Organic farming

Organic farming works with nature, not against it—growing food that’s healthier for the soil, the planet, and us. 🌱

Organic farming is a method of agriculture that focuses on growing crops and raising animals in a natural way, avoiding synthetic chemicals, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), and artificial fertilizers or pesticides. The goal is to maintain healthy soil, conserve biodiversity, and produce food that is environmentally sustainable and often considered healthier for consumption.

Key principles of organic farming include:

1.   Soil health – Using compost, manure, crop rotation, and cover crops to maintain and improve soil fertility naturally.

2.   Natural pest control – Managing pests with natural predators, crop diversity, or organic-approved substances instead of chemical pesticides.

3.   No synthetic chemicals – Avoiding synthetic fertilizers, herbicides, and growth hormones.

4.   Animal welfare – Raising livestock in free-range or humane conditions, feeding them organic feed, and avoiding antibiotics and growth hormones unless necessary for health.

5.   Biodiversity – Encouraging a variety of plants, animals, and microorganisms to support a balanced ecosystem.

In short, organic farming emphasizes working with nature, not against it, to produce food that is safer for people and the planet.

Organic farming in India is a rapidly growing practice, rooted in traditional agricultural methods, that has gained momentum in recent decades due to environmental, health, and economic reasons. India has a long history of natural farming techniques, and modern organic farming combines these traditional methods with global organic standards.

Here’s a detailed overview:

1. Background

• India is one of the largest producers of organic products in the world.

• States like Sikkim, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Kerala are leading in organic farming.

• Sikkim became the first fully organic state in India in 2016, meaning all farming in the state is certified organic.

2. Methods Used

• Natural fertilizers: Cow dung, compost, green manure, and biofertilizers.

• Pest control: Neem oil, garlic extract, bio-pesticides, and natural predators.

• Crop rotation & intercropping: To maintain soil fertility and reduce pests naturally.

• Water conservation techniques: Drip irrigation and rainwater harvesting to promote sustainable use of water.

3. Key Crops

• Cereals: Rice, wheat

• Pulses: Lentils, chickpeas

• Fruits & vegetables: Mango, banana, tomato, brinjal

• Spices: Turmeric, black pepper, cardamom

• Medicinal plants: Aloe vera, tulsi

4. Government Support

• The Indian government promotes organic farming through programs like:

  • Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) – supports cluster-based organic farming.

  • National Program for Organic Production (NPOP) – sets standards and certification.

  • Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region (MOVCDNER) – promotes organic farming in NE India.

5. Benefits

• Healthier food with fewer chemical residues.

• Improved soil fertility and long-term sustainability.

• Better prices for farmers in domestic and international organic markets.

• Reduced environmental pollution.

6. Challenges

• Lack of awareness among farmers.

• Certification process can be costly and complicated.

• Transition from conventional to organic farming takes 2–3 years.

• Limited access to organic inputs and markets in some areas.

In short, organic farming in India blends traditional knowledge with modern organic standards and is seen as a path toward sustainable agriculture. India is now considered one of the top exporters of organic products, especially spices, grains, and herbal products.

Here’s a simple and easy-to-understand diagram of how organic farming works in India:

     [Soil Preparation]

        (Compost, Cow dung, Green manure)

                 |

                 V

        [Sowing/Planting Seeds]

                 |

                 V

       [Natural Farming Practices]

  (Organic fertilizers, Crop rotation, Pest control using neem, bio-pesticides)

                 |

                 V

       [Growth & Nurturing of Crops]

  (Water management, Mulching, Weeding naturally)

                 |

                 V

          [Harvesting Crops]

                 |

                 V

     [Post-Harvest Processing]

   (Sorting, Cleaning, Packaging without chemicals)

                 |

                 V

          [Organic Certification]

   (NPOP or other organic certification bodies)

                 |

                 V

          [Market / Consumer]

   (Domestic & Export organic products)

✅   Key points to note from the diagram:

• Organic farming is chemical-free at every stage.

• Certification ensures consumers know the produce is truly organic.

• Sustainable practices like crop rotation, natural fertilizers, and bio-pesticides are central.

Here are the major government schemes and policies in India that support organic farming — making it easier for farmers to transition, get certified, access markets, and improve incomes:

🌱 1. Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY)

A central scheme to promote cluster‑based organic farming across India. Farmers form groups (clusters), receive training, organic inputs (like organic manure and biofertilizers), and help with PGS (Participatory Guarantee System) certification for organic produce.✅   Financial assistance: ~₹50,000 per hectare over 3 years to support organic inputs and activities.

🍃 2. Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region (MOVCDNER)

Specifically designed for the North Eastern states (like Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, etc.). It supports the entire organic value chain — from inputs and cultivation to processing, certification, marketing, and export.

• Provides funding for FPO/FPC infrastructure — collection centres, processing units, cold storage, transport, etc.

• Subsidies for certification and value chain facilities.

🌾 3. National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF)

A recent and significant mission focused on promoting natural and zero‑budget farming across the country (beyond just North East).

• Aims to assist 1 crore farmers to transition to natural farming techniques.

• Includes formation of clusters and bio‑input resource centres to help farmers make and use natural inputs like Jeevamrut and Beejamrut.

📈 4. PM‑PRANAM (Programme for Restoration, Awareness, Nourishment & Amelioration of Mother Earth)

A policy to reduce dependence on chemical fertilizers by redirecting part of the fertilizer subsidy toward organic inputs and natural farming.

• Offers Market Development Assistance (MDA) for fermented organic manure and encourages states to invest in organic/natural farming.

🧪 5. Support under National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA)

This broader agriculture mission provides:

• Subsidies to set up vermicomposting, bio fertilizer, and bio pesticide production units

• Support for organic input production and distribution infrastructure.

  
  

  This helps farmers and entrepreneurs access essential organic inputs at subsidized costs.

🍅 6. Additional Supporting Schemes

Various other agriculture schemes also help organic farmers indirectly:

• Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY): Enables states to promote organic agriculture as part of holistic rural development.

• National Horticulture Mission (NHM): Assists organic horticulture (fruits, vegetables, spice) through training and subsidies on organic inputs.

🏷️ Organic Certifications

To sell organic produce under trusted labels, farmers can obtain:

• PGS‑India Certification: A participatory, cost‑effective system suitable for local/domestic markets.

• Jaivik Bharat Certification: A government‑supported label under FSSAI that helps build consumer trust and brand value for organic foods in the market.

📌 Summary

Scheme / Policy	Focus
PKVY	Cluster‑based organic farming & inputs
MOVCDNER	Value chain support (North East)
NMNF	Large‑scale natural / organic farming expansion
PM‑PRANAM	Shifting subsidy to organic inputs
NMSA	Organic input infrastructure support
RKVY / NHM	Supplementary support & training

State‑wise overview of organic farming in India — showing major contributors, what they’re known for, and their relative roles in the country’s organic agriculture movement (based on latest available production/value figures and certified organic area data):

🌱 Top States in Organic Farming (Leaders)

1. Madhya Pradesh –

o   Largest organic farming base in India.

o   Major crops: soybean, pulses, wheat, spices.

o   Has the highest share of India’s organic output and cultivated area.

2. Maharashtra –

o   Strong organic production with sizeable acreage.

o   Focus: cotton, pulses, fruits.

o   Second largest contributor nationally.

3. Rajasthan –

o   Large share of organic output.

o   Known for millets, pulses and dry land organic farming.

4. Gujarat –

o   High organic output/value.

o   Emphasis on groundnuts, sesame, pulses.

5. Karnataka –

o   Important contributor with spices, coffee, millets.

o   Strong organic growth and varied agro‑climate support. 

🌿 Important Organic States (Emerging & Significant)

6. Odisha – Organic rice, millets; tribal areas boosting sustainable farming. 

7. Sikkim – First 100% certified organic state in India (chemical‑free agriculture). 

8. Uttarakhand – Known for organic spices and fruits (especially in hills). 

9. Kerala – Focus on spices, rice, and vegetable organic farming. 

🌾 Other States Practising Organic Farming

• Uttar Pradesh – Moderate organic farming area and production. 

• Himachal Pradesh – Increasing chemical‑free/natural farming adoption.

• Tamil Nadu, Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh – Smaller but growing organic activities.

• Chhattisgarh, Bihar, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Haryana, Punjab, Telangana – Organic cultivation present but at relatively lower output/area levels.

📊 What These Rankings Reflect

• Rankings are based on organic production value and certified area, not just total land.

• States like Sikkim are unique because of their policy commitment (fully organic).

• Larger states with more cultivable land (Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan) dominate contribution metrics.

⭐ Quick Summary (by Contribution Share)

State	Approx. % Share of Organic Output
Madhya Pradesh	Highest (~24%)
Maharashtra	~19%
Rajasthan	~15%
Gujarat	~10%
Karnataka	~9%
Odisha	~7%
Sikkim	~6%
Uttarakhand	~5%
Kerala	~4%
(Others contribute smaller shares)

Major crops grown under organic farming in India, categorized by type and region:

1. Cereals (Grains)

Crop	States/Regions	Notes
Rice	Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Kerala, West Bengal, Punjab, Andhra Pradesh	Traditional varieties; grown organically using compost and green manure
Wheat	Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh	Often rotated with legumes to maintain soil fertility
Millets (Jowar, Bajra, Ragi)	Rajasthan, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu	Suited for dry lands; low-input organic farming

2. Pulses / Legumes

Crop	States/Regions	Notes
Chickpeas (Gram)	Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan	High demand in domestic and export organic markets
Lentils (Masoor)	Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh	Helps in nitrogen fixation, improving soil naturally
Pigeon Pea (Tur)	Karnataka, Maharashtra	Often intercropped with cereals

3. Fruits

Crop	States/Regions	Notes
Mango	Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra	Organic mangoes have high export demand
Banana	Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra	Grown using organic fertilizers and bio-pesticides
Papaya	Karnataka, Tamil Nadu	Organic papaya gaining popularity for exports
Apple	Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand	Organic apples grown in hilly regions using natural fertilizers

4. Vegetables

Crop	States/Regions	Notes
Tomato	Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh	Protected cultivation sometimes combined with organic soil inputs
Brinjal (Eggplant)	West Bengal, Odisha	Pest control via neem-based bio pesticides
Cabbage, Cauliflower	Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand	Naturally grown using compost and crop rotation

5. Spices & Condiments

Crop	States/Regions	Notes
Turmeric	Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka	Organic turmeric is high-value for export
Ginger	Kerala, Sikkim	Often intercropped with organic vegetables or fruits
Black Pepper	Kerala, Karnataka	Grown using organic mulch and compost
Cardamom	Kerala, Sikkim	Organic certification adds export premium

6. Oilseeds

Crop	States/Regions	Notes
Groundnut	Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu	Organic groundnuts fetch higher market price
Sesame	Rajasthan, Gujarat	Resistant to pests under organic practices
Sunflower	Karnataka, Maharashtra	Often grown with organic compost and biofertilizers

7. Medicinal & Aromatic Plants

Crop	States/Regions	Notes
Tulsi (Holy Basil)	Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh	Used for herbal medicine
Aloe Vera	Rajasthan, Gujarat	Grown organically for health products
Ashwagandha	Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan	Organic cultivation for ayurvedic medicine

🌿 Key Points

• Legumes & millets are popular for soil fertility and sustainability.

• Fruits, spices, and medicinal plants are high-value organic crops often for export.

• Crop rotation, compost, biofertilizers, and neem-based pest control are common techniques.

Here’s how organic farming contributes to India’s agricultural sector in terms of land share, production, and economic importance:

🌾 1. Share of Agricultural Land

• As of the latest data, about 2.5 % of India’s total agricultural land is under certified organic farming (excluding wild harvest areas), which shows that organic farming is still a small but growing segment of total agriculture in the country.

📈 2. Production Volume

• India produced roughly 3.5 million metric tonnes of certified organic produce in recent years, across cereals, pulses, oilseeds, fruits, vegetables, and other categories.

💰 3. Economic Output

• States with major organic farming sectors (e.g., Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Karnataka) collectively contribute significant value (in thousands of crores of rupees) to India’s organic output. This highlights organic farming’s economic role, especially in rural economies.

🌍 4. Global Context

• India ranks among the top countries in terms of the number of organic farmers, and organic farming represents an important part of India’s agricultural export strategy (especially organic cereals, millets, and cotton).

⭐ Summary of Contribution

Aspect	Contribution / Share
Land under organic farming	~2.5 % of total agricultural land in India
Organic production (certified)	~3.5 million tonnes
Number of farmers practicing organic	India has one of the highest numbers of organic producers globally
Economic output (state estimates)	High value in several states (e.g., ₹10,000–₹12,500+ crore in big organic producers)

📌 Key Takeaways

• Organic farming is still a small share of the overall agricultural sector in India, but it is growing steadily as more farmers adopt organic practices.

• It contributes both to sustainable agriculture goals and rural incomes, especially in states where organic crops fetch higher premiums and export value.

• While organic farming occupies a modest fraction of farmland, its economic and ecological importance continues to expand.

Organic vs conventional farming in India across productivity, income, and environmental impact, with clear explanations:

1. Productivity (Yield per hectare)

Crop Type	Organic Farming	Conventional Farming	Notes
Cereals (Rice, Wheat)	Usually 10–25% lower yield	Higher yield due to chemical fertilizers and pesticides	Organic yields may be lower initially, especially during the 2–3 year transition from conventional farming.
Pulses & Millets	Comparable or slightly lower	Slightly higher	Pulses respond well to crop rotation; millets naturally grow well in low-input organic systems.
Fruits & Vegetables	Sometimes 5–20% lower	Higher with synthetic inputs	Organic fruits/vegetables are slower-growing but fetch premium prices.
Spices (Turmeric, Ginger, Pepper)	Comparable or slightly higher	Similar	Organic spices often have better quality, aroma, and market value.

