Prospects of Organic Farming towards Sustainable Agriculture in India

Abstract

The prime principle of organic farming results in response to health, environment and sustainability in agriculture towards food security to the growing population despite the climate change issues in India. Organic farming emerged as a potential alternative for meeting food demand, maintaining soil fertility and increasing soil carbon pool. However, Indian organic farming industry is almost entirely export oriented, running as contract farming under financial agreement with contracting firms. Additionally, limitations regarding bulk availability of organic supplements further constrain organic farming in India. Despite these issues, the increasing market demand and institutional support coupled with growing inclination of farmers to go organic have resulted in rapid growth in certified organic area during last 2-3 years. Farmers apprehension towards OF in India is rooted in non-availability of sufficient organic supplements, bio fertilizers and local market for organic produce and poor access to guidelines, certification and input costs.