1. COURSE SEMINAR
ON
ROLE OF ORGANIC FARMING SYSTEM
IN FOOD PRODUCTION
Speaker Supervisor
Govinda Raj Sedai Dr. S. K. Verma
I.D. No. A 11019 Assistant Professor
DEPARTMENT OF AGRONOMY
INSTITUTE OF AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES
BANARAS HINDU UNIVERSITY
VARANASI

2. Contents
Introduction (organic agriculture and organic farming)
Definition
Basic principle
Foundation Principles
Basic rules
History of organic farming
Organic Agriculture
Need of organic farming
Material considered to be used in Organic farming
Material considered to be used/banded in pests management
Organic farming databases on FiBL-IFOAM
Graphical presentations
Research database on organic rice farming
Certification process
Conclusion

3. INTRODUCTION
Modern organic farming represents merging numbers of different streams of
thought. Organic farming developed almost independently in German-speaking
and English-speaking country in the early 20th century. It is modified version of
alternative vision of agriculture (Dr. Rudolf Steiner 1924), Bio-dynimic
farming system, “Cultivate the Earth,” conservation tillage in
Germany, Natural agriculture in Japan to formation of IFOAM and FAO
set out the guidelines for
The definition of organic agriculture is a matter of debate in itself. It has no
single definition of its own. However, all definitions agree that it implies the
application of agronomic, biological and mechanical methods of production in
place of the use of synthetic chemical inputs. Most definitions also incorporate
the use of several techniques not exclusive to organic agriculture, as they may
be applied in conventional and low-input production systems as well. These
include, in particular, “better land husbandry” techniques such as soil-
conservation measures, crop rotation and the use of green manure, instead of
slashing and burning.

4. Definition:
“Organic farming is a production system that avoids or largely excludes the
use of synthetically compounded fertilizers, pesticides, growth regulators
and livestock feed additives. To the maximum extent feasible, organic
farming systems rely on crop rotations, crop residues, animal
manures, legumes, green manures, off-farm organic wastes, and aspects of
biological pest control to maintain soil productivity and tilt, to support plant
nutrients and to control insects, weeds and other pests.”
According to USDA National Organic standards Board “An ecological
production management system that promotes and enhances
biodiversity, biological cycles and soil biological activity. It is based on
minimal use of off-farm inputs and on management practices that
restore, maintain and enhance ecological harmony.”

5. Basic rules of Organic farming and
Organic food production
•no use of chemical fertilizers or synthetic
drugs
•no use of genetically modified organisms
•prevention from soil loss and erosion
•promotion of ‘bio diversity’ – support a
range of crops, not a single species

6. Fundamental Principles of organic farming
•Biodiversity & Integration
•Agro-forestry,
•Animal/Plant Interactions,
•Crop Rotation,
•Intercropping, Enterprise diversity
•Sustainability
•Environmental sustainability,
•Social Sustainability
•Economic Sustainability
•Natural Plant Nutrition
•Composting,
•Green Manure,
•Animal Manure (chicken tractors, aqua culture sludge),
•Natural Fertilizers (seaweed, fish waste),
•Nourishment of soil organisms for soil digestion.
•Natural Pest Management
•Plant health & Natural Defense, Bio control
•Cover Crops/Living & dead Mulches,
•Intercropping & companion planting
•Integrity
•Buffers to keep out unwanted chemicals but to protect neighbors from our activities
•Records (Proof of practices & economic analysis)

7. Principles of Organic Agriculture
•The principle of health,
•The principle of ecology,
•The principle of fairness,
•The principle of care.

