ROLE OF ORGANIC FARMING SYSTEM IN FOOD PRODUCTION

COURSE SEMINAR

ON

Speaker

Govinda Raj Sedai

I.D. No. A 11019

Supervisor

Dr. S. K. Verma

Assistant Professor

DEPARTMENT OF AGRONOMY

INSTITUTE OF AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES

BANARAS HINDU UNIVERSITY

VARANASI

Contents

Introduction (organic agriculture and organic farming)

Definition

Basic principle

Foundation Principles

Basic rules

History of organic farming

Organic Agriculture

Need of organic farming

Material considered to be used in Organic farming

Material considered to be used/banded in pests management

Organic farming databases on FiBL-IFOAM

Graphical presentations

Research database on organic rice farming

Certification process

Conclusion

INTRODUCTION

Modern organic farming represents merging numbers of different streams of

thought. Organic farming developed almost independently in German-speaking

and English-speaking country in the early 20th century. It is modified version of

alternative vision of agriculture (Dr. Rudolf Steiner 1924), Bio-dynimic

farming system, “Cultivate the Earth,” conservation tillage in

Germany, Natural agriculture in Japan to formation of IFOAM and FAO

set out the guidelines for

The definition of organic agriculture is a matter of debate in itself. It has no

single definition of its own. However, all definitions agree that it implies the

application of agronomic, biological and mechanical methods of production in

place of the use of synthetic chemical inputs. Most definitions also incorporate

the use of several techniques not exclusive to organic agriculture, as they may

be applied in conventional and low-input production systems as well. These

include, in particular, “better land husbandry” techniques such as soil-

conservation measures, crop rotation and the use of green manure, instead of

slashing and burning.

Definition:

“Organic farming is a production system that avoids or largely excludes theuse of synthetically compounded fertilizers, pesticides, growth regulatorsand livestock feed additives. To the maximum extent feasible, organicfarming systems rely on crop rotations, crop residues, animalmanures, legumes, green manures, off-farm organic wastes, and aspects ofbiological pest control to maintain soil productivity and tilt, to support plantnutrients and to control insects, weeds and other pests.”

According to USDA National Organic standards Board “An ecologicalproduction management system that promotes and enhancesbiodiversity, biological cycles and soil biological activity. It is based onminimal use of off-farm inputs and on management practices thatrestore, maintain and enhance ecological harmony.”

Basic rules of Organic farming and Organic food production

•no use of chemical fertilizers or synthetic drugs•no use of genetically modified organisms•prevention from soil loss and erosion•promotion of ‘bio diversity’ – support a range of crops, not a single species

Fundamental Principles of organic farming•Biodiversity & Integration

•Agro-forestry,

•Animal/Plant Interactions,

•Crop Rotation,

•Intercropping, Enterprise diversity

•Sustainability•Environmental sustainability, •Social Sustainability•Economic Sustainability

•Natural Plant Nutrition•Composting, •Green Manure, •Animal Manure (chicken tractors, aqua culture sludge), •Natural Fertilizers (seaweed, fish waste), •Nourishment of soil organisms for soil digestion.

•Natural Pest Management•Plant health & Natural Defense, Bio control•Cover Crops/Living & dead Mulches, •Intercropping & companion planting

•Integrity•Buffers to keep out unwanted chemicals but to protect neighbors from our activities•Records (Proof of practices & economic analysis)

Principles of Organic Agriculture

•The principle of health,

•The principle of ecology,

•The principle of fairness,

•The principle of care.

Principles of health

Organic Agriculture should sustain and enhance the health of

soil, plant, animal, human and planet as one and indivisible.

This principle points out that the health of individuals and communities cannot

be separated from the health of ecosystems - healthy soils produce healthy crops

that foster the health of animals and people.

Health is the wholeness and integrity of living systems. It is not simply the

absence of illness, but the maintenance of physical, mental, social and ecological

well-being. Immunity, resilience and regeneration are key characteristics of

health.

The role of organic agriculture, whether in farming, processing, distribution, or

consumption, is to sustain and enhance the health of ecosystems and organisms

from the smallest in the soil to human beings. In particular, organic agriculture is

intended to produce high quality, nutritious food that contributes to preventive

health care and well-being. In view of this, it should avoid the use of fertilizers,

pesticides, animal drugs and food additives that may have adverse health effects.

Principles of ecologyOrganic Agriculture should be based on living ecological systems and cycles, work withthem, emulate them and help sustain them.

This principle roots organic agriculture within living ecological systems. It states thatproduction is to be based on ecological processes, and recycling. Nourishment and well-being are achieved through the ecology of the specific production environment. Forexample, in the case of crops this is the living soil; for animals it is the farm ecosystem; forfish and marine organisms, the aquatic environment.

Organic farming, pastoral and wild harvest systems should fit the cycles and ecologicalbalances in nature. These cycles are universal but their operation is site-specific. Organicmanagement must be adapted to local conditions, ecology, culture and scale. Inputsshould be reduced by reuse, recycling and efficient management of materials and energyin order to maintain and improve environmental quality and conserve resources.

Organic agriculture should attain ecological balance through the design of farmingsystems, establishment of habitats and maintenance of genetic and agricultural diversity.Those who produce, process, trade, or consume organic products should protect andbenefit the common environment including landscapes, climate, habitats, biodiversity, airand water.

Principles of fairnessOrganic Agriculture should be managed in a precautionary and responsible manner toprotect the health and well-being of current and future generations and theenvironment.

Organic agriculture is a living and dynamic system that responds to internal and externaldemands and conditions. Practitioners of organic agriculture can enhance efficiency andincrease productivity, but this should not be at the risk of jeopardizing health and well-being. Consequently, new technologies need to be assessed and existing methodsreviewed. Given the incomplete understanding of ecosystems and agriculture, care mustbe taken.

This principle states that precaution and responsibility are the key concerns inmanagement, development and technology choices in organic agriculture. Science isnecessary to ensure that organic agriculture is healthy, safe and ecologically sound.However, scientific knowledge alone is not sufficient. Practical experience, accumulatedwisdom and traditional and indigenous knowledge offer valid solutions, tested by time.Organic agriculture should prevent significant risks by adopting appropriate technologiesand rejecting unpredictable ones, such as genetic engineering. Decisions should reflectthe values and needs of all who might be affected, through transparent and participatoryprocesses.

Apart from these, basic principles should be closely followed:

•Sustaining and improvement of the soil

•Realization of nutrient re-cycling (farm, village, region)

•Intensive use of legumes/leguminous trees to provide nitrogen supply

•Biological plant protection through prevention

•Diversity of crop varieties and species grown

•Site and species appropriate animal husbandry

•Prohibition of Genetic Engineering and products thereof

•Maintenance of the surrounding natural landscape (sustainable eco-agro

systems)

•Least possible consumption of non-renewable energy and resources

•Ban on synthetic, chemical fertilizers, plant protection, storage and

ripening means as well as hormones and synthetic growth regulators

(also harmful processing aids in food processing).

Organic Agriculture is not the solution to all

problems in farming sector. I’m confident that

within this century all of the World’s agriculture

will convert to “ORGANIC”.

- Gunar Rund Gren

President, IFOAM

Ancient Period

13

1. Oldest Practice 10000 years ago dating back to Neolithic

age by ancient civilization like

Mesopotamia, Hwang Ho basin etc.

2. Ramayana All dead things returned to earth that in

nourish soil and life

3. Mahabharata 5500 B.C., Kamadhenu – the cow is role in

human life and soil fertility

4. Kautilya

Arthshastra

300 B.C., several manures like oil cake and

excreta of animals

5. Brihad Sanhita Methods of choosing manures for crops and

manuring

6. Rigveda 2500-1500 B.C., green manure, use of dung

of goat, sheep, cow etc.

The organic movement was began in the 1930s and 1940s as a reaction to

agriculture’s growing reliance on synthetic fertilizers.

Sir Albert Howard is widely considered to be the father of Organic farming.

Rudolf Steiner, a German philosopher, made influential strides in the earliest

organic theory with his Biodynamic agriculture.

J. I. Rodale worked in United States.

Lady Eve Balfour in United Kingdom.

1980s - Increased Environmental Awareness.

1990s – Market for organic products has grown at a rapid pace

averaging 20 – 25 percent / year.

In 2002, the USDA under National Organic Program(NOP) regulated the

commercial use of the term ORGANIC.

2007 – Approximately 306,000 Sq.Km(30.6 million hectares) are farmed

Organically.

