ORGANIC FARMING

 

‘India is a land of agriculture’, we all have come across this line multiple times in our day lives. But, do you know about Organic farming and the fact that it is actually a traditional method of farming without using all the unrequired external factors, and how basic it is to practice? Did you know that, India has the largest number of Organic producers accounting to over 835,000 according to FIBL Survey 2019 or India ranks 33^rd in terms of area under organic farming.

Organic farming involves usage of biological materials combining techniques, traditions and innovations to maintain the ecological balance in a healthy way without affecting the environment. It includes processes like crop rotation, green manure, organic waste management, biological pest control, etc. In addition to enhancing soil quality, organic farming also actively works to boost indigenous biodiversity, ecosystems and people. So, organic farming is simple yet effective.

India has humongous potential in the field of organic agriculture, but with limited percent of the total agricultural land under organic farming, it has a long way to go. Organic farming has the potential to change the face of agriculture in India today. We have 1.2 million ha of land under organic production, producing around 1.24 million tons of organic produce. India, it’s time we realize our agri strengths!!

         
Madhya Pradesh has highest area under organic farming (1.1 mha or 52%) followed by Maharashtra (0.96 mha or 33.6%) and Orissa (0.67 mha or 9.7%). Uttarakhand and Sikkim are already recognized as the organic states. So, it’s high time to pull the socks up of your respective states and make it run in the race of being organic!!

Organic farming is important for India for several reasons. As a organic production relies more on labour as a substitute for other inputs, it generates employment. Its intensive nature favors India’s smaller farm sizes and provides innumerable health benefits for people as compared to conventional farming practices. Hence, we can say that organic farming is the FUTURE…!!

As far as consumption of organic food export is concerned, Organic food exports from India are increasing with more farmers shifting to organic farming. India has now become a leading supplier of organic herbs, organic spices, organic basmati rice, etc. The exports amount to more than 53% of the organic food produced in India at present which is substantially high when compared to the export of organic food earlier during the year 2003-04 being only 6 – 7% of the total agricultural produce (According to Food Processing Market in India, 2005).