concept of organic farming

1. Submitted To :
Dr. Anil Verma
Dept. Of Agronomy
Submitted By :
Pragya Tiwari
Ph.D 1st Year (1st Sem)
Deprt. of Agronomy

2. Introduction:
The term organic farming was coined by Lord Northbound in his book Look to the Land
(written in 1939, published 1940). From his conception of "the farm as organism," he described a
holistic, ecologically balanced approach to farming.
Organic agricultural methods are internationally regulated and legally enforced by many
nations, based in large part on the standards set by the International Federation of Organic
Agriculture Movements (IFOAM), an international umbrella organization for organic
organizations established in 1972.
Organic agriculture is concerned not only with leaving out technical production aids,
such as pesticides or synthetically-produced chemical, mineral fertilizers, or simply replacing
them with aids permitted in an organic farming system. But is rather more a holistic cultivation
system whereby an agricultural site is viewed as an organism. This method of planting has little
in common with the “Ancient’s agricultural system”, but has been developed from a process
based on technical-biological progress. Organic agriculture consciously avoids trying to
maximize the yield per cultivation area. The total productivity of a farm (including the ecological
aspects), optimally adapted to the site conditions, is the most important aspect.
Organic products are grown under a system of agriculture without the use of chemical
fertilizers and pesticides with an environmentally and socially responsible approach. This is a
method of farming that works at grass root level preserving the reproductive and regenerative
capacity of the soil, good plant nutrition, and sound soil management, produces nutritious food

3. rich in vitality which has resistance to diseases. Organic farming is a system approach utilizing
the natural cycles and biological interaction for crop production and protection.
Organic production is a holistic system designed to optimize the productivity and
fitness of diverse communities within the agro-ecosystem, including soil organisms, plants,
livestock and people. The principal goal of organic production is to develop enterprises that
are sustainable and harmonious with the environment.
Organic Farming
Organic farming is defined as a “Production System” that avoids or largely excludes the
use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides and growth regulators. Instead, it relies on crop rotations,
crop residues, animal manure, green manure, off farm organic wastes, mechanical cultivation,
mineral bearing rocks and aspects of biological pest control to maintain soil productivity and
tilth, to supply plant nutrients and to control insects, weeds and other pests (USDA, 1980)
The National Organic Standards Board of the U.S. defines organic farming as an
ecological production management system that promotes and enhances bio-diversity, biological
cycles and soil biological activity. The focus is on ecologically compatible production systems
and processes, not on the product itself or specific inputs (GOI, 2001).

4. Organic production is defined by the USDA as ‘A production system which avoids or
largely excludes the use of synthetic compounded fertilizer, pesticides, growth regulators and
livestock feed additives.
The Codex Alimentarius Commission of the WHO recommends another definition of
organic farming as “a holistic production management system which promotes and enhances
agro-eco system health, including biodiversity, biological cycles and soil biological activity”
(GOI, 2001).
Organic farming is a production system that sustains the health of soils, ecosystem and people. It
relies on ecological processes, biodiversity and cycles adopted to local conditions, rather than the
use of input with adverse effects of combine tradition, innovations and science to benefit the
shared environment and promote fair relationships and a good quality of life for all involved.”
IFOAM, 2008

5. History of organic farming
 Before 19th century most foods in the world was organically produced.
 In 1924 Austrian Philosopher Dr. Rudolf Steiner conceptualized and advocated
organic agriculture.
 In 1927 a trademark “Demeter” was introduced for organically grown food.
 In 1972, IFOAM gave an international frame work for discussion and recognition
of principles of organic farming

6. Concept
Organic farming endorses the concept that the soil, plant, animals and human beings
are linked.
In philosophical terms organic farming means “farming in sprits of organic
relationship”. In this system everything is connected with everything else.
Therefore,
1. its goal is to create an integrated, environmentally sound, safe and economically
sustainable agriculture production system.
2 Concept of Organic Farming Concept of Organic Farming
3 Since organic farming means placing farming on integral relationship, we should be
well aware about the relationship between the soil, water and plants, between soil-soil
microbes and waste products, between the vegetable kingdom and the animal kingdom of
which the apex animal is the human being, between agriculture and forestry, ÿ between soil,
water and atmosphere etc.

