adapted practice in developing countries, where farmers use animals for tilling
the land and manures prepared by dung and other animal waste material. Organic
farming supports the crop yield and quality of production. Most of the developed
countries use synthetic chemicals to protect from insects, pests and other plant
diseases. The use of synthetic chemicals may give high yield for some time and
protects the plants but the continuous use of chemical in farming, useful organisms
in soil become inactive and the insects or pests and other diseases gain resistance
to the chemicals and later the chemicals may not show its effect on the pests, insects
and other harmful organisms to the crops. Organic farming system in some
developing countries like India is not new and has been followed since ancient days.

Bio fertilizers are prepared with beneficial microbes which release nutrients to soil
and support the crop growth and product yield without any environmental pollution.
The population of the world is increasing from time to time and there would be a
requirement of the food production to feed the world but to meet the requirement in
a sustainable manner. Every country needs to practice organic farming and should
avoid the use of synthetic chemicals, but the ‘Green Revolution’ had brought a vast
change in food production and now it requires an organic form of ‘Green Revolution’
by meeting the food requirement and to protect the soil life and the Ecosystem.

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Fertility of the soil is decreasing with use of synthetic chemicals and the harmful
organisms are gaining resistance towards synthetic chemicals and these chemicals
are harmful to the animals and the ecosystem. Many countries import and export
different food products like fruits, crops, seeds etc. from these some of the food
products are banned to import due to high chemical content which would harm the
health by consuming it. The aim of organic farming is to produce chemical free food
and to maintain the fertility of the soil for a long time. This also provides
employment to the agriculture laborers.

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Advantages of Organic Farming

Organic farming is an important form of agriculture which has many benefits to the
ecosystem such as:

• Nutrition: Organic food is rich in nutrients and it is free from harmful

chemicals, it also increases the nutrients in the soil so the grown crop is
healthier to consume.
• Free from chemicals: In organic farming chemicals are not used to control
pests and other harmful plant diseases, which causes cancer and other diseases
to the consumers. But organic farming is free of toxic chemicals.
• Quality food: The organic food has quality nutrients and it tastes better than
the food grown by using synthetic chemicals. The quality of food is
determined by its taste.
• Long Time Store: Organic food has the capability of longer time storage due
to its metabolic and structural integrity in their cellular structure than the other
crops grown by using synthetic chemicals.
• Low input cost: Expenditure on agriculture is low with organic farming
because it needs animals to till the land, manures which are easily available
and they can prepare their own, and the bio fertilizers are prepared with low
cost.

Some of the major principles of organic farming are:

a. Biodiversity

In this, nutrient cycles are improved, disease suppression is done as well

as nitrogen fixation is also included.

b. Diversification and integration

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 In this integration of crops and livestock operations are done. Annual
cropping system is also considered.

c. Natural Plant Nutrition

In this the nutrients in the soil are maintained naturally by organism action.
d. Pest management
Under this, the maintenance of the complex agro system is done.
e. Sustainability
Reduce farm input and enhance soil resources.

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Objectives of Organic Farming

Objectives of organic farming include, promotion of environment friendly

agriculture, recycling and use of organic waste for fertilizer production,
improvement of soil health, to reduce pesticide usage. Keeping all these in mind we
have formulated the following objectives for the present study:

1. To analyze the growth pattern, flowering and fruiting duration of different

crops.
2. To analyze the effectiveness of natural pesticides and biofertilizers.
3. To find the cost-benefit ratio of organic farming.

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 CHAPTER 2
MATERIALS & METHODS

St. Paul's College is situated in Kalamassery, Ernakulam and the area selected for
organic farming is Pathadipalam. The crops selected for the present study are: long
beans, Bitter Gourd, chilli, tomato and Ladies finger. Selected varieties of crops are:
Bitter Gourd, Bhagya Lakshmi of chilli, Sribhindi of lady fingers and common
available varieties of long beans and tomato. Seeds were collected from nearby
Horticorp, kakkanad.

Pre-sprouting, or pre-germinating, is an easy and inexpensive way of maximizing

the success of our plant growth. For germination the following method is used. Two-
three sheets of moistened paper towel
were taken. One layer of paper towel is
placed in a shallow container. Then seeds
are evenly spread over that and covered
with another layer of moist paper towel.
Checked the seeds daily, most seeds
started to germinate in 1-2 days. Once the
seeds sprout roots it is time to transplant
them to grow bags or sow them into the
ground.

