Advantage of organic farming are unlimited. Organic farmingOrganic farming is an ecologically based agricultural system that reduces or completely eliminates the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. It has a positive impact on soil health, water and biodiversity while conserving natural resources. Food produced from organic farming is delicious and rich in nutrients. At the same time, this agricultural method is environmentally friendly. This article discusses the principles, types, benefits, challenges of organic farming as well as the development and various possibilities of this agricultural system in India.
Introduction to Organic Farming:
Organic farming is an agricultural system based on ecological principles. In this agricultural system, synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and other harmful chemicals are not used. It relies on natural processes to promote soil health, ecosystem and biodiversity. The aim of organic farming is not only to increase food production but also to create a sustainable and environmentally friendly agricultural system.
Definitions of organic farming:
According to Neerja Sharma, “Organic farming is a process in which farming is done using only natural elements. Its purpose is the rejuvenation of land, protection of the environment, conservation of fertility, and healthy food production.”
According to Purnima Gupta, “A process that helps in maintaining the fertility of land and keeping the environment safe, which produces using only organic elements. Through organic farming, valuable food products are produced, which are also pure and suitable for health.”
Principles of Organic Farming:
Organic farming is a progressive agricultural system based on many environmentally friendly principles. Several principles have been identified by IFOAM – Organics International in relation to the principles of this agricultural system.
- Soil and Human Health: According to IFOAM “Organic farming promotes the health of soil, plants, animals, humans and the environment in a holistic way. It adopts a ‘One Health’ approach, recognizing the interrelationship of all living things.” (IFOAM) Organic agricultural systems are carried out without harming the quality of the soil. It is a system of agriculture that has a positive approach to tree, plant, animal and ultimately human health.
- Eco-Friendly: Organic farming is an environmentally friendly agricultural system based on natural ecosystems and processes. It utilizes natural processes, promoting soil fertility, water conservation and biodiversity. In this context, the Northeast Organic Farming Association (NOFA) states that “organic farming systems work in harmony with natural ecological processes.” (NOFA) It is a system that promotes food security while maintaining ecological balance and conserving natural resources.
- Justice to all stakeholders: Organic farming is an agricultural system that treats all stakeholders fairly and respectfully. These stakeholders include farmers, workers, consumers and the environment. It seeks to promote social and economic justice.
- Checking the impacts of inputs in the agricultural system: In organic farming, caution is exercised while making decisions regarding various inputs. Before adopting any new technology or other input, their potential impacts on human health and the environment are carefully evaluated. Therefore, organic farming is an agricultural process that adopts a cautious approach to uncertainty and potential risks.
Advantage of organic farming:
Organic farming is particularly beneficial in terms of human health, soil health, environment and ecological adaptation. This agricultural system has many benefits:
Soil health and healthy soil: Organic farming increases the fertility and structure of the soil, which improves the water holding capacity and the availability of nutrients. In this context, the USDA National Organic Program states that “organic farming improves soil health, which is the basis of sustainable agriculture.” (USDA) This agricultural system is favorable for soil microorganisms. This agriculture increases the population of microorganisms found in the soil, which are important for nutrient cycling and plant health.
Environmental protection: Organic farming is a process of doing agriculture that ensures environmental protection as well as food security. It reduces chemical pollution, which reduces the risk of water pollution and soil contamination. It also reduces greenhouse gas emissions. Due to all these positive benefits, this agricultural system proves helpful in reducing climate change. It does not use pesticides and other harmful chemicals. As a result, wildlife and the environment are automatically protected.
Nutritious food: Organic farming is a sustainable agricultural system that produces nutritious food. Organic foods usually contain more nutrients and are free from chemical residues. Some studies show that organic foods have higher levels of antioxidants. It provides safe and nutritious food to consumers.
Conservation of biodiversity: Organic farming is an agricultural activity that promotes crop diversity and provides habitat for wildlife, which helps in preserving biodiversity. It also helps in preserving native crops and animal breeds.
Boosting rural economy: If we successfully promote an organic farming system and the farmer adopts this system, it can revolutionize employment generation in rural areas and increase the income of farmers. It can play a positive role in empowering local communities and providing sustainable livelihoods.
Water conservation: Organic farming increases the water holding capacity of the soil, which reduces the need for irrigation and maximum production can be taken from even minimal water sources. It also helps in conserving and enhancing water sources.