Sustainable aims

Social

aims

Ecological aims

Organic Agriculture

Sustainability

aims

• Economic security,

• Economically viable,

• Added value,

• Low investment,

• Good and constant yields,

• Make best use of local resources

Social

aims

• Good working condition

• Fair Trade,

• food supply,

• Satisfy local needs

• Gender balance

• Respect the local culture

• Good taste and quality

Ecological

aims

• Balance ecosystem

• No chemical pollution

• High soil fertility

• Clean water

• Biological diversity

• Animal friendly husbandry

• Conserve the natural resources

• Safe products

Organic Agriculture:

Organic farming

Organic farming

Integrated farming

Integrated weed

management

Integrated disease

management

Crop

rotation

Organic/

Biofertilizer

Integrated pest

management

NEED OF ORGANIC FARMING

Advantages

Organic farming

Soil structure

is better

Less harmful

to environment

More birds

and insects

Animals lead

happier lives

No harmful

chemicals –

healthier?

Organic

farming

Smaller yields

More

blemishes on

crops

More

expensive

More farm

workers

needed

Disadvantages

Material considered to be used in Organic farming

• In-situ waste/product:– Farm yard manure and urine– Rotted litter of poultry birds– Vermicompost,– Plant residues,– Green manuring– Azolla, BGA, Rhizobium etc.– Organic compost from organic kitchen waste, – Residues of organic mushroom production,– Night soil,– Oil cake– Bio-dynymic mixture– Sheep/goat manure– Pig manure

• Could be used after with analysis and care takes:– Bio fertilizer Rhizobium, Mycorrhiza etc. from external source – Saw dust,– Blood -meal, bone-meal – FYM, Compost , vermicompost from external sources,

• Lesser than recommended doses– Limestone, – Grinded rock,– Magnesium– Bodo-mixture, bodo-pest and bodo-paint

Table Material considered to be used/banded in pests management in organic farming

S.N. Particulars Symbol Remarks

1 Chemical pesticides × Hazardous

2 Aromatic substances Problematic in environment balance

3 Traps -g

4 Soft soap -

5 Micro-organism If imported from foreign used with special take care

6 Plant originated extract May cause bad impact in environment

7 Plant and animal originated fat & oils May cause bad impact in environment

8 Parasite and parasitoid insects May cause harmful effect on indigenous and native insects

9 Mineral oils May cause negative impact in environment

10 Sulfur May cause negative impact in environment

11 Mulching from natural sources -

12 Potassium per magnet May cause bad impact in environment

13 Bodo-mixture, bodo-pest and paint May cause negative impact in environment

× - Banded/not to be used, - used with take care and - could be used

S.N. Region Area (ha.) % Organic Producer

1 Europe 10637127.52 2.2.3 291451

2 North America

2790162.37 0.72 166659

3 Latin America 6857610.72 1.12 315889

4 Asia 3706279.61 0.26 619439

5 Africa 1073656.65 0.12 540988

Total 25064836.87 4.45 1784426

Table World-wise contribution of organic farming in agricultural production

Source: FiBL-IFOAM survey, 2013

10637.13

2790.16

6857.61

1073.66

3706.28

2.23 0.721.12 0.12 0.26

291.45 16.66 315.89 540.99 619.44

0.00

2000.00

4000.00

6000.00

8000.00

10000.00

12000.00

Europe Northern America

Latin America Africa Asia

Area('000 ha)

% Organic

Continent wise status of organic farming in agricultural production (‘000 ha)

Source: FiBL-IFOAM survey, 2013

S.N. Region Area (ha.) % Organic

Producer

1 Austria 542553.00 19.66 21575

2 Poland 609412.00 3.94 23430

3 United Kingdom 638528.00 3.96 4650

4 Brazil 687039.60 0.270 14437

5 Canada 841216.00 1.24 3718.00

6 France 975140.99 3.55 23135

7 Germany 1015626.00 6.08 22506

8 India 1084266.01 0.60 547591

9 Italy 1096889.09 8.61 42041

10 Spain 1621898.33 6.52 32195

11 USA 1948946.37 0.60 12941.00

Table World-wise contribution of organic farming in agricultural production

Source: FiBL-IFOAM survey, 2013

Poland, 609.41

UK, 638.53

Brazil, 687.04

Canada, 841.22

France, 975.14

Germany, 1015.63

India, 1084.27

Italy, 1096.89

Spain, 1621.90

USA, 1948.95

World senerio of organic farming based on Area (ha)

Source: FiBL-IFOAM survey, 2013

Source: FiBL-IFOAM survey, 2013

Germany6.08

Spain6.52

Finland8.21

Italy8.61

Dominican9.61Switzerland

11.69

Sweden15.4

Austria19.66

Coverage of land into organic farming (%)

Source: FiBL-IFOAM survey, 2013

Table Country-wise share of organic farming in agricultural production in Asia

Country Area (ha) % Organic Producers

Oman 38.35 0 4

Afghanistan 61.29 0 264

Myanