Want to start organic farming in India and build a profitable, sustainable agriculture business? This ultimate 2025 guide covers everything you need: from soil health, composting, and crop rotation to certification, marketing, and earning profits. Learn how to meet NPOP or PGS India standards, improve your soil fertility using natural methods, and plan your farming schedule for maximum yield and market value. Perfect for beginners, entrepreneurs, and progressive farmers who want to switch to clean, chemical-free organic farming. Start your journey now.
Introduction
Organic farming is no longer just a trend — it’s the future of Indian agriculture. As awareness grows about food safety, health, and sustainability, the demand for chemical-free organic produce is booming in both domestic and global markets. The good news? India is already home to the largest number of organic farmers in the world. Whether you are a beginner, a small farmer, or a rural entrepreneur, this blog post will show you exactly how to start organic farming in 2025, get certified, and grow crops that are safe, eco-friendly, and highly profitable.
In this in-depth guide, we’ll break down every step of the process — from understanding soil health and organic inputs to certification, government schemes, and profitable organic crop planning. Let’s get started!
Foundations of Organic Agriculture
What is Organic Farming?
Definition and Concept
Organic farming is a natural method of growing crops that does not use synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, or genetically modified seeds. Instead, it relies on natural inputs like compost, green manure, biofertilizers, crop rotation, and biological pest control.
It’s not just a technique – it’s a farming philosophy rooted in respect for nature, soil, and human health.
Evolution of Organic Farming in India
India’s traditional farming was naturally organic for centuries. It wasn’t until the Green Revolution in the 1960s that synthetic chemicals were introduced. But the long-term impact of pesticides and fertilizers led to soil degradation, water pollution, and food toxicity. In the 1990s, organic farming made a comeback — especially in hilly regions and tribal areas.
Today:
Sikkim is 100% organic
Over 3.5 million Indian farmers are certified organic
Export of Indian organic produce is growing globally
Global vs Indian Organic Trends
While countries like the US and Germany focus on industrial-scale organic production, India leads with smallholder, low-cost, traditional organic models. The challenge is scalability — and that’s where certifications and support systems come in.
.png "Top Challenges in Scaling Organic Farming Across India (2025)")
Core Principles of Organic Farming
4 Principles of Organic Agriculture (IFOAM)
Health: Healthy soil = healthy food = healthy people
Ecology: Work in harmony with nature, not against it
Fairness: Fair trade, farmer dignity, animal welfare
Care: Avoid harmful technologies (e.g. GMOs, toxins)
Comparison – Organic vs Chemical Farming
FactorOrganic FarmingChemical Farming
Fertilizer UseCompost, biofertilizerUrea, DAP, synthetic NPK
Pest ControlNeem oil, bio-pesticidesChemical sprays
Soil QualityImproves year by yearDegrades with use
Cost of InputsLow to MediumHigh
Yield (short-term)Slightly lessHigh
Yield (long-term)More stableDeclining
MarketPremium (domestic + export)Mass
.png "Organic vs. Chemical Farming in India – Key Differences Compared")
Organic Certifications in India
NPOP – For Export & Domestic
Managed by APEDA under the Ministry of Commerce
Required for exporting to EU, USA, Canada
Requires 3rd party inspection and strict compliance
PGS India – For Small & Local Farmers
Managed by NCOF (National Centre for Organic Farming)
Designed for farmer groups and small holdings
Cheaper and faster than NPOP
Jaivik Bharat Logo
A national mark approved by FSSAI for organic food packaging. Builds trust among Indian consumers. You must be certified under NPOP or PGS to use it.
How to Get Certified
Choose type (PGS/NPOP)
Register with approved body
Submit farm map, field plan, and input records
Undergo a conversion period of 2–3 years
Get inspected and approved annually
Start using the label for sale
.png "6 Key Steps to Get Organic Farming Certification in India (PGS & NPOP)")
Cost & Documents
ItemNPOPPGS India
Fees₹15,000–₹30,000₹1,000–₹2,000
Conversion Time3 years2–3 years
Documents RequiredOwnership papers, field map, input records, logbooksSame as NPOP
Soil Health in Organic Farming
Why Soil is a Living Ecosystem
Healthy soil is full of earthworms, fungi, bacteria, protozoa, and organic matter. These living organisms convert dead matter into nutrients and help regulate soil pH, structure, and moisture.
Signs of Good Organic Soil
Loose, crumbly texture
Rich dark brown color
Earthworm activity
Balanced pH (6.0 to 7.5)
No chemical residue
.png "Top Signs of Healthy Organic Soil Every Farmer Should Know")
Benefits of Healthy Soil in Organic Farming
Reduces need for irrigation
Improves nutrient availability
Natural pest resistance
Builds long-term productivity
Increases profitability (premium produce)
.png "Top 7 Benefits of Sustainable and Organic Agriculture for Indian Farmers")
Crop Rotation – The Organic Secret Weapon
Why Rotate Crops?
Crop rotation helps break the pest/disease cycle and improves soil structure by not exhausting the same nutrient again and again.
Common Indian Organic Crop Rotation Plans
Year 1
Kharif: Maize + Cowpea
Rabi: Wheat + Mustard
Year 2
Kharif: Paddy
Rabi: Chickpea + Garlic
Year 3
Kharif: Soybean
Rabi: Barley + Onion
This rotation balances nitrogen fixers, root depth, water demand, and disease control.
Conclusion: Your Organic Journey Starts Here
If you’ve read this far, you now understand the core foundation of successful organic farming. Soil, certification, crop planning, and ecological care — these are not just techniques, but values that will define your success.
In the next module, we’ll move into soil fertility, composting methods, and nutrient management in detail.
