Organic farming is a method of agriculture that relies on natural processes and materials, avoiding the use of synthetic chemicals like fertilizers and pesticides. It promotes sustainable farming practices that enhance soil health, biodiversity, and ecological balance.

Organic farming is crucial for several reasons. It helps in preserving soil fertility, conserving water, reducing pollution, promoting biodiversity, and improving the health of farmers and consumers. Additionally, it provides opportunities for small-scale farmers to access premium markets and improve their livelihoods.

Organic farming practices help in maintaining soil health by promoting the use of natural fertilizers like compost and vermicompost. It also reduces soil erosion, prevents water pollution, conserves biodiversity, and mitigates climate change by sequestering carbon in the soil.

Organic farmers manage crop nutrients through a crop rotation that includes cover crops and the application of plant and animal organic matter, generally in the form of compost. Appropriate tillage and cultivation practices improve soil structure, organic matter content and soil microbial life. Mined minerals, and a few allowed synthetic substances are permitted as supplemental sources of nutrients, provided that soil, crop, and water contamination are avoided.

Organic food is free from synthetic pesticides, herbicides, and chemical fertilizers, making it healthier and safer for consumption. Studies suggest that organic food may contain higher levels of nutrients, antioxidants, and beneficial compounds compared to conventionally grown food, leading to improved overall health and well-being.

Yes, organic food often comes with a higher price tag compared to conventional food due to factors such as higher production costs, lower yields, and certification expenses. However, the premium price reflects the value of sustainable farming practices, environmental stewardship, and health benefits associated with organic products.

The use of genetic engineering, or genetically modified organisms (GMOs) is prohibited in organic products. This means an organic farmer can’t plant GMO seeds, an organic cow can’t eat GMO alfalfa or corn, and an organic soup producer can’t use any GMO ingredients. To meet the USDA organic regulations, farmers and processors must show they aren’t using GMOs and that they are protecting their products from contact with prohibited substances from farm to table.

Yes, the Government of India has implemented several schemes to promote organic farming, including the Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY), National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA), and Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region (MOVCD-NER). These schemes provide financial assistance, technical support, and market linkages to organic farmers.

Organic manures increase the organic matter in the soil. Organic matter in turn releases the plant food in available from for the use of crops. However, organic manures should not be seen only as carriers of plant food. These manures also enable a soil to hold more water and also help to improve the drainage in clay soils. They provide organic acids that help to dissolve soil nutrients and make them available for the plants.

Lower yield in the initial years when a field is converted from conventional system to organic, is widely observed and on this basis organic farming cannot be quoted as low-yielder. The initial one-to-three-year period is needed to build the agriculturally beneficial microorganisms in soil that have been adversely affected by use of agro-chemicals in conventional agriculture. Various long-term experiments conducted in several countries, including India have proved that once the soil health is restored, comparable yields of most of the crops can be harvested. During conversion period when soils are not fit for organic farming yields may decline, but with appropriate planning and crop selection it can be maintained.

Farmers can transition to organic farming by adopting practices such as crop rotation, organic manure application, biological pest control, and water conservation techniques. They can also seek support from government schemes, NGOs, and organic farming associations for training, certification, and marketing assistance.

Organic farmers in India face challenges such as lack of awareness and technical knowledge, limited access to organic inputs and markets, high certification costs, unpredictable weather patterns, and competition from conventional agriculture. Additionally, issues like certification fraud and the need for policy support also pose challenges.

Organic and Natural Farming
• Both are non-chemical systems of farming
• Based on diversity, on-farm biomass management and biological nutrient recycling
• Diversity, rotation multiple cropping and resource recycling is key

Organic farming
• Open for use of off-farm organic and biological inputs
• Does not allow Genetically modified seeds or products
• Also open for micronutrient correction through use of minerals
• Widely popular, Global market at 132 billion US$

Natural farming
• No external inputs
• On-farm inputs based on Desi Cow (Jeevamrit, Beejamrit, Ghanajeevamrit)
• Biomass recycling through mulching
• Use of compost/ vermicompost and minerals are not allowed
• Evolving, markets are yet to be developed