Describe concept, benefits and limitations of organic farming in India. (HPAS Mains Question Paper 2022 – GS 3, Q.20)
Organic farming is a farming method that avoids the use of synthetic fertilisers, pesticides, and genetically modified organisms in favour of natural techniques to maintain soil health and pest control. Organic farming in India is a rapidly expanding industry driven by rising demand for healthy, sustainable food.
Organic farming is based on the principles of environmental sustainability, social justice, and economic viability in India. Organic farmers in India focus on maintaining soil fertility through the use of organic manures, compost, and green manures, as well as crop rotation. They also use natural pest and disease control methods such as intercropping, companion planting, and the use of biopesticides.
The National Program for Organic Production (NPOP), which is overseen by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, governs organic farming in India. The NPOP establishes guidelines for organic product production, certification, and labelling. Farmers must follow the NPOP guidelines to be certified as organic, which include maintaining soil fertility, avoiding the use of synthetic fertilisers and pesticides, and maintaining a minimum buffer zone between organic and non-organic fields.
India’s organic farming sector is rapidly expanding, driven by both domestic and international demand for organic products. In 2019-2020, India exported 759,615 metric tonnes of organic products worth USD 689 million, according to the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA). Cereals, pulses, spices, tea, coffee, and fruits and vegetables are among the most essential organic products exported from India.
Benefits of Organic Farming:
- Improved soil health: Organic farming in India avoids the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilisers in favour of natural methods of soil health maintenance. Farmers, for example, can improve soil fertility and structure by using compost and green manure. This results in higher yields and higher crop quality.
- Organic farming in India has a lower environmental impact because it reduces the amount of chemicals released into the environment, improves soil and water quality, and preserves biodiversity. Farmers, for example, may use natural pest and disease control methods such as intercropping and companion planting instead of synthetic pesticides.
- Healthier Food: Organic farming in India produces food that is healthier and safer for consumers. Organic crops are grown without the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilisers, which can leave residues on food and are linked to a variety of health issues. Organic vegetables, for example, have higher levels of vitamin C and other nutrients than conventionally grown vegetables, according to a study conducted by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research.
- Organic farming in India can be less expensive than conventional farming because it does not require the purchase of synthetic pesticides and fertilisers. Organic farmers, for example, may make their compost or use natural pest control methods to save money.
- Organic farming in India can provide a higher income for farmers because organic products often command a premium price in the market. Organic tea grown in India’s Darjeeling region, for example, can sell for up to five times the cost of conventionally grown tea.
Limitations of Organic Farming:
- Lower Yields: Organic farming in India can result in lower yields than conventional farming, particularly in the short term. This is due to the fact that organic farming relies on natural fertilisers and pest control, which can be less effective than synthetic chemicals. Organic rice farmers in India, for example, have reported lower yields than conventional rice farmers due to pest and weed pressure.
- Higher labour costs: Organic farming in India necessitates more manual labour, such as weeding and composting, than conventional farming. Farmers may face higher labour costs as a result, creating a barrier to adoption. Some small farmers in India, for example, may lack the resources to invest in the additional labour required for organic farming.
- Costs of certification: Organic farming in India necessitates certification, which can be costly and time-consuming. Organic certification requires farmers to follow specific guidelines and regulations, which can be difficult for small-scale farmers. Farmers in remote areas, for example, may struggle to obtain certification due to a lack of access to certification agencies.
- Marketing: Organic farming in India faces marketing challenges because there is a limited market for organic products. Organic products are typically more expensive than conventional products, making them less accessible to consumers. Despite the environmental and social benefits of organic cotton production, organic cotton farmers in India have struggled to find buyers for their products.
- Climate change: Organic farming in India may be more susceptible to climate change than conventional farming. In extreme weather conditions such as drought or flooding, natural pest control and soil management methods may be less effective. Organic farmers in Maharashtra, for example, have reported difficulties as a result of increasing drought conditions, which can limit their ability to produce crops.
