Organic Farming

Organic Farming refers to “A Farming system which:

• Avoids or largely excludes the use of synthetic inputs (such as fertilizers, pesticides, hormones, feed additives etc) and
• To the maximum extent feasible rely upon crop rotations, crop residues, animal manures, off-farm organic waste, mineral grade rock additives and biological system of nutrient mobilization and plant protection”. -US Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Organic farming in India

India ranks 1st in number of organic farmers and 9th in terms of area under organic farming.

1. Growth in Organic exports: India’s export of Organic food products rose by 51% in terms of value, to $1040Mn (₹7078 crores) during FY2020-21 compared to FY2019-20.
   • Oil cake meal has been a major commodity of organic exports from the country followed by oil seeds, fruit pulps and purees, cereals & millets, spices & condiments, tea, medicinal plant products, dry fruits, sugar, pulses, coffee, essential Oil
   • It’s exported to 58 countries including the USA, European Union, Canada, Great Britain, Australia, Switzerland, Israel, and South Korea.
2. Major Organic exports from India:flax seeds, sesame, soybean, tea, medicinal plants, rice and pulses.
3. 2019 Independence day speech: Farmers must keep 20-25% of their field free of chemicals.
4. Organic states:
   • Sikkim: 1st Organic state of the world: won Future Policy Gold Award by FAO
   • Other States includingTripura & Uttarakhand have set similar targets.
5. World facts: by The World of Organic Agriculture: Statistics and Emerging Trends Report, 2020
   • Currently, 5% of the world’s agricultural land is organic. The regions with the largest areas of organic agricultural land are Oceania(Australia) (~50% of the total organic area) and Europe (22%).
   • Nearly 80% of the world’s organic producers are smallholders mostly from low- and middle-income countries.- India, Uganda and Ethiopia
   • The US is the single-largest market (42% share) for organic food and drink.

Advantages of organic farming:

Organic farming is a Sustainable alternative to the excessive use of fertilisers.

Ecological Benefits of Organic Farming:

• Defence against climate change.
• Can be integrated with livestock farming for additional income: Zero farm waste.
• Soil’s natural strength enhanced: Efficient nutrient recycling, biological fertility & reduced soil erosion.
• Fewer chemicals in the food chain.
• Less water: as more water is retained. For example, Zero Budget farming uses only 10% of water compared to conventional methods.
• Increased Diversification: thus reducing the prevalence of diseases in plants.
• Less water pollution: Fertilizers cause eutrophication, and insecticides cause toxicity.

Economic benefits of Organic Farming:

• Low cost of production.
• Export Potential: High demand in Developed countries. US biggest consumer of organic products.
• Potential to Develop most underdeveloped regions of the country:
  1. North East India: consumption of chemicals is far less than in the rest of the country.
  2. Tribal and island territories are being nurtured to continue their organic story.
• Sustainable growth
• It suits all agro-economic conditions.
• Savings on health expenditure.
• Investments opportunities: for ESG(Environmental social & corporate governance) and Green investing.

Challenges in the implementation of Organic farming

• Pest attack in the absence of pesticides. Natural pesticides are weak- increasing the cost of production & related risks.
• Marketing: Under developed market, no labelling & branding
• Poor Certification and quality assurance: At present, the consumers do not have any method to check the authenticity of the organic food products due to the absence of a regulatory framework.
• Shortage of biomass and other organic inputs.
• Lack of awareness.
• Yield is low.
• Takes time to gain sustainability: Soils that have lost their natural nutritional value owing to injudicious use of chemicals over the decades will not support organic farming unless their vitality is renewed.
• Indigenous capacities lost: Farmers do not own indigenous seeds or a sufficient number of cattle which are a prerequisite for this type of cultivation.
• Needs more manual labour.

Organic Farming Models:

1. Integrated agriculture: or new European agriculture organic standard(IF) or integrated production or Integrated Farm Management is a whole farm management system that aims to deliver more sustainable agriculture.
   • It is a dynamic approach that can be applied to any farming system around the world.
   • It involves attention to detail and continuous improvement in all areas of a farming business through informed management processes.
   • It combines the best of modern tools and technologies with traditional practices according to a given site and situation, often employing many cultivation techniques in a small growing area.
2. Zero Budget Natural farming(ZBNF): ‘Zero Budget’ means without using any credit, without spending any money on purchased inputs and without chemical fertilizers.
   • NITI Aayog is amongst the foremost promoters of ZBNF. ICAR is studying it.
   • 4 Wheels:
     • Bijamrita: Seed Treatment using local cow dung and cow urine,
     • Jiwamrita: applying inoculation made of local cow dung and cow urine without any fertilizers and pesticides,
     • Mulching: activities to ensure a favourable microclimate in the soil, and
     • Waaphasa: soil aeration.
   • Way forward:
     • Multi-location studies are needed to scientifically validate the long-term viability and make it adaptable to other locations.
     • Budgetary support for zero waste farming.
     • Prices for Organic products must be differentiated.
     • Quality assurance.

