Introduction
Organic farming is a holistic approach to agriculture that nurtures soil health, biodiversity, and ecological balance while avoiding chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and GMOs. In India, it combines ancient wisdom with modern science — emphasizing composting, crop rotation, and biofertilizers over chemical inputs.
This article draws upon Tripathi et al. (2023), “An Overview of Organic Farming in India and Its Role in Sustainable Agriculture”, published by Banda University of Agriculture and Technology (ResearchGate PDF), and integrates the latest data from APEDA, NCOF, PKVY, PGS, and USDA-FAS sources.
Why India Needs Organic Farming
While the Green Revolution boosted yields, decades of chemical-intensive cultivation have degraded soils, polluted water, and increased input costs. Organic farming offers a sustainable path by:
- Restoring soil fertility and microbial life.
- Reducing dependence on external synthetic inputs.
- Producing safe, chemical-free food for consumers.
- Cutting greenhouse gas emissions linked to fertilizer production.
These align with the Four Principles of Organic Agriculture — Health, Ecology, Fairness, and Care — defined by IFOAM-Organics International.
By the Numbers — India (Latest Official Data)
According to APEDA’s National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) and NCOF status reports:
- Certified Organic Production (FY 2023-24): ~3.6 million metric tonnes of certified products across categories.
- Total Organic Area: ~10.17 million hectares (cultivated + wild harvest).
- Registered Organic Farmers: Over 4.4 million producers, one of the world’s largest farmer networks.
- Export Market: Organic exports worth ₹5,100+ crore (mainly oilseeds, cereals, spices, and tea).
- Top Organic States: Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Odisha, Uttarakhand, and Sikkim.
(Source: APEDA, PGS-India Dashboard, USDA-FAS Report on India’s Organic Agriculture Sector)
Core Organic Farming Techniques in India
Organic farming in India blends traditional ecological wisdom with research-based practices. Here are the core sustainable techniques:
1. Composting and Farmyard Manure (FYM)
Composting converts organic waste into nutrient-rich humus. FYM and vermicompost enhance soil organic carbon, microbial activity, and nutrient cycling.
2. Green Manuring and Cover Cropping
Legume crops like Sesbania and Crotalaria are grown and ploughed into the soil, enriching it with nitrogen and biomass.
3. Crop Rotation and Intercropping
Alternating crops such as cereals, pulses, and oilseeds maintains soil fertility, breaks pest cycles, and balances nutrient demand.
4. Mulching
Mulching with straw, leaves, or crop residues conserves moisture, prevents weed growth, and stabilizes soil temperature.
5. Biofertilizers and Microbial Inoculants
Use of Rhizobium, Azotobacter, and phosphate-solubilizing bacteria enhances natural nutrient availability — crucial for soil fertility management.
6. Integrated Crop-Livestock Systems
Livestock provide manure and energy, while crop residues feed animals — forming a closed nutrient loop, a traditional hallmark of Indian mixed farming.
7. Biological Pest Management
Pest control through neem-based biopesticides, pheromone traps, and beneficial insects reduces chemical load and supports biodiversity.
Government Schemes Promoting Organic Farming
The Indian government has introduced strong policy support for sustainable agriculture:
Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY)
- Promotes cluster-based organic farming (50-acre clusters).
- Encourages a 3-year conversion period to full organic certification.
- Provides financial assistance up to ₹50,000 per hectare for organic inputs, certification, and marketing.
- Emphasizes on-site demonstrations, training, and cluster linkages.
PGS-India (Participatory Guarantee System)
- A farmer-group certification system that’s cost-free and locally managed.
- Suitable for smallholders selling domestically.
- Backed by the National Centre of Organic Farming (NCOF).
NPOP (National Programme for Organic Production)
- Overseen by APEDA, this certification system aligns with EU and USDA organic standards for exports.
- Provides traceability and branding support for Indian exporters.
Benefits of Organic Farming
1. Enhanced Soil Health
Organic inputs increase organic carbon, improve soil aeration, and sustain microbial diversity.
2. Reduced Input Costs
By eliminating costly synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, farmers achieve greater financial independence.
3. Environmental Protection
No chemical residues, reduced groundwater contamination, and improved air quality through less fertilizer use.
4. Water and Energy Conservation
Practices like mulching and cover cropping minimize irrigation needs and reduce energy used in fertilizer manufacturing.
5. Socio-Economic Gains
Organic farming promotes low-input, high-value production, especially in hill and tribal regions, and supports local employment through composting, marketing, and certification.
Challenges and Solutions
Challenges:
- Yield gaps during conversion period.
- Certification costs for exports.
- Limited awareness among smallholders.
- Inadequate organic marketing infrastructure.
Solutions:
- Use cluster-based PKVY and PGS-India models for shared certification.
- Encourage value addition (drying, grading, packaging).
- Strengthen FPOs (Farmer Producer Organizations) for better market linkages.
- Provide continuous farmer training via Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) and NCOF.
Future Scope and Market Growth
India ranks among the top 10 global organic producers, with over 4 million farmers engaged in organic cultivation. The USDA-FAS projects India’s organic market to expand 25–30% annually, supported by rising domestic demand and exports.
State-level initiatives such as:
- Sikkim’s 100% Organic Transition,
- Meghalaya’s 200,000-ha Organic Mission by 2030, and
- Goa’s 50% subsidy on organic inputs,
illustrate India’s commitment to sustainable farming.
Role in Sustainable Agriculture
Organic farming supports multiple UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
- SDG 2: Zero Hunger (food security & nutrition).
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production.
- SDG 13: Climate Action.
- SDG 15: Life on Land (soil & biodiversity protection).
By adopting biological nutrient management, recycling farm residues, and minimizing external inputs, organic agriculture ensures long-term productivity and ecosystem balance — echoing the findings of Tripathi et al. (2023).
Also read- 7 Best High Profit Crops for Small and Large-Scale Farming
Conclusion
Organic farming in India is no longer an alternative — it’s an agricultural evolution. Supported by government schemes like PKVY, PGS, and NPOP, and guided by research such as Tripathi et al. (2023), it offers an eco-friendly, profitable, and sustainable model for the future.
The path forward lies in:
- Strengthening research and farmer education,
- Expanding organic value chains, and
- Building consumer awareness to sustain market growth.
India’s organic movement stands as a blueprint for balancing productivity with planetary health.
1. What are the core principles of organic farming?
Health, Ecology, Fairness, and Care — as defined by IFOAM-Organics International.
2. What is the duration of organic conversion under PKVY?
Three years (36 months), as per PKVY Guidelines.
3. Which certification systems exist in India?
4. What are the top export commodities?
Oilseeds, cereals, spices, tea, coffee, and processed foods — per APEDA 2023-24 report.
References & Useful Links
- 📘 Tripathi K.M. et al. (2023) — An Overview of Organic Farming in India and Its Role in Sustainable Agriculture
- 🌿 APEDA — National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP)
- 🌱 Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY)
- 👨🌾 PGS-India (Participatory Guarantee System)
- 📊 NCOF — National Centre of Organic Farming
- 🌏 USDA-FAS India Organic Agriculture Report
- ♻️ IFOAM Principles of Organic Agriculture
- 🌾 Vikaspedia — Organic Farming Basics
Shivank patyal is a versatile blogger with a B.Sc. in Plant Biotechnology and 5 years of experience writing about agriculture, sustainability, and entertainment topics. With expertise in digital marketing and field experience in crop cultivation, Shivank provides practical insights for farmers while also engaging readers with content on diverse subjects. Passionate about sharing knowledge, Shivank combines education and creativity to connect with a wide audience.
