Need of Organic Farming in India: Demand, Advantages, Setup Cost & More

India, the land of agriculture, is at a crucial juncture. While the Green Revolution propelled the nation towards food security, its long-term impact on soil health, biodiversity, and human well-being necessitates a paradigm shift. The need of organic farming in India has never been more pronounced. This article delves into the burgeoning demand for organic produce, the compelling advantages of organic farming, the practical aspects of setting it up, and much more.

Why India Needs Organic Farming: Addressing Critical Concerns

The conventional farming practices, heavily reliant on chemical fertilisers and pesticides, have led to several pressing issues:

• Deteriorating Soil Health: Excessive use of chemical fertilisers depletes the soil’s organic matter, reduces its fertility, and disrupts the beneficial microbial ecosystem. This leads to decreased productivity over time and increased dependence on chemical inputs.
• Water Contamination: Chemical fertilisers and pesticides leach into groundwater and surface water bodies, polluting drinking water sources and harming aquatic life.
• Health Hazards: Residues of pesticides in food pose significant health risks to consumers, including neurological disorders, hormonal imbalances, and even cancer. Farmers handling these chemicals are at even greater risk.
• Loss of Biodiversity: Monoculture practices and the use of chemical pesticides have led to a decline in agrobiodiversity, including beneficial insects, pollinators, and indigenous crop varieties.
• Climate Change: The manufacturing of synthetic fertilisers is an energy-intensive process that contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. Conventional farming practices can also lead to soil degradation, reducing its ability to sequester carbon.

Highlight: Organic farming offers a sustainable alternative that addresses these critical concerns by promoting soil health, conserving water, protecting biodiversity, and ensuring safer food for consumers.

The Growing Demand for Organic Produce in India

The awareness regarding the health and environmental impacts of conventional farming is steadily increasing among Indian consumers. This is fueling a significant rise in the demand for organic products:

• Health Consciousness: Consumers are increasingly seeking food that is free from harmful chemical residues. The COVID-19 pandemic further amplified this focus on health and immunity, driving the demand for naturally grown produce.
• Environmental Concerns: A growing segment of the population is becoming environmentally conscious and prefers products that are produced sustainably without harming the planet.
• Premium Pricing: Organic produce often commands a premium price, which can be attractive to farmers looking for better returns on their investment.
• Government Support: The Indian government is actively promoting organic farming through various schemes and initiatives, further boosting the sector. For instance, schemes like the Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) and the Mission Organic Value Chain Development for the North Eastern Region (MOVCDNER) provide financial and technical assistance to farmers adopting organic practices.
• Export Potential: Indian organic produce has significant demand in international markets, particularly in Europe and North America, opening up lucrative export opportunities for farmers. Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) plays a crucial role in promoting the export of Indian organic products.  

Real Business Example: Companies like Sresta Natural Bioproducts (24 Mantra Organic) and Phalada Pure and Sure have successfully built nationwide brands for organic food products, demonstrating the growing market and consumer acceptance.

Advantages of Adopting Organic Farming

Transitioning to organic farming offers a multitude of benefits for farmers, consumers, and the environment:

• Improved Soil Health: Organic farming practices like crop rotation, green manuring, and the use of organic fertilisers enhance soil structure, fertility, and water retention capacity.
• Reduced Input Costs: While the initial transition may involve some investment, organic farming reduces the dependence on expensive chemical fertilisers and pesticides, leading to lower input costs in the long run.
• Enhanced Biodiversity: Organic farms promote a diverse ecosystem, attracting beneficial insects, pollinators, and other wildlife, contributing to ecological balance.
• Safer Food: Organic produce is free from harmful pesticide residues, making it safer and healthier for consumption.
• Better Water Quality: The absence of chemical inputs prevents the contamination of water sources, ensuring cleaner and safer water for all.
• Climate Resilience: Organic farming practices can enhance the soil’s ability to sequester carbon, contributing to climate change mitigation. Healthier soils also make crops more resilient to drought and other extreme weather events.
• Higher Market Value: Organic produce often fetches a premium price in the market, leading to potentially higher incomes for farmers.
• Sustainable Agriculture: Organic farming promotes a sustainable agricultural system that protects natural resources and ensures food security for future generations.

