This document summarizes research on organic farming practices in India. It finds that traditional organic farming methods offer sustainable solutions to problems caused by conventional chemical-based agriculture, including environmental degradation and health issues. Experiments show that organic methods can equal or exceed chemical yields while improving soil quality over time. Organic crops demonstrated higher quality and profits for farmers. The research validated organic techniques for crop and disease management, improving farmer livelihoods in a sustainable way.

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Organic agriculture – the experience of India
India had developed a vast and rich traditional agricultural knowledge since ancient times
and presently finding solutions to problems created by over use of agrochemicals.
Present days’ modern farming is not sustainable in consonance with economics, ecology,
equity, energy and socio-cultural dimensions. Indiscriminate use of chemical fertilizers,
weedicides and pesticides has resulted in various environmental and health hazards
along with socio-economic problems. Chemical base farming system is no more
beneficial as it requires high input and low return, resulting migration of youth from rural
area to urban area in search of other jobs. Besides that cultivable area and forest land is
shrinking day by day and become biggest threat to habitat of animalsand birds. Though
agricultural production has continued to increase, but productivity rate per unit area has
started to decline. The entire agricultural community is trying to find out an alternative
sustainable farming system, which is ecologically sound, economically and socially ac-
ceptable. Sustainable agriculture is unifying concept, whichconsiders ecological, envi-
ronmental, philosophical, ethical and social impacts, balanced with cost effectiveness.
The answer to the problem probably lies in returning to our own roots. Traditional
agricultural practices, which are, based on natural and organic methods of farming offer
several effective, feasible and cost effective solutions to most of the basic problems being
faced in conventional farming system. There is also need to conserve our traditional
seed, some of which have drought resistant properties and resistant to different pest and
diseases.
Looking these demerits of present day farming work was carried out on ancient
organic farming practices viz; Biodynamic, Panchgavya, Rishi Krishi and Homa farming
following objectives and brief of the achievement is given as under:
1. Quantum production equal or higher what is expected from optimum combination
of agrochemicals.
2. Input generation at the farm
3. Continuous improvement in physico-chemical and biological properties of soil.
4. Par excellence produce quality with respect to nutrition, essential constituents,
therapeutic value and storability.
5. Eco friendly and cost effective technology.
Achievements

2. Analysis of initial soil samples revealed that the organic carbon, available P and K and
population of mould and bacteria were 0.53 per cent, 8.66 and 140 ppm and 1.3x104 and
3.7x106 cfu g-1, respectively.
After three years of organic cultivation, 3-4 fold improvement in physical, chemical and
biological properties of the soil was. Compost prepared at the farm almost 2 to 3 times
more than normal compost. Liquid manures/pesticides were prepared from leaves of le-
guminous tree and neem, caster leaves and other medicinal plant parts were found to
have insecticidal and fungicidal properties.
Organic preparations contained high population of beneficial microbes.
Fruits
In a long term experiment, improvement in mango, guava, Indian gooseberry and papaya
yield and quality was recorded with improvement in soil health.
Vegetables
In another experiment cauliflower, cabbage, okra and cowpea were grown in different
organic package of practice. Yield, quality and cast benefit ratio was recorded maximum
in comparison to application of recommended dose agrochemicals. Note: Input generated
at the farm without any purchase but its cost was included while computing CB ratio at
market rate.
CropProtection
Neem and Pongamia based biodynamic pesticides found effective management of
pests.
Diseases
Use of biodynamic pesticides and other organic preparations were also found effective in
control of soil born diseases and brought immunity against adverse condition viz; frost
and drought.
Physiological Disorder
Clustering (seedless fruit setting due low population of pollinators) disorder in mango
causes 60 to 80 per cent yield in conventionally managed orchards but it was not noticed
at the farm which was organically managed for a long time.
Validation of Technology Farmer’s Fields
Thirty seven selected farmers in one area adopted the technology for cultivation of me-
dicinal crops and earned profit from Rs.3, 45, 00.00 to Rs.4, 36,000.00 ha-1 and in other
area farmers cultivated vegetables crops and earned profit from Rs.20, 000.00 to
Rs.36,000.00 ha-1 over conventional cultivation.
Impact
•Farmers are engaged in production of inputs at their farm. Therefore cost of cultivation is
reduced as compared to spraying of pesticides/fungicides to control pest and diseases.
•Looking the profit per unit area other farmers who are not trained in the programme are
willing to join the practice.
•Because of better taste and flavour, produce are sold at premium price in the markets.
•At Azamagarh, all the produce are being purchased by organic India at higher rates for
export because fields are organically certified.

3. Organic production of seeds and planting materials
Seed, seedlings and plantings materials are crucial, critical and essential input in agricul-
ture production system. In conventional farming system the diseases are generally
controlled by seed treatment, but it is not an option in organic agriculture. Keeping these
views in mind, a new method for organic propagation by use of poly and net houses to
improve the efficiency
and extension in propagation period in a year has been standardized.
Biodynamic liquid manure/pesticides were used for the control of pests and plant vigour
promotion and organic multiplication of horticultural planting materials has been standard-
ized. Comparison of pollinator’s activities at organic, conventional and farmer’s conven-
tional fields Comparative assessment of pollinators was made on pollinator populations in
mango in different environments viz., organic farm, conventional orchard and farmers’
fields. Observation on insect pollinator populations at different locations and environ-
ments revealed that the pollinator populations were adequate at organic farm.
Revenue generation
Revenue generation was recorded more at organic farm compared same farm which was
maintained conventionally earlier.
Other Activities
•Package of practiced developed for organic cultivation of horticultural crops
•Consultancy to government and non Government organization.
•Technical expertise and human resource development activity to sate department states
of north-eastern region of India.
•Two hundred and fifty farmers are engaged in biodynamic production of medicinal crops
such as basil, ashwagandha etc. on certified field.
•Farmers and state government have started biodynamic farming practices on their
farms and gardens inconsultation.
• A large number of progressive farmers have started organic cultivation of horticult ral
crops after exposure visit to organic farm.
•Sale of organic mango, guava and seeds / planting materials to the farmers
•Training/ demonstrations activities are in progress since 2000.
•Seven states in NEH region of India have been identified to promote organic farming
under Technology Mission Project of Govt. of India. On and off campus training and
advices are being provided to Horticultural/ Agricultural Officers and farmers.