Organic farming is a system of farming that employs organic inputs for the cultivation of crops. Unlike conventional farming, organic farming does not make use of chemical fertilizers and toxic pesticides for crop growth. Instead, it employs organic inputs such as animal manure and compost. Organic farming is practiced to produce non-poisonous and chemical-free food for consumers. At the same time, Organic farming ensures that the fertility of the soil is maintained. In this post, we have discussed Organic Farming in India.
Organic Farming in India
India has tremendous potential in organic farming. Research suggests that nearly 70% of the land under cultivation in India is arable. Such type of land requires a negligible amount of chemical fertilizers for the cultivation of crops. Such land offers ample opportunities for organic farming. It involves labor-intensive techniques of production. India is a labor-abundant country.
Hence, India has a comparative advantage in this type of farming. Organically produced products have a higher demand not only within the country but also in foreign countries. By producing and exporting organic products, India can generate higher income for itself. If India realizes the potential of this farming, then it can become the largest supplier of organic food in the world.
Advantages of Organic Farming in India
The following is a detailed discussion of the Advantages of Organic Farming.
Discards the use of chemicals: Unlike conventional farming, Organic farming does not make use of chemicals. The chemicals present in fertilizers and pesticides penetrate into the groundwater and raise its nitrate content. This causes health hazards and also pollutes the environment. So, Organic farming, by discarding the use of chemicals, is an environment-friendly method of farming.
Sustains soil fertility: The use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides adversely affects soil fertility. Organic farming discards the use of chemicals and employs organic inputs instead. Therefore, the crops produced by this technique are toxic-free. At the same time, the fertility of the soil is maintained.
Healthier food: Organically grown crops have higher nutritional value than conventionally grown crops. Hence, food crops grown organically are healthier. This is why the demand for organically produced food has risen rapidly despite its higher price.
Inexpensive technology for small and marginal farmers: Small and marginal farmers constitute the bulk of the farming sector. Organic farming offers these farmers an inexpensive farming technique as it does not involve the use of expensive chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
Less incidence of pests and diseases: As compared to conventional farms, organic farms are found to have a lesser incidence of outbreaks of crop diseases and pests.
Disadvantages of Organic Farming in India
Despite its benefits, organic farming does have certain shortcomings. In the initial years of Organic Farming, Indian farmers faced the following disadvantages.
Lesser yield: Organic Farming offers lesser yield than conventional farming. Therefore, the productivity of the former is lower than that of the latter.
Lacks initiative: The popularity of Organic Farming depends on the awareness and willingness of farmers to adopt this system. Due to lower productivity, farmers lack the initiative to adopt this farming technique.
Inadequate infrastructure: Organic Farming suffers from a lack of infrastructure with respect to its market reach. Thus, the problems of inadequate infrastructure and marketing need to be addressed to promote organic farming.
Financially infeasible for small farmers: As mentioned before, Organic Farming offers a lesser yield than conventional farming. Hence, the former is not financially viable for small and marginal farmers.
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