Organic farming is a method of agriculture that relies on natural and sustainable practices to grow crops without the use of synthetic chemicals or genetically modified organisms (GMOs). In India, organic farming has gained momentum in recent years due to concerns about food safety, environmental sustainability, and the health of farmers.
Here’s some information about organic farming in India:
- History and growth: Organic farming in India has its roots in the traditional farming practices of the country. However, it was only in the 1980s that the concept of organic farming gained popularity in India. Today, India is one of the largest producers of organic products in the world, with a total area of 3.56 million hectares of land under organic certification.
- Government support: The Indian government has been actively promoting organic farming through various policies and programs. In 2015, the government launched the Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) scheme to promote organic farming in the country. The scheme provides financial assistance to farmers for the adoption of organic farming practices.
- Certification and standards: The National Program for Organic Production (NPOP) is the regulatory body responsible for the implementation of organic farming in India. The NPOP has developed standards for organic production, which are recognized by international bodies such as the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM).
- Crops: Organic farming is practiced for a wide range of crops in India, including rice, wheat, sugarcane, pulses, spices, and fruits. The country is a major producer and exporter of organic tea, coffee, and spices.
- Benefits: Organic farming has several benefits, both for the environment and for farmers. It helps to reduce soil erosion, conserve water resources, and promote biodiversity. It also eliminates the use of harmful chemicals, which can have negative effects on the health of farmers and consumers.
- Challenges: Despite the growth of organic farming in India, there are several challenges that the sector faces. These include the high cost of organic inputs, lack of infrastructure for processing and marketing organic products, and limited access to credit for farmers.
Overall, organic farming in India is a growing sector that has the potential to benefit farmers, consumers, and the environment. However, there is still much work to be done to overcome the challenges and fully realize the potential of organic farming in the country.