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Setting Up an Organic Farm in India: Key Considerations & Costs

Transitioning to organic farming requires careful planning and adherence to specific standards. Here’s a step-by-step guide and considerations regarding setup costs:

1. Understanding Organic Standards and Certification: Familiarise yourself with the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) standards, which govern organic farming in India. Obtaining organic certification from accredited agencies is crucial for selling produce as “organic.”
2. Soil Health Assessment: Conduct a thorough assessment of your soil health to understand its nutrient content and identify any deficiencies. Focus on building soil organic matter through the addition of compost, vermicompost, and green manures.
3. Weed Management: Develop an organic weed management strategy that may involve crop rotation, mulching, manual weeding, and the use of bio-herbicides.
4. Pest and Disease Management: Implement integrated pest and disease management (IPM) techniques, including biological control (using beneficial insects), neem-based pesticides, and other natural methods.
5. Water Management: Focus on efficient water management practices like rainwater harvesting and drip irrigation to conserve water.
6. Seed Selection: Use organically produced seeds or untreated conventional seeds if organic seeds are not available.
7. Infrastructure Development: You may need to invest in infrastructure for composting, vermicomposting, storage, and processing of organic produce.

Setup Costs: The initial setup cost for organic farming can vary depending on several factors, including:

• Farm Size: Larger farms will naturally have higher initial investment needs.
• Current Farm Condition: The existing soil health and infrastructure will influence the amount of investment required.
• Type of Crops: Different crops may require different organic farming practices and inputs.
• Certification Costs: Obtaining organic certification involves fees for inspection and documentation.
• Input Costs: While long-term costs are lower, the initial transition may involve some investment in organic fertilisers, bio-pesticides, and other organic inputs.

Estimated Initial Investments (Illustrative):

• Soil Enrichment: Depending on the soil condition, investments in organic fertilisers and green manure seeds can range from ₹10,000 to ₹30,000 per hectare in the initial years.
• Water Management: Implementing drip irrigation can cost ₹40,000 to ₹1,00,000 per hectare, depending on the system. Rainwater harvesting structures will have separate costs.
• Certification: Organic certification costs can range from ₹10,000 to ₹25,000 per year, depending on the certifying agency and farm size.
• Infrastructure: Costs for composting units, storage, and basic processing can vary significantly based on scale.

Highlight: Government schemes often provide subsidies and financial assistance to farmers adopting organic farming, which can significantly reduce the initial financial burden.

ALSO READ | Apple Farming in India: A Complete Guide for 2025

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Conclusion

The need of organic farming in India is not just an environmental imperative but also an economic opportunity. The growing domestic and international demand for organic produce, coupled with the numerous advantages it offers for soil health, human well-being, and the environment, makes it a crucial pathway for the sustainable future of Indian agriculture. While the transition may involve initial challenges and investments, the long-term benefits far outweigh the costs. By embracing organic practices, India can ensure food security, protect its natural resources, and create healthier communities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are some successful examples of organic farming in India?
There are numerous successful organic farming initiatives and farmer cooperatives across India, such as the Sikkim state, which has become fully organic, and farmer groups in Maharashtra, Karnataka, and other states producing and marketing organic fruits, vegetables, grains, and spices. Companies like 24 Mantra Organic and Phalada Pure and Sure are also testaments to the success of organic businesses in India.

What is organic farming?
Organic farming is a system of agriculture that relies on ecological processes, biodiversity, and cycles adapted to local conditions, rather than the use of synthetic inputs such as chemical fertilisers and pesticides. It emphasises soil health, water conservation, and animal welfare.  

Is organic food more expensive?
Yes, organic food is often priced higher than conventionally grown food due to factors like lower yields (during the transition period), higher labour costs, and the costs associated with certification. However, the long-term benefits for health and the environment can outweigh the higher price.

How long does it take for a farm to become certified organic in India?
The standard conversion period for a farm to become certified organic in India is typically 36 months (three years) from the date of the first application, during which the farmer must follow organic practices.

What are the key principles of organic farming?
The key principles include: soil health, ecological balance, biodiversity conservation, minimal use of external inputs, and maintaining the integrity of organic produce from farm to consumer.

What kind of support does the Indian government provide for organic farming?
The Indian government provides support through schemes like Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY), Mission Organic Value Chain Development for the North Eastern Region (MOVCDNER), financial assistance for certification, and market development initiatives.

Are the yields lower in organic farming compared to conventional farming?
During the initial transition period, yields in organic farming may be lower than in conventional farming. However, as soil health improves over time, organic yields can become comparable to or even higher than conventional yields in the long run, especially in challenging environmental conditions.

How can consumers identify organic products in India?
Consumers can identify organic products by looking for the “India Organic” logo and certification mark issued by accredited certification bodies under the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP).