Possibilities and prospects of organic farming in Rajasthan,India

1. Organic farming in Rajasthan
Prospecting
for
Climate resilience
and
Economic returns
Arun K.Sharma
Sr Scientist
Central Arid Zone Research Institute,Jodhpur-342003
E-mail : arun.k_sharma@yahoo.co.in
Mobile 094141 72436

5. Rajasthan agriculture :
time to invest-money and mind
1. 5% Country’s population but only 1% of water
resources.
2. 70% area in single crop and rainfed but 66%
population depend on Agricuture & Allied.
3. Recurrent droughts & precarious ground water
situation (Out of 237 blocks, 207 are in dark zone).
4. Climate change effect will be much sever
on agriculture than industry.
5. Competitive global market-quality with low price
required

6. Organic farming : one of the best optionOrganic farming : one of the best option
forfor
 Conservation of rain water/ground
water better soil condition
 Mitigating effect of climate
change/variations-
balanced nutrition and moisture availability, soil buffer,
biodiversity, fix carbon in soil, not add green house
gases
 Rural employment-
input preparation at farm/village level
 Low cost-
quality production –
least cost of external input, no residue of chemicals
Diverting Fertilizer subsidy to
Rajasthan-
BY Demanding subsidy for organic farming in
Rainfed areas

7. Potential of organic farming
• 1.Efficient use of limited water-
low volume high value MONOPOLY crops
• 2.Low fertiliser use –easy conversion
• 3.Diversified farming system -infrastructure for organic farming
• 4.Rich traditional wisdom- social acceptability
• 5. Natural availability of inputs- gypsum, rock phosphate, neem, animal waste
• 6.Employment generation- reduce migration
• 7.Export promotion – High value monopoly crops
• 8. Climate change - Organic farming is most suitable

8. Diversified products from Rajasthan
Raw produce
• Course grain – pearl millet,China,Mundo,Kagni
• Pulses –Moth ,moong bean
• Oil seed – Sesame,Mustard
• Medicinal Plants- Psyllium, Senna, Ashvagandh,Aloe,Neem, Guggul,
Henna,Tribulus etc.
• Spices –Cumin, Chilli,Fennel, Fenugreek,coriender,dil etc.
• Fruits and vegetables – ( fresh and dry)Ber ,Aonla,
Kumat, Khejri, Gunda, Datepalm, Cucurbits(fruit& seeds) .
• Industrial use –Guar gum,Gum
• Other – Milk ,honey
Total export of only four major produce i.e. Sesame,cumin, guar
gum and psyllium is around Rs 2000 crore
There is great possibility of processing and value addition of
above produce under organic management

9. Potential crops of areas on
rainfall basis
Agro climatic zone Rainfall Average(mm) Suitable spices and
medicinal crop
Arid, , 100-300 Cumin,Senna, Gugool,
Psyllium, Cluserbean
(gum)
Transitional 300-450 Fenugreek, Cumin, ,
Aloe, Senna
Semi arid 450-750 Fennel, Asvagandha,
Fenugreek, Coriander,
Lucorice, Aloe, Aonla

10. Rs 20/kg
Rs 100 /kg
Just- prudent management of resources
Raw cow
dung- no
profit but
harms
Vermicomposting /pit composting
all benefits

11. Approach from stakeholders
Farmer
Researcher
Seller/Consumer
Policy maker
Organic
farming

12. Action plan for organic farmingAction plan for organic farming
Priority to organic in on going programmes, funds
for subsidy , trainings and tax examptution, MSP for
organic produce
Organic food may be included in mid day meal
programe
Declaration of virgin soils ( no chemical used so far)
areas as organic.
 Converting watershed clusters into organic clusters
Restriction on use of ground water for food grain and
spices only, summer-only drip allowed
 Use of funds and facilitates of rural development
preprogram e.g. SJSY,MNREGA for input preparation
(compost pits, nem biopesticides etc.) for organic farming

13.  Scientific validation of traditional knowledge and
farmer’s innovations
 Supporting organic during conversion period,
certification by exporters
 Facilitating organic consumer-producers
associations.
Establishment of organic demonstration farm
Techno-financial support to production of organic inputs
(seed ,manure, biopesticides etc.) at village level
II
Promotion of supporting technologies ( green manure, had
weeding, biopesticides etc)
Development of equipments for preparation and
application of manure

14. Rainwater harvesting
and efficient use
Preparation of
biopesticides
Composting of farm waste
Biodiversity
conservation
Organic Crop production
Training in field
Programs at CAZRI
1. Development of model organic farm for research and demonstration.
2. Development of organic package of practices for export demanding arid zone crops
e.g. Cumin, Psyllium, Sesame, Cluster bean etc.
3. Development of eco-technologies for pest and weed management.
Findings
Increased crop resilience to climatic variability.
Enhanced soil water retention and biological activity.
Successful pest control with eco-friendly management practices.
Organic Farming at CAZRIOrganic Farming at CAZRI

15. Integrated use of eco-tecnohnologies makes
successful organic farming

16. Two doubt about organic –now becoming clear byTwo doubt about organic –now becoming clear by
Experience and experimentation
 Inputs are available-
transportation and efficient utilization is needed
 Yield will be comparable from first year –
with prudent management and trained workers.

17. Organic farming Conventional
(chemical) farming
Holistic approach Reductionist approach.
Decentralize production Centralize production
Harmony with NATURE
(Harness the benefit)
Domination on NATURE
( Exploit for profit)
Diversity Specialization
Input optimization
(save more)
Output maximization
(spend more)
Organic farming –Ideology
It is the mentality which decides the direction of development and not the
technology itself

18. Can we compare organic to
conventional chemical farming ?
Organic Conventional chemical
Multi-component monoculture
Complex nutrition and
protection system
Elemental & pest based
system
No subsidy on inputs Huge subsidy on fertilizers
Several environmental and
non tangible benefits
Limited
We may compare in terms of suitability,
feasibility and meeting the demand of
society & sustainability

19. Cumin
Psyllium