A STUDY AND ANALYSIS ON ORGANIC FARMING IN INDIA AND DAYALBAGH

EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTE

YASH SHUKLA || SHIVAM GOYAL

MBA (GENREL MANAGEMENT) R.N- 2202870 || MBA (INNOVATION) R.N-2202418

FACULTY OF SOCIAL SCIENCE DAYALBAGH EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTE

ABSTRACT: This paper aims to provide an overview of the current state of organic farming research,
highlighting the key findings and challenges in the field. The paper begins by discussing the history and
principles of organic farming and the reasons of its increasing popularity. Organic farming is a knowledge
intensive system and has been developed by practitioners themselves over the years. Organic farming is
native to India. The farmers of ancient India are known to have evolved nature friendly farming systems and
practices such as mixed farming, mixed cropping and crop rotation. The first “scientific” approach to organic
farming can be quoted back to the Vedas of the “Later Vedic Period”, 1000 BC to 600 BC. There has been
significant increase in the area under certified organic farming during the last 10 years. With less than 42,000
ha under certified organic farming during 2003-04, the area under organic farming grew by almost 25 fold,
during the next 5 years, to 1.2 million ha during 2008-09. Organic farming is one such system which
provides healthy and safe food without ecological harm. Hence, the Government started promoting organic
farming through various schemes like National Project on Organic Farming (NPOF), National Horticulture
Mission (NHM), Horticulture Mission for North East & Himalayan States (HMNEH), National Project on
Management of Soil Health and Fertility (NPMSH&F) and Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY). The
interest of several States in promoting organic farming indicates that organic agriculture is being viewed as a
precursor to dynamic change for an otherwise stagnant agricultural sector. Despite the initiatives and rapid
progress, apprehension about the economic viability and environmental and human health benefits of organic
farming continue to bother agricultural researchers and policy makers.

KEYWORDS: Organic agriculture, Organic farming practices, Crop management, Soil health, Biodiversity,
Pest control, Sustainable agriculture, Environmental impact, Economic impact, Social impact, Agro ecology,
Organic farming and climate change.

I. INTRODUCTION
Organic farming is a method of agricultural production that avoids the use of synthetic fertilizers,
pesticides, and genetically modified organisms (GMOs), and instead relies on natural methods to
enhance crop growth and control pests. Organic farming is based on a set of principles that focus on
the use of natural processes to maintain soil health, productivity, and biodiversity. These principles
include:
a. Minimizing the use of synthetic inputs: Organic farmers rely on natural inputs, such as compost,
green manure, and crop rotation, to maintain soil fertility and control pests.
b. Enhancing biodiversity: Organic farmers use techniques such as crop rotation, intercropping, and the
use of cover crops to increase biodiversity on the farm.
c. Maintaining soil health: Organic farmers use practices such as crop rotation, cover cropping, and the
use of organic matter to improve soil health and fertility.
d. Protecting the environment: Organic farming practices are designed to minimize the negative impact
of agriculture on the environment, such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions and conserving
biodiversity.
e. Promoting fair and equitable relationships: Organic farming promotes fair and equitable
relationships between farmers, consumers, and the environment.

Organic farming is considered to be more sustainable and environmentally friendly than

conventional farming methods. In recent years, organic farming has gained popularity among
 farmers and consumers as more people become aware of the environmental and health benefits of
organic food.
However, organic farming also presents some challenges, such as the need for additional
management practices and the difficulty in controlling pests and diseases without the use of
synthetic chemicals. This introduction aims to provide a broad overview of the principles and
practices of organic farming and its current state.
II. LITERATURE REVIEW

Gopinath, K.A., Supradip Saha, Mina, B.L., (2011) Explains effects of organic amendments on
productivity and profitability of bell pepper-french beans-garden pea system and on soil properties
during transition to organic production. Communication in soil science and plant analysis.

Panneerselvam, P., Hermansen, J.E., Halberg, N., 2011 Food security of small holding farmers:
comparing organic and conventional system in India.

Willer, H., Julia, L., 2014 The world of Organic Agriculture statistics and Emerging Trends 2014.
Research Institute of organic agriculture(FIBL), Frick and International Federation of Organic
Agriculture Movements(IFOAM), Bonn, 302.

Surekha, K., Rao, K.V., Shobha Rani, N., Latha, P.C., Kumar, R.M., 2013. Evaluation of
organic and conventional rice production systems for their productivity, profitability, grain quality
and soil health. Agrotechnology, S11:066.doi:10.4172/2168-9881.S11-066.

Working with Nature – Shifting Paradigms by Heide Hermary brings together the research and
scientific aspects behind organic and holistic farming methods. Heide (1948 – 2016) was president
of Gaia College, Canada until 2016. Densely packed with information, this book is a quick and easy
read for those who have been gardening or even new to this field. The book addresses intriguing
concepts like biological transmutation, the role of mycorrhizal fungi, trade alliances between
microbes and plants etc.

Secrets of the Soil tells us about the non-traditional and innovative methods to be used in farming to
enhance and renew soil. The emphasis is laid on using biodynamic agriculture, rock dust fertilizer
and other unusual fertilizers. The book is a wonderful guide to anyone aspiring to do organic
farming. It is highly recommended to those interacting with land as you will see our health, soil and
earth, in a whole new light.