Key point: Organic farming may produce lower yields in cereals initially, but certain crops like spices, millets, pulses, and medicinal plants perform well or comparably.

2. Income & Profitability

Aspect	Organic	Conventional	Notes
Input costs	Lower (no chemical fertilizers/pesticides; use compost, biofertilizers)	Higher (fertilizers, pesticides, chemicals)	Organic farmers save on chemical input costs.
Market price	20–50% higher (sometimes more for export-grade products)	Standard market price	Premium price offsets lower yields in most cases.
Net income	Often equal or higher despite lower yield	Depends on crop & input costs	Example: Organic turmeric in Andhra Pradesh can earn 30–40% more profit per hectare.

Key point: Organic farming often increases net income because of lower input costs and higher market premiums, despite modestly lower yields.

3. Environmental Impact

Factor	Organic Farming	Conventional Farming	Notes
Soil health	Improved long-term fertility (compost, green manure)	Degradation over time due to chemical fertilizers	Organic builds soil organic matter, retains moisture, and prevents erosion.
Water pollution	Minimal	Often high due to pesticide & fertilizer runoff	Organic reduces contamination of rivers and groundwater.
Biodiversity	High	Low	Organic farms support insects, birds, beneficial microbes.
Carbon footprint	Lower	Higher	Organic avoids fossil-fuel-based synthetic fertilizers.
Pest resistance	Uses natural methods; may require crop rotation	Pesticide resistance can develop	Organic promotes natural pest-predator balance.

Key point: Organic farming is much better for the environment, conserving soil, water, and biodiversity while reducing chemical dependency.

4. Social & Health Impact

• Organic farming:

  • Safer for farmers (no chemical exposure).

  • Produces food with fewer chemical residues.

  • Often promotes community-based farming (clusters, PGS certification).

• Conventional farming:

  • Higher chemical exposure for farmers.

  • Potential long-term health risks from pesticide residues in food.

🌟 Summary: Organic vs Conventional

Aspect	Organic	Conventional	Verdict
Yield	Slightly lower for cereals; comparable for spices/pulses	Generally higher	Short-term productivity is lower
Net Income	Often higher due to premium prices	Medium; high input costs	Organic can be more profitable
Soil & Environment	Maintains fertility, biodiversity, less pollution	Risk of soil degradation, pollution	Organic wins long-term
Health	Safer for farmers & consumers	Exposure to chemicals	Organic preferred

Bottom line: Organic farming may produce slightly lower yields, but it earns comparable or higher income, preserves the environment, and improves long-term sustainability. In India, where soil degradation and chemical overuse are concerns, organic farming is becoming strategically important, especially for high-value crops.

Conclusion: Organic Farming in India

Organic farming in India represents a growing and strategic segment of agriculture that blends traditional knowledge with modern sustainable practices. Though it currently occupies only about 2–3% of total agricultural land, its economic, environmental, and social importance is rising steadily.

Key takeaways:

1. Economic Benefits:

o   Organic crops often fetch higher market prices, especially for spices, fruits, and medicinal plants.

o   Lower input costs (no chemical fertilizers or pesticides) make it profitable for farmers, sometimes even more profitable than conventional farming.

2. Environmental Sustainability:

o   Organic farming preserves soil fertility, water quality, and biodiversity.

o   It reduces the carbon footprint of agriculture and minimizes chemical pollution, supporting long-term ecological balance.

3. Health & Social Impact:

   • Produces food with fewer chemical residues, safer for consumers.

   • Protects farmers from exposure to harmful chemicals.

   • Encourages community-based farming and participation through cluster models like PKVY.

4. Challenges:

o   Lower yields in some crops during the transition period.

o   Certification and market access can be complicated for small farmers.

o   Awareness and training are still needed in many states.

5. Government Support & Policy:

o   Schemes like PKVY, MOVCDNER, NMNF, and NPOP certification support farmers with inputs, training, and market access.

o   States like Sikkim, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Uttarakhand are leading in adoption, with Sikkim being fully organic.

Final Thought:

Organic farming in India is not just an alternative agricultural method—it is a pathway toward sustainable, healthy, and profitable agriculture. With continued government support, market development, and farmer awareness, organic farming has the potential to transform rural livelihoods, improve environmental health, and strengthen India’s position in global organic markets.