ORGANIC FARMING

Context: Organic farming is an agricultural method that relies on natural processes and inputs, avoiding synthetic
fertilizers, pesticides, and genetically modified organisms (GMOs). It emphasizes crop rotation, composting, and
biological pest control to maintain soil health and ecosystem balance to create a sustainable and environmentally
friendly farming system.

State of Organic Farming in India

1. Global Rankings:
● Total organic producers: India is home to 30% of total organic producers in the world having 2.30
million hectare.
● Number of Organic Farmers: India ranks 1st, being home to 30% of the world's organic producers.
● Area Under Organic Farming: India ranks 6th globally in terms of the area dedicated to organic
farming.
2. Area Under Cultivation/Net Sown Area:
● Only 2.4% of India's net sown area is under organic cultivation.
● As of March 31, 2023, the total area under organic certification under the National Programme for
Organic Production reached 101.72 lakh hectares.
3. 100% Organic Regions:
● State: Sikkim is the only state in India that is 100% organic farming-based.
● Union Territory: Lakshadweep is the only UT declared 100% organic.
4. State-wise Cultivated Area under Organic Certification (2023-24):
● Top states: Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Odisha.
5. State-wise Organic Cultivated Area (2023-24):
● Top states: Chhattisgarh (32%), Madhya Pradesh (22.83%), Maharashtra (12.63%), Rajasthan
(9.22%), Gujarat (9.20%), Himachal Pradesh (2.10%)
6. Export:
● Major exporting states: Assam, Mizoram, Manipur, & Nagaland.
● Export commodities: Major organic exports from India are flax seeds, sesame, soybean, tea,
medicinal plants, rice & pulses.

Need/Benefits of Organic Farming

1. Benefits to Farmers:
● Lower Input Costs: Organic farming reduces dependency on costly chemical inputs like synthetic
fertilizers and pesticides.
● Improved Soil Health: Practices like crop rotation, composting and organic manure enhances soil
fertility and structure over time. This helps crops grow better without needing expensive soil
treatments as much.
● Higher Profit Margins: Organic products charge premium prices in the market as consumers value
healthier and sustainably produced food, which enhances profitability for farmers.
● Long-term Sustainability: By focusing on soil health and biodiversity conservation, organic
farming ensures the long-term sustainability of agricultural land.
● Diversification Opportunities: Organic farming encourages crop rotation, where different crops
are planted in sequence on the same land. By this method farmers can diversify their crop produce
to expand their agricultural opportunities.

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 ● Access to Niche Markets: Organic farmers can tap into niche markets that value sustainable and
locally produced food. By meeting organic certification standards, farmers can attract
environmentally conscious consumers.
2. Benefits for Consumers
● Healthier Food: Organic produce is free from synthetic chemicals and pesticides which helps in
reducing health risks associated with conventional agriculture.
● Better Nutrition: Organically grown fruits and vegetables often have richer flavors and higher
nutritional content.
● No GMOs: Organic farming prohibits the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), which
offers consumers a choice of non-GMO products which have enhanced nutrient profiles.
● Safe from Harmful Chemicals: Consumers can avoid exposure to harmful residues often found in
conventionally grown foods with the application of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers.
● Support for Sustainable Practices: Buying organic supports environmentally friendly farming
practices and promotes sustainable and safe food systems.
3. Benefits for the Environment
● Reduced Chemical Pollution: Organic farming minimizes the use of synthetic chemicals that can
pollute soil, water, and air. This helps protect ecosystems, wildlife habitats, and human health.
● Climate Change Mitigation: Organic farming practices, such as soil carbon sequestration and
reduced fossil fuel use, contribute to mitigating climate change.
● Preservation of Ecosystems: Organic farming promotes natural habitats and wildlife corridors
within and around farms.
● Conservation of Water Resources: Organic farming techniques like mulching, cover cropping,
and efficient irrigation practices help conserve water and maintain soil moisture levels.
● Reduces Energy Consumption: Typically requires less energy inputs than conventional farming
which lowers greenhouse gas emissions associated with agricultural machinery and transport.
● Preserves Genetic Diversity: Supports old and traditional crop varieties and helps in preserving
genetic diversity and resilience to pests and diseases.
● Enhances Nutrient Cycling: Utilizes organic materials like compost and green manure to improve
nutrient cycling and reduce nutrient runoff into water bodies.
4. Economic Benefits:
● Job Creation: Organic farming often requires more labor-intensive practices, which helps in
creating employment opportunities in rural areas.
● Supports Rural Economies: Organic farming stimulates economic activity in rural areas by
sustaining local agricultural practices and supporting small-scale farmers.
● Focus on GDP growth: Sales of organic foods are rising as a result of changing lifestyles, rising
income levels, and consumer health consciousness. Because of this, Indian farmers as a whole could
benefit greatly from this.
● Export Opportunities: Countries with strong organic sectors can benefit from export opportunities
in global markets where there is high demand for organic products.
● Sustainable Farming: Investing in organic farming practices ensures the sustainability of
agricultural production systems and supports long-term food security and economic stability.

Challenges to Organic Farming in India:

1. Infrastructure Challenges
● Lack of Supporting Infrastructure: Inadequate infrastructure for storage, transportation, and
marketing of organic products limits market reach and profitability.
● Supply Chain Issues: Challenges in the distribution and logistics of organic inputs/seeds can lead
to delays, which may affect planting schedules and crop health.