8. Principles of health
Organic Agriculture should sustain and enhance the health of
soil, plant, animal, human and planet as one and indivisible.
This principle points out that the health of individuals and communities cannot
be separated from the health of ecosystems - healthy soils produce healthy crops
that foster the health of animals and people.
Health is the wholeness and integrity of living systems. It is not simply the
absence of illness, but the maintenance of physical, mental, social and ecological
well-being. Immunity, resilience and regeneration are key characteristics of
health.
The role of organic agriculture, whether in farming, processing, distribution, or
consumption, is to sustain and enhance the health of ecosystems and organisms
from the smallest in the soil to human beings. In particular, organic agriculture is
intended to produce high quality, nutritious food that contributes to preventive
health care and well-being. In view of this, it should avoid the use of fertilizers,
pesticides, animal drugs and food additives that may have adverse health effects.

9. Principles of ecology
Organic Agriculture should be based on living ecological systems and cycles, work with
them, emulate them and help sustain them.
This principle roots organic agriculture within living ecological systems. It states that
production is to be based on ecological processes, and recycling. Nourishment and well-
being are achieved through the ecology of the specific production environment. For
example, in the case of crops this is the living soil; for animals it is the farm ecosystem; for
fish and marine organisms, the aquatic environment.
Organic farming, pastoral and wild harvest systems should fit the cycles and ecological
balances in nature. These cycles are universal but their operation is site-specific. Organic
management must be adapted to local conditions, ecology, culture and scale. Inputs
should be reduced by reuse, recycling and efficient management of materials and energy
in order to maintain and improve environmental quality and conserve resources.
Organic agriculture should attain ecological balance through the design of farming
systems, establishment of habitats and maintenance of genetic and agricultural diversity.
Those who produce, process, trade, or consume organic products should protect and
benefit the common environment including landscapes, climate, habitats, biodiversity, air
and water.

10. Principles of fairness
Organic Agriculture should be managed in a precautionary and responsible manner to
protect the health and well-being of current and future generations and the
environment.
Organic agriculture is a living and dynamic system that responds to internal and external
demands and conditions. Practitioners of organic agriculture can enhance efficiency and
increase productivity, but this should not be at the risk of jeopardizing health and well-
being. Consequently, new technologies need to be assessed and existing methods
reviewed. Given the incomplete understanding of ecosystems and agriculture, care must
be taken.
This principle states that precaution and responsibility are the key concerns in
management, development and technology choices in organic agriculture. Science is
necessary to ensure that organic agriculture is healthy, safe and ecologically sound.
However, scientific knowledge alone is not sufficient. Practical experience, accumulated
wisdom and traditional and indigenous knowledge offer valid solutions, tested by time.
Organic agriculture should prevent significant risks by adopting appropriate technologies
and rejecting unpredictable ones, such as genetic engineering. Decisions should reflect
the values and needs of all who might be affected, through transparent and participatory
processes.

11. Apart from these, basic principles should be
closely followed:
•Sustaining and improvement of the soil
•Realization of nutrient re-cycling (farm, village, region)
•Intensive use of legumes/leguminous trees to provide nitrogen supply
•Biological plant protection through prevention
•Diversity of crop varieties and species grown
•Site and species appropriate animal husbandry
•Prohibition of Genetic Engineering and products thereof
•Maintenance of the surrounding natural landscape (sustainable eco-agro
systems)
•Least possible consumption of non-renewable energy and resources
•Ban on synthetic, chemical fertilizers, plant protection, storage and
ripening means as well as hormones and synthetic growth regulators
(also harmful processing aids in food processing).

12. Organic Agriculture is not the solution to all
problems in farming sector. I’m confident that
within this century all of the World’s agriculture
will convert to “ORGANIC”.
- Gunar Rund Gren
President, IFOAM

13. Ancient Period
1. Oldest Practice 10000 years ago dating back to Neolithic
age by ancient civilization like
Mesopotamia, Hwang Ho basin etc.
2. Ramayana All dead things returned to earth that in
nourish soil and life
3. Mahabharata 5500 B.C., Kamadhenu – the cow is role in
human life and soil fertility
4. Kautilya 300 B.C., several manures like oil cake and
Arthshastra excreta of animals
5. Brihad Sanhita Methods of choosing manures for crops and
manuring
6. Rigveda 2500-1500 B.C., green manure, use of dung
of goat, sheep, cow etc. 13

