Organic farming:

Organic farming refers to growing crops and raising livestock using natural methods without
synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), or other artificial additives. It
focuses on maintaining soil health, biodiversity, and ecological balance while producing healthy and
nutritious food.

Organic farming also emphasizes the use of renewable resources and minimizing waste and
pollution. Organic farming practices vary depending on the region and the crops or livestock being
produced, but they all share a commitment to sustainability, health, and environmental
stewardship. Organic farming is gaining popularity worldwide due to its potential to mitigate climate
change, improve soil fertility, and promote food security

The principles of organic farming include:

1. Soil health: Organic farming relies on the health of the soil, using techniques such as
crop rotation, cover cropping, and composting to maintain soil fertility and structure.
2. Biodiversity: Organic farming encourages biodiversity by using a variety of crops and
promoting the growth of natural habitats such as hedgerows and ponds.
3. Animal welfare: Organic farming emphasizes the ethical treatment of animals, providing
them with adequate space, access to the outdoors, and a natural diet.
4. Avoiding synthetic chemicals: Organic farming avoids the use of synthetic fertilizers,
pesticides, and herbicides, instead relying on natural methods such as crop rotation,
natural predators, and organic fertilizers.
5. GMO-free: Organic farming prohibits the use of genetically modified organisms in crop
production.
6. Sustainable practices: Organic farming aims to minimize the use of non-renewable
resources and reduce environmental impact by using sustainable practices such as
conservation tillage, energy-efficient irrigation, and natural pest management.

Scope
Some key points about the scope of organic farming:
1. Organic farming aims to produce healthy and nutritious food while promoting environmental
sustainability, biodiversity, and natural resource conservation.
2. The scope of organic farming includes crop production, animal husbandry, and fisheries.
3. Organic farming relies on natural inputs such as compost, manure, and crop rotation to
maintain soil fertility and productivity.
4. Organic farming practices also involve the avoidance of synthetic pesticides, herbicides, and
fertilizers.
5. The scope of organic farming extends beyond agriculture and includes the entire food value
chain, from production to processing, distribution, and consumption.
6. Organic farming is gaining popularity worldwide as more consumers become aware of the
environmental and health benefits of organic food.
7. Organic farming has the potential to increase income and improve the livelihoods of small-
scale farmers by providing better market access and reducing input costs.
8. Organic farming can also contribute to climate change mitigation by sequestering carbon in
the soil and reducing greenhouse gas emissions from agricultural activities.

Organic produce certificate Initiatives are taken by the Government

(central/state),
The Government of India has initiated various schemes and programs to promote organic
farming and provide certification for organic produce. Some of them are:
1. Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) – This scheme promotes organic farming
among farmers and encourages them to adopt organic farming practices by providing
financial assistance to set up organic farms.
2. Organic Value Chain Development in North Eastern Region (OVCDNER) – The
main objective of this scheme is to develop the organic sector in the North Eastern
Region of India and provide assistance in developing organic value chains for various
organic products.
3. National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) – This program provides a
national standard for organic production and provides certification for organic products.
4. National Centre of Organic Farming (NCOF) – The NCOF is a center for promoting
organic farming and provides training and research facilities for farmers, consumers, and
other stakeholders.
5. Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) – This system is a community-based organic
certification system that involves farmers and consumers in the certification process.
6. National Institute of Organic Farming (NIOF) – The NIOF is an institute that provides
education and research facilities for organic farming and promotes the use of organic
inputs
7. Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) – This scheme provides financial assistance
for organic farming and encourages farmers to adopt organic farming practices.
8. Organic Farming Scheme – The central government provides financial assistance to
farmers for the adoption of organic farming practices through the Organic Farming
Scheme.
These initiatives have been taken to promote organic farming in India and provide certification
for organic produce.
Initiatives taken by state governments for organic produce
certification:
1. Sikkim Organic Mission – The Sikkim government has set up the Sikkim Organic
Mission to promote organic farming in the state. It provides incentives and technical
support to farmers for the adoption of organic farming practices.
2. Kerala Organic Farming Policy – The Kerala government has launched an organic
farming policy that aims to make the state 100% organic by 2020. It provides incentives
to farmers for the adoption of organic farming practices.
3. Himachal Pradesh Organic Farming Policy – The Himachal Pradesh government has
launched an organic farming policy that aims to make the state a model organic state. It
provides financial incentives to farmers for the adoption of organic farming practices.
4. Maharashtra Organic Farming Policy – The Maharashtra government has launched an
organic farming policy that aims to promote the use of organic farming practices in the
state. It provides financial assistance to farmers for the adoption of organic farming
practices.