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 ● Certification: Certification processes are difficult and the requirement for extensive documentation
poses barriers, especially for small-scale farmers.
● Quality Control: Challenges in maintaining consistent product quality and meeting organic
standards reduces market acceptance and consumer trust over time.
● Limited R&D: Insufficient R&D funding leads to a lack of comprehensive understanding of
organic farming techniques, best practices, and their adaptation to local conditions.
● Access to Inputs: Shortages of quality organic seeds, bio-fertilizers, and bio-pesticides delays
production and quality in organic farming.
2. Policy and Regulatory Challenges
● Certification Standards: Lack of uniformity in organic certification standards across regions or
countries complicates international trade and consumers trust.
● Limited Recognition: Regulatory frameworks prioritizes conventional agriculture. This makes it
harder for organic farmers to access subsidies, grants, or support programs.
● GMO Contamination: Regulations concerning genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and their
potential contamination of organic crops are not always clear and effective.
● Import and Export Regulations: Stringent import and export regulations for organic products may
restrict market access and increase regulatory burdens for producers.
3. Economic Challenges:
● Higher Input Costs: Organic farming often requires more expensive inputs like organic seeds, bio-
fertilizers, and bio-pesticides compared to conventional farming.
● Market Uncertainty: Limited market access and fluctuating demand can make it difficult for
farmers to sell organic produce at competitive prices.
● Low Yields and Productivity: Initial years of organic farming may yield lower production volumes
compared to conventional methods which will impact profits.
● Transition Costs: Farmers face high upfront costs when transitioning from conventional to organic
farming due to investments in new infrastructure and organic inputs.
● Scaling Challenges: Organic farming faces difficulties in scaling up due to inadequate research
support and policies.

Initiatives Taken by the Government to Promote Organic Farming:

1. National Level Initiatives
● Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY): Promotes organic farming through the adoption of
organic villages and Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) certification.
● Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana: Provides assistance for promoting organic farming through
various components approved by State Level Sanctioning Committees.
● The Organic Farming Action Programme: The objective is to promote and significantly develop
organic farming by means of priority measures.
● National Mission on Oilseeds and Oil Palm: Provides financial assistance for promoting organic
farming practices and enhances the supply of bio-fertilizers and other organic inputs.
● Zero Budget Natural Farming: Promotes chemical-free agriculture based on traditional Indian
practices and aims for sustainable and low-cost farming methods.
● jaivikkheti.in: Strengthens the organic e-commerce platform to directly link farmers with retail and
bulk buyers and enhances market access for organic produce.
● National Project on Organic Farming: A national center at Ghaziabad was established to provide
institutional support and facilitate organic crop production among farmers.
● Government Initiative to Transition Farmers to Natural Farming: Aims to transition 10 million
farmers to natural or chemical-balanced farming over three years, as per Budget 2023
announcements.

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 2. Regional and Sectoral Initiatives
● Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North East Region (MOVCD): Promotes
certified organic production in a value chain mode across states in the Northeast region.
● One District - One Product: Encourages the visibility and sales of indigenous products in and
aims to boost employment at the district level.
● Kerala's Organic Farming Mission: Targets expanding organic farming to 5,000 hectares in
Kerala over five years, with an annual target of 1,000 hectares to promote sustainable agriculture.
3. Certification Schemes
● FSSAI Regulation: Regulates organic products in the domestic market and imports.
● Participatory Guarantee System (PGS): Certifies organic products to ensure that they meet
quality standards, particularly for domestic purposes.
● National Program for Organic Production (NPOP): Provides third-party certification for organic
farming for export purposes.
○ Managed and operated by Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development
Authority (APEDA) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

Best Practices
 The Green Caravan of Kohima: Linked villages across Nagaland with urban markets for selling
vegetables, handicrafts, and handlooms.
 Manipur Organic Agency (MoMA): Organized 15 Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs) under
MOVCD to gather organic produce and transport it to two wholesale centers in Imphal for onward
delivery to consumers.
 Navdanya, Uttarakhand: Navdanya is a network of seed keepers and organic producers across India, founded
by Dr. Vandana Shiva. They promote biodiversity conservation through organic farming practices.
 Rythu Sadhikara Samstha (RySS), Telangana: The ZBNF initiative teaches small-scale farmers to
use natural fertilizers and pest control to improve soil health and reduce costs.

Measures to Improve Organic Farming in India / Way Forward:

 Financial Support: Establish a comprehensive subsidy program for organic farming to provide full
compensation to farmers in case of crop failure.
 Incentivize Production: Provide government subsidies and tax benefits to encourage the production of
organic inputs.
 Promote Domestic Sales: The government should support and strengthen producer and consumer
associations and cooperatives to market organic products.
 Awareness programs: A strong campaign is needed to highlight the benefits of organic farming over
conventional farming and to increase awareness among farmers and consumers.
 Crop Identification: Assist farmers in identifying the right crops for organic farming. For example,
growing cotton in rainfed areas or cultivating soybeans in Madhya Pradesh could have great potential.
 Address Supply-Demand Mismatch: Reduce supply-demand mismatch by making organic production
mainstream with location-specific production strategies.
 Encourage Local Production: Support the creation of inputs needed for organic farming at the local
level. Use resources available locally and create jobs in villages.
 Ease Certification Process: Simplify the certification procedures, assist farmers in obtaining
certifications, and expand the number and coverage of certification agencies.
 Capacity Building: Help small-scale manufacturers and entrepreneurs to improve their farming
techniques to ensure quality control and enhance marketing efforts to increase manure production.

While organic farming offers numerous benefits for environmental sustainability and biodiversity, it also faces
significant challenges in terms of productivity, labor requirements, and market accessibility. To fully realize
its potential, there may need to be continued research into improving organic farming practices, as well as
policy support to help overcome some of its limitations.

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