14.  The organic movement was began in the 1930s and 1940s as a reaction to
agriculture’s growing reliance on synthetic fertilizers.
 Sir Albert Howard is widely considered to be the father of Organic farming.
 Rudolf Steiner, a German philosopher, made influential strides in the earliest
organic theory with his Biodynamic agriculture.
 J. I. Rodale worked in United States.
 Lady Eve Balfour in United Kingdom.
 1980s - Increased Environmental Awareness.
 1990s – Market for organic products has grown at a rapid pace
averaging 20 – 25 percent / year.
 In 2002, the USDA under National Organic Program(NOP) regulated the
commercial use of the term ORGANIC.
 2007 – Approximately 306,000 Sq.Km(30.6 million hectares) are farmed
Organically.

15. Sustainable
aims
Organic
Agriculture
Ecological Social
aims aims

16. Organic Agriculture:
• Economic security,
• Economically viable,
• Added value,
• Low investment,
Sustainability
• Good and constant yields,
aims • Make best use of local resources
• Good working condition
• Fair Trade,
• food supply,
• Satisfy local needs
Social • Gender balance
• Respect the local culture
aims
• Good taste and quality
• Balance ecosystem
• No chemical pollution
• High soil fertility
• Clean water
Ecological • Biological diversity
aims • Animal friendly husbandry
• Conserve the natural resources
• Safe products

17. Organic farming

18. Integrated
farming
Integrated
Integrated
pest weed
management
management
Organic
farming
Integrated
Organic/ disease
Biofertilizer management
Crop
rotation

19. NEED OF ORGANIC FARMING

20. Advantages
Animals lead Soil structure
happier lives is better
Organic farming
More birds
and insects Less harmful
to environment
No harmful
chemicals –
healthier?

21. Disadvantages
More
More blemishes on
expensive crops
Organic
farming
More farm
Smaller yields
workers
needed

22. Material considered to be used in Organic farming
• In-situ waste/product:
– Farm yard manure and urine
– Rotted litter of poultry birds
– Vermicompost,
– Plant residues,
– Green manuring
– Azolla, BGA, Rhizobium etc.
– Organic compost from organic kitchen waste,
– Residues of organic mushroom production,
– Night soil,
– Oil cake
– Bio-dynymic mixture
– Sheep/goat manure
– Pig manure
• Could be used after with analysis and care takes:
– Bio fertilizer Rhizobium, Mycorrhiza etc. from external source
– Saw dust,
– Blood -meal, bone-meal
– FYM, Compost , vermicompost from external sources,
• Lesser than recommended doses
– Limestone,
– Grinded rock,
– Magnesium
– Bodo-mixture, bodo-pest and bodo-paint

23. Table Material considered to be used/banded in pests
management in organic farming
S.N. Particulars Symbol Remarks
1 Chemical pesticides × Hazardous
2 Aromatic substances Problematic in environment balance
3 Traps -g
4 Soft soap -
5 Micro-organism If imported from foreign used with special
take care
6 Plant originated extract May cause bad impact in environment
7 Plant and animal originated fat & oils May cause bad impact in environment
8 Parasite and parasitoid insects May cause harmful effect on indigenous and
native insects
9 Mineral oils May cause negative impact in environment
10 Sulfur May cause negative impact in environment
11 Mulching from natural sources -
12 Potassium per magnet May cause bad impact in environment
13 Bodo-mixture, bodo-pest and paint May cause negative impact in environment
× - Banded/not to be used, - used with take care and - could be used

24. Table World-wise contribution of organic farming
in agricultural production
S.N. Region Area (ha.) % Organic Producer
1 Europe 10637127.52 2.2.3 291451
2 North 2790162.37 0.72 166659
America
3 Latin America 6857610.72 1.12 315889
4 Asia 3706279.61 0.26 619439
5 Africa 1073656.65 0.12 540988
Total 25064836.87 4.45 1784426
Source: FiBL-IFOAM survey, 2013

25. Continent wise status of organic farming in
12000.00
agricultural production (‘000 ha)
10637.13
10000.00 Area
('000 ha)
8000.00
%
6857.61 Organic
6000.00
3706.28
4000.00
2790.16
2000.00 1073.66
291.45 16.66 315.89 540.99 619.44
2.23 1.12 0.12 0.26
0.00 0.72
Europe Northern Latin America Africa Asia
America
Source: FiBL-IFOAM survey, 2013

26. Table World-wise contribution of organic farming
in agricultural production
S.N. Region Area (ha.) % Producer
Organic
1 Austria 542553.00 19.66 21575
2 Poland 609412.00 3.94 23430
3 United Kingdom 638528.00 3.96 4650
4 Brazil 687039.60 0.270 14437
5 Canada 841216.00 1.24 3718.00
6 France 975140.99 3.55 23135
7 Germany 1015626.00 6.08 22506
8 India 1084266.01 0.60 547591
9 Italy 1096889.09 8.61 42041
10 Spain 1621898.33 6.52 32195
11 USA 1948946.37 0.60 12941.00
Source: FiBL-IFOAM survey, 2013

27. World senerio of organic farming based on
Area (ha)
Poland, 609.41
USA, 1948.95 UK, 638.53
Brazil, 687.04
Canada, 841.22
Spain, 1621.90
France, 975.14
Italy, 1096.89 Germany, 1015.63
India, 1084.27
Source: FiBL-IFOAM survey, 2013

28. Coverage of land into organic farming (%)
Germany Spain
Austria 6.08 6.52
19.66 Finland
8.21
Italy
Sweden 8.61
15.4
Dominican
Switzerland 9.61
11.69
Source: FiBL-IFOAM survey, 2013

29. Table Country-wise share of organic farming in agricultural
production in Asia
Country Area (ha) % Organic Producers
Oman 38.35 0 4
Afghanistan 61.29 0 264
Myanmar 201.90 0 13
Uzbekistan 209.00 0 6
Tajikistan 460.44 0.01 75
Saudi Arabia 18562.91 0.01 78
Malaysia 1581.62 0.02 24
Armenia 750.00 0.04 34
Bangladesh 6810.38 0.07 9335
Georgia 1998.97 0.08 150
Pakistan 24923.99 0.09 1045
Islamic Republic of Iran 43332.15 0.09 6120
Kazakhstan* 196215.40 0.09 0
Kyrgyzstan 15097.37 0.14 988
Syrian Arab Republic 19987.00 0.14 2458
Indonesia 74034.10 0.14 8612
Cambodia 8284.50 0.15 5182
People’s Democratic Republic Lao 3843.00 0.16 2178
Source: FiBL-IFOAM survey, 2013

30. Table Country-wise share of organic farming in agricultural
production in Asia
Country Area (ha) % Organic Producers
United Arab Emirates 958.00 0.17 15
Thailand 34829.22 0.18 7405
Nepal 9891.73 0.23 247
Viet Nam 23400.04 0.23 4385
Japan 9401.00 0.24 2137
Jordan 2567.27 0.25 98
China* 1900000.00 0.36 0
Azerbaijan 21959.30 0.46 322
Lebanon 3303.24 0.48 181
Taiwan 5015.69 0.59 2300
India* 1084266.01 0.6 547591
Sri Lanka 19469.46 0.75 403
Philippines* 96316.89 0.81 3010
Republic of Korea (South) 19312.00 1.04 13376
Israel 7095.00 1.36 500
Occupied Palestinian Territory 6354.00 1.73 832
Bhutan 20994.64 4.14 0
Timor-Leste 24753.75 6.6 71
Total 3706279.61 21.45 619439
Source: FiBL-IFOAM survey, 2013

