Lesser-Known Facts Of Organic Farming In India That We All Must Know

Do you know why organic farming in India has become the talk of the town? Organic farming is a sustainable agriculture system using organic, natural and chemical-free fertilizers and pesticides. Organic farming in India has become the need of time and there are various reasons behind it, such as its amazing health and environmental benefits. The overall profit and success rate it provides is worth-notable.

Well, Organic farming in India is not new but the development that has been taken under organic farming is still unknown to us. There are some lesser-known organic farming facts which we have covered in this blog.

Why is Organic farming unique?

Organic farming is an agriculture system that is sustainable and eco-friendly. The manure and fertilisers used in this agriculture system are derived from animal and plant waste. Products like organic manure and fertilisers are introduced in this present time as a result of organic farming. It is different from conventional methods of farming as it uses the old traditional way of farming with advanced technology.

Impactful History of Organic Farming in India

Well, organic farming is a thousand years old practice in India as we Indians use organic fertilisers and manure made from cow dung and the waste of plants. Organic farming in India was started as the organic movement during the 1940s and it was introduced to us by the British Botanist, Sir Albert Howard.

During the 1950s and 1960s, the Indian population increased drastically and food was scarce in India. That’s when the Green Revolution was introduced in India to increase food production in India. The Green Revolution led by M. S. Swaminathan became the government’s most important program in the 1960s.

A large amount of land was brought under cultivation. Hybrid seeds were introduced. Natural and organic fertilizers were replaced by chemical fertilizers and locally made pesticides were replaced by chemical pesticides. Large chemical factories such as the Rashtriya Chemical Fertilizers were established.

Which Indian started organic farming in India?

After the Green Revolution, Organic farming was revived by the Indian agricultural scientist, Subhash Palekar. He is also known as the father of Organic farming in India. He has been promoting the natural ways of growing crops without the use of any chemical manure or fertilisers. His approach towards to organic farming is called “Zero Budget Natural Farming.”

Why Organic farming in India is the need of time?

With the increasing destruction of the environment done by humans, Organic farming has become a necessity of time in order to save the environment. Organic farming reduces the level of residues of the waste products as they are converted into organic manure and fertilisers. Organic farming protects the ecosystem and offers great benefits to the nature and environment. In addition to this, it also decreases the cost of agricultural production. Organic farming is one of the cheapest and sustainable way of farming.

Benefits of Organic Farming

1. It is more sustainable

Organic farming is more sustainable than any other farming practice. Factually, organic farming uses 45 per cent less energy, 20 per cent less water, and releases 40 per cent fewer carbon emissions. It also reduces the greenhouse effects on the environment.

2. No Extra Expenses

Organic farming doesn’t need any expensive fertilisers, pesticides, or HYV seeds required for the plantation of crops. Therefore, there is no extra expense that makes farmers less stressed and more content.

3. Healthy and nutritional organic products

Unlike chemical fertilisers and manure-infused crops, the crops and the products of organic farming are more healthy, nutritious and chemical-free. That means organic farming is making our future generation healthy and more fit.

Is Organic farming in India more profitable than Conventional methods?

In many ways, organic farming is way more profitable business in India because of its lower agricultural cost. In the future run, organic farming will save a lot of money as it reduces the need for expensive chemical products and fertilisers. Moreover, the organic products which we get from organic farming have a higher price which makes a great profit in both domestic and export markets.

Indian Crops that make more profit in organic farming

Organic farming in India surely makes a profitable business if done in crops such as wheat, flax seeds, pulses, soybean, tea and medicinal plants. Well, the cultivation of these crops varies from place to place. These crops are the major organic exports from India which bring a lot of profit to businesses of organic farming in India.

Which state has the best organic farming in India?

Sikkim is the first and the only state that has proclaimed itself the 100% organic state in 2016. It wasn’t easy for Sikkim to gain this status because of its hilly geography but the government of Sikkim made it possible by making numerous farms on the Himalayas’ terraced and steep slopes.

Schemes of Organic Farming in India started by Government

Due to the government’s concerted efforts, cultivable land area under organic farming has expanded from 11.83 lakh hectares in 2014 to 29.17 lakh hectares in 2020. By looking at the success rate of organic farming initiatives, Government aims to expand the coverage of 20 lakh hectare land by 2024. To make it possible, there are five govt. schemes that provide support and benefits to the people who are thinking to do organic farming.

1. Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY)
2. Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region (MOVCDNER)
3. Capital Investment Subsidy Scheme (CISS) under Soil Health Management Scheme
4. National Mission on Oilseeds and Oil Palm (NMOOP)
5. National Food Security Mission (NFSM)

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If you liked reading these unknown facts about organic farming, then do a read the story of This 35-YO Becomes Plant-Loving Entrepreneur While Juggling Full-Time Job & 100 Other Responsibilities- Started Flora Frenzy

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