Hello farmers, today, we will talk about organic farming in India, and it includes types, methods, and advantages. Through this blog, farmers can understand organic farming in India.
Growing crops without the use of artificial chemicals or pesticides is known as organic farming. Natural methods such as crop rotation, composting, and biological pest management are its main focus. By using organic fertilisers, farmers maintain the balance of the ecosystem and the health of the soil. Nevertheless, it takes more work and time than traditional techniques. For it to succeed, enough preparation and expertise are also required. Although organic farming has both benefits and drawbacks, its popularity is rising. Do you want to know more about organic farming? Keep reading this blog!
What is Organic Farming in India?
Organic farming is a practice in which farmers cultivate crops and raise animals naturally. Moreover, they use only materials and techniques found in nature rather than chemicals. For instance, to improve the soil, they apply compost, manure, and green manure. This keeps the environment safe while promoting healthy plant growth.
In short, the goal of organic farming is to develop a farming system that is healthy, balanced, and environmentally responsible. It provides people get nutritious food that is fresh without affecting the environment.
What is the importance of organic farming?
Organic farming is important because it is beneficial to the farmers, consumers, and the environment in various ways. First of all, it keeps the soil safe because farmers only use natural manure and compost to enhance the fertility and health of the soil. This promotes healthier plant growth and slows down soil erosion over time.
Origin And History
The concept of organic farming can relate to ancient agricultural practices that relied on natural techniques and strategies to cultivate vegetation. So throughout history, numerous civilisations and cultures around the world have practised organic agriculture.
In the early twentieth century, the issues of the terrible influences of industrialisation and synthetic chemical substances on agriculture and the surroundings, as well as interest in organic farming, commenced to resurface. Influential figures, such as Sir Albert Howard, basically known as the father of modern organic agriculture, carried out research on sustainable farming practices in India at some point in the 20s and ’90s. Howard’s research emphasised the significance of soil fitness, composting, and biological methods of pest management.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Organic Farming
The method of raising animals and cultivating crops with the help of natural techniques is a very eco-friendly approach. However, they also have some advantages and disadvantages, let’s discuss them below:
Advantages of Organic Farming
There are lots of advantages of organic farming; check them below:
- Enhances soil health by using organic fertilisers.
- Keeps synthetic chemicals out of water sources.
- Encourages biodiversity by utilising helpful animals, birds, and insects.
- Reduces the dangers to farmers’ health by getting rid of harmful chemicals.
- Gives customers food that is healthier and free of residue.
- Encourages environmental preservation and the conservation of natural resources.
- Provides a greater market value, boosting farmers’ earnings.
Disadvantages of Organic Farming
- Takes more time and work to maintain crops and make natural fertilisers.
- Frequently produces poorer yields than traditional agricultural techniques.
- It can be costly because of the expense of organic fertiliser, seeds, and certification.
- Crop losses are more common on organic farms due to weather and insect assaults.
- Because of their shorter shelf life, organic products are more likely to deteriorate.
Types of Organic Farming
There are two main types of organic farming: Pure organic farming and Integrated organic farming; let’s discuss them below:
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Pure organic farming
In Pure organic farming, farmers totally avoid synthetic chemicals. To enhance the soil, they only use natural fertilisers such as compost and manure. Additionally, they use natural techniques to manage pests, such as plant extracts and useful insects. This type preserves soil health and safeguards the environment by giving full attention to natural resources.
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Integrated organic farming
Integrated organic farming consists of integrated nutrient management and integrated pest management. Moreover, farmers set up a balanced system where plants and animals support each other.
Principles of Organic Farming in India
There are four principles of organic farming are as following:-
- Principles of Health – The health of the ecosystem, people, and communities.
- The Principles of Ecology – The right balance between ecosystem and environment or nature.
- Principles of Fairness – Good human relationships and quality of life.
- Principles of Care – The considerations about the environment and environment of the future.
Methods of Organic Farming
In India, organic farming includes a wide range of techniques that put an emphasis on natural processes, soil health, and sustainability. Additionally, these techniques are frequently derived from conventional farming methods and modified to meet the unique requirements and circumstances of Indian agriculture. So below, we define organic farming methods.
1. Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF):
The method known as Zero Budget Natural Farming” (ZNBF) involves cultivating crops without the use of fertilisers or pesticides from outside sources. The term ZERO BUDGET describes any crop whose production costs are zero. ZBNF’s guidance towards sustainable farming practices that also support soil fertility maintenance, chemical-free agriculture, and low production costs increases farmers, income. Additionally, it includes Jeevamrutha and Bijamrutha, Mulching, and Crop Rotation.
2. Organic Manure and Compost
Farmers employ organic manures, which are natural products, to increase crop productivity in a sustainable manner. Moreover, numerous organic manures are available, including farm yard manure, green manures, oil cakes, vermicompost and compost made from crop residues. The other farm wastes, and biological wastes such as animal bones and leftovers from slaughterhouses.
Compost is a mixture used for land conditioning and fertilisation that is primarily made up of decomposed organic matter. Decomposed carbon-based materials such as fruits, vegetables, grasses, dead leaves, and woody debris make up the majority of compost.
3. Biofertilizers and Microbial Inoculants:
Biofertilizers are substances that are enriched with microbes that aid in the growth of trees and plants by providing them with more vital nutrients. It is made up of living things, such as bacteria, blue-green algae, and mycorrhizal fungi. For the benefit of the plant, mycorrhizal fungi selectively remove minerals from organic matter, while cyanobacteria are known for their ability to fix nitrogen.
4. Natural Pest and Disease Management:
In small areas of land, this is particularly possible with caterpillars and other large insects. Aphids and other smaller pests can be crushed on the plant. Additionally, to stop the disease from spreading, diseased plant parts can be broken off or chopped off the plant.
5. Crop Diversity and Polyculture:
As taproots create pores for air and water, polyculture can improve the physical, chemical, and structural qualities of soil and produce multiple harvests annually. Erosion and soil drying are also decreased by increased soil cover. Moreover, a wider variety of crops can lead to a healthier diet for individuals.
6. Organic Livestock Integration:
Compared to conventional farming, which combines livestock and crops primarily for sustenance farming with low input, low output production systems, organic livestock farming is different from conventional. So, the fundamental requirements for organic production are the standards.
Conventional farming involves integrating livestock with crops for subsistence farming with low input and low output production systems. In addition to this, this is not the case with organic livestock farming. Fundamental requirements are set forth for organic production standards.
7. Seed Saving and Heirloom Varieties:
The seeds usually come from plant varieties that are at least fifty years old in order to qualify as an heirloom variety. You can save your seeds for the following growing season because heirloom seeds consistently yield offspring that are true to their parent plant.
8. Natural Pest and Disease Management:
Utilising organic oils, genetically modified organisms, diverse farming techniques, etc. are examples of natural pest control methods. Also, various techniques, like mixed cropping, intercropping, and crop rotation, promote the growth of diverse plants on one plot of land.
9. Conservation Agriculture:
Conservation agriculture is “a farming system that promotes maintenance of a permanent soil cover, minimum soil disturbance, and diversification of plant species,” according to the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).
Techniques of Organic farming
There are some techniques by which organic farming in India practiced. So, Check out below the methods of organic farming in India.
1. Soil Management
Soil management is the primary technique of organic farming in India. After cultivation, soil loses its nutrients, and its fertiliser goes down. The process in which soil is recharged with all the necessary nutrients is called soil management. Organic farming uses natural ways to increase the fertility of the soil. It uses bacteria, which are available in animal waste. Additionally, the bacteria helps in making the soil more productive and fertile. Soil management is also first on the list of organic farming methods.
2. Weed Management
The main aim of organic farming is to remove weeds. Weeds are unwanted plants that grow with the crop. Weeds Sticking with nutrients from the soil affected the production of the crops.
Two techniques which give a solution to the weed are following:
- Moving or cutting – In this process, cut the weed.
- Mulching – In this process, farmers use a plastic film or plant residue on the soil’s surface to block the weed’s growth.
3. Crop Diversity
According to this technique, different crops can be cultivated together to meet the growing demand for crops. Crop diversity is one of the most famous organic farming techniques in India.
Also Read- Crop Rotation
4. Chemical Management in Farming
Agricultural farms contain useful and harmful organisms that affect farms. To save crops and soil, the growth of organisms also needs to be controlled. In this process, natural or fewer chemicals, herbicides, and pesticides are used to protect soil and crops. So, proper maintenance is required throughout the area to control other organisms.
5. Biological Pest Control
In this method, use living organisms to control pests with or without the use of chemicals. Moreover, these techniques of organic farming are followed by Indian farmers in agriculture.
Benefits of Organic Farming
- Environmentally favourable.
- Encourages development that is sustainable.
- Delicious and healthful food.
- Budget Friendly
- Additionally, it makes use of natural resources.
- Generate revenue
- It also generates revenue through exports.
- Employment source.
An indispensable component of the world economy is agriculture. It serves as the main supply of food, fuels, and raw materials for industry. It also contributes significantly to job and income opportunities, especially in rural areas.
Market Demand For Organic Food
The marketplace demand for organic food has experienced a good sized increase in recent years, driven by using a range of things. Increasing fitness attention among people, coupled with issues about the environmental effect of traditional farming practices, has increased interest in organic food. Consumers perceive natural meals as more healthy, more secure, and more environmentally sustainable than conventionally produced food.
Additionally, as organic farming practices preserve to adapt and enhance, the variety and availability of organic meals have improved, further stimulating demand. This trend is obvious not only in traditional natural meal stores but also in mainstream supermarkets and online outlets. The organic options are becoming increasingly popular every day. Overall, the market demand for organic meals is anticipated to keep developing as purchasers prioritise health, sustainability, and natural food production practices.
Government Initiatives and Programmes
India has several government initiatives and programs to promote organic farming across the country. Following are some notable ones include:
1. National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP):
The Government of India launched this program to provide a national standard for organic production, certification, and accreditation.
2. Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY):
This scheme aims to promote organic farming through the adoption of traditional and indigenous methods. Additionally, it provides financial assistance to farmers for the conversion of their land into organic farms.
3. Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region (MOVCDNER):
Launched specifically for the North Eastern region of India, this mission aims to develop organic value chains, including production, processing, certification, and marketing.
4. National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA):
While not exclusively focused on organic farming, NMSA includes components that promote organic farming practices, such as organic farming demonstrations, training, and capacity building.
5. Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY):
This centrally sponsored scheme supports various agricultural initiatives, including organic farming projects, undertaken by state governments to improve farm productivity and sustainability.
These initiatives provide financial support, training, technical assistance, and infrastructure development to farmers interested in transitioning to or practising organic farming. They aim to enhance soil health, biodiversity, and farmer livelihoods while reducing the negative impacts of conventional agriculture on the environment and human health.
Frequently Asked Questions About Organic Farming in India
In India, approx 2.78 million hectare area is covered by organic agriculture. Some major organic products grown in India are oilseeds, tea, coffee, dried fruits, millets, cereals, spices, etc. So, these products are highly produced in India and exported by India. Also, Sikkim, Uttarakhand, and Tripura are the major states to cultivate organic products in India. Other states for organic farming are Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Maharashtra.
Q1. What is Organic Farming?
Ans. Organic farming aims to promote natural farming methods without using synthesised fertilisers and chemical products.
Q2. Where was the first Organic Farming practice?
Ans. The first organic farming practice in India is believed to have started in Sikkim, a state in northeastern India.
Q3. Which is the leading state in Organic Farming?
Ans. Madhya Pradesh, with 0.76 million hectares of land used for organic farming.
Q4. Who is the father of Organic Farming?
Ans. Sir Albert Howard, a British agronomist, is often referred to as the “father of organic farming.” He discovered organic agriculture principles and practices based on his experiences in India during the early 20th century.
Q5. What are the two types of organic farming?
Ans. The two types are Pure organic farming and integrated organic farming.
Q6. Why is organic farming important?
Ans. Organic farming is important because it promotes sustainable agricultural practices, preserves soil health and biodiversity, reduces chemical inputs, enhances food quality, supports rural livelihoods, and mitigates environmental pollution and climate change impacts.
Q7. What are the advantages of organic farming?
Ans. Organic farming offers numerous advantages, including:
1. Improved soil health and fertility.
2. It also reduced environmental pollution and soil erosion.
3. Preservation of biodiversity and ecosystem services.
4. Additionally, it enhanced nutritional quality and taste of food.
Q8. What are the disadvantages of organic farming?
Ans. Organic farming has disadvantages, too:
1. Lower yields and productivity compared to conventional farming methods.
2. Higher labour requirements and costs due to manual weed control and other practices.
3. Limited availability of organic inputs and resources, such as organic fertilizers and pest control methods.
4. Longer transition periods and initial investment required to convert conventional farms to organic.
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