ORGANIC

Eco-friendly approach to pesticides and fertilizers

FARMING
What is Organic Farming
• Organic farming is a production system that prohibits the
use of synthetically produced agro-inputs (fertilizers and
pesticides).
• Instead, it relies on organic material (such as crop residues,
animal residues, legumes, bio-pesticides) for “maintaining
soil productivity and fertility and managing pests under
conditions of sustainable natural resources and a healthy
environment.”
 Status of
India is the second-most populous country in the

India
world, with most of its citizens relying on
agriculture as their main source of income.
In order to, maintain soil fertility and preserve
ecological balance, Indian farmers are
increasingly choosing organic farming over
traditional agricultural practices. They also
employ farm waste, animal waste, and aquatic
waste as fertilizers to maintain soil health and
ecological balance. When it comes to the amount
of area used for organic farming India stands in
sixth position with 26,57,889 hectares of organic
farming land.
 Regulations and Policies
The Government of India has been promoting organic farming in the country through two
dedicated national schemes: Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) and Mission Organic
Value Chain Development for North East Regions (MOVCD-NER) since 2015 through state
governments. Under these schemes, the support provided includes forming farmers’ clusters or
farmer producer organizations; input procurement; value addition, including post-harvest
infrastructure creation; packaging; branding and publicity; transportation; and organizing
organic fairs.
Organic farming is supported under other national schemes, such as Rashtriya Krishi Vikas
Yojana (RKVY), the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH), and the All-India
Network Programme on Organic Farming under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research
(ICAR). Certification of organic farming is either done through the Participatory Guarantee
System (PGS) or third-party certification by the Agriculture Processed Food and Export
Development Authority (APEDA) in the Ministry of Commerce.
 Mission Organic Value Chain
Paramparagat Krishi Development for North East
Vikas Yojana (PKVY) Regions (MOVCD-NER)

Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) is Mission Organic Value Chain Development
a centrally sponsored scheme launched in for North East Regions (MOVCD-NER) is
2015 under the National Mission of another centrally sponsored scheme
Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA). It launched in 2015. It is a sub-mission
promotes organic farming across India under the National Mission of Sustainable
through a cluster approach (500-100 ha). Agriculture (NMSA) for implementation in
The scheme helps farmers obtain Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Mizoram,
Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) Nagaland, Sikkim, Tripura, and Meghalaya.
certification. Besides, organic inputs and The scheme aims at developing certified
capacity building are provided to organic production through a value chain
registered farmers. Assistance is also approach to link producers with
offered to establish vermicompost units, consumers and support the entire value
including vermin hatcheries, and woven chain development.
beds for vermiculture.
 Participatory Guarantee
Systems
With more than 1.3 million certified producers, India is home to the majority of
producers involved in PGS. Certified producers under the official governmental
PGS program manage 7,95,094 hectares of organic area, while 4,619 hectares
are managed organically by producers involved in at least two other PGS
initiatives also active in the country, operating outside the governmental
program. Hence, the total number of PGS-certified producers in India now
amounts to at least 1,28,83,515, representing a 10 percent increase compared
to the previous year. In India, more than one million hectares of agricultural land
have been brought under PGS2 certification, with an estimated crop production
of 0.8 million metric tons.
 Yields
• Biomass availability, integration of livestock, effective composting, cover
crops, and legumes in the rotation can positively impact yields.
• A long-term study initiated in 2004 by the Indian Council of Agricultural
Research (ICAR) across 12 states and covering several crops shows yield
increases over conventional farming of between 5 and 20 percent for crops
like ladies’ fingers, turmeric, cotton, black pepper, onion, chili,
ginger, green gram, sunflower, maize, soybean, cowpea, etc. However,
there was a reduction of 5-20 percent for others like potato, cabbage,
French beans, lentils, radish, mustard, cauliflower, baby corn, rice,
chickpea, and groundnut.
 Organic fertilizers
Organic fertilizers are a boon for environmentally conscious
farmers seeking sustainable and natural solutions for crop
nourishment. Derived from organic matter such as compost,
manure, and plant residues, these fertilizers offer a holistic
approach to soil enrichment. Rich in essential nutrients,
they not only enhance plant growth but also contribute to
soil health by fostering microbial activity and maintaining a
harmonious ecosystem.
Some organic fertilizers are : Neem cake, Vermi fertilizer,
Neem oil, Castor cake, Castor powder, Swargasara
 Organic pesticides
Organic pesticides, derived from natural sources, offer a sustainable
alternative to conventional chemical options. These pesticides harness
the power of plant extracts, essential oils, and other organic
compounds to protect crops from pests while minimizing environmental
impact. By focusing on biological solutions, organic pesticides aim to
control pests without compromising the health of the soil, water, or
beneficial insects. This approach aligns with the principles of
sustainable agriculture, providing effective pest management while
promoting long-term environmental health and crop productivity.
Some organic pesticides are: Trichoderma-fungal pesticide, EPB
nematodes
 Questionnaire
1. What crops do you commonly grow on your land?
2. What farming techniques do you use-traditional or modern?
3. How has farming changed in your village over the years?
4. Do you use organic methods, or do you rely more on chemical
fertilizers and pesticides?
5. How do you maintain soil fertility on your farm?
6. Do you use organic fertilizers like compost or cow dung? If yes, how
effective are they?
7. What types of fertilizers do you commonly use, and why?
8. What methods do you use to control pests on your farm?
9. Have you faced any health or environmental issues due to pesticide
use?
10. Are you aware of organic pest control methods? If yes, have you
tried them?
11. Are you aware of government schemes that support farmers in your region?
12. Have you benefited from any agricultural schemes like subsidies, loans, or
training programs?
13. What challenges do you face in accessing government support for farming?
14. Are you aware of the Godhan Nyay Yojana? If yes, have you participated in
it?
15. Do you sell cow dung or cow urine under this scheme? If not, why?
16. How has this initiative impacted your income and farming practices?
17. What sources of water do you use for irrigation?
18. Do you face any water shortages or irrigation problems?
19. Have you adopted any water-saving techniques, such as drip irrigation?
20. Where do you sell your farm produce?
21. Do you get a fair price for your crops in the market?
22. Have you considered organic farming for better market value?
23. Are you interested in learning about modern farming techniques like
precision agriculture?
24. Would you like more government or NGO support for organic farming?
25. What improvements do you wish to see in agriculture in your village?
THANK YOU!
Atul Shahi - 24155618
Ayan Biswas – 24155620
Hardik Gupta - 24155627
Manzar Alam - 24155632
Rajashmita Seth - 24155642
Raunak Agarwal - 24155644
Rounak Narayan - 24155647
Sayan Pal - 24155654

Coordinated by – Dr. Budhadeb Maity