Planted a total of 25 plants, all of them were planted in grow bags with proper
drainage. It was planted during June-July at an atmospheric temperature of 20oc. The
equipment’s like grape hoe, Sickle, Hand fork, Rake & Head pan are used for the
present farming.

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At the base of the grow bag, a layer of Coconut husk was added. Top dressing was
done by putting onion skin and over it, potting mix was added. The bio-fertilizer
that has been applied to the plant is a mixture of organic components with growth-
promoting Rhizobacteria and vegetable remains from the house.
The potting mixture was prepared by mixing 20 head pans of soil with 2Kg of
Limestone powder, Dried Cow dung and 1Kg of Coco peat and mixed well. At the
base of the grow bag, we have to place a layer of coconut husk. On top of that, a
layer of dry leaves, then filled the grow bag up to half and poured enough water into
it. We can plant the seedlings into it after 10 days, after making sure the seedlings
attain growth of four leaves or more. Plants were irrigated every morning and
evening. Bio-pesticides made with Kerosene, Camphor Neem etc. are used to protect
the plants & seedlings from weeds and other predators. Mechanical pest control
methods like hand-picking insects or hand pulling the weeds were also employed.
The growth of ladybirds in the vegetable garden were also encouraged. To avoid
transmission of infection, the infected plant part or the entire plant was removed
from the vegetable garden and burnt. As a way to tackle this problem, we maintained
a proper distance between the crops along with introducing the disease-resistant
varieties. The water is supplied to the mature plant once or twice according to the
climate.

Although measures were taken to protect the plants, there were heavy losses in the
crop and many could not be salvaged.

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 CHAPTER 3
OBSERVATION AND DATA COLLECTION

The germination and stand establishment percentage, change in height, number of

branches developed, flower and fruit development, number and weight of the
vegetables harvested etc. are observed.

Germination/plant stand establishment:

Seed quality is the summation of all attributes that contribute to seed performance.
Seeds of high quality are true to variety, and have high percentages for vigor and
germination. The varieties of seeds taken for cultivation include Bitter Gourd, Long
Beans, Ladies finger, Chilli and tomato.

10 seeds of all the selected crops were taken for germination. Bitter Gourd 9 seeds
germinated. Long Beans 8 seeds germinated. Out of 10 only 6 Ladies' fingers
germinated. All the 10 seeds were germinated in the case of chilli and tomato.
Planted 5 of each variety. The percentage of seeds germinated is given in table 1.

Table 1: Showing the germination percentage of selected varieties of crops

Germination/Plant
Germinated
Variety of Crop stand establishment
Plants
Percentage
Bitter Gourd 7 70

Long Beans 8 80

Ladies Finger 6 60

Chilli 8 80

Tomato 9 90

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Height of plants in cm (15 days interval):
The height of the plants were noted on each 15th day. The results obtained are:
Bitter Gourd-The height of Bitter Gourd after each 15 days interval is 4 cm, 11
cm, 24 cm, 47 cm respectively.
Long Beans-The height of the Long Beans after each 15 days interval is 2.5 cm,23
cm,64 cm and 137 cm respectively.
Ladies finger-The Ladies finger plant reaches the height of 5cm, 14 cm, 21 cm, 37
cm respectively after each 15 days interval.
Chilli-The chilli plant reached the height of 4 cm,9 cm,15 cm,35 cm respectively
after each 15 days interval.
Tomato-The height of the tomato plant in each 15 days of interval is 7 cm, 19 cm,
23 cm and 46 cm respectively.

Number of branches (15 days interval):

Bitter Gourd-The number of branches in Bitter Gourd in each 15 days interval
are 3, 6, 10 and 17 respectively.
Long Beans- The number of branches in Long Beans in each 15 days interval are
4, 11, 19 and 31 respectively.
Ladies finger- The number of branches in Ladies finger in each 15 days interval
are 4,7,15 and 22 respectively.
Chilli-The number of branches in chilli in each 15 days interval are 4,6,16 and 24
respectively.
Tomato-The number of branches in Tomato in each 15 days interval are 2, 7, 18
and 27 respectively.