31. Table Leading county of organic farming in Asia
Country Area (ha) % Organic Producers
Timor-Leste 24753.75 6.60 71
Pakistan 24923.99 0.09 1045
Thailand 34829.22 0.18 7405
Islamic Republic of Iran 43332.15 0.09 6120
Indonesia 74034.10 0.14 8612
Philippines 96316.89 0.81 3010
Kazakhstan 196215.40 0.09 0
India 1084266.01 0.60 547591
China 1900000.00 0.36 0
Total in Asia 3706279.61 21.45 619439
Source: FiBL-IFOAM survey, 2013

32. Table 1. Chemical composition of organic manures
FYM Green manure
Composition 2007-08 2008-09 2007-08 2008-09
Rice wheat Rice wheat Rice wheat Rice wheat
Organic carbon (mg kg-1) 143000 138600 139800 140200 386000 460000 389000 481000
Total N (mg kg-1) 4800 5000 4900 4900 24000 32000 27000 31500
Total P (mg kg-1) 2300 2500 2500 2400 3700 3300 3900 3000
Total K (mg kg-1) 4900 5200 5100 5000 208000 23000 21900 22800
Fe (mg kg-1) 20.85 22.35 21.9 22 74.6 83.2 77.2 80.3
Zn (mg kg-1) 10.6 11.7 12.05 11.9 34.2 36.4 34.8 33.7
Mn (mg kg-1) 38.9 39.6 39.95 40.1 88.2 96.2 90.4 94.8
Cu (mg kg-1) 2.6 2.7 2.79 2.83 8.5 9.2 8.7 8.8
C:N ratio 29.8 27.7 28.5 28.6 16.1 14.4 14.4 15.3
Ram et al. 2011

33. 600000
Production of agricultural commodity under
500000
organic management in 2008-09
538073
400000
300000 284832
Organic
In-conversion
194505
200000
163185
129543
63985 86906
100000
32354 67333 59647 58767
16785 20084 10838
44335 25235
15364
6892 17560 17419 16506 8001
0

34. Growth of under organic management area
1400000
1207000
1200000
1085648
1000000
865000
800000
Hectare
600000 538000
400000
173000
200000
42000 76000
0
2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10
Years

35. Table 1. Biodiversity on organic farms (global literature review of comparison
studies)
Taxon Positive Negative No difference
Birds 7 2
Mammals 2
Butterflies 1 1
Spiders 7 3
Earthworms 7 2 4
Beetles 13 5 3
Other arthropods 7 1 2
Plants 13 2
Soil microbes 9 8
Total 66 8 25
Hole et al., 2005

36. Table 2. Some projection on the availability of organic resources for agriculture in India
during 2010-2025
Resources 2010 2025
Generator
Human population (million) 1120 1300
Livestock population (million) 537 596
Food grain production (million t) 264 315
Human excreta (dry) (million t) 18.5 21.5
Livestock dung (sun dry) (million t) 396 426
Crop residue (million t) 343 496
Resources (considered tappable)
Human excreta 15 17
Livestock excreta 119 128
Crop residue excreta 112 162
Resources (considered potental)
Human excreta (million t N + P2O5 + K2O) 2.24 2.60
Livestock excreta (million t N + P2O5 + K2O) 7.00 7.54
Crop residue excreta (million t N + P2O5 + K2O) 7.10 20.27
Nutrient( considered tappable) (30% dung, 80% excreta and 33% of crop residue)
Human excreta (million t N + P2O5 + K2O) 1.80 2.10
Livestock excreta (million t N + P2O5 + K2O) 2.10 2.26
Crop residue excreta (million t N + P2O5 + K2O) 2.34 3.39
Total 6.24 7.75
Source: Tandon 1997

37. Table 3. Effect of nutrient combinations and mode of application N, P and K uptake in rice
N uptake (kg ha-1) P uptake (kg ha-1) K uptake (kg ha-1)
Treatments
2007 2008 2007 2008 2007 2008
Nutrient combination (N)
Control 47.4 47.1 7.5 7.2 69.6 68.7
Farm Yard Manure (FYM) 68.3 74.6 10.6 11.8 92.9 99.1
Green manure (GM) 76.0 84.9 11.8 13.3 99.8 108.0
GM + Biofertilizer (B) 83.7 90.2 13.0 14.0 106.3 112.6
GM + FYM 95.8 103.8 14.7 15.9 115.7 120.7
GM + FYM + B 105.4 112.5 16.2 17.2 124.9 128.5
Control Vs others
SEd± 5.51 4.81 0.86 0.74 5.29 6.10
CD (P=0.05) 11.25 9.83 1.75 1.51 10.80 12.45
Between others
SEm± 2.74 2.41 0.43 0.37 2.64 3.05
CD (P=0.05) 7.95 6.95 1.24 1.07 7.63 8.81
Mode of application (M)
Direct effect 82.7 93.8 12.6 14.3 102.9 111.2
Residual effect 69.7 75.5 10.9 11.8 93.3 98.1
Cumulative effect 105.0 110.3 16.3 17.2 127.5 132.1
SEm± 2.13 1.8 0.33 0.29 2.05 2.36
CD (P=0.05) 6.16 5.38 0.96 0.83 5.91 6.82
N×M
SEm± 4.77 4.17 0.74 0.64 4.58 5.28
CD (P=0.05) NS NS NS NS NS NS
Ram et al. (2011 )

38. Table 4. Effect of nutrient combinations and mode of application in
nutrient concentration in Basmati rice grain
N, P, K concentration (%) Micro-nutrient concentration (%)
Treatments N P K Fe Mn Zn Cu
2007 2008 2007 2008 2007 2008 2007 2008 2007 2008 2007 2008 2007 2008
Nutrient combination (N)
Control 1.2 1.18 0.206 0.205 0.212 0.211 34.110 33.770 33.010 33.02 32.65 32.27 13.7 12.97
Farm Yard Manure (FYM) 1.29 1.31 0.229 0.236 0.246 0.249 35.610 35.870 34.560 35.08 34.15 34.43 14.1 14.59
Green manure (GM) 1.32 1.35 0.237 0.244 0.251 0.256 35.800 36.290 34.770 35.34 34.34 34.68 14.1 14.64
GM + Biofertilizer (B) 1.34 1.36 0.239 0.245 0.253 0.258 35.850 36.440 34.860 35.43 34.39 34.71 14.2 14.69
GM + FYM 1.37 1.39 0.247 0.253 0.259 0.266 36.330 37.020 35.730 36.37 35.09 35.25 14.2 14.84
GM + FYM + B 1.39 1.4 0.250 0.255 0.262 0.267 36.320 37.220 35.980 36.6 35.13 35.43 14.3 14.93
Control Vs others
SEd± 0.062 0.027 0.010 0.008 0.007 0.006 0.480 0.230 0.290 0.19 0.64 0.55 0.11 0.16
CD (P=0.05) 0.126 0.056 0.021 0.017 0.014 0.013 0.990 0.460 0.600 0.39 1.32 1.11 0.22 0.33
Between others
SEm± 0.031 0.014 0.01 0.004 0 0.003 0.240 0.11 0.15 0.1 0.32 0.27 0.05 0.08
CD (P=0.05) 0.089 0.039 0.015 0.012 0.010 0.009 0.700 0.330 0.420 0.27 0.93 0.79 0.15 0.23
Mode of application (M)
Direct effect 1.34 1.36 0.237 0.24 0.25 0.26 35.87 36.22 35.51 35.99 34.55 34.83 14.2 14.78
Residual effect 1.3 1.33 0.23 0.24 0.25 0.25 35.49 35.55 33.31 34.33 34.1 34.41 14.1 14.56
Cumulative effect 1.39 1.40 0.25 0.26 0.27 0.27 36.51 37.94 36.73 36.98 35.11 35.46 14.2 14.88
SEm± 0.024 0.011 0 0.003 0.003 0.002 0.190 0.090 0.110 0.07 0.25 0.21 0.04 0.06
CD (P=0.05) 0.069 0.030 0.01 0.009 0.008 0.007 0.540 0.250 0.330 0.21 0.72 0.61 0.12 0.18
Source: Moolam Ram et al. 2011

39. Table 5. Effect of nutrient combinations and mode of application on
economy of cultivation of Basmati rice
Gross Return cost of cultivation Net return
B:C ratio
Treatment (×103 Rs. Ha-1) (×103 Rs. Ha-1) (×103 Rs. Ha-1)
2007 2008 2007 2008 2007 2008 2007 2008
Nutrient combination (N)
Control 49.64 49.85 20.090 21.040 29.550 28.810 1.500 1.400
Farm Yard Manure (FYM) 66.86 72.67 25.770 27.060 41.090 45.620 1.600 1.700
Green manure (GM) 71.66 78.98 22.410 23.460 49.250 55.520 2.200 2.400
GM + Biofertilizer (B) 79.54 83.47 22.520 23.570 57.020 59.890 2.500 2.500
GM + FYM 87.65 93.07 41.490 43.510 46.170 49.560 1.100 1.100
GM + FYM + B 95.79 100.16 41.600 43.620 54.190 56.550 1.300 1.300
Control Vs others
SEd± 5.710 3.550 5.710 3.550 0.320 0.150
CD (P=0.05) 11.660 7.250 11.660 7.250 0.660 0.300
Between others
SEm± 2.860 1.780 2.860 1.780 0.160 0.070
CD (P=0.05) 8.250 5.130 8.25 5.130 0.470 0.21
Mode of application (M)
Direct effect 77.76 86.74 36.090 36.09 41.67 48.89 1.2 1.3
Residual effect 67.34 71.40 20.09 20.09 47.250 50.36 2.4 2.4
Cumulative effect 95.8 98.88 36.85 36.09 59.71 61.03 1.7 1.6
SEm± 2.210 1.380 2.210 1.380 0.13 0.060
CD (P=0.05) 6.390 3.970 6.390 3.970 0.36 0.160
N×M
SEm± 4.95 3.080 4.950 3.08 0.280 0.130
CD (P=0.05) NS 8.88 NS 8.880 0.810 0.36
Source: Moolam Ram et al. 2011

40. Certification - Legalities
• Conversion Period: NOS Standards require time between the
beginning of organic cultivation & when a crop can be
harvested as organic
– Annual crops: 24 months prior to sowing
– Perennial crops: 36 months prior to harvest
– Grassland for pasture: 2 years
• Related concepts
– Certification – USDA Certified Organic,
– Transitional,
– $5,000 exclusion,

41. Certification
A procedure by which a third party gives written
assurance that a product, process or services is in
conformity with certain standards.
• Certification Body
• Inspector
• Operator (farmers. Processor and applicant)

42. Certification Process:
Steps of certification process
• Request for Certification,
• Applicant’s screening from Certification Body and send forms for
applicant,
• Applicant’s fill up form and prepare all document and return to
Certification Body,
• CB assess potential eligibility (Again screening),
• CB assigns organic inspector for site visit,
• Onsite visit report to CB,
• Review on report and takes decision,
• CB notifies applicant
• Certification (Yes or No)
• Annual certification renewal

43. Certification Institution
International level
• National Association of Sustainable Agriculture (NASSA), Australia
• Institute of Market ecology (IMO)
• Organic Certification Nepal (OCN),
• Organic World and Fair Future (OWF)
• The Institute for Market ecology (IMO, Switzerland),
• the Ethical and Environmental Certification Institute (ICEA, Italy),
• Ecocert France,
• OneCert America
• European Organic Standards
• The British System

44. Contd……
National level in India
• Natural Organic Certification Association. Pune, India
• National Centre of Organic Farming, Ghaziabad
• Organic Certification and Internal Control System (ICS)
• Uttarakhanda organic commodity board (UOCB)-Delivering prosperity through sustainable
agriculture in 19 May 2003.
• OneCert Asia Agri Certification, Pvt. Ltd. Mr. Sandeep Bhargava.
• Control Union Certifications (Formerly, known as Skal International (India).