Animal welfare: Under organic farming, not only food grains are produced but organic animal husbandry is also done in this system. In this system, animals are provided more space and natural environment, which improves animal husbandry.
Challenges of organic farming:
Any profitable idea or technology faces many challenges in implementing it practically. Similarly, organic farming is a profitable and sustainable agricultural system in many ways, but this system also has some challenges, such as
High cost: Organic farming requires more cost in the beginning as compared to conventional farming because the initial cost of specialized labor and organic inputs is high. Along with this, the price of organic manure and bio-fertilizers is higher than conventional chemical fertilizers.
Low production: The process and results of organic farming are slow. In some crops, organic farming may initially produce less than conventional farming. But gradually when the production starts increasing, it keeps increasing and leaves conventional production behind. This happens because with time, production increases with improvement in soil health. Therefore, in the long term, organic farming starts giving more production than conventional farming.
Limited market access: Market access is less in remote areas. In such a situation, organic products have to face more challenges. Hence, limited market access is a major challenge for this system. Marketing and distribution network for organic products has not been developed yet, hence farmers face difficulty in getting fair price for their products.
Cost of certification: Certification of organic products is another problem. Farmers have to spend separately to get their products certified, which is a hindrance from the point of view of small farmers. Hence, it is necessary to make the certification process simple and accessible.
Lack of skilled labour: Skilled labour is required for weed control and pest management in organic farming activities. In this direction, it is necessary to train farmers in organic farming techniques and activities.
Lack of knowledge and awareness: Organic farming is profitable and sustainable in many ways, yet today most of the farmers do not have adequate information about the techniques and benefits of organic farming. Hence, it is necessary to increase awareness and spread knowledge among farmers.
Lack of research and development: It is necessary to promote research and development in the field of organic farming so that new technologies and processes can be developed.
Status of organic farming in India:
Organic farming has been done in India since ancient times and it has a rich history. Later when the Green Revolution took place, this organic system was neglected. Chemical fertilizers and pesticides are used in the Green Revolution i.e. traditional agriculture. Hence, there was a dramatic increase in agricultural production and farmers started adopting this agriculture. This process marginalized organic farming.
In recent years, with the increase in awareness towards organic farming, organic farming is developing rapidly in India. Many policies and programs are being implemented by the Government of India to promote organic farming. “The Government of India is committed to promote organic farming and is providing technical and financial assistance to farmers.” (Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India) To work in this direction, the government is implementing National Center for Organic Farming (NCOF) and Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) etc. Along with government efforts, many non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and private companies are also actively working to promote organic farming. Regarding organic farming development, Union Minister of State for Agriculture Ram Nath Thakur, in a written reply in Rajya Sabha on February 7, 2025, said that “As part of the government’s ongoing efforts to promote organic farming, a total of 6.22 lakh farmers have registered under the organic farming portal. He further informed that the total organic farming area certified under the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) and Participatory Guarantee System (PGS-India) is 59.74 lakh hectares in various states.” (Rajya Sabha 2025)
Needless to say, Indian farmers are showing positive trends in terms of organic farming.
Market of organic products:
The market for organic products in India is growing rapidly. Consumers are now becoming more conscious about health and the environment. Environmental awareness is increasing the demand for organic products. Yet we also have to consider that the prices of organic products are still higher than conventional products. The high price of organic products limits the growth of the market. Hence, we need to improve the availability and accessibility of organic products.
Suggestions to promote organic farming:
Organic farming is a profitable and environment friendly agricultural system from many points of view but even today we need to do a lot for the development of this system. Hence, the following suggestions can be given to promote organic farming:
- Educate and train farmers: Today we need to educate and train our farmers about the techniques and benefits of organic farming. Through training programs, farmers should be provided information about organic farming so that farmers can adopt this sustainable process. It is also important to make farmers aware of successful examples of organic farming.
- Developing market for organic products: It is necessary to develop a market for organic products so that farmers can get fair prices for their products. For this, infrastructure has to be developed for marketing and distribution of organic products. The reach of organic products can be increased through online platforms and retail stores.
- Simplify the certification process: The process of certifying organic products should be made simple and accessible as it seems a cumbersome process for small farmers. Farmers are discouraged due to this process. Therefore, it is necessary to reduce the certification cost and make the certification process more transparent.
- Promoting research and development: For the development and promotion of organic farming, it is most important to focus on research so that new technologies and new processes can be developed. Research related to yield and pest management in organic farming should be given priority.
- Providing financial assistance: A simple, sustainable and easy financial support system should be established for organic farming so that farmers can buy organic inputs and equipment. Farmers can be provided subsidy and loans at low interest rates for organic farming.
- Raising awareness: It is necessary to raise awareness about the benefits of organic products among consumers. For this, advertising and public relations programs can be organized. It is necessary to provide correct information to consumers about organic products and remove their myths and tell them about the health benefits of organic products.
- Policy support: The government should make favorable policies to promote organic farming. Such as subsidies and market incentives for organic products. Some concessions to customers on purchasing organic produce etc. Apart from these efforts, it is very important to prepare a national policy and action plan to promote organic farming.
- Promoting farmer groups: Farmers should be encouraged to form groups for organic farming. It is necessary to provide various information to farmer groups like purchase of organic inputs, marketing of products.
- Ensuring availability of organic inputs: It is necessary to ensure easy and accessible availability of organic inputs such as organic manure and bio fertilizer required for organic farming. Production and distribution of organic inputs should also be promoted in various ways.
- Promoting innovation in organic farming: It is necessary to promote innovation in organic farming so that new techniques and methods can be developed and more production can be done at less cost. If we do this, then farmers will automatically turn towards organic farming. Farmers can also be given many incentives to adopt new ideas and techniques in organic farming.
- International cooperation: To promote organic farming, we also need to promote international cooperation. Through this collaboration we can learn something new from the experiences and best practices of other countries which can help in the development of organic farming.
Types of organic farming:
There are various types of organic farming prevalent in India, including:
- Integrated organic farming: This system involves livestock and trees along with crops. This system ensures maximum resource use and minimum waste generation. This system promotes biodiversity and strengthens the ecosystem.
- Organic farming: This system focuses on improving soil health and preserving biodiversity. Under this system, the activities of soil microorganisms are encouraged and chemical inputs are used less.
- Natural farming: This is a system of organic farming based on minimum tillage and use of external inputs. This system places special emphasis on natural processes to increase soil fertility and control pests and diseases.
- Regenerative agriculture: This system focuses on restoring soil health and reviving ecosystems. Carbon sequestration is promoted under this system. This system of organic farming helps in reducing climate change.
Organic farming and climate change:
Organic farming is an agricultural system that plays an important role in reducing climate change. It increases the amount of organic matter in the soil to maintain soil health. As a result, carbon is sequestered. It also reduces greenhouse gas emissions and increases the resilience of agriculture to the effects of climate change. Organic farming helps in developing climate change-friendly agricultural systems.
Future of organic farming:
Organic farming has great potential in India. With increasing awareness among consumers towards health and environment, the demand for organic products is expected to increase. If farmers get support from the government, then farmers can adopt this sustainable agricultural method. When farmers are encouraged, organic farming can emerge as a major agricultural system in India. Research, education, market development and policy support are needed to promote organic farming. Organic farming can not only increase food security but also help preserve the environment and boost the rural economy. It can play an important role in the development of a sustainable and inclusive agricultural system.
Organic farming provides many opportunities to farmers. Such as increasing consumer demand, government support, technological development and international cooperation. By taking advantage of these opportunities, organic farming can be established as a successful and sustainable agricultural system in India.
Conclusion:
Organic farming is a sustainable and environmentally friendly agricultural system which is important for India. It not only promotes food security but can also help preserve the environment and boost the rural economy. Organic farming can be established as a successful and sustainable agricultural system in India with the joint efforts of the government, farmers and consumers. Research, education, market development and policy support are needed to promote organic farming. Organic farming can play an important role in shaping the future of India’s agricultural sector. Organic farming is an agricultural system that not only fulfills the needs of the present generation but also preserves the resources for future generations.
Reference:
Answer given by Minister of State in Rajya Sabha, 07/02/2025
IFOAM – Organics International: https://ifoam.bio
Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India: https://agriwelfare.gov.in/
Northeast Organic Farming Association (NOFA): https://www.nofa.org
USDA – National Organic Program: https://www.usda.gov/organic
National Centre for Organic Farming (NCOF): https://nconf.dac.gov.in/https://nconf.dac.gov.in/