The Non-Toxic Farming Handbook is a must-read for all entry-level organic farmers. There are
research insights about weed control and soil recovery, which is very important to an organic farmer.
The book is best read for those who want to practice organic gardening and farming as it addresses
the problems faced during organic farming like plant diseases, pest eradication or issues concerning
to planning. The book also covers various other things like foliar feeding, tillage, moon cycles,
subtle energies, in-the-field testing, refractometers, livestock nutrition, fertility inputs and much
more. The book is a result of an extensive research and eco-consulting and is a must read for all
those who want to venture into organic farming.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

To understand the scientific principles and methods of organic farming research: Students should be
able to explain the scientific principles that underlie organic farming practices, such as soil science,
agronomy, entomology, and ecology, and understand how these principles are applied in research.
a. Learn about the current state of organic farming research: Students should be aware of the current
state of research on organic farming and the main findings and challenges in the field.
 b. Understand the research methods and techniques used in organic farming: Students should be
familiar with the research methods and techniques used in organic farming, such as experimental
design, data collection, and analysis.
c. Learn about the data analysis and interpretation of organic farming research: Students should be able
to analyze and interpret data from organic farming research, and understand how to draw meaningful
conclusions from the data.
d. Understand the role of organic farming research in sustainable food systems: Students should
understand the relationship between organic farming research and sustainable food systems,
including the role of organic farming research in addressing issues such as food security, rural
development, and climate change.
e. Learn about the ethical and regulatory considerations in organic farming research: Students should
be familiar with the ethical and regulatory considerations in organic farming research, such as the
protection of human subjects and the responsible use of animals in research.
f. Learn about the role of organic farming research in informing policy and practice: Students should
understand the role of organic farming research in informing policy and practice, and be able to
critically evaluate the impact of research on the development of organic farming.
g. Learn about the collaboration and communication in organic farming research: Students should
understand the importance of collaboration and communication among researchers, practitioners,
and stakeholders, and learn how to effectively communicate research findings to different audiences.

III. MATERIALS AND METHODS

Materials and methods used in organic farming vary depending on the specific crop, region, and
farming system, but generally, organic farmers use a combination of natural inputs and management
practices to enhance crop growth and control pests. Some common materials and methods used in
organic farming include:
a) Organic matter: Organic farmers use materials such as compost, green manure, and animal manure
to improve soil fertility and structure.
b) Crop rotation: Organic farmers use crop rotation to improve soil health, control pests and diseases,
and enhance biodiversity.
c) Companion planting: Organic farmers use companion planting to promote beneficial insects,
improve crop health, and deter pests.
d) Cover cropping: Organic farmers use cover crops to improve soil health, control weeds, and reduce
erosion.
e) Natural pest control: Organic farmers use natural methods to control pests and diseases, such as
trapping, hand-picking, and using beneficial insects and predators.
f) Biological control: Organic farmers use biological control methods, such as the use of beneficial
insects and microorganisms, to control pests and diseases.
g) Biodynamic preparations: Some organic farmers use biodynamic preparations, which are fermented
plant, animal and mineral-based preparations, to enhance soil health, fertility and to deter pests.
h) Mulching: Organic farmers use mulch to control weeds, retain moisture and improve soil health.
i) Natural fertilizers: Organic farmers use natural fertilizers, such as bone meal, fish meal, and rock
minerals, to provide essential nutrients to crops.
j) Organic certification: Organic farmers may choose to have their farm certified by an organic
certification agency in order to meet the standards and regulations of organic farming.

Organic farmers also use different equipment and tools to support the farming process, such as
manual tools like hoes, forks, and rakes, and use of animal power like horses and oxen.It's important
to note that organic farming methods are tailored to the specific conditions of the farm and might
vary depending on the region, climate, and crop, therefore farmers adapt their methods according to
the specific requirements.
 IMPORTANCE OF ORGANIC FARMING:
• Environmental protection: Organic farming practices are designed to minimize the negative impact
of agriculture on the environment. Organic farming can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, conserve
biodiversity, and improve soil health.
• Human health: Organic food is free of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, which can have negative
health effects. Organic food is also often produced using more sustainable and humane methods.
• Animal welfare: Organic farming typically prohibits the use of antibiotics and growth hormones in
animals and promotes more humane living conditions.
• Sustainable food systems: Organic farming can contribute to sustainable food systems by reducing
the use of synthetic inputs and promoting biodiversity and soil health.
• Rural development: Organic farming can promote rural development by creating jobs and income
opportunities in rural areas.
• Climate change: Organic farming can play a role in addressing climate change by reducing
greenhouse gas emissions, sequestering carbon in soil and helping farmers adapt to changing climate
conditions.
• Biodiversity: Organic farming practices are designed to enhance biodiversity at the field, farm, and
landscape level, by using techniques such as crop rotation, intercropping, and the use of cover crops.
• Soil health: Organic farming practices, such as crop rotation, cover cropping, and use of organic
matter, can improve soil health and fertility.
• Taste and quality of food:

STATUS OF ORGANIC FARMING:

Demand for organic products, especially in developed countries, has been increasing. Globally,
organic agriculture is practiced in 162 countries and 37 m ha of land are managed organically by 1.8
million farm households. The global sale of organic food and drink reached 62.9 billion US dollors
in 2011. The regions with the largest areas of organically managed agricultural land are Oceania
(12.1 million hectares of 33 percent of the global organic farmland), Europe (10.6 million hectares
or 29 percent of the global organic farmland) and Latin America (6.8 million hectares or 23 percent).
On a global level, the organic agricultural land area increased by three percent compared with 2010.
The countries with the most organic agricultural land are Australia (12 million hectares), Argentina
(3.8 million hectares) and the United States (1.9 million hectares). In Asia, land under organic
management reached 3.6 million hectares for 2009 up from just under 3.4 million hectares reported
for 2008 and under 2.9 million hectares for 2007. The expansion of over 0.2 million hectares, a
growth rate of close to 6 per cent comes on top of a 17 per cent growth from 2007 to 2008. It
maintains an upward trend albeit a slower pace of conversion. The main contributor of the expansion
of cultivated acreage is India. With the increasing awareness about the safety and quality of foods,
long term sustainability of the system and accumulating evidences of being equally productive, the
organic farming has emerged as an alternative system of farming which not only addresses the
quality and sustainability concerns, but also ensures a profitable livelihood option. Cultivated area
under certified organic farming has grown almost 17 fold in last one decade (42,000 ha in 2003-04
to 7.23 lakh ha in 2013-14). The state wise area under organic farming during 2013-14 is given in
Table 1.
Table 1 State wise Farm area (excluding Forest Area) under Organic Certification during
2013-14.

