SUSTAINABLE ORGANIC FARMING S MAKHIJA Strategic Advisor & VP Jain Irrigation Systems Ltd, Jalgaon

SUSTAINABLE ORGANIC FARMING Organic farming is a system which avoids or largely excludes the use of synthetic inputs (such as fertilizers, pesticides, hormones, feed additives etc) and rely upon crop rotations, crop residues, animal manures, off-farm organic waste, mineral grade rock additives and biological system of nutrient mobilization and plant protection.

SUSTAINABLE ORGANIC FARMING Organic farming is a farming method that aims to work in harmony with nature rather than against it This involves using techniques to achieve good crop yields without harming the environment. It includes keeping and building a good soil structure and soil fertility, as well as controlling pests, diseases and weeds It produces only pure crops without any toxic materials which are harmful to human life, adds value to the crops produced and increases the income of the farmers.

SUSTAINABLE ORGANIC FARMING Manure based fertilizer farming system Vs Synthetic chemical fertilizer farming system. The fields have more organic carbon. The increased soil health in the organic farms results in considerably lower incidence of disease. Soil health indicators such as nitrogen mineralization potential and microbial abundance and diversity are higher in the organic farms.

Organic farming

Key characteristics Protecting the long term fertility of soils by maintaining organic matter levels, encouraging soil biological activity through careful mechanical intervention. Providing crop nutrients indirectly using relatively insoluble nutrient sources which are made available to the plant by the action of soil micro-organisms.

Key characteristics Nitrogen self-sufficiency through the use of legumes and biological nitrogen fixation, as well as effective recycling of organic materials including crop residues, livestock manures and even fish excreta. Weed, disease and pest control by relying primarily on crop rotations, natural predators, diversity, disease resistant varieties and limited (preferably minimal) thermal, biological and chemical intervention

POTENTIAL ORGANIC FARMING GROWING NUMBER OF HEALTH CONSCIOUS CONSUMERS. DISCERNING CONSUMERS WITH HIGH BUYING POWER. HOSPITALS AND HEALTH CLINICS EXPORT TO EUROPE, USA AND JAPAN FOR SUPER MALLS, INDUSTRIES MANUFACTURING BABY FOODS, ICE CREAMS, FOOD ITEMS AND ADDITIVES.

ORGANIC FARMING PRINCIPLE

Organic Agriculture should sustain and enhance the health of soil, plant, animal, human and planet as one and indivisible Healthy soils produce healthy crops that foster the health of animals and people Organic agriculture should attain ecological balance through the design of farming systems, establishment of habitats and maintenance of genetic and agricultural diversity.

PROBLEMS SMALL GROWERS & SMALL SAMPLE SIZE. PRE CONVERSION PAIN. DIFFICULTY IN CREATING BUFFER ZONES LACK OF KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS. RELIABILITY. TRACEABILITY.

WAY FORWARD TRAINING AND SKILL DEVELOPMENT. MIXED FARMING. STRICT ADHERANCE TO NPOP AND RELEVANT INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS FOR EXPORT. FORMATION OF FPOs AND COOPERATIVES. SHIFTING BULK PRODUCTION OVERSEAS TO AFRICA etc.

SUSTAINABLE ORGANIC FARMING Those involved in organic agriculture should conduct human relationships in a manner that ensures fairness at all levels and to all parties - farmers, workers, processors, distributors, traders and consumers

WATER STEWARDSHIP FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT ORGANIC AGRICULTURE

Thank You