NGOs, and other organizations for the promotion of organic

agriculture.
There are several NGOs working towards the promotion of organic agriculture in India. Some of
the prominent ones are:
1 .Navdanya: Navdanya is a network of seed keepers and organic producers spread across
18 states in India. They work towards the conservation of biodiversity, promotion of
organic farming, and fair trade
2 Organic Farming Association of India (OFAI): OFAI is a national-level federation of
organic farmers, consumers, and stakeholders in the organic agriculture sector. They work
towards the promotion of organic farming practices, education and training of farmers,
and policy advocacy.
3 Society for Promotion of Wastelands Development (SPWD): SPWD is a non-profit
organization that works towards the promotion of sustainable livelihoods through organic
farming, wasteland development, and natural resource management.
4 Greenpeace India: Greenpeace is an environmental NGO that works towards sustainable
agriculture, the protection of biodiversity, and the promotion of renewable energy.
5 Centre for Sustainable Agriculture (CSA): CSA is a non-profit organization that works
towards the promotion of ecological farming practices, conservation of natural resources,
and empowerment of small and marginal farmers.

Other Organizations
There are several private organizations that work towards the promotion of organic farming.
Some of them are:
1 International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM): It is a global
organization that promotes organic farming and advocates for sustainable food systems.
2 Organic Trade Association (OTA): It is a membership-based trade association that
represents the organic industry in North America. OTA works to promote organic farming
and supports the growth of the organic sector.
3 The Organic Center: It is a non-profit organization that conducts research on organic
farming and provides information on the health and environmental benefits of organic
agriculture.
4 Rodle institute: It is a non-profit organization that conducts research on organic farming
and advocates for regenerative agriculture practices.
5 Biodynamic Association: It is a non-profit organization that promotes biodynamic
farming, a method of organic farming that emphasizes the holistic development and
interrelationships of soil, plants, and

Organic ecosystems & their concepts

Organic ecosystems are agricultural systems that aim to enhance soil fertility, promote
biodiversity, and protect the environment by using natural methods of pest control and
fertilization. In organic ecosystems, farmers avoid the use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and
genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Instead, they use organic manures, composts, and
biopesticides to control pests and diseases and improve soil health. Organic farming systems also
promote the use of cover crops and crop rotations to maintain soil fertility and prevent erosion.
Organic ecosystems have several benefits, including:
1. Improved soil health: Organic farming practices improve soil health by enhancing soil
structure, nutrient availability, and water-holding capacity.
2. Reduced chemical contamination: Organic farming practices avoid the use of synthetic
fertilizers and pesticides, which reduces the risk of chemical contamination of soil and
water.
3. Biodiversity conservation: Organic farming practices promote biodiversity by using
crop rotations, cover crops, and intercropping, which create habitats for beneficial
insects, birds, and other wildlife.
4. Climate change mitigation: Organic farming practices reduce greenhouse gas emissions
by using fewer fossil fuels and by sequestering carbon in the soil.

Their concepts
The concept of organic ecosystems is based on the principles of organic farming, which
emphasizes the use of natural inputs and the maintenance of ecological balance. Organic
ecosystems aim to create a self-sustaining and self-regulating system, where plants, animals, and
microorganisms interact with each other in a mutually beneficial way.
Some of the key concepts of organic ecosystems include:
1. Biodiversity: Organic ecosystems promote biodiversity by encouraging the growth of a
variety of crops and the use of intercropping and crop rotation techniques. This helps to
maintain soil health and fertility, reduce pests and diseases, and improve resilience to
climate change.
2. Soil health: Organic ecosystems focus on maintaining soil health by using organic
fertilizers, compost, and other natural inputs that help to build soil structure, increase
water-holding capacity, and promote beneficial microorganisms.
3. Conservation of resources: Organic ecosystems promote the efficient use of resources
by reducing waste and using renewable resources, such as solar energy and organic
inputs.
4. Animal welfare: Organic ecosystems emphasize the humane treatment of animals by
providing them with adequate space, feed, and healthcare.
5. Community involvement: Organic ecosystems often involve local communities in the
production process, helping to create a sense of ownership and connection to the land.

Organic nutrient resources & its fortification

Organic nutrient resources refer to natural substances that are used to fertilize the soil in organic
farming practices. Organic farming avoids the use of synthetic fertilizers, which can harm the
environment and reduce soil quality over time. Instead, organic farmers rely on organic nutrient
resources such as:
1 Compost: a mixture of decomposed organic material such as leaves, grass, food scraps,
and manure that can be added to soil to improve its quality and fertility.
2 Green manure: plants that are grown specifically to be tilled back into the soil while
they are still alive, adding nutrients and organic matter to the soil.
3 Animal manure: animal waste products, such as a cow or chicken manure, can be used
to fertilize the soil
4 Bone meal: a fine powder made from ground animal bones, which is a good source of
phosphorus and calcium.
5 Fish emulsion: a liquid fertilizer made from fish waste that is high in nitrogen and other
nutrients.
6 Rock dust: finely ground rock particles that are rich in minerals and trace elements that
are essential for plant growth

It’s fortification
Organic nutrient fortification involves enhancing the nutrient content of organic foods through
natural means, without the use of synthetic chemicals or genetic modification. This can be
achieved through various methods such as crop rotation, intercropping, use of compost, green
manure, and animal manure. These methods help to increase the nutrient density of the soil,
which in turn leads to more nutrient-rich plants. Organic nutrient fortification can also involve
the use of natural mineral fertilizers, such as rock phosphate, which provide essential minerals to
the soil and the crops. Additionally, the use of organic biofortification techniques, such as plant
breeding and genetic selection, can also help to increase the nutrient content of organic foods.
Overall, organic nutrient fortification is an important aspect of organic agriculture, as it helps to
promote soil health and increase the nutrient density of our food supply.

Restrictions to nutrient use in organic farming

Organic farming practices aim to use natural, non-synthetic sources of nutrients to improve soil
health and promote plant growth. As a result, there are restrictions on the use of certain nutrient
sources in organic farming. Here are some of the restrictions on nutrient use in organic farming:
1. Synthetic fertilizers: Organic farming prohibits the use of synthetic fertilizers as they are
made from non-renewable sources and can have negative impacts on soil and water
quality.
2. Chemical pesticides: Organic farming discourages the use of chemical pesticides as they
can harm beneficial insects and pollinators.
3. Genetically modified organisms (GMOs): Organic farming prohibits the use of GMOs
as they are genetically engineered to withstand herbicides and pesticides, which goes
against the principles of organic farming.
4. Sewage sludge: Organic farming prohibits the use of sewage sludge as a source of
nutrients, as it may contain harmful pathogens and heavy metals.
5. Antibiotics: Organic farming prohibits the use of antibiotics in animal production, which
may be used in conventional farming to promote animal growth and prevent disease.
6. Limits on nutrient applications: Organic farmers must follow strict guidelines for the
application of nutrients to avoid overuse and minimize nutrient runoff. This includes
careful management of crop residues, cover crops, and intercropping.
7. Soil testing: Organic farmers must regularly test their soil to ensure that it has the proper
balance of nutrients for plant growth. This helps them to avoid nutrient deficiencies and
reduce the need for additional inputs.

Choice of crops & varieties in organic farming

In organic farming, the choice of crops and varieties is an important factor for the overall success
of the farming system. Here are some key considerations:
 1. Crop rotation: Organic farmers practice crop rotation, which involves growing different
crops in a specific sequence over time. This helps to maintain soil health and fertility, and
also prevents the build-up of pests and diseases.
2. Soil type and climate: The choice of crops and varieties should be based on the soil type
and climate of the region. Some crops are better suited for certain types of soil, while
others require specific temperature and moisture conditions to grow.
3. Diversity: Organic farmers often prioritize crop diversity, both within and between crops.
This helps to support biodiversity, improve soil health, and reduce the risk of crop failure.
4. Adaptability: In organic farming, the focus is often on choosing crop varieties that are
adapted to the local environment and have a natural resistance to pests and diseases.
5. Non-GMO: Organic farmers do not use genetically modified crops, so the choice of
varieties must be non-GMO.
6. Local and heirloom varieties: Organic farmers often choose to grow locdapted and
heirloom varieties, which are well-suited to the local climate and have a unique flavour
and nutrient profile. These varieties are often well-suited to organic farming practices
and can help to support local food

The operational structure of NPOP

The National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) is a certification program for organic
agriculture and organic food products in India. NPOP was launched in 2001 by the Government
of India under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. The operational structure of
NPOP is as follows:
1. National Steering Committee: The National Steering Committee (NSC) is the highest
policy-making body for NPOP. The NSC is responsible for providing strategic guidance
and overseeing the implementation of NPOP. The NSC is headed by the Secretary of the
Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India. The NSC also
includes representatives from various government departments, industry associations, and
non-governmental organizations.
2. National Accreditation Body: The National Accreditation Body (NAB) is responsible
for accrediting certification bodies that carry out inspections and certification of organic
products. The NAB ensures that the certification bodies comply with the guidelines and
standards of NPOP. The NAB is also responsible for monitoring and assessing the
performance of the certification bodies.
3. Certification Bodies: Certification bodies are responsible for carrying out inspections
and certifying organic products. These bodies are accredited by the NAB and must follow
the guidelines and standards of NPOP. The certification bodies are responsible for
reviewing applications, carrying out inspections, and issuing certificates of compliance.
4. Accredited Laboratories: Accredited laboratories are responsible for analyzing organic
products and providing testing results to certification bodies. The accredited laboratories
 must comply with the standards of NPOP and are regularly monitored and assessed by
the NAB.
5. Certification Process: The certification process starts with an application by the
producer or handler of the organic product. The certification body then conducts an
inspection to verify that the product meets the standards of NPOP. If the product meets
the standards, the certification body issues a certificate of compliance. The certification
process includes an initial inspection, an annual inspection, and random inspections to
ensure ongoing compliance.
6. Inspection: The inspection process includes a review of records and documents related to
organic production, an on-site inspection of the farm or processing facility, and testing of
the product. The inspection is carried out by qualified inspectors trained in organic
production and NPOP standards. The inspection process is designed to ensure that the
organic product is produced in accordance with the standards of NPOP.
7. Standards: NPOP has established standards for organic production, which cover the
entire production process from seed to processing and packaging. The standards cover a
range of areas such as soil fertility, pest and disease management, use of inputs, and
labelling and traceability. The standards are regularly reviewed and updated to ensure that
they are consistent with international standards and best practices.

Certification process & standards of organic farming

The certification process of Organic Farming
The certification process for organic farming is a rigorous process that involves several steps to
ensure that the farm meets the standards set for organic agriculture. Here is a detailed
explanation of the certification process for organic farming:
1. Application: The farmer applies for organic certification by submitting an application to
a certification body that is accredited by the National Programme for Organic Production
(NPOP) or another recognized certification body. The application includes details about
the farm, the crops or livestock to be certified, and the organic management practices that
the farmer follows.
2. Documentation: The farmer must provide documentation that proves that the farm has
been operated using organic management practices for a minimum of two years. This
includes records of inputs used, crop rotations, and any other practices that the farmer
follows to maintain the health of the soil and crops.
3. Inspection: An inspector from the certification body visits the farm to conduct an
inspection. The inspection involves a review of records, an on-site inspection of the farm,
and interviews with the farmer and farm workers. The inspector verifies that the farmer is
following organic management practices and that the crops or livestock meet the
standards for organic farming.
 4. Certification decision: After the inspection, the certification body makes a decision
about whether to grant organic certification to the farm. If the farm meets the standards
for organic farming, the certification body issues an organic certification.
5. Annual inspection: The farm must undergo an annual inspection to maintain organic
certification. During the annual inspection, the inspector reviews records interviews the
farmer and conducts an on-site inspection of the farm to ensure that the farm continues to
meet the standards for organic farming.
6. Compliance: The farmer must comply with the standards for organic farming throughout
the certification period. The farmer must maintain records of all inputs used, including
seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides. The farmer must also maintain records of crop rotations,
soil management, and other practices used to maintain the health of the soil and crops.
7. Labelling: Once certified, the farmer can use the organic certification mark on their
products. The mark signifies that the products have been produced using organic
management practices and meet the standards set for organic farming.

Standards of organic farming

Standards of organic farming are a set of guidelines that define the principles, practices, and
procedures of organic agriculture. These standards are designed to ensure that organic farming
methods are environmentally sustainable, socially responsible, and economically viable. Here are
the general principles and standards of organic farming:
1. Soil health: Organic farming aims to build healthy soil that supports a diverse
community of microorganisms and promotes plant growth. This is achieved through
practices such as crop rotation, cover cropping, and the use of natural fertilizers like
compost.
2. Biodiversity: Organic farming emphasizes the importance of biodiversity, including the
conservation of native species and the use of diverse crop rotations to reduce the risk of
pests and disease
3. No synthetic chemicals: The use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, and
genetically modified organisms (GMOs) is prohibited in organic farming. Instead, natural
inputs such as compost, green manure, and natural pest control methods are used
4. Animal welfare: Organic farming standards include requirements for the humane
treatment of animals, including access to pasture and outdoor space, and prohibition of
growth hormones and antibiotics in animal feed
5. Traceability and labelling: Organic farming standards require proper documentation and
traceability of organic products from the farm to the point of sale. Products that meet
organic standards can be labelled as “organic” and may use a certification mark to signify
compliance with organic standards
6. Environmental protection: Organic farming promotes the use of sustainable practices to
protect the environment, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions, conserving water
resources, and promoting renewable energy
 7. Social responsibility: Organic farming standards promote fair labour practices, including
ensuring fair wages, safe working conditions, and the right to organize.
8. Water conservation: Organic farming prioritizes the conservation of water resources
through practices such as efficient irrigation and the use of drought-resistant crops.
9. Certification: Organic farming standards are typically enforced through third-party
certification programs that verify compliance with established organic farming
guidelines.
10. No genetically modified organisms (GMOs): Organic farming prohibits the use of
genetically modified organisms in crop

Processing, levelling, economic considerations & viability, marketing

and export potential of organic products.
Organic products are those that are produced without the use of synthetic chemicals, pesticides,
fertilizers, or genetically modified organisms (GMOs). The production of organic products
typically involves using sustainable farming practices, such as crop rotation, composting, and
integrated pest management

Processing
Processing of organic products involves converting raw materials into finished products without
the use of synthetic chemicals, pesticides, fertilizers, or genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
The processing of organic products must follow specific regulations to maintain their organic
status.
The processing of organic food products typically involves the following steps:

 Cleaning and sorting: Raw materials, such as fruits and vegetables, are cleaned and
sorted to remove any foreign matter, such as dirt or debris.
 Pre-processing: Raw materials may be peeled, sliced, or diced before further processing.
 Processing: This step involves transforming the raw materials into finished products. For
example, organic fruits may be processed into jams, jellies, or juices, while organic grains
may be processed into flour or cereal.
 Packaging: The finished products are packaged into containers that meet organic
standards. Organic packaging must not contain any synthetic chemicals or additives.

Levelling
Levelling is an important part of organic farming that involves creating a level surface on the
land to facilitate proper irrigation and drainage. In organic farming, levelling is typically done
using natural methods and without the use of synthetic chemicals or heavy equipment that could
harm the soil and surrounding environment.
The process of levelling in organic farming usually involves the following steps:

 Removal of debris: Any rocks, stumps, or other debris are removed from the land to
prepare it for levelling.
 Preparation of the land: The land is cleared of weeds and any other unwanted
vegetation. This is typically done through methods such as manual weed removal or
through the use of organic herbicides
 Levelling the land: Organic farmers use techniques such as contour farming, plowing, or
natural terracing to create a level surface. These methods allow for proper irrigation and
drainage and help to prevent soil erosion.
 Soil preparation: After levelling, the soil is prepared for planting by adding organic
matter such as compost or manure to improve soil fertility and structure.

