Context

The growth story of organic farming is unfolding with increasing demand not only in India but also globally. In a world battered by the Coronavirus pandemic, the demand is already showing an upward trend and hence this is an opportune moment to be captured for a win-win situation for our farmers, consumers and the environment.

About

• What is Organic Farming?
• Natural farming is not a new concept in India, with farmers having tilled their land without the use of chemicals - largely relying on organic residues, cow dung, composts, etc since time immemorial. 
• The primary aim of organic farming is to help soil stay in good health through the use of biological wastes, organic wastes and bio-fertilizers.
• Using organic manures help in sustainable crop production along with a pollution-free environment. 
• The philosophy underlying organic farming of integration of the elements – soil, water, microbes, and ‘waste’ products, forestry, and agriculture is the correct recipe for sustainable use of natural resources, which are coming under severe stress due to ever-increasing requirement of food and feedstock for agri-based industry. 
• This method avoids or excludes use of synthetic inputs like pesticides, fertilizers, hormones, etc.

How ‘organic’ is India’s farming?

• India ranks first in the number of organic farmers and ninth in terms of area under organic farming.
• Sikkim became the first state in the world to become fully organic and other States including Tripura and Uttarakhand have set similar targets.
• North East India has traditionally been organic and the consumption of chemicals is far less than the rest of the country.
• Similarly, the tribal and island territories are being nurtured to continue their organic story.

Recent government initiatives to promote organic farming

• With the aim of assisting farmers to adopt organic farming and improve remunerations due to premium prices, two dedicated programs namely Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North East Region (MOVCD) and Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) were launched in 2015 to encourage chemical-free farming, said Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare. 
• With the simultaneous thrust given by the Agri-export Policy 2018, India can emerge as a major player in global organic markets.
  • The major organic exports from India have been flax seeds, sesame, soybean, tea, medicinal plants, rice, and pulses, which were instrumental in driving an increase of nearly 50% in organic exports in 2018-19, touching Rs 5151 crore.
• Infusion of digital technology: The organic e-commerce platform jaivikkheti.in is being strengthened for directly linking farmers with retail as well as bulk buyers.