S.No. State Name Organic Area (in Ha)

1 Andaman & Nicobar Islands 321.28
2 Andhra Pradesh 12325.03
3 Arunachal Pradesh 71.49
4 Assam 2828.26
5 Bihar 180.60
6 Chhattisgarh 4113.25
7 Delhi 0.83
8 Goa 12853.94
9 Gujarat 46863.89
10 Haryana 3835.78
11 Himachal Pradesh 4686.05
12 Jammu & Kashmir 10035.38
13 Jharkhand 762.30
14 Karnataka 30716.21
15 Kerala 15020.23
16 Lakshadweep 895.91
17 Madhya Pradesh 232887.36
18 Maharashtra 85536.66
19 Manipur 0
20 Meghalaya 373.13
21 Mizoram 0
22 Nagaland 5168.16
23 Odisha 49813.51
24 Pondicherry 2.84
25 Punjab 1534.39
26 Rajasthan 66020.35
27 Sikkim 60843.51
28 Tamil Nadu 3640.07
29 Tripura 203.56
30 Uttar Pradesh 44670.10
31 Uttaranchal 24739.46
32 West Bengal 2095.51
Total 723039.00
Source: APEDA (2013-14)
The Government of India has implemented the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP)
in the year 2001. The national programme involves the accreditation programme for certification
agencies, norms for organic production, promotion of organic farming etc. States like; Uttaranchal,
Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Nagaland,
Mizoram, Sikkim have been promoting organic farming.

Organic produces are increasingly preferred by developed countries and major urban centres in
India. Huge demand for Indian organic products especially tea, coffee, cotton etc. exists in the
international market. A special class of consumers is also emerging in the domestic market who
requires quality food. The global trade during 2013-14 was USD 60 billion (Rs. 3,60,000 crores) and
may touch USD 100 billion (Rs. 6,00,000 crores) within the next five years. Trade in India may
reach Rs. 5000-6000 crore, which is about 1% of the global trade. The International Competence
Centre for Organic Agriculture (ICCOA) estimated that the domestic market for organic products in
the year 2011-12 was Rs. 300 crore and grew to Rs. 600 crore in 2012-13 i.e. a growth rate of 100%.

Organic agricultural export market is one of the major drivers of organic agriculture in India. India
exports 31 organic products. It is estimated that more than 85% of total organic production,
excluding wild herbs from Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, is exported. India is best known as an
exporter of organic tea and also has great export potential for many other products. Other organic
products for which India has a niche market are spices and fruits. There is also good response for
organic rice, vegetable, coffee, cashew, oil seed, wheat and pulses. Among the fruit crops bananas,
mangos and oranges are the most preferred organic products.

State-wise major crops grown under organic farming in India (both certified & In- conversion)

Arunachal Pradesh Maize/sorghum,Pulses, oilseeds,tea/coffee,

herbal/medicinal plants

Andhra Pradesh Cotton, maize, pulses, oilseeds, fruits and vegetables

Assam Tea/coffee, fruits and vegetables

Chhattisgarh Rice, wheat, vegetables

Delhi Wheat, vegetables

Goa Fruits, vegetables

Gujarat Cotton, pulses, oilseeds, vegetables

Haryana Basmati rice, wheat, maize, vegetables

Himachal Pradesh Wheat, fruits, vegetables

Jammu and Kashmir Spices, fruits and vegetables

Karnataka Cotton, rainfed wheat, maize, sorghum,pulses,

oilseeds, vegetables

Kerala Spices, vegetables, herbals

Manipur Spices, vegetables, herbals

Maharashtra Cotton, rice, wheat, pulses, oilseeds, spices, vegetables

Madhya Pradesh Soybean, wheat, vegetables

Meghalaya Spices, vegetables

Punjab Basmati rice, wheat, vegetables

Sikkim Maize, sorghum, vegetables, spices, herbs

Rajasthan Cotton, wheat, seed spices, vegetables

Tamil Nadu Tea, herbs, spices

Uttar Pradesh Rice, wheat, maize, vegetables

Uttarakhand Basmati rice, vegetables, maize, sorghum, herbs, spices

West Bengal Tea and vegetables

Research results of Organic farming experiments conducted at ICAR

 Keeping in view, the prospective role of organic farming in mitigating the problems of resource
(soil, water, and bio-diversity) degradation and minimize the implications of climate change on
agriculture, Indian Council of Agricultural Research took up a research programme on organic
farming during 10th Five-Year Plan, by establishing a ‘Network Project on Organic Farming
(NPOF)’, to study some agronomic aspects of organic farming and develop package of practices in
arable crops at 13 centres. Further, seven new centres were approved in XII plan to cover additional
crops (seed spices and tuber crops) and areas (hilly and rainfed regions).