45. Table 3: Organic Agriculture 2011; Key Indicators and Leading Countries
Indicator Leading countries
Countries with data on certified organic 2009: 160 countries (2008: 154; 2000: 86)
agriculture 2009
Organic agricultural land 2009 37.2 million hectares (2008: 35.2, 1999: 11) Australia (12 million ha), Argentina
(4.4 million ha), US (1.9 million ha)
Number of countries with more than 24 countries (2008: 22); More than ten Falkland Islands (Malvinas) (35.7 %),
five percent organic agricultural land percent: 7 Countries (2008: 6 countries) Liechtenstein (26.9 %), Austria (18.5
2009 %)
Further, non-agricultural organic areas 41.9 million hectares Finland (7.8 million ha), Brazil (6.2
2009 (2008: 31 million) million ha); Cameroon (6 million ha).
Producers 2009 1.8 million producers India (677’257), Uganda (187’893),
(2008: 1.4 million) Mexico (128’826)
Organic market size 2009 54.9 billion US dollars or 40 billion euros US (17.8 billion euros), Germany (5.8
(2008: 50.9 billion US dollars; 1999: 15.2 billion euros), France (3 billion euros)
billion)
Number of countries with organic 74 countries (2008: 73 countries)
regulations 2010
Organic certifiers 2010 523 certifiers (2008: 489) Japan, USA, South Korea
Number of IFOAM affiliates 1.1.2011: 757 affiliates (2008: 734 affiliates Germany: 98 affiliates; United States:
2011 2000: 606 affiliates) 45 affiliates; India: 44 affiliates

46. Conclusion:
 Organic farming intensifies farm-internal processes like biological activities,
recycling of livestock and crop waste, enhanced biodiversity as well as
nitrogen fixation and improve phosphorus availability by symbiosis.
 Organic farming is relevant mitigation and adoption option for climate
change.
 Organic farming is viable solution for smallholder farmers in developing
countries.
 Organic farming build up soil health and conserves soil water and organic
matter.

47. • The world currently produces double the amount of food required to feed
everyone; still around 1 billion people suffer from hunger, and another
billion are malnourished
• The problem of hunger is mostly due to poor distribution systems and
inadequate production in the poorest communities
• 50% of the world’s hungry are in fact small holder farmers, who suffer from
lack of extension services and access to resources, unjust trade conditions,
erosion of their agricultural biodiversity and climate change
• Much greater support of small holder producers is required, as they produce
70% of the world’s food. Strengthening small holder farmers is the key to
increasing access to food and food security
• A United Nations study has found that organic agriculture increased yields in
Africa by over 100% and that organic systems have higher yields under
conditions of climatic extremes
• Organic systems are highly suitable for increasing productivity of traditional
small holder and subsistence systems
• Greater investment in research and extension of affordable, and resilient
organic systems for small holder farmers is required

48. The government of India seems to be committed for promoting organic
farming in the country. Several pieces of policies and strategies are
formulated to promote organic farming. But, these policies and strategies
are scattered and simply inadequate. For this purpose, a consolidated
policy and a clear set of legislative provisions are required. Nature has
gifted India with plenty of production niches suitable for organic farming of
various agricultural commodities. However, it encompasses several
challenges in order to make national product competitive in the domestic
and international market. On the one hand policies and capacities on
production technologies of organic farming are inadequate and on the
other hand the developed technologies and products are not being
delivered properly in India. So, under the given circumstances, India has to
reform its policies and make organic farming friendly, so that the cultivated
areas can be protected from the over application of chemical inputs. Many
actors including government organizations, NGOs, private sector and
farmers should be involved in different steps of organic agriculture
promotion and certification. Then only the nation can prosper with the
means of healthy people.