3. Permaculture: Permanent + Agriculture: a system of agriculture and settlement that aims to reflect the interrelationships and sustainability of natural ecosystems.
   • It is an attempt to best use land so that generations and draws from several disciplines includingorganic farming, agroforestry, integrated farming and applied ecology.
     • Ex: Work done by the Pani Foundation in Marathwada is considered permaculture.
   • Basic Principles:
     • Observe and interact– with nature to design solutions.
     • Catch and store energy.
     • Obtain a yield– to ensure sustainability.
     • Apply self-regulation and accept feedback – to discourage inappropriate activity.
     • Use and value renewable resources and services.
     • Produce no waste.
     • Integrate rather than segregate.
     • Use and value diversity.

4. “Conservation agriculture” approach of FAO: Three principles of Conservation Agriculture:
   • Minimum mechanical soil disturbance: (i.e. no tillage) through direct seed and/or fertilizer placement.
     • Zero-Tillage/No-till farming/ direct drilling: this is a way of growing crops or pasture from year to year without disturbing the soil through tillage.
     • Main Advantages:
       • It increases the amount of water that infiltrates into the soil.
       • Increases soil’s retention of organic matter and its cycling of nutrients.
       • Reduce or eliminatesoil erosion.
       • Improved time of sowing and better trafficability of farm operations.
     • Permanent Soil cover: (at least 30%) with crop residues and/or cover crops.
     • Species Diversification: through varied crop sequences and associations involving at least three different crops – Crop rotation. [In spirit – against monoculture]

National Mission of Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA):

It has two Components:

1. Certification for Organic Food
2. Soil Health Management.

Certification for Organic Food:

FSSAI’s regulation:

1. Labelling of organic foods should provide full & accurate information regarding the organic status of the organic foods. It must carry a certification mark or a quality assurance mark provided by the notified certification bodies.
2. Participatory Guarantee System for India (PGS-India): is an internationally applicable organic quality assurance system [like ISO 9000]; Implemented and controlled by: committed organic farmer-producers through active participation, along with the consumers, in the process based on verifiable trust.
   1. It is a Decentralized Organic Farming Certification System.
   2. Certification scheme: run by the M/o Agriculture & notified by FSSAI.

Schemes run by  Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA, M/o Commerce):

APEDA has been mandated with the export promotion of organic products through various outreach programs.

• National Standards for Organic Products (NPOP, 2000): Standards of Organic Crop Production(described in NPOP document) include:
  • Crop production plan,
  • Conversion requirement,
  • Nutrient management,
  • Disease management for crops.
  • NPOP certification has been implemented by APEDA since 2001 as notified under the Foreign Trade (Development and Regulations) Act, 1992.
• Meaning: Organic products are exported from India only if they are produced, processed, packed and labelled as per the requirements of NPOP.
  • Such a product is issued a Transaction Certificate by a Certification Body accredited by the National Accreditation Body(NAB) for organic products under NPOP.
• It has been recognized by:
  • By USDA, EU and Switzerland enabling India to export unprocessed plant products to these countries without the need for additional certification.
  • By FSSAI for the trade of organic products in the domestic market. Organic products covered under the bilateral agreement with NPOP need not be recertified for import in India.
• “India Organic” certification mark for organically farmed food products. Certifies that the product conforms to the specifications of NPOP-2000and any eventual amendments. It is issued by testing centres accredited by APEDA under NPOP.

Soil Health Management (SHM):

This is ensured through two schemes: Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana and the Soil Health Card Scheme

Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana:

• Cluster Approach: 50 or more farmers form a cluster having 20ha or 50-acre land to take organic farming farmers will be eligible for assistance of Rs 48,700/ha for 3 years for adopting the traditional methods of cultivation & standard organic farming practices like ZBNF and permaculture.
• Components –
  1. Plan: 10 thousand clusters in three years (by 2017-18) and cover an area of 5 Lakh hectares under organic farming.
  2. At least 30% of the budget allocations are earmarked for women beneficiaries.
  3. PGS certification compliance –  training on organic farming and PGS Certification and quality control.
  4. Adoption of organic village for manure management and biological nitrogen harvesting.
  5. Marketing: An action plan for Packing, Labelling & Branding of organic products of cluster.
• Problem: Small Budget: ₹325Cr

Soil Health Card Scheme:

It assists State Governments (75:25) in setting up Soil Testing laboratories for issuing Soil Health Cards to farmers. State Governments should adopt innovative practices like the involvement of agricultural students, NGOs and the private sector in soil testing, determining the average soil health of villages, etc., to issue Soil Health Cards.