Cropping Systems being experimented under Network Project on Organic farming under
ICAR

Location Cropping system

Modipuram (Uttar Pradesh) Green manure-Rice-Wheat
Basmati Rice-Potato-Radish
Babycorn-Potato-Greengram
Sorghum (F)-Pea-Okra
Jabalpur (MP) GM-Rice-Wheat
GM-Rice – potato -Okra
GM-Rice – Berseem
GM-Rice-Pea-Sorghum F
Coimbatore (TN) Maize-Cotton
Chilly-Onion
Brinjal-Sunflower
Turmeric+ Onion
Raipur (Chhatisgarh) Soybean-Wheat
Soybean-Berseem
Soybean-Mustard
Soybean-Chickpea
Calicut (Kerala) Ginger

Turmeric

Black pepper

Dharwad (Karnataka) Groundnut -Sorghum

Soybean- rainfed Wheat

Potato-Chickpea

Chilli + Cotton-Onion

Maize-Chickpea

Karjat (Maharashtra) Rice-Groundnut

Rice-Maize

Rice-Mustard

Rice-Dolichos bean

Ludhiana (Punjab) Basmati Rice-Wheat-GM

 Turmeric - Onion

Maize -Potato-Moong (S)

Rice -Wheat-Moong (S)

Bhopal (MP) Soybean- Wheat

Soybean-Mustard

Soybean-Chickpea

Soybean-Isabgol

Pantnagar (Uttarakhand) Basmati Rice-Wheat-Sesbania (GM)

Basmati Rice -Lentil-Sesbania (GM)

Basmati Rice -Pea (veg.)-Sesbania(GM)

Basmati Rice -Mustard-Sesbania (GM)

Ranchi (Jharkhand) Rice -Wheat

Rice -Potato

Rice -Mustard / Linseed

Rice -Lentil

Umiam (Meghalaya) Rice - Carrot

Rice - Potato

Rice – French bean

Rice - Tomato

Analysis of research data from various centres revealed the following.

 Yield advantage (after 8th cycle across the locations): Basmati rice, soybean, garlic, groundnut,
cauliflower, tomato (4-6 %) & greengram, onion, chilli, cabbage, turmeric (7-14 %)-
 Yield reduction (after 8th cycle across the locations): Wheat, mustard, lentil, potato, French bean
(5-8 %)
 Soil organic carbon increased by 22 % under organic production over inorganic in 6 years
 Increase in soil microbes (fungi, bacteria, actinomycetes) was observed in all locations
 Slight improvement in nutritional quality was observed in soybean, turmeric, ginger under
organic production.

Minimum requirements for Organic Farming:

In organic farming system, certain minimum requirements are to be met to fulfil its objectives.
Then only the farm is certified as organic.

i) Conversion: The time between the start of organic management and certification is called
conversion period. The farmers should have a conversion plan prepared if the entire field is
not converted into organic at a time. In that case, it is necessary to maintain organic and
non- organic fields separately. In the long run the entire farm including livestock should be
converted into organic. Generally, the conversion period is two years for annual crops and
three years for perennial crops. However, the conversion period can be relaxed based on
the verification by certification agency if the requirements are fully met. During conversion,
steps should be taken to maintain bio-diversity etc. The per cent change in the yield of
major crops over the years is given in Table 2.

Table 2. Mean yield of crops tested in cropping systems under organic input management and
yield trend over the years
Crop No. Mean yield Yield trend under organic system over the years (%
of (kg/ha) under increase (+) or decrease (-) over inorganic input
obs organic management)
erv
1st 2n 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th
ati input year d year year year year year
ons management year
Basmati rice 67 3099 -13 -14 -3 2 2 8 7
Rice 56 3639 -12 -13 5 2 1 2 1
Wheat 56 2952 -15 -9 -7 -3 -7 -13 -4
Maize 55 4541 -5 9 4 0 3 10 16
Green gram 12 905 - -4 - -9 3 13 13
Chickpea 25 1269 -10 5 9 3 0 1 5
Soybean 58 1697 1 1 5 0 3 0 12
Cotton 29 1243 8 9 11 12 11 14 12
Garlic 9 7878 -10 -19 8 15 - - -
Cauliflower 12 10683 -8 -8 4 2 - - -
Tomato 11 20577 -13 -13 -30 -28 35 26 20
Mean -6.7 -4.8 0 1 8.4 5.6 9.0
ii) Mixed farming: Animal husbandry, poultry, fisheries, etc. should be practised in addition to
agricultural farming. Shifting cultivation is not allowed. Integrated organic farming system model is
being developed at Meghalaya and Coimbatore centres under Network Project on Organic Farming.
The models could improve the net returns by 3 to 7 times compared to existing systems (Table 3).

Table 3. Performance of integrated organic farming system model

Location Components Are Total Net returns (Rs/year)
a cost
(ha) (Rs/yea
r) Crop Livestoc Others Total Existi
k ng
syste
m
Coimbatore Crop (Okra, 0.40 1,10,10 64,500 8,216 1,600 74,316 27,200*
9 (2
(Tamil cotton, (87 %) (11 %) %)
Nadu) desmanthus)
+
dairy (1
milch
animal, 1
heifer
& 1 bull calf)
+
VC+
boundary
plantation
Umiam Crops (Cereals 0.43 68,25 33,531 13,252 11,538 58,321 8,618**
+ 5
 (Meghalay pulses + (57 %) (22 %) (21 %)
a)
vegetables
+fruits +
fodder)
+ Dairy (1
cow +
1 calf) +
Fishery
+
Vermicompost

* fingermillet-cotton-sorghum, ** rice-fallow
iii) Cropping Pattern: Crop rotation should be followed if annual crops are grown. Intercropping
should be practised when perennial crops are grown. Crop rotation should cover green manure as well
as fodder crops. In case of perennial crops, cover crops like Kolinji (Tephrosia purpurea) should be
grown to protect the soil. Monocropping should be avoided.

iv) Planting: Species and varieties cultivated should be adapted to soil and climatic condition and
resistant to pests and diseases. Seeds/Planting materials should be procured from organic source. If not
available, chemically untreated seeds/planting materials can be used one time. Use of genetically
engineered seeds or planting materials such as tissue culture, pollen culture, transgenic plants is not
allowed.

v) Manurial Policy: Soil fertility should be maintained/enhanced through raising green manure
crops, leguminous crops etc. The residues of plants after harvest should be incorporated into the soil
as far as possible. Bio-degradable materials of microbial, plant or animal origin shall be applied as
manures. (eq. compost, vermicompost, farm yard manure, sheep penning etc.) Use of
synthetic/chemical fertilisers is not permitted. The mineral based materials like rock phosphate,
gypsum, lime, etc. can be applied in limited quantities when there is absolute necessity.

