Organic Farming in India: Complete Beginner’s Guide (Definition, Benefits, Methods, Setup, and Government Support)

 

Introduction: Why This Guide Matters

Organic farming is not just a trend—it’s a movement toward healthier food, sustainable ecosystems, and farmer empowerment. As consumers become more conscious and governments support eco-friendly agriculture, organic farming is becoming the future of Indian agriculture. This guide is designed to take you from basic understanding to practical implementation, whether you’re a farmer, student, entrepreneur, or an eco-conscious individual.

                                                                   

1. What is Organic Farming?

Organic farming is a method of farming that avoids synthetic chemicals (like fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides), rejects GMOs, and focuses on natural processes and cycles.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO):

"Organic agriculture is a holistic production management system which promotes and enhances agro-ecosystem health, including biodiversity, biological cycles, and soil biological activity."

Key Features:

No synthetic chemicals

Soil fertility management using natural inputs

Crop rotation, composting, green manuring

Pest and disease control through biological means

Animal welfare and natural grazing

2. A Brief History of Organic Farming

Global Roots: Started in the early 20th century by pioneers like Sir Albert Howard, Rudolf Steiner, and J.I. Rodale.

India’s Traditional Farming: Ancient Indian farming was inherently organic until the Green Revolution in the 1960s introduced chemical-based methods.

Modern Organic Movement: Revived by leaders like Subhash Palekar (ZBNF) and Bhaskar Save.

Milestone: In 2016, Sikkim became the world’s first fully organic state.

3. Why Choose Organic Farming?

Health Benefits:

Free from chemical residues

Higher antioxidant content

Better nutritional profile

Environmental Benefits:

Preserves biodiversity

Improves water retention and soil fertility

Reduces carbon footprint

Farmer Benefits:

Reduced input costs

Healthier working conditions

Access to premium markets

4. Principles of Organic Farming

Outlined by IFOAM (International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements):

1. Health – Sustain soil, plants, animals, and human health.

2. Ecology – Work with natural systems.

3. Fairness – Equity, respect, and justice.

4. Care – Precaution and responsibility for future generations.

5. Organic vs. Conventional Farming (Deep Comparison)

ParameterOrganic FarmingConventional Farming

FertilizersNatural (compost, bio-fertilizers)Synthetic (urea, DAP)

PesticidesNeem, biological trapsChemical-based

Soil HealthImproved with organic matterDepletes over time

Yield (initial phase)Lower, improves over timeHigh initially

Cost of CultivationLower long-termHigh due to inputs

Market PricePremium priceStandard

CertificationRequired for labelNot needed

                                                                        

6. Techniques Used in Organic Farming

a. Soil Fertility Management:

Composting – Decomposed organic waste

Vermicompost – Worm-based composting

Green Manuring – Crops like dhaincha improve nitrogen

Crop Rotation – Avoids pest build-up and nutrient depletion

b. Weed & Pest Control:

Neem-based sprays

Bio-pesticides (Trichoderma, Pseudomonas)

Mulching – Retains moisture and controls weeds

Bird perches and light traps

c. Water Management:

Drip irrigation

Rainwater harvesting

Moisture conservation with mulches

d. Livestock Integration:

Desi cows for panchgavya

Natural grazing methods

Cow dung for compost and biogas

7. How to Start Organic Farming in India

Step 1: Land Selection & Preparation

Choose land away from industrial areas

Conduct soil testing for fertility

Step 2: Build Soil Health

Start composting immediately

Add bio-fertilizers like Azospirillum, PSB

Step 3: Select the Right Crops

Use indigenous or desi seeds

Choose crops based on climate, soil, and market

Step 4: Setup Natural Inputs

Build compost units

Setup cow urine collection for jeevamrut

Step 5: Certification Planning

Decide on PGS or NPOP route

Start documentation for conversion period (3 years)

Step 6: Crop Care and Harvest

Use biological sprays

Practice intercropping and mixed cropping

📋 8. Organic Certification in India

a. PGS (Participatory Guarantee System):

For small farmers

Low-cost, group-based

b. NPOP (National Programme for Organic Production):

Export-focused

Requires 3rd-party certification

Certification Agencies:

APEDA (NPOP)

PGS-India (NCOF)

9. Government Schemes & Subsidies

Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY):

Rs. 50,000 per hectare for 3 years

Cluster-based approach

Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region (MOVCDNER):

Focused on NE states

Includes value addition, certification, and marketing

✅ National Centre for Organic Farming (NCOF):

Biofertilizers, training, and labs

10. Common Myths & Facts

MythFact

Organic farming gives low yieldYields increase after transition period

Organic is not profitablePremium markets offer better prices

Too difficult to manageWith training, it becomes easier than chemical farming

No pesticides used at allUses natural pest management methods

                                                           

11. Organic Farming Market in India

• India is 5th in the world by organic agricultural land

• Demand growing at 20% annually

• Major exports: tea, spices, pulses

• Metro cities and foreign markets are top consumers

12. Real-Life Organic Farming Success Stories

1. Subhash Palekar – Maharashtra, founder of ZBNF

2. Suresh Desai – Switched to organic sugarcane, Kolhapur

3. Sikkim State – Became fully organic with increased tourism

13. Challenges in Organic Farming

Initial lower yield

Certification complexity

Pest outbreaks without chemical backup

Market access

Training availability

Solutions:

Government support

Farmer producer organizations

Cooperative marketing

14. Conclusion: The Way Forward

Organic farming is not only about food—it's a way of life. With proper education, community support, and government backing, India can lead the global organic revolution.

15. FAQ Section

Q1. How long does it take to convert to organic farming?

3 years (called the conversion period)

Q2. Is organic farming profitable?

Yes, due to premium prices and low input cost.

Q3. Can I use cow dung and urine in organic farming?

Absolutely. They are the main ingredients in jeevamrut and compost.

Q4. Where can I get certified?

Through PGS or NPOP via APEDA/PGS portal.

Q5. What crops are best for beginners?

Vegetables, pulses, spices like turmeric, ginger.

Read More

1. Official Government PGS Organic Certification site

2. Intercropping Farming in India – Complete Guide