1. Sample Collection: The soil samples are collected by a trained person from a depth of 15-20 cm by cutting the soil in a ‘V’ shape. It is collected from four corners (except the area under shade) and the centre of the field is mixed thoroughly and a part of this sample is picked too.
2. Sample Analysis: 12 parameters are reported which include: NPK, pH, Electrical Conductivity, Organic Carbon, Sulpher, Zinc, Boron and Iron.
3. Report: apart from the above analysis it recommends corp-wise fertiliser and nutrients for the farmer.
4. Reporting: The scheme utilises the SHC portal through the common service centre through which the farmer can access the report and the soil history.
5. The Scheme has led to a decline of 8-10% in the use of chemical fertilizers and also raised productivity by 5-6%.

Other Initiatives

1. Agri-export Policy 2018: Focus on clustersand Marketing and promotion of “Produce of India” have
2. Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay Unnat Krishi Shiksha Yojana (PDDUUKSY)(2016) to develop human resources in organic farming, natural farming and cow-based economy for environmental sustenance and soil health. Implemented by the Education wing of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). Objectives:
   • To build skilled Human Resources at the village level who are relevant for the development of organic farming and sustainable agriculture.
   • Provide rural India with technical support in the field of Organic Farming Natural Farming Rural Economy or Sustainable Agriculture.
   • To extend other activities of this Yojana at the village level through their established centres.
   • The designated Centers may select the farmers for this initiative, subject to the conditions that: The farmers must be assessed in terms of their interest in organic farming, natural farming and cow-based economy prior to their selection. Priority must be attached to the farmers who are currently practising organic farming, natural farming or cow-based economy.
3. Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana – Remunerative Approaches for Agriculture and Allied Revolution Scheme(RKVY – RAFTAAR):
   • Objective & Basic features of RKVY:
     • Incentivize the states that increase their investment in Agriculture and allied sectors.
       • It provides flexibility and autonomy to the States in planning and executing.
       • The baseline expenditure is determined based on the past three years’ performance.
       • Projects with definite timelines are highly encouraged.
       • If states perform poorly after starting a project, then the balance resources would compulsorily utilized for completing the projects already commenced.
     • Local participation:
       • The preparation of the district and State Agriculture Plans is mandatory.
       • Convergence of programs such as NREGS.
     • 100% Central Government Grant. Budget: ₹3745Cr
     • It will integrate agriculture and allied sectors comprehensively.
   • List of allied sectors covered under the scheme
     • Crop Husbandry (including Horticulture), Animal Husbandry, Dairy and Fisheries
     • Agricultural Research and Education
     • Agricultural Marketing, Food Storage and Warehousing
     • Soil and Water Conservation
     • Agricultural Financial Institutions
     • Other Agriculture Programmes and Cooperation

4. positively impacted organic farming in India
5. One District – One Product (ODOP): to encourage morevisibility and sale of indigenous and specialized products/crafts of UP, generating employment at the district level. The presence of aggregators is imperative to bring about economies of scale for small and marginal farmers.
6. PM Formalization of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PM FME): M/o Food Processing Industry as a part of‘Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan’. It aims to bring in new technology, apart from affordable credit to help small entrepreneurs penetrate new markets.
7. Bhartiya Prakritik Krishi Padhati (BPKP):

1. • Focus on the exclusion of all synthetic chemical inputs and promote on-farm biomass recycling with major stress on biomass mulching, use of cow dung-urine formulations and plant-based preparations.
   • Financial assistance of Rs 12200/ha for 3 years is provided for cluster formation, capacity building and continuous handholding by trained personnel, certification and residue analysis.
2. Participation of various state governments:
   • Government of Uttar Pradesh: has proposed 98670 ha. Area in 35 districts for Natural Farming with a budget of Rs. 197 crore. This would benefit 51450 farmers.
   • Government of Rajasthan: has been promoting Natural Farming since 2019-20    as a pilot project in Tonk. Sirohi and Bansawara district through State Budget. During the financial year 2020-21, the scheme was executed in 15 districts (i.e. Ajmer, Bansawara, Baran, Barmer, Bhilwara, Churu, Hanumangarh, Jaisalmer, Jhalwar, Nagaur, Tonk, Sikar, Sirohi and Udaipur) of the State, through different training programs.
   • The Government of Himachal Pradesh has launched a scheme named ‘Pratrik Kheti Khushal Kisan Yojana by adopting ‘Subhash Palekar Natural Farming (SPNF) (also called Zero Budget Natural Farming techniques).  Up to 31 October 2021 1,46,438 farmers of Himachal   Pradesh are practicing in Zero Budget Natural Farming under the State Scheme Prakritik Kheti Khushal Kisan Yojana.

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