The following products are permitted for use in manuring/soil conditioning in organic fields:-

 Farm yard manure, slurry, green manures, crop residues, straw and other mulches from
own farm
 Saw dust, wood shaving from untreated wood
 Calcium chloride, lime stone, gypsum and chalk
 Magnesium rock
 Sodium chloride
 Bacterial preparations (Bio-fertilisers), eg. azospirillum, rhizobium
 Bio-dynamic preparations
 Plant preparation and extracts, eg. neem cake
 Vermicompost
 The following products shall be used when they are absolutely needed and taking into
consideration of factors like contaminations, depletion of natural resources, nutritional
imbalances, etc. If proposing for certification, the certification agency may be consulted before
using inputs such as FYM, slurry, urine, straw etc from other farms, blood meal, bone meal,
sulphate of potash without preservatives, minerals like basic slag, sulphate of potash, wood ash
from untreated wood, and vermicompost from other farms. Identified nutrient management
package for various cropping systems through network project are given in Table 4. Time of
application of panchagavya for various crops are given in Table 5.

Table 3. Identified nutrient packages for various locations

Location Cropping System (s) Sources
 Jabalpur (MP) Basmati rice-wheat-berseem Vermicompost (VC) + Farm Yard
(seed) Manure (FYM) + Non Edible Oil Cakes
(NEOC) @ 1/3 N

Coimbatore Cotton-maize-GM FYM + NEOC @ ½ N each

(TN) Chillies-sunflower-GM + Panchagavya (PG)

Raipur (CG) Rice-chickpea Enriched compost (EC) + FYM + NEOC

@ 1/3 N each + Bio dynamic (BD)+PG

Calicut Ginger-fallow FYM + Neem Cake (NC) + 2VC + PG +

(Kerala) biodynamic + Rock phosphate(RP)

Dharwad Groundnut-sorghum EC + VC + Green leaf manure (GLM) +

(Karnataka) Maize-chickpea biodynamic spray @ 12 g/ha with PG
Chilli +onion spray

Karjat Rice-red pumpkin FYM + rice straw + gliricidia @ 1/3rd

(Maharashtra) Rice-cucumber each of N during kharif and FYM + NC
+ VC @ 1/3 each of N during rabi
along with spray of PG

Ludhiana Maize-wheat-summer moong FYM + PG + BD in maize, FYM +PG

(Punjab) in wheat and FYM alone in moong

Bhopal (MP) Soybean-wheat FYM+PG + BD

Soybean-chickpea
Soybean-maize

Pantnagar Basmati rice-wheat FYM + VC + NC + EC @ ¼ N each + BD

(Uttarakhand) Basmati rice- + PG
chickpea Basmati
rice-vegetable pea
Ranchi Rice-wheat Rice- VC+ Karanj cake (KC) + BD+ PG
(Jharkhand) potato

Umiam Rice-maize Rice- FYM + VC + PG

(Meghalaya) toria

Table 5. Time of application of Panchagavya for different crops is given as follows

Crops Time schedule
Rice 10, 15, 30 and 50th DAT
Sunflower 30, 45 and 60 DAS
Black gram Rainfed: 1st flowering and 15 DAF
Irrigated: 15, 25 and 40 DAS
Green gram 15, 25, 30, 40 and 50 DDAS
Castor 30 and 45 DAS
Groundnut 25 and 30th DAS
Bhendi 30, 45, 60 and 75 DAS
Moringa Before flowering and during pod formation
Tomato Nursery and 40 DAT: seed treatment with 1 % for 12 hrs
Onion 0, 45 and 60 DAT
Rose At the time of pruning and budding
Jasmine Bud initiation and setting
Note: DAT- Days after transplanting, DAS- days after sowing, DAF- days after flowering.

vi) Pest, Disease and Weed management: Use of synthetic/chemical pesticides, fungicides and
weedicides is prohibited. Natural enemies shall be encouraged and protected. (for e.g. raising trees in
the farm attracts birds which kills pests of the crops, nest construction etc.) Products collected from
the local farm, animals, plants and micro-organisms and prepared at the farm are allowed for control
of pests and diseases. (eq. Neem Seed Kernel Extract, cow urine spray). Use of genetically engineered
organisms and products are prohibited for controlling pests and diseases. Similarly, use of synthetic
growth regulators is not permitted. Slash weeding is to be done between the plants. Weeds under the
base of the plants shall be cleaned and put as mulch around the plant base. The weeded materials
should be applied as mulch in the ground itself. The products that are permitted for control of pest &
diseases are Neem oil and other neem preparations like Neem Seed Kernel Extract, Chromatic traps,
Mechanical traps, Pheromone traps, Plant based repellants, Soft soap and clay. The following
products shall be used when they are absolutely necessary and taking environmental impact into
consideration. The certification agency shall be consulted before using these inputs.

 Bordeaux mixture
 Plant & animal preparations e.g. Cow urine spray, Garlic extract, Chilli extract
 Light mineral oils e.g. Kerosene

Natural enemies of crop pests and diseases such as Coccinellids, syrphids, spiders, Micromus,
Chrysopa and campoletis were higher under organic management compared to integrated and
inorganic management. Coccinellids, which naturally reduce the hoppers and leaf folders was found
to be two to three times higher under organic management in cotton, groundnut, soybean, potato and
maize crop fields. Similarly, spiders which also control the pests are found to be twice higher under
organic management compared to inorganic management. The diversity of arthropod population in
soil viz., Collembola, dipluran, pseudoscorpians, cryptostigmatids and other mites population was
also found to be higher under organic management compared to integrated and chemical management
(Annual Progress Report, 2010-2013, Network Project on Organic Farming, University of
Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad, Karnataka). Identified pest, disease and weed management package
for various cropping systems through network project are given in Table 6 and 7.

