Principles of Organic Farming [2(1+1)]
Unit - I
Syllabus
Organic farming global scenario, principles and its scope in India;
Organic produce certificate Initiatives are taken by the Government (central/state),
NGOs, and other organizations for the promotion of organic agriculture.
Organic Farming - global scenario, principles, and its scope in India
Organic farming refers to growing crops and raising livestock using natural methods without synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), or other artificial additives. It focuses on maintaining soil health, biodiversity, and ecological balance while producing healthy and nutritious food.
Organic farming also emphasizes the use of renewable resources and minimizing waste and pollution. Organic farming practices vary depending on the region and the crops or livestock being produced, but they all share a commitment to sustainability, health, and environmental stewardship. Organic farming is gaining popularity worldwide due to its potential to mitigate climate change, improve soil fertility, and promote food security.
Global Scenario
Organic farming has gained significant popularity worldwide in recent years due to concerns over environmental degradation, health concerns, and sustainable agriculture practices. According to the latest data available from the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM), as of 2021, organic farming is practiced in over 187 countries, with a total of 72.3 million hectares of organic agricultural land worldwide.
The top 10 countries with the highest organic agricultural land are:
Australia
Argentina
Spain
China
United States
Italy
France
Germany
Canada
Brazil
Europe has the largest share of organic agricultural land globally, followed by Latin America and Oceania. In terms of the types of crops grown organically, the majority of organic agricultural land is used for permanent crops such as fruit trees and vineyards, followed by pasture and meadow.
Consumer demand for organic products has also grown in recent years, with organic food sales reaching $125 billion globally in 2020, according to the Organic Trade Association. The COVID-19 pandemic has further increased demand for organic products, as consumers have become more conscious of the need for healthy and sustainable food choices.
Governments around the world have also introduced policies and initiatives to promote organic farming and support the growth of the organic industry. For example, the European Union introduced a new organic regulation in 2021 that aims to strengthen the organic farming sector and increase consumer trust in organic products. In India, the government has introduced various schemes and incentives to promote organic farming, including the Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana and the Organic Farming Scheme.
Principles
The principles of organic farming include: Soil health: Organic farming relies on the health of the soil, using techniques such as crop rotation, cover cropping, and composting to maintain soil fertility and structure. Biodiversity: Organic farming encourages biodiversity by using a variety of crops and promoting the growth of natural habitats such as hedgerows and ponds. Animal welfare: Organic farming emphasizes the ethical treatment of animals, providing them with adequate space, access to the outdoors, and a natural diet. Avoiding synthetic chemicals: Organic farming avoids the use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides, instead relying on natural methods such as crop rotation, natural predators, and organic fertilizers. GMO-free: Organic farming prohibits the use of genetically modified organisms in crop production. Sustainable practices: Organic farming aims to minimize the use of non-renewable resources and reduce environmental impact by using sustainable practices such as conservation tillage, energy-efficient irrigation, and natural pest management.Scope
Some key points about the scope of organic farming:
1. Organic farming aims to produce healthy and nutritious food while promoting environmental sustainability, biodiversity, and natural resource conservation.
2. The scope of organic farming includes crop production, animal husbandry, and fisheries.
3. Organic farming relies on natural inputs such as compost, manure, and crop rotation to maintain soil fertility and productivity.
4. Organic farming practices also involve the avoidance of synthetic pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers.
5. The scope of organic farming extends beyond agriculture and includes the entire food value chain, from production to processing, distribution, and consumption.
6. Organic farming is gaining popularity worldwide as more consumers become aware of the environmental and health benefits of organic food.
7. Organic farming has the potential to increase income and improve the livelihoods of small-scale farmers by providing better market access and reducing input costs.
8. Organic farming can also contribute to climate change mitigation by sequestering carbon in the soil and reducing greenhouse gas emissions from agricultural activities.
Organic produce certificate Initiatives are taken by the Government (central/state),
The Government of India has initiated various schemes and programs to promote organic farming and provide certification for organic produce. Some of them are:
1. Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) - This scheme promotes organic farming among farmers and encourages them to adopt organic farming practices by providing financial assistance to set up organic farms.
2. Organic Value Chain Development in North Eastern Region (OVCDNER) - The main objective of this scheme is to develop the organic sector in the North Eastern Region of India and provide assistance in developing organic value chains for various organic products.
3. National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) - This program provides a national standard for organic production and provides certification for organic products.
4. National Centre of Organic Farming (NCOF) - The NCOF is a center for promoting organic farming and provides training and research facilities for farmers, consumers, and other stakeholders.
5. Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) - This system is a community-based organic certification system that involves farmers and consumers in the certification process.
6. National Institute of Organic Farming (NIOF) - The NIOF is an institute that provides education and research facilities for organic farming and promotes the use of organic inputs.
7. Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) - This scheme provides financial assistance for organic farming and encourages farmers to adopt organic farming practices.
8. Organic Farming Scheme - The central government provides financial assistance to farmers for the adoption of organic farming practices through the Organic Farming Scheme.
These initiatives have been taken to promote organic farming in India and provide certification for organic produce.
Initiatives taken by state governments for organic produce certification:
1. Sikkim Organic Mission - The Sikkim government has set up the Sikkim Organic Mission to promote organic farming in the state. It provides incentives and technical support to farmers for the adoption of organic farming practices.
2. Kerala Organic Farming Policy - The Kerala government has launched an organic farming policy that aims to make the state 100% organic by 2020. It provides incentives to farmers for the adoption of organic farming practices.
3. Himachal Pradesh Organic Farming Policy - The Himachal Pradesh government has launched an organic farming policy that aims to make the state a model organic state. It provides financial incentives to farmers for the adoption of organic farming practices.
4. Maharashtra Organic Farming Policy - The Maharashtra government has launched an organic farming policy that aims to promote the use of organic farming practices in the state. It provides financial assistance to farmers for the adoption of organic farming practices.
NGOs, and other organizations for the promotion of organic agriculture.
There are several NGOs working towards the promotion of organic agriculture in India. Some of the prominent ones are:
1. Navdanya: Navdanya is a network of seed keepers and organic producers spread across 18 states in India. They work towards the conservation of biodiversity, promotion of organic farming, and fair trade.
2. Organic Farming Association of India (OFAI): OFAI is a national-level federation of organic farmers, consumers, and stakeholders in the organic agriculture sector. They work towards the promotion of organic farming practices, education and training of farmers, and policy advocacy.
3. Society for Promotion of Wastelands Development (SPWD): SPWD is a non-profit organization that works towards the promotion of sustainable livelihoods through organic farming, wasteland development, and natural resource management.
4. Greenpeace India: Greenpeace is an environmental NGO that works towards sustainable agriculture, the protection of biodiversity, and the promotion of renewable energy.
5. Centre for Sustainable Agriculture (CSA): CSA is a non-profit organization that works towards the promotion of ecological farming practices, conservation of natural resources, and empowerment of small and marginal farmers.
These NGOs work towards creating awareness about the benefits of organic agriculture, providing training and technical support to farmers, promoting sustainable farming practices, and advocating for policies that support organic farming.
Other Organizations
There are several private organizations that work towards the promotion of organic farming. Some of them are:
1. International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM): It is a global organization that promotes organic farming and advocates for sustainable food systems.
2. Organic Trade Association (OTA): It is a membership-based trade association that represents the organic industry in North America. OTA works to promote organic farming and supports the growth of the organic sector.
3. The Organic Center: It is a non-profit organization that conducts research on organic farming and provides information on the health and environmental benefits of organic agriculture.
4. Rodale Institute: It is a non-profit organization that conducts research on organic farming and advocates for regenerative agriculture practices.
5. Biodynamic Association: It is a non-profit organization that promotes biodynamic farming, a method of organic farming that emphasizes the holistic development and interrelationships of soil, plants, and animals.
These organizations work towards creating awareness about the benefits of organic farming and provide support and resources to farmers interested in transitioning to organic practices.
Other Notes
Next: Unit 2