Organic farming in Indian context: A perspective

Abstract

Green revolution technologies played a great role in alleviating hunger but have also resulted in some adverse effects on our natural resources. Due to these adverse effects, stress is being laid on alternate forms of agriculture that are more sustainable. Organic farming, a holistic way of farming, is one of these alternate forms that are aimed at sustainable agricultural production. It relies on crop rotations, green manures, organic manures, biofertilizers, composts and biological pest management for crop production excluding or strictly limiting the use of synthetic fertilizers, chemical pesticides, plant growth regulators and livestock feed additives. No doubt, the advantages of organic farming outweigh its disadvantages but in practical it has several constraints viz. threat to national food security, limited availability of organic manures, profitability to farmers and affordability of organic produce by consumers. Thus, a complete shift to organic farming is neither desirable nor possible in high input use areas which are the major contributors of food grains to central pool. Systematic phasing out of agrochemicals and synthetic fertilizers in these areas may be a step in right direction. ‘Towards organic’ (integrated crop management) approach for input-intensive areas (food hubs) and ‘certified organic’ approach by integrating tradition, innovation and science in the de-facto organic areas (hill and rainfed/dryland regions) will be better option for national food security, higher household income and climate resilience.