Discover everything about organic farming in India – from its definition and history to benefits, market trends, and why it's the future of sustainable agriculture.
Introduction: The New Age of Farming
Indian agriculture is undergoing a transformation. With growing awareness about food safety, environmental damage, and soil degradation, farmers and consumers alike are turning to organic farming—an age-old practice rooted in natural wisdom but empowered by modern science.
Organic farming is not a trend. It's a return to roots, where soil is respected, biodiversity is nurtured, and chemical dependency is replaced by balance.
This blog dives into the concept, benefits, and growth of organic farming in India, and why every Indian farmer should consider going organic.
1. What is Organic Farming?
Organic farming is an agricultural system that relies on natural inputs like compost, cow dung, neem, and crop rotation instead of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and GMOs.
Key Principles of Organic Farming:
1.Soil Health First: Enrich soil with organic matter (FYM, compost, vermicompost)
2.Natural Pest Control: Use neem oil, cow urine, pheromone traps
3.Biodiversity: Plant multiple crops to promote natural balance
4.No Chemicals: Completely avoids synthetic fertilizers or pesticides
4.Animal Welfare: Ethical treatment and integration of livestock
Organic Inputs Include:
1.Jeevamrut (fermented cow dung + urine)
2.Panchagavya (mixture of 5 cow products)
3.Biofertilizers (azotobacter, rhizobium)
4.Green manuring crops like sunhemp
2. Difference Between Organic and Conventional Farming
Understanding how organic farming differs from conventional farming helps farmers and consumers make informed choices.
AspectOrganic FarmingConventional Farming
InputsNaturalSynthetic chemicals
Soil HealthImproves soil over timeDepletes soil nutrients
Crop YieldSlightly lower short-termHigher short-term
Long-Term ProfitHigher due to premium marketDepends on chemical use
PesticidesNatural repellentsChemical pesticides
EnvironmentEco-friendlyCauses pollution and runoff
CertificationNeeds third-party inspectionNo certification needed
Bottom Line: Conventional farming may give quick results, but organic farming builds long-term sustainability, resilience, and healthier produce.
.png "Difference Between Organic and Conventional Farming")
3. History and Growth of Organic Farming in India
Ancient Roots
India has a rich history of organic-style agriculture. Vedic texts describe cow-based farming systems using gomutra (urine), ghee, and cow dung. Ancient farmers practiced crop rotation, mixed cropping, and seed conservation—all core to organic practices.
The Green Revolution (1960s–80s)
While it increased food production, the Green Revolution introduced heavy use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, degrading soil and water quality.
Organic Revival (1990s–2000s)
2000: Government introduced the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP)
States like Sikkim went fully organic (2016)
Rise of private certification bodies (APEDA, ECOCERT, PGS India)
Growth in Numbers
India has over 4.4 million organic farmers (2023)
Over 2.7 million hectares under organic certification
World's largest number of organic producers (FAO Report 2023)
.png "History and Growth of Organic Farming in India")
4. Benefits of Going Organic: Health, Soil & Market
a) Health Benefits
No chemical residues in food
Lower exposure to carcinogens and toxins
Higher levels of antioxidants and micronutrients
b) Soil Benefits
Higher organic carbon content
Better water retention and aeration
Supports microbial activity and earthworms
Naturally controls pests and diseases
c) Environmental Benefits
Zero pollution of soil, water, and air
Preserves biodiversity and pollinators
Reduces greenhouse gas emissions
d) Market & Economic Benefits
20–30% premium pricing for certified organic produce
Access to export markets (Europe, USA, Japan)
Government subsidies, schemes & training support
e) Consumer Trust
Millennials and health-conscious families prefer organic
Growth in demand for farm-to-home and direct delivery
.png "Benefits of Going Organic: Health, Soil & Market")
5. Indian Organic Market Trends: Future is Green
The Indian organic market is no longer niche—it’s booming.
Market Size
Valued at ₹8,500 crores in 2023
Expected to reach ₹25,000+ crores by 2027
CAGR of 20–25%
Where It's Growing:
Urban metros (Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru)
E-commerce platforms (BigBasket, Amazon Organic)
Farm-to-fork startups (Zama Organics, Krishi Cress)
Popular Organic Crops
Fruits: Mango, Apple, Banana
Grains: Rice, Wheat, Millets
Pulses: Moong, Masoor, Rajma
Others: Turmeric, Ginger, Chilli
Certification Bodies in India
PGS-India (Participatory Guarantee System)
APEDA NPOP
ECOCERT India
Jaivik Bharat logo for consumer packaging
Challenges Ahead
Cost of certification
Transition time (2–3 years for soil recovery)
Market access for small farmers
Government Support
Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY)
Mission Organic Value Chain (MOVCDNER)
Jaivik Kheti portal for online marketing
.png "Indian Organic Market Trends: Future is Green")
Conclusion: Is Organic Farming Right for You?
Organic farming is not a shortcut—it’s a long-term commitment to soil, food, and health. It may take time to show results, but it builds a sustainable ecosystem where farmers profit, consumers thrive, and the planet heals.
If you're a small or medium farmer, now is the time to start organic farming on a part of your land. Experiment, observe, and scale. The future of Indian farming is organic—and you can be part of that change.
Read More
1.Central agency for organic certification and schemes under the Indian Government.
2.Organic Farming in India: Complete Beginner’s Guide