Table 6. Identified weed management packages for various locations

Centre Cropping System Recommended practice

Raipur (CG) Rice-mustard Conoweeder with square planting for rice

Stale seed bed for mustard

Coimbatore Rice-blackgram-GM 2 hand weeding + spray of aqueous leaf

(TN) extract at 3-4 leaf stage of weeds

Jabalpur (MP) Rice-wheat 2 hand weeding + spray at 3-4 leaf stage

aqueous spray of weeds

Dharwad Groundnut Spray of cassia and Prosppis juliflora as

(Karnataka) post emergent

Ludhiana Basmati rice-wheat High density planting + hand weeding at

(Punjab) 25-30 DAT
 Pantnagar Basmati rice-wheat- one hand weeding at 25-30 DAT during kharif
(Uttarakhand) sesbania and 2 hand weeding at 25-30 and 45- 50 DAS
during rabi

Umiam Maize (GC)-mustard Mulching with fresh eupatorium/ambrosia @ 10

(Meghalaya) t/ha (after earthing up)

Table 7. Identified pest and disease management packages for various locations
Centre Cropping System Pest/disease Recommended practice

Modipuram Basmati rice-chickpea - Summer ploughing +

(Uttar Basmati rice-mustard green manure
Pradesh) incorporation

Calicut Gninger-fallow Shoot borer GEB 17 & 18, GRB 57

(Kerala)

Bajaura Cauliflower-peas- Fruit borer & Karvi (Roylea cinerea) @

(Himachal tomato Fruit rot 10% aqeous leaf extract +
Pradesh) cow urine (3%) + tween- 80
(0.05%) as emulsifier

Umiam Maize + Monolapta Derisom (3 ml/l) + PG @

(Meghalaya) Soybean Mylloceros 10% and cow urine 3%
Ephilechma Anomin 3 ml/litre or PG
Leaf folder @ 3%.

Rust PG @ 3% + lantana @
10% + vermiwash @ 10%

ITKs practiced by farmers for managing the pest and disease under organic management

