Why in the News?

• Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah said that it has been proven now that chemicals present in fertilizers are the source of several health ailments such as hypertension, diabetes, thyroid and even cancer.

What’s in Today’s Article?

• Organic Farming in India (Significance, Benefits, Key Initiatives, Challenges, etc.)
• News Summary

Organic Farming in India:

• Organic farming is an agricultural practice that relies on natural processes and inputs to cultivate crops and rear livestock, avoiding the use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), and growth regulators.
• It emphasizes sustainability, environmental health, and the conservation of biodiversity.

Benefits of Organic Farming:

• Enhanced Soil Fertility:
  • Use of compost, green manure, and crop rotation improves soil structure and fertility over time.
• Pest and Disease Control:
  • Natural pest predators and organic pesticides help manage pests without harming beneficial insects or the environment.
• Water Conservation:
  • Organic farming practices promote better water retention in soil, reducing the need for irrigation.
• Reduced Greenhouse Gas Emissions:
  • Lower use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides results in reduced carbon and nitrous oxide emissions.
• Improved Farmer Livelihoods:
  • Access to premium markets and reduced input costs can lead to better income stability for farmers.
• Health Benefits:
  • Produces food free from harmful chemical residues, ensuring safer and healthier consumption.
  • Enhances nutritional quality of produce, often resulting in higher levels of vitamins and minerals.
• Economic Advantages:
  • Opens up premium markets for organic products, potentially increasing farmers' income.
  • Reduces dependency on expensive chemical inputs, lowering production costs in the long run.

Government Initiatives & Policies:

• Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY):
  • Launched in 2015, PKVY is a flagship program aimed at promoting organic farming in clusters to ensure uniformity and quality.
  • The scheme encourages farmers to adopt traditional agricultural practices, reducing the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
• Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region (MOVCDNER):
  • Launched in 2015, this scheme focuses on the organic agriculture potential of the North Eastern region, aiming to make it a hub for organic produce.
• Jaivik Kheti Portal:
  • Launched in 2018, the portal is a dedicated online platform to facilitate organic farming practices and marketing.
• National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP):
  • Launched in 2001, NPOP aims at establishing standards for organic products, certifying organic products, and promoting their export.
• Organic Certification:
  • Participatory Guarantee System (PGS): A locally-focused quality assurance system for organic products, which is farmer-friendly and less costly.
  • National Certification System for Organic Products (NCSOP): A more formal certification system to ensure that products labelled as organic meet the required standards.

Challenges Faced:

• Certification Costs:
  • High costs and complex procedures for organic certification deter many small and marginal farmers from adopting organic practices.
• Lack of Awareness and Training:
  • Limited knowledge about organic farming techniques and benefits hampers widespread adoption.
• Market Access:
  • Insufficient infrastructure and limited market linkages restrict the ability of organic farmers to sell their produce at premium prices.
• Supply Chain Issues:
  • Inadequate storage and transportation facilities can lead to post-harvest losses, affecting the profitability of organic farming.
• Transition Period:
  • Farmers need to undergo a transition period (typically two to three years) to convert from conventional to organic farming, during which they may experience reduced yields without immediate financial returns.

News Summary:

• Union Home Minister Amit Shah highlighted the harmful effects of chemical fertilizers, linking them to serious health issues such as hypertension, diabetes, thyroid disorders, and cancer.
• He emphasized the importance of organic farming for the health of India's population and stressed the role of cooperatives in making India a global leader in organic food production.
• During the signing of an MoU between the National Co-operative Organics Limited (NCOL) and the Uttarakhand Organic Commodity Board, Shah pointed out the global demand for organic products and how tapping into this market could significantly increase farmers' income.
• He also mentioned that organic farming enhances soil health, increases groundwater levels, and improves crop production.
• To ensure the quality of organic products, the government established NCOL, which, in collaboration with Amul, will set up international-level laboratories across India to test organic products and land.
• These efforts aim to provide consumers with reliable organic products under the "Bharat" and "Amul" brands, with profits directly benefiting the farmers.