Economic considerations & viability

Organic farming and the production of organic products can have both economic benefits and
challenges. Here are some of the economic considerations and viability of organic products:

 Higher production costs: Organic farming can be more expensive than conventional
farming due to the higher costs of organic fertilizers, natural pest control methods, and
labour-intensive techniques such as crop rotation and soil conservation.
 Higher selling prices: Organic products usually command a higher selling price than
conventionally produced products due to their perceived health and environmental
benefits. This premium price can help offset the higher production costs.
 Growing demand: There is a growing demand for organic products due to consumer
concerns about the use of synthetic chemicals and environmental sustainability. This
trend is expected to continue, leading to increased market opportunities for organic
farmers and producers.
 Certification costs: Organic products must be certified by a recognized certification
agency, which can involve additional costs for farmers and producers.
 Market competition: The organic market is becoming more competitive, as more
farmers and producers enter the market, leading to lower prices for organic products.
 Risk management: Organic farming can involve more risk than conventional farming
due to the limited availability of organic pest control methods and the potential for lower
yields.

Marketing
Marketing of organic products involves creating and executing strategies to promote and sell
organic products to target consumers. Marketing of organic products is critical for organic
farmers and producers to create demand for their products, increase sales, and grow their
business. Here are some key aspects of marketing organic products:
  Branding: Creating a strong brand identity is essential for marketing organic products.
This involves developing a brand name, logo, and packaging that communicates the
organic and sustainable nature of the product.
 Labelling: Organic products must meet specific labelling requirements set by regulatory
agencies such as the USDA or EU. The label must communicate key information such as
the organic certification logo, ingredients, and production methods
 Targeting the right consumers: Organic products typically appeal to consumers who are
health-conscious and concerned about the environmental impact of their food choices.
Therefore, marketing efforts should target these consumers through channels such as
social media, health food stores, and farmer’s markets.
 Product differentiation: Organic products should be differentiated from conventional
products through their unique selling points such as their natural and sustainable
production methods and their health and environmental benefits.
 Pricing: Organic products typically command a higher price than conventional products.
Pricing should be based on the cost of production and market demand while still being
competitive.
 Promotions: Organic products can be promoted through various channels such as
advertising, public relations, and in-store promotions. Promotions can help create
awareness and demand for the products.
 Partnerships: Organic farmers and producers can partner with retailers, restaurants, and
other businesses to promote their products and expand their distribution channels.

Export potential
The export potential of organic products can provide significant benefits to organic farmers and
producers, including access to larger markets, higher prices, and increased revenue. Here are
some key factors that can impact the export potential of organic products:

 Organic certification: Organic products must meet specific certification requirements to

be sold as organic products in international markets. Certification can be obtained
through various certification agencies such as USDA, EU, JAS, and others. Organic
certification assures that the products meet international standards for organic farming
and production.
 Market demand: The export potential of organic products depends on the demand for
organic products in the target market. Some countries have a higher demand for organic
products than others, and the demand may vary depending on the product and the market.
 Market access: Access to the target market is crucial for exporting organic products.
Tariffs, trade barriers, and other regulations can affect the export potential of organic
products.
 Quality control: Ensuring the quality of organic products is essential for exporting
organic products. Proper storage, packaging, and transportation are critical for
maintaining the quality and freshness of the products during transportation.
 Price competitiveness: Price competitiveness is important for exporting organic
products. The price of organic products should be competitive compared to conventional
products in the target market.
 Market knowledge: Understanding the target market and consumer preferences is
critical for exporting organic products. Researching the market, its regulatory
requirements, and consumer preferences can help organic farmers and producers adapt
their products to meet market demands.
 Partnerships: Partnerships with distributors, importers, and other businesses can help
organic farmers and producers access new markets and expand their export potential.