Organic Farming in India and Rising Demand
Rajkumar Mishra
"Go Organic – Save Nature, Earn Profits!"
India is an agrarian economy where millions of farmers rely on traditional farming practices. However, excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides has degraded soil fertility, polluted water, and harmed human health. Amid these challenges, organic farming has emerged as a sustainable alternative. It is not only environmentally friendly but also offers farmers better prices and access to global markets.
What is Organic Farming?
Organic farming is a natural agricultural practice that avoids synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and genetically modified seeds. Instead, it relies on:
Organic manure (compost, vermicompost, green manure)
Natural pest control (neem oil, cow urine, garlic-chili sprays)
Crop rotation and intercropping
Key Principles of Organic Farming:
Soil Health – Use of organic compost and bio-fertilizers.
Biodiversity – Mixed cropping and agroforestry.
Natural Pest Management – Biopesticides and beneficial insects.
Water Conservation – Drip irrigation and mulching.
Demand for Organic Farming in India and Globally
Organic Farming in India
4.43 million hectares under organic cultivation.
Over 1.6 million farmers engaged in organic farming.
Top states: Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Uttarakhand, and Gujarat.
Global Organic Market Trends
The global organic market was valued at 188 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach 437 billion by 2027.
Europe and the U.S. are the largest importers due to rising health awareness.
India exports organic rice, wheat, spices, tea, and coffee.
Growth of Organic Farming in India (2019-2024)
| Year | Organic Cultivation Area (Hectares) | Number of Organic Farmers | Export Value (₹ Crore) |
| 2019 | 3.56 million | 1.2 million | 5,151 |
| 2020 | 3.88 million | 1.4 million | 6,859 |
| 2021 | 4.12 million | 1.5 million | 7,078 |
| 2022 | 4.30 million | 1.55 million | 7,500 |
| 2023 | 4.43 million | 1.6 million | 8,500 (estimated) |
Key Growth Drivers:
Government schemes (PKVY, MOVCD)
Rising export demand
Consumer health awareness
Future Prospects (2025 and beyond)
India’s organic market may cross ₹10,000 crore by 2025.
Government aims for 10 million hectares under organic farming by 2030.
E-commerce platforms (Big Basket, Amazon, Flipkart) boosting sales.
Urban and micro-farming trends gaining popularity.
How Can a Small Farmer Start Organic Farming?
1. Get Organic Certification
Obtain certification from APEDA-recognized agencies (India Organic, USDA Organic).
Group certification is cost-effective for small farmers.
2. Learn Organic Input Preparation
Make vermicompost, Jeevamrut, and natural pesticides at home.
Use neem oil, cow urine, and garlic-chili sprays for pest control.
3. Connect with Markets
Utilize government schemes (PKVY, MOVCD).
Sell through organic fairs**, e-commerce (Organic Mandi, Farmizen)**.
4. Success Stories from India
Baranyanvas (MP) 500+ farmers earning ₹1 crore annually.
Sikkim India’s first 100% organic state.
Kerala’s ‘Organic Mallika’ Women-led organic farming.
Organic Farming – A Golden Opportunity
Organic farming benefits the environment, improves farmer income, and meets global demand. With government support and growing market trends, now is the perfect time for Indian farmers to adopt organic practices.
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