7. It is the totality of these relationships that is the bedrock of organic farming. The
farmer manages self-regulating ecological and biological processes for sustainable and
economic production of products.
1. Organic farming systems are based on development of biological diversity and the
maintenance and replenishment of soil productivity.
2. The soil in this system is a living entity.
3.The total environment of the soil, from soil structure to soil cover is more important.
4. It must have to be protected and nurtured at all cost.
5.Concept of Organic Farming Feed the soil, it will feed the crop.
6.The soil’s living population of microbes and other organisms are significant
contributors to its fertility on a sustained basis.
7. It conserves soil fertility and soil erosion through implementation of appropriate
conservation practices.
Progress in agriculture in Indian perspective
 Before 1960 – Low chemical use (fertilizer and pesticide), Low production, Faced
problem to meet food grain demand
 1960 -1990 – High inputs in green revolution states, Higher production , Meet
food grain demand
 1990 onward – Over exploitation of resources in irrigated states (high inputs use
states)

8. Effect of Green revolution in Agriculture scenario
Change in first 20 years of the launch of green revolution
Production – Increased by 2 times
Fertilizer use – Increased by 7 times
Pesticide use – Increased by 375 times
During green revolution period in 1960’s , in order to meet the ever-increasing needs for
food and fiber for growing populations, with introduction of high-yielding crop varieties
especially for rice and wheat along with the use of chemical fertilizer, synthetic pesticides,
mechanization and irrigation has overcome the food crisis and are self sufficient in food grains
but they are not sustainable as there is stagnation or fall in productivity, decline in soil fertility,
salinity problems and environment condition. Declining soil fertility and mismanagement of
plant nutrients have made the task of providing food for the world’s population in 2020 and
beyond more difficult.
Deterioration and degradation of resources
o Ground water – nitrate & pesticide contamination
o Soil – salinity, acidity, nutrient imbalance S, Zn, Fe, Mn, Cu B. Deficiency
o Environment pollution due to use of chemical (Insecticide and Pesticide )
o Bio-diversity Imbalance
Organic farming Present Status in World

9. Organic agricultural land
In 2017, 69.8 million hectares of organic agricultural land, including in-conversion
areas, were recorded. The regions with the largest areas of organic agricultural land are
Oceania (35.9 million hectares) and Europe (14.6 million hectares, 21 percent). Latin America
has 8 million hectares (11 percent) followed by Asia (6.1 million hectares, 9 percent) North
America (3.2 million hectares, 5 percent) and Africa (2.1 million hectares, 3 percent. The
countries with the largest organic agricultural land are Australia (35.6 million hectares),
Argentina (3.4 million hectares) and China (3.0 million hectares).
Organic Farming: It’s Relevance to Indian Agriculture
Organic farming may be practiced in crops, commodities and regions where the country
has comparative advantage. To begin with, the practice of organic farming should be for low
volume high-value crops, like spices, medicinal plants etc., beside fruits and vegetables, for
which R&D support is required. Organic farming should not be confined to the age old practice
of using cattle dung, and other inputs of organic/biological origin, but an emphasis needs to be
laid on the soil and crop management practices that enhance the population and efficiency of
below-ground soil biodiversity to improve nutrient availability
Interest in organic agricultural methods is growing, especially in areas where the present
modern farming system has unleashed many agro-ecological and environmental problems both
on and off the farm, which threaten food security. The following are some examples:
• Degradation of soil quality (structured & fertility)
• Pollution of soil, water and food with pesticides and nitrates
• Health effects on farmers, farm workers, farm families, rural communities (apart from
concerns about the non intended effects of pesticides on human beings in general, sound
use of pesticides requires a technical knowledge which is often lacking in developing
countries)
• Resistance of pests to pesticides
• Dependence on off-farm agricultural inputs which can increase poor farmers’ dependence
on credit facilities (to purchase synthetic fertilizers, pesticides and seed), which may
result in decreased local food security and self-reliance

10. Further consumer awareness of the environmental costs of agriculture is increasing. The
awareness of environmental quality and health is often promoted by environmental groups,
especially in developed countries. The resulting demand for organic products creates the
opportunity to sell organic products at premium prices, enabling organic farmers to continue, and
often expand. Some governments have begun to recognize the possibility that it may be cheaper
to support organic agriculture than to rectify problems associated with certain resource-
destruction production practices. For this reason, several governments have introduced subsidies
for organic agriculture.
Objectives of Organic farming:
 To develop a sustainable agriculture system
 To increase agriculture production
 To produce healthy foods
 Environmental protection
 Conservation of natural resources
 Rural development
Organic farming aims to:
o Increase long-term soil fertility.
o Control pests and diseases without harming the environment.
o Ensure that water stays clean and safe.

11. o Use resources which the farmer already has, so the farmer needs less money to buy farm
inputs.
o Produce nutritious food, feed for animals and high quality crops to sell at a good price
Four Principles of Organic Farming:
1. Principle of Health: Organic agriculture must contribute to the health and well being of
soil, plants, animals, humans and the earth. It is the sustenance of mental, physical,
ecological and social well being. For instance, it provides pollution and chemical free,
nutritious food items for humans.
2. Principle of Fairness: Fairness is evident in maintaining equity and justice of the shared
planet both among humans and other living beings. Organic farming provides good
quality of life and helps in reducing poverty. Natural resources must be judiciously used
and preserved for future generations.