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Day of first flowering (Days after sowing/planting):
Bitter Gourd- The day of first flowering in Bitter Gourd is the 40th day after
sowing.
Long Beans- The day of first flowering in Long Beans is the 55th day after
sowing.
Ladies finger- The day of first flowering in Ladies finger is the 52nd day after
sowing.
Chilli- The day of first flowering in chilli is the 38th day after sowing.
Tomato- The day of first flowering in tomato is the 40th day after sowing.

Day of first fruiting (Day after sowing/ planting):

Bitter Gourd-The day of first fruiting in Bitter Gourd is the 50th day after
sowing.
Long Beans-The day of first fruiting in Long Beans is the 60th day after sowing.
Ladies finger- The day of first fruiting in Ladies finger is on the 60th day after
sowing.
Chilli- The day of first fruiting in chilli is the 45th day after sowing.
Tomato-The day of first fruiting a tomato is the 47th day after sowing.

Harvest days (Days after sowing/ planting):

Bitter Gourd-The Bitter Gourd was harvested on the 69th day after sowing.
Long Beans- The Long Beans were harvested on the 75th day after sowing.
Ladies finger-The Ladies finger was harvested on the 79th day after sowing.
Chilli- The chilli was harvested on the 57th day after sowing.
Tomato- The tomato was harvested on the 60th day after sowing.
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Number and weight of fruits from each harvest:
Bitter Gourd-The number of fruits from the Bitter Gourd plant is 3 which is 1kg.
Long Beans- The number of fruits from the Long Beans plant is 20 which is
800gm.
Ladies finger- The number of fruits from Ladies finger is 20 which is 500 gm.
Chilli- The number of fruits from chilli is 50 which is 500 gm.
Tomato-The number of fruits from tomato is 15 which is 1kg.

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CHAPTER 4: PHOTOGRAPHS

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 CHAPTER 5
COST BENEFIT ANALYSIS

A cost-benefit analysis is used to evaluate the cost versus the benefits in the
project.

Cost involved in organic vegetable farming (25 grow bag)

Grow bag preparation - No additional cost (old sacks are used)
Planting materials 50/-
Manures and organic fertilizers:
1. Neem cake 50/-
2. Groundnut cake 40/-
3. Bone meal 50/-
Irrigation 90/-
Miscellaneous cost 20/-
Total cost = 300/-

Organic vegetable farming income returns:

Vegetable Yield obtained Market price per Price

cultivated Kg

Bitter Gourd 1kg 76/- 76/-

Chilli 500gm 40/- 20/-

Tomato 1kg 40/- 40/-

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 Ladies finger 500gm 35/- 17.5/-

Long Beans 800gm 60/- 48/-

Total income = Rs.201.5/-

Profit/loss from organic vegetable cultivation Profit=Income-Total cost i.e.,

Rs.201.5-Rs.300 = Rs.98.5(Loss)

Other benefits:

❖ Enabling consumption of pesticide-free, healthy green and fresh

vegetables
❖ Conducive to a routine physical exercise activity, health improvementdue
to clean air and closer association with the nature
❖ Enhancement of oxygen percentage in the air

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 CHAPTER 6
CONCLUSION

As a part of Mahatma Gandhi University first year degree curriculum, we have started
organic farming in our houses using grow bags and other discarded pots. During the
farming period we have studied and experienced the various steps involved in the
production of vegetables. It is eco-friendlier and more profitable than conventional
farming.

Organic farming keeps soil healthy and maintains environmental integrity thereby,
promoting the health of consumers. During this study period, the most suitable and
profitable crop was found to be chilli. Chilli is a versatile crop adapted to different agro-
climatic regions. It can be grown throughout the year. It can be grown in all soils
including light sandy soil, rich loamy soil, clay loamy soil, silt and loam soil. It can resist
the heavy rainfall and drought.

We believe that farming should be part of life rather than part of the syllabus. Organic
Farming cultivates and raises crops in a way as to keep the soil alive and in good health by
use of organic wastes and other biological materials along with bio fertilizers to release
nutrients to crops for increased sustainable production in an eco-friendly pollution free
environment. The regular addition of organic materials to the soil is the only way to
maintain and increase the level of carbon that can be absorbed by the soil and this is
the basis of organic farming. In order for farming to help mitigate the potential for
devastating environmental effects, we need to move to modern organic methods.

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