The Rise of Organic Farming in India (2024)

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The Rise of Organic Farming in India (2024)

Continuous increase in demand for healthier food has led to the growth of organic farming. Regulations by government and worldwide increase of sustainable agriculture techniques has also supported this trend. In India, organic farming includes the practices of natural farming. Crop rotation, composting and integrated pest management without use of artificial fertilizers or pesticides are important processes for organic farming. This article has referenced the data from the Indian government agency APEDA (Agriculture and Processed Food Export Development Authority). This agency monitors the distribution and production of organic farming in India. It also examines their future prospect of growth.

Organic farming improves soil health. It also enhances consumer health and creates better environmental conditions. According to APEDA, India is among the biggest producers of organic crops. The area devoted to organic agriculture is continuously increasing. Latest statistics states that more than 1.5 million Indian farmers are engaged in organic farming. Not just that organic farming in India covers more than 4 million hectares of land. Organic farming includes a vast range of crops such as cereals, legumes, fruits, vegetables, tea, coffee and spices.

Indian states have also latched on to this new opportunity and the organic farming production is on rise. The above map shows the classification of Indian states by organic production in metric ton. Maharashtra, our richest state with GDP is leading the way with around 10.44 metric ton in production. Table below illustrates the top 5 states listed in descending order by Organic production.

Data Source : https://apeda.gov.in/

On a world forum, India is a major exporter of organic products in addition to its domestic consumption. Indian imported products are imported to countries like the United states, Canada and European union countries. APEDA and other Indian governmental and regulatory organisations are taking initiatives and awarding certifications for advancing organic farming in India. Many states in India have a disproportionately high rate of organic farming. This is due to continuous government assistance, advanced agricultural techniques, and good climatic conditions. An outline of organic farming in major Indian states is as follows: 

1. Sikkim: India’s 100% Organic State: Sikkim holds a unique place in the history of organic farming in India. It is the first state to proclaim itself as completely organic. Sikkim attained this status in 2016 with the help of Sikkim Organic Mission. A revolution has started in almost all the agricultural processes in the state. In Sikkim, almost 75,000 hectares of land is used for organic farming. This includes a variety of crops like vegetables, cardamom, ginger, and turmeric. State’s policies and achievements have proven that large scale organic farming can be environmentally sustainable and financially rewarding. This state has emerged as a successful role model of organic farming for the rest of states in India.
2. Himachal Pradesh: Second revolutionary state in the organic farming movement in India is Himachal Pradesh. State has supported organic farming and emphasised on products like vegetables, apples and potatoes since early 2000. Geographical conditions of Himachal Pradesh like climatic conditions and terrace farming are making it a perfect place for organic farming. In Himachal Pradesh almost 9,000 hectares of land is being used for organic farming . Himachal Pradesh is well known for its state agricultural profile because of its organic apple supplies.
3. Uttarakhand: Availability of rich soil and variety of agro climatic zones makes Uttarakhand a major force in organic farming. The state government has been aggressively pursuing organic farming, particularly in hilly areas. Here, organic farming practices complement traditional agricultural techniques. Uttarakhand main organic crops are rice, vegetable and aromatic plants like lavender. Organic farming area in Uttarakhand has surpassed 1,00,000 hectares under organic certification. It is still rising because of the rising trend of organic cultivation.
4. Madhya Pradesh: India is the biggest producer of organic cotton. Nation’s organic agricultural output has been substantially contributed by Madhya Pradesh. Madhya Pradesh uses around 11,50,000 hectares of land for organic farming. Primarily grain,pulses, soybeans and cotton are being grown in this state. Organic cotton especially is in high international demand and helps in getting precious foreign reserves through exports. Madhya Pradesh is pursuing organic certification through APEDA’s national production program for Organic production.
5. Karnataka: Karnataka is known among the best states for farming. Karnataka leads in organic production of spices and coffee. Almost 71,000 hectares of land is under organic certification . Karnataka’s agro climatic zones are varied, which support different crops to grow. It has contributed to the growth of organic farming in the state. Karnataka mainly produces organic goods such as nuts, coffee, cardamom and black pepper.
6. Kerala: Kerala is especially known for growing coconuts and spices. Kerala has also advanced significantly in organic farming. Kerala has been growing products like coconuts, papayas, bananas since long ago. More than 44,000 hectares is under organic cultivation for organic farming. Kerala’s organic goods are in high demand not only in the country but worldwide. Kerala state organic farming mission’s assistance in switching to organic practices has benefited farmers greatly.
7. Maharashtra: In Maharashtra organic farming is mainly around cities like Nasik and Pune.The state emphasises on improving the condition of soil and reducing the usage of chemical pesticides. The state has the largest land under organic certification. Primarily fruits, vegetables and pulses are the crops which are being grown in Maharashtra. Demand for organic food items is continuously growing in India and abroad. That’s why farmers of this state are embracing organic farming methods at an increasing rate.
8. Rajasthan: Rajasthan’s arid and semi arid climate does not make this a lost spot for organic farming. The state has focussed on crops like millets in the desert region. They have been working to bring organic farming production on a large scale. Crops like grain, oilseeds, coriander, cummin and pulses are also being focussed. The state has around 5,80,000 hectares of area under organic cultivation.

The Function of Government Assistance : APEDA is playing an important role in the growth of organic farming in India. It provides funds, training and market access. Agency encourages farmers to adopt organic methods. It makes organic certification under NPOP (National Programme for Organic Production). The government has also started a number of programs to give them incentives and training. These programs include financial assistance for certification costs. Major schemes for organic farming include the Prampragat Krishi Vikas Yojna (PKVY). Another important scheme is the National Mission on Organic Farming (NMOF).

Government is emphasising on lowering reliance on chemical inputs and boosting small scale farmers viability. Organic farming is in line with the goal of a more sustainable agriculture industry.

India’s future prospects for  Organic Farming: It seems organic farming in India has a bright future due to below mentioned factors:

1. Growing National and International Demand: Consumers are becoming more conscious of the advantage of eating organic foods. This awareness leads to an anticipation of expansion in the domestic and export market of organic products. Youth and health conscious population is the main force behind this movement. 
2. Technological Developments:  Use of technology is increasing rapidly. The use of data-driven decision-making tools is growing. Organic certification procedures are making organic farming more accessible and efficient. Democratisation of technology to the masses is going to bring in more farmers to its fold.
3. Policy Support: Indian government is making more and more investment in organic farming through certifications, subsidies and infrastructure development. As a result of these policies , more farmers will switch to organic farming.
4. Sustainable and Climate Change: As climate change impacts conventional farming systems, Organic farming may provide a more resilient option. It fosters biodiversity and enhances soil health. It also lowers agriculture’s carbon footprint. 

In Conclusion: Organic farming in India is at a turning point. Here some states are spearheading the push for sustainable farming methods . However there are still issues with infrastructure, market accessibility and certification fees. Indian organic farming appears to have a bright future. This optimism is due to robust government support. There is also rising customer demand. Additionally, there is a growing emphasis on environmental sustainability. India is a global leader in organic farming. States like Sikkim, Madhya Pradesh, and Himachal Pradesh serve as shining examples. They also offer important lessons or organic farming expansion and other states are anticipated to do the same.

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