This document provides an overview of organic farming. It discusses that organic agriculture is a production system that sustains soil, ecosystem and human health by relying on ecological processes rather than harmful inputs. The history and concepts of organic farming are outlined, including maintaining soil fertility and avoiding pollution. Key organic farming methods like crop rotation, mulching, composting and green manure are described. The advantages of organic farming in maintaining environmental health and sustainability are contrasted with some disadvantages like lower initial yields. Standards for organic livestock and certification are also summarized.
2. Introduction
● According to International Federation of
Organic Agriculture Movement
(IFOAM), 'organic agriculture' is a
production system that sustains the
health of soils, eco systems and people.
It relies on ecological processes,
biodiversity and cycles adapted to local
conditions,rather than the use of inputs
with adverse effects
● Organic agriculture combines tradition,
innovation and science to benefit the
shared environment and promote fair
relationships and a good quality of life
for all involved.
3. History
Organic Farming was the
original type of agriculture.
Forest gardening, a fully
organic food production system
which dates from prehistoric
times.
The organic movement began in
the mid- 1920s in central
Europe.
Old technique in all over world
leading to new change in
agriculture
4. Concepts
To maintain the long term
fertility of the soil
To reduce the input cost.
To effectively utilize the natural
resources .
To avoid all forms of pollution
caused by agricultural
techniques.
To provide a quality foodstuff .
Aims
Organic Farming
6. Organic Farming
Crop Rotation
To produce a healthy crop an
organic farmer needs to manage
the soil well.
This involves considering soil
life, soil nutrients and soil
structure.
Choice of Crops
Soil type
Rainfall
Altitude
Temperature
The type and amount of
nutrients required
The amount of water needed.
7. Organic Farming
Rotation
A typical 4 year rotation would
include a cycle with maize and
beans, a root crop and cereals
with either of the following;
1. Grass or bush fallow (a fallow
period where no crops are
grown).
2. A legume crop where a green
manure, which is a plant grown
mainly for the benefit of the soil,
is grown.
8. Organic Farming
Increase and recycle plant nutrients
and organic matter
Improve soil fertility
Improve soil structure
Improve the ability of the soil to hold
water
Control soil erosion
Prevent weed growth
Stop nutrients being washed out of
the soil
Green Manure
Green manures, often known
as cover crops, are plants
which are grown to improve
the structure, organic matter
content and nutrient content
of the soil. They are a cheap
alternative to artificial
fertilizers and can be used to
complement animal manures
9. Organic Farming
Decreasing water loss due to
evaporation
Reducing weed growth by reducing
the amount of light reaching the soil
Preventing soil erosion
Increasing the number of micro-
organisms in top soil
Adding nutrients to the soil and
improving soil structure
Adding organic matter to the soil
Mulching
Mulching means covering
the ground with a layer of
loose material such as
compost, manure, straw,
dry grass, leaves or crop
residues.
10. Organic Farming
Definition:-
Compost is organic matter
(plant and animal residues)
which has been rotted
down by the action of
bacteria and other
organisms, over a period of
time. Materials such as
leaves, fruit skins and
animal manures can be
used to make compost.
Compost;
1. Improves soil structure
2. Improves drainage
3. Reduce soil erosion
4. Improves soil fertility
5. Improves water holding
Capacity
6. Reduces pest and diseases
in soil and on crop.
Composting
12. Organic Farming
Advantages
● Maintains environmental
health by reducing pollution;
● Keeps agricultural production
sustainable;
● Improves supply and retention
of soil nutrients, and promotes
favourable chemical reactions
in the soil;
● Reduces the cost of
agricultural production by
relying on internal sources for
nutrient, pest and disease
management;
● Improves soil health;
● Ensures the optimum
utilization of natural resources;
13. Organic Farming
Disadvantages
● The yield of organic farms is
lower.
● Genetically modified crops are
more convenient and easier to
find.
● Organic farming takes much
more time and energy.
● Organic farmers must be
skilled and willing to learn new
techniques.
● Organic farmers are more
dependent on cultivation to
remove weeds and rocks
before sowing seeds, this takes
more time.
14. Organic Livestock
● Organic cattle farming is a
method for raising cattle in a
more "natural" way.
● Animals raised this way are
allowed to graze on natural
foods and have access to the
outdoors.
● Feed for animals is grown
organically,
● Not given antibiotics or
hormones.
● Animals often have much
better living conditions than
most large-scale cattle farms
that are often crowded and
prevent cattle from getting
much exercise in order to
maximize profits.
● Farm Yard manure is used for
producing organic manure thru
vermi-composting, and bio-gas
production
15. International
Standards
The International
Federation of Organic
Agriculture Movements
(IFOAM) has produced a
set of international organic
standards, laid down by
people from many
countries. These give
guidelines about what
organic farming is and how
it should be practiced on
the farm.
16. Organic Farming
Constraints
● Government Support
● Lack of Financial support
● Undefined Market
structure.
● Consumer Awareness
● Training
● Certification Cost
● Low yield in early stages
Challenges
● Transition time to organic
● Policy Initiatives
● Marketing of produce
● Infrastructure and Funds
forscientific studies
17. Organic Farming
Growth of Organic
Farming in India
● With the increasing
Demand of for organic
products in India ,the
certification and regulation
of organic sector came into
and being thrived.
● As a result of its growing
importance, the organic
Farming sector in india has
substaintially increased
over a couse of year .
18. Organic Farming
Growth of Organic
Farming in India
● The money spent on
subsidies on chemical
fertilizers as furnished
by Ministry of
Agriculture
(Departement of
Agriculture &
Cooperation) is as
follows:
Year Subsidies (INR)
2005-06 19389.64
2006-07 28019.55
2007-08 43319.16
2008-09 99494.71
2009-10 64032.29
2010-11 65836.68
2011-12 73790.94
2012-13 70592.10
2013-14 71280.16
2014-15 75067.31
*MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE (Department of Agriculture&Cooperation