12. 3. Principle of Ecological Balance: Organic farming must be modeled on living ecological
systems. Organic farming methods must fit the ecological balances and cycles in nature.
4. Principle of Care: Organic agriculture should be practiced in a careful and responsible
manner to benefit the present and future generations and the environment
Why is modern farming unsustainable?
1. Loss of soil fertility due to excessive use of chemical fertilizers and lack of crop
rotation.
2. Artificial fertilisers and herbicides are easily washed from the soil and pollute rivers,
lakes and water courses.
3. Nitrate run off during rains contaminates water resources.
4. Soil erosion due to deep ploughing and heavy rains.
5. More requirement of fuel for cultivation.
6. Cruelty to animals in their housing, feeding, breeding and slaughtering.
7. Loss of biodiversity due to mono culture.
8. Dependency on fertilisers. Greater amounts are needed every year to produce the same
yields of crops.
9. Artificial pesticides can stay in the soil for a long time and enter the food chain where
they build up in the bodies of animals and humans, causing health problems.
10. Pests and diseases become more difficult to control as they become resistant to
artificial pesticides. The numbers of natural enemies decrease because of pesticide use
and habitat loss.
11. Foods from organic farms are loaded with nutrients such as vitamins, enzymes,
minerals and other micro-nutrients compared to those from conventional farms. This is
because organic farms are managed and nourished using sustainable practices. In fact,
some past researchers collected and tested vegetables, fruits, and grains from both
organic farms and conventional farms.
12. The conclusion was that food items from organic farms had way more nutrients than
those sourced from commercial or conventional farms. The study went further to
substantiate that five servings of these fruits and vegetables from organic farms

13. offered sufficient allowance of vitamin C. However, the same quantity of fruits and
vegetable did not offer the same sufficient allowance.
13. modified foods (GMOs) are contaminating natural foods sources at real scary pace,
manifesting grave effects beyond our comprehension. What makes them a great threat is
they are not even labelled. So, sticking to organic foods sourced from veritable sources is
the only way to mitigate these grave effects of GMOs.
Opportunities of organic farming:
 Big and growing market potential
 Growing purchasing power of consumers
 Growing health awareness
 70% of GCA is under rain fed agriculture
 Government promotes
 Non-governmental organizations
 Strong relationships
 Reduce heavy subsidies on food and fertilizers
 Earn high export earnings
 Enhances self-reliance among local farmers
Constraints of organic farming:
• Control of weed
• Bulky manure related with high transportation cost
• Non availability of quality organic seed
• Marketing Problems of Organic Inputs and Financial Support
• Initial Low Yield (3-5years)
• Dependency on Animal Agriculture

14. • Limited access to safe, effective, pest control options
• Reliable organic pesticides not availability in market
• More manual labour required
• Lack of awareness
• Complex registration procedure
Advantages of organic farming:
 Creates suitable environment for soil micro and macro organisms.
 Intercropping is an insurance against crop failure.
 Improves soil tilth .
 Maintain soil fertility.
 Reduces residual effects of chemicals in food stuff.
 Helps in fixing atmospheric nitrogen.
 Do not destroy the earthworms.
Organic Farming Builds Healthy Soil
• To grow healthy food, we must start with healthy soil. If we treat the soil with harmful
pesticides and chemicals, we may end up with soil that cannot thrive on its own. A large
nine-year study by USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS), shows that organic
farming builds up organic soil matter better than conventional no-till farming.
Combatting Erosion
• Not only does organic farming build healthy soil, but it helps combat serious soil and
land issues, such as erosion.
• A major study comparing adjoining organic and chemically treated wheat fields showed
that the organic field featured eight more inches of topsoil than the chemically treated
field and also had only one-third the erosion loss.
Fighting the Effects of Global Warming

15. • Rodale Institute Farming Systems Trial is America’s longest running, side-by-side
comparison of conventional and organic agriculture. The trial, running since 1981, has
shown that a healthy organic agriculture system can actually reduce carbon dioxide and
help slow climate change. In fact, the Rodale research shows that:
• "If only 10,000 medium sized farms in the U.S. converted to organic production, they
would store so much carbon in the soil that it would be equivalent to taking 1,174,400
cars off the road, or reducing car miles driven by 14.62 billion miles.
Discouraging Algal Blooms
• Algal blooms (HABs) result in adverse effects on the health of people and marine
animals and organisms. Algal blooms also negatively affect recreation, tourism and thus,
local and regional economies. While there is more than one cause of algal blooms, a
primary human-based cause of algae blooms is runoff from the petroleum-based
fertilizers often used in conventional farming.
Supporting Animal Health and Welfare
• Insects, birds, fish and all sorts of other critters experience problems when humans swoop
in and destroy their natural habitat.
• Organic farming not only helps preserve more natural habitat areas but also encourages
birds and other natural predators to live happily on farmland, which assists in natural pest
control. Additionally, animals who live on organic farms are exposed to clean, chemical-
free grazing that helps keep them naturally healthy and resistant to illness.