What is Organic Farming and Its Advantages, Scope and Growth in India

Organic Farming: A method of management and agricultural production that combines a high level of biodiversity with environmental precautions that protect natural resources and adhere to strict standards for animal welfare is known as Organic Farming.

Additionally, organic farming meets the increased demand for genuine products from consumers while also allowing for environmental preservation in the framework of sustainable rural development. India is well-known to be an Agriculturist Country, where the majority of economic dependency is on Agriculture.

According to Organizations, What is "Organic Farming"?

Agro-ecosystem health, biodiversity, biological cycles, and soil biological activity are all promoted and enhanced by organic farming, according to the FAO (Food and Agricultural Organization, United Nations), which is a special production management approach.

According to the FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India), "Organic Farming" is a technique of farm design and management that avoids using synthetic external inputs like chemical fertilizers, pesticides, synthetic hormones, or genetically modified organisms to build an ecosystem for agriculture production.

Difference Between Organic Farm and Organic Food

Produce from organic farming is referred to as Organic Farm produce, whilst Food produced in compliance with organic production norms is referred to as Organic Food.

History of Organic Farming: Overview

Sir Albert Howard, F.H. King, Rudolf Steiner, and others created the principles of Organic Agriculture in the early 1900s because they thought that using animal manures (often turned into compost), cover crops, crop rotation, and biologically based pest treatments produced a better farming system.

The traditional and sustainable farming methods he discovered while conducting agricultural research in India greatly inspired Howard, who pushed for the adoption of these practices in the West.

Advocates for such approaches included J.I. Rodale and his son Robert, who produced "Organic Gardening and Farming" magazine and several books on organic farming starting in the 1940s and on. When Rachel Carson's book "Silent Spring" was published in the 1960s and detailed the depth of the environmental harm caused by insecticides, it increased demand for organic food.

Principles of Organic Farming in India

The following principles/concepts help Organic Agriculture expand and prosper. These could help the development of Organic Farming globally as well. The following are the four guiding principles of organic farming:-

Principles of Health: The well-being of individuals, groups, and communities.

Principles of Ecology: The correct balance between an ecosystem and its surroundings or nature.

Principle of Fairness: Healthy interpersonal interactions and a high standard of living.

Principles of Care: Taking into account the present and future environments.

Basic Reasons Fancied Organic Farming in India

Food safety is a crucial issue and a requirement in a world where many diseases are on the rise.

The maintenance of a population's healthy health profile is hampered by the widespread use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides.

In order to prevent numerous health risks coming from the agricultural goods we consume, organic farming practices open a sustainable gateway.

This would reduce the need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides in agriculture.

Types of Organic Farming in India

Pure Organic Farming: Every synthetic chemical is avoided in pure organic farming. Pure farming uses only pesticides and fertilizers that come from natural sources. A pure form of organic farming is what it is known as. The greatest farming for maximum productivity is pure organic farming.

Integrated Organic Farming: Integrated nutrient management and integrated pest management are components of integrated organic farming.

Techniques/Methods of Organic Farming

Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana: Through the Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana, cluster-based organic farming with PGS (Participatory Guarantee System) certification is promoted. The program supports cluster formation, training, certification, and marketing.

Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana: With the consent of the State Level Sanctioning Committee, assistance for promoting organic farming on several components is also accessible.

One District - One Product: The program intends to promote greater awareness and sales of locally-produced and specialized goods from Uttar Pradesh, creating jobs at the district level.

National Mission on Oilseeds and Oil Palm: Financial Support is being given for many components of the National Mission on Oilseeds and Oil Palm, including bio-fertilizers, the provision of Rhizobium culture, Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria (PSB), Zinc Solubilizing Bacteria (ZSB), Azatobacter, Mycorrhiza, and vermin-compost.

The Organic Farming Action Programme: The Organic Farming Action Programme's (OFAP) goal is to significantly advance organic farming through the implementation of priority measures.

Food Safety and Standards Authority of India(FSSAI): The nation's food regulator, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), is in charge of overseeing imports and domestic sales of organic food.

Participatory Guarantee System (PGS): PGS is a certification method for organic products that makes sure their production adheres to established quality requirements. PGS Green is applied to chemical-free vegetables throughout the three-year transition to "organic." It serves primarily domestic needs.

National Program for Organic Production (NPOP): For export-related reasons, NPOP certifies organic farming through a third-party certification process.

Agri-export Policy 2018: Focus on clusters and marketing and promoting "Produce of India" have benefited organic farming in India, according to the Agri-export Policy 2018.

Zero Budget Natural Farming: Zero Budget Natural Farming is an approach to chemical-free agriculture that is based on customs from India.

Evaluation of Organic and Conventional Management in Comparison

The yield for coarse/basmati rice-based cropping systems and soybean-based cropping systems was found to be higher during Kharif and Rabi/summer crops compared to inorganic approaches, indicating better suitability of these systems under long-term organic management approaches, according to a long-term experiment conducted at selected sites by the Indian Council of Agriculture Research (ICAR).

For systems based on coarse rice, basmati rice, and soybeans, soil organic carbon was shown to be considerably greater under long-term organic farming practices.