Organic farming is a production system that avoids synthetic inputs (fertilizers, pesticides, growth regulators) and relies on ecological processes, biodiversity, and cycles adapted to local conditions. India has the world's largest number of organic producers and the 9th largest area under organic cultivation. The government has launched several initiatives — Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY), Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region (MOVCDNER), and the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) — to promote organic farming.
Definition and Principles
FAO Definition
Organic agriculture is "a holistic production management system that promotes and enhances agro-ecosystem health, including biodiversity, biological cycles, and soil biological activity."
Core Principles (IFOAM)
Principle
Meaning
Health
Sustain and enhance the health of soil, plants, animals, humans, and planet
Ecology
Work with living ecological systems and cycles
Fairness
Build relationships that ensure fairness with respect to the common environment
Care
Manage responsibly to protect health and well-being of current and future generations
Key Practices
Crop rotation and intercropping
Green manuring and composting (vermicompost, NADEP compost)
Biological pest control (neem, Trichoderma, pheromone traps)
Zero tillage and conservation agriculture
Use of bio-fertilizers (Rhizobium, Azotobacter, PSB, Mycorrhiza)
Establish organic input production units at block level
Integrate organic farming into Kisan Credit Card (KCC) coverage
Develop organic-specific crop insurance products
Medium-term Measures
Create organic export zones and processing clusters
Strengthen organic value chains through FPOs (Farmer Producer Organizations)
Increase public investment in organic research (ICAR)
Mandate organic farming in 20% of command areas and watershed areas
Long-term Vision
Achieve 10% of net sown area under organic by 2030
Position India as global organic food hub
Link organic farming with One District One Product (ODOP) and GI tag
Develop organic brand "Sikkim-like" models for NE India
Conclusion
Organic farming in India is at a crossroads — it offers significant environmental, health, and export benefits, but faces yield, certification, and market access challenges. Success requires a comprehensive ecosystem: affordable certification, strong value chains, consumer awareness, and patient policy support. Sikkim's success proves it is possible, but replicating it across India requires state-specific strategies.
Practice Questions
Discuss the policy framework for organic farming in India. What are the major challenges in its adoption?
"Organic farming can address both nutritional security and environmental sustainability." Critically examine.
Explain the role of PKVY and MOVCDNER in promoting organic farming in India.