Rice
 Grind one kg of garlic and mix in one litre of kerosene. Keep it overnight and filter. Mix in
200 lit of water and spray to control brown planthopper, green leafhopper. This practice is
widely practiced in Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu.
 4 kg of neem leaves + 4 kg of citronella grass + 4 kg of rhizome of Alpinia galanga are
chopped and ground in a mortar. Mix the materials in 40 lit of water and leave it for a day.
Filter the mixture and dilute with water at 1:60 ratio to control stem borer and leaf-folder.
 Ducks are allowed inside the fields after the harvest of rice crop. The ducks feed on snails and
insects found on the boundary. This is common in Trichirapalli and Thanjavur districts of
Tamil Nadu.
Millets
 Lab lab or cowpea intercropping in sorghum controls sorghum stem borer incidence.
 Application of ash during flowering phase controls earhead bugs in sorghum.
 Application of onion bulb extract (2-3 kg) control grasshoppers incidence in maize crop.
 Planting of napier grass (2-3 rows) along the maize field border controls maize stem borer
attack.
 Intercropping of lucerne in maize crop controls maize stem borer effectively.
Pulses
  Mixture of 3-5 lit of Cow urine and equal quantity of cow dung, kept for four days and
filtered. To this 200 g of lime is added and made up to 80 litre and sprayed to control red
gram pod borers.
 Spray application of butter milk in cow pea controls yellow vein mosaic virus (YMV) disease
where in the buttermilk act as a good barrier of vectors of the YMV.
 Spreading castor oil coated polythene sheet in cowpea field traps sucking pests.
 Coriander intercropping in bengalgram controls gram pod borer.
 Application of tobacco decoction mixed with soap emulsion controls aphids.
Oil seeds
 Digging trench around groundnut field and spreading Calatropis leaves in trenches kills red
hairy caterpillars trapped in trenches.
 Spreading one kg of popped sorghum grains around castor field attracts birds which pick up
semiloopers attacking castor leaves.
 Application of sand and salt crystals in leaf axils controls rhinoceros beetle in coconut.
 Spray application of diluted cow urine controls leaf webber in gingelly.
 Helicoverpa armigera in groundnut is controlled by spraying leaf extract of Prosopis juliflora
in which 200 ml of Prosopis leaf extract is mixed with 10 litres water and sprayed. This
practice is common in Thummanayakkanpatty village of Madurai district in Tamil Nadu.
 Roasted seeds of maize or sorghum (5 kg/ac) are broadcasted in groundnut field. This attracts
birds which pick up the leaf eating caterpillars.
 Cooked rice mixed with turmeric powder is placed in castor field during morning and late in
the evening for 2 to 3 days continuously attract birds which devour the semilooper larvae.
Vegetables
 Border cropping of Tagetes in brinjal controls shoot and fruit borer pests.
 Syrianangai Andrographis paniculata (3-5%) decoction spray controls brinjal shoot and fruit
borer, ribbed gourd stem borer, hairy caterpillar of drumstick and armyworms. For that one
kilo gram of plant is cut into small pieces and mixed with 4 lit of water and placed in a mud
pot, boiled and reduced to 1 lit and 500 ml of this extract is mixed with 100 ml of soap
solution and 9.4 lit of water and and used for spraying.
 One kg of cow dung is mixed with 10 lit of water. Filter the extract with a gunny cloth and
add 5 litres of water to the filtrate and again filter. Spray the clear filtrate on plants to control
pumpkin beetle, Epilachna beetle and pod bugs.
 Planting of coriander, mint, ginger and turmeric in mango orchards deters mango pests.
 Application of cow urine or tobacco decoction controls insect pests in grapevines.
 Basin (Ocimum sanctum) in mango orchard acts as a trap crop for fruit flies.
Cotton
15 lit of curd is mixed with 15 lit of water. Neem leaf extract prepared from 5 kg of neem leaves
is added to the curd and allowed for 15 days with stirring at least once in a day. The mixture was
filtered used for the management of bollworm in cotton.
 Deep summer ploughing, bonfires and light traps were used for red harry caterpillars. Nipping
of the terminal buds and destruction is practiced to destroy eggs and larvae of spotted
bollworm.
 Papers coated with castor oil/grease are hung at 5-6 places in the cotton field to manage white
flies. For that air is blown using a sprayer over the crop which disturbed the adult flies and
stick to the oily paper. This practice if commonly followed in Puducherry union territory.
 The extracts of neem seeds/leaves possess insecticidal properties, which is sprayed on the
aphid-infested crops.
 Herbal pesticide formulation prepared by grounding 500g of neem seeds, 1000g of tobacco,
100g of Acorus calamus, 250g of Asafoetida and 50g of Sapindus emarginata seeds and the
extract is sprayed for one acre cotton to control pests.
 Citrullus grandiflora (periya kumuttikai), Cissus quadrangularis (perandai kodi), Tecoma
stans (yellow arali seeds) and Azadirachta indica (neem) eaves / seeds are ground and the
paste is allowed to ferment as such for 10 days and used for the management of cutworms.
Turmeric
  Herbal pesticide developed by Mr. K.M. Chellamuthu 1kg garlic + 500g of ginger, + 500g of
green chillies + 500g of tobacco + 200g of pepper + 200ml of Neem oil + 30g of khadi soap
ckecks the most of the insect pests infecting turmeric crop. The method of preparation is
garlic was soaked in 100 ml of kerosene and kept for overnight and then ground with green
chillies and pepper the next day (A). Tobacco is to be soaked in water for a day and then
filtered and mixed with 200 ml of neem oil (B). Then the A and B is mixed together and
finally khadi soap was added and stirred well. 700 ml of the mixture is to be diluted in 10 lit
of water and sprayed. This was developed by Mr.
K.M. Chellamuthu from Kodumudi village in Erode District of Tamil Nadu.
Termite management
 The dye prepared from Noni (Morinda citrifolia) is mixed with garlic extract which
completely checked the termite ravages in trees.
 Paint prepared from 1 part of gum of Gardenia gummifera, 2 parts of Asafoetida, 2 parts of
Aloe and 2 parts of castor oil cake controlled termite menace in trees.
 Application of tank silt in sandy wetlands is practiced for termite control.
 Calotropis plant material (8-10 kg) soaked in sufficient quantity of water for 24 hr and
filtered and poured on termite infested soil.
 Application of sheared human hair obtained from barber’s shop, applied on live mounds and
along the infested pathways has good control termites which is followed Pudukottai district of
Tamil Nadu.
Rat management
 Pieces of cotton or thermocole, dipped in jaggery solution, made into small packets and
spread in field / orchard. Rats which consume these will suffer from gastric bloating disorders
due to the swelling of cotton or thermocole in stomach.
 Partly cooked sorghum grains are coated with urea or cement or white cement and packed
into small packets and spread in the field. Rats that consume this mixture will die due to
gastric disorders.
 Mix powder of fused electric bulb with coconut flakes and used in coconut gardens to manage
rodents. This practice is followed in Thanjavur district of Tamil Nadu.
Herbal insect repellent

 A popular natural pest repellent paste mixture prepared by Tamil Nadu farmers containing
each 1kg of Vitex nigunda leaf, Agave cantala leaf , Datura methal leaves, Calotropis leaves
and neem seeds. The paste mixture is dissolved in 5 lit. of cow uring and keep the mixture in
plastic or earthen ware. Allow ht econtent to ferment for 15 days and then filter. Add 100 lit
of water to the filtrate and spray in the field. Most of the insect pests are repelled from the
treated area.

Economics of Organic Farming

The studies conducted under Network project on Organic Farming revealed that across the locations,
net return was 17 % higher (at 20-25 % premium price) under organic production system compared to
inorganic production system. The cost of cultivation was found to be 13
% higher under organic production system mainly due to handing of bulky nature of organic manures.
Benefit: Cost ratio of important cropping systems experimented under NPOF is given below.

Cropping System (s) B:C Cropping System (s) B:C ratio*

ratio*
Babycorn -Potato-Greengram 2.38 Rice -Lentil-Sesbania (GM) 0.97
Brinjal-Sunflower 1.41 Rice -Mustard-Sesbania 1.19
(GM)
Cabbage-Radish-Capsicum 0.81 Rice -Pea (veg.)- 2.16
Sesbania(GM)
Cauliflower-Radish-Tomato 1.42 Rice-Dolichos bean 0.94
French bean-Cauliflower-French 0.86 Rice-G.Nut
bean 1.35
Ginger 1.97 Rice-Maize 1.12
Groundnut -Sorghum 3.52 Rice-Mustard 0.75
Maize-Cotton 2.60 Rice-Pea-Sorghum F 2.99
Maize-Garlic 1.83 Rice-Potato-Radish 1.91
Maize-Mustard-Radish-G. gram 1.87 Rice-Wheat-Sesbania (GM) 1.35
Maize-Potato-Okra 1.73 Sorghum (F)-Pea-Okra 2.69
Potato-Chickpea 3.06 Soybean- Wheat 3.00
Rice – Berseem 3.46 Soybean-Berseem 1.58
Rice - Carrot 4.34 Soybean-Chickpea 2.11
Rice – French bean 3.18 Soybean-Isabgol 2.44
Rice -Mustard 1.04 Soybean-Mustard 1.94
Rice - Potato 2.06 Turmeric 1.91
Rice – potato -Okra 3.34 Turmeric+ Onion 1.26
Rice –Barley+mustard-Green 1.90
gram
* Benefit cost ratio worked out by taking 20 to 25 % premium price for organic products & it is mean of
over the years and across the locations

Success stories

Strong belief can innovate: Mr. Sundara Raman of M/s Thayalu Ammal farms lives in
Sathyamangalam near Erode district in Tamil Nadu. Mr. Sundara Raman tried a few of the new
options but stood out as the only ‘organic farmer’ in the zone. “Everyone thought I was impractical,”
he adds. “I tried farming with my own methodology but I knew there was a better way.” By cutting
his inputs and chemical costs, he kept the farm alive and profitable. He also formulated many forms of
plant and microbial consortia to put into various uses as growth promoters and pest management. To
address soil fertility and other natural resource concerns on the farm, Raman developed and
implemented a Conservation Plan. A number of practices like micro irrigation with microbial
consortia, bird perches, livestock waste management system, multiple cropping and an agro-forestry
unit. Organic crops grown on Raman’s farm included a variety of marketable organic grains like corn,
hybrid seed corn, vegetables, redgram, turmeric and organic lime. Over the years, the Tamil Nadu
Agricultural University recognized his hard efforts and offered a number of farmer to farmer
collaborations. Mr. Sundara Raman took the plunge and got involved with these programmes and with
those of other conservation-oriented farmers as much as he could. He worked and collaborated with
other organic farmers within and from other states, sharing his own knowledge and successes as well.

Organic farming system in cluster approach: A village in Ri-Bhoi district of Meghalaya namely
Mynsain have been adopted for disseminating organic production technology developed in the ICAR
Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam through a model village concept under Network Project
on Organic Farming-Tribal Sub Plan (NPOF-TSP) with financial assistance from ICAR-Indian
Institute of Farming System Research, Modipuram. The village is having 130 households with an
approximate area of 60 ha. Under the program, seeds of improved verities of crops and vegetables,
planting materials, lime, rock phosphate, neem cake and other organic inputs were provided to the
adopted farmers. For effective soil fertility management application of weed, decomposed farm yard
manure, pig manure, green leaf manure, composts, liming, rock phosphate etc. were promoted. For
pest and disease management use of neem oil, trichoderma, derisom, indigenous technical knowledge
was emphasized. Crop rotation with legumes such as groundnut, soybean, French bean etc. were
introduced. To promote small scale mechanization, implements and tools like paddy thresher, cono-
weeder, sprayer, rose cans, maize sheller and electric pump has been provided to the village. The
farmers were given training in various aspects of organic farming along with conservation of natural
resources and residue
recycling. Successful cultivation of pea, rapeseed
and lentil were followed in rice fallow under no-till.
Three new ponds were constructed and seven
existed ponds were renovated in farmer’s field of
Mynsain village for multiple uses like irrigation and
composite fish culture. A total of 17 small rain water
harvesting structure - jalkund having 30,000 liters
capacity each were developed for growing
vegetables such as French bean, cabbage, broccoli,
tomato,
lettuce, cucurbits and for rearing of animals such as Integrated organic farming system
pig and poultry specially during dry season. A
community vermicomposting unit (size 6m x 8m x 2.6m) consisting of eight tanks (size 2m x 1.5m x
0.75m) has been constructed in the village with an objective to produce vermicompost by recycling
farm biomass. Raised and sunken beds with 1:1 dimension were developed in 10509 m2 area after
rice harvest in lowland for cultivation of vegetables like tomato (var. Avinash, Rocky), French bean
(var. Naga local), potato (var. Kufri Megha), carrot (var. New Kuroda), lettuce, etc. Six hundred
numbers of improved varieties of Guava seedlings were planted in farmer’s field covering an area of
about 4500 m2. Multipurpose trees along with fodder were also grown for rehabilitation of degraded
land and supply of fodder to cattle in lean period. Farmers were provided with improved breeds of pig
(75% Hampshire and 25% mixed local) and poultry (Vanaraja) for higher productivity, nutritional
security and income. Mostly the farmers were doing mixed cropping of ginger-colocasia –chili for
higher income. Mrs Hynniew Rynghang, an adopted farmer of the village narrated that ‘The
integrated organic farming system given very good returns with using very less quantity of external
inputs’.
As the villagers were not using any synthetic fertilizers or pesticides earlier, the chance of reduction in
yield due to adoption of organic farming does not arise. Rather due to adoption of improved organic
production technology, the yield of rice, maize, French bean, ginger, tomato, carrot and chilly had
been enhanced by about 15, 22, 40, 33, 45, 37 and 27 %, respectively over conventional practice.
Villagers are currently selling their produce in local market and along the highway side as uncertified
organic produce with 10-15% higher market price as compared to conventional produce.

Manar Vanadesa Farmers Group: Fifty tribal farmers

including 20 women were trained under ICAR-Network
Project on Organic Farming for modern organic Farming
methods and techniques in 5 villages of Karamadai block in
Coimbatore district of Tamil Nadu. Special lectures on
mushroom cultivation, apiculture, bio-fertilizer production
were given. Inputs such as 10,000 number of Jasmine
seedlings, 16.4 kg vegetable seeds, 200 kg of
Azospirillum, Phosphobacteria, VAM
and 100 kg of bio-control agents such as Pseudomonas fluroscens and trichoderma viridie were also
given for practicing the organic farming in the form of Participatory Guarantee System (PGS). From
the trained group, Manar Vanadesa Farmers Group was formed for organic certification and
registered at Joint Registrar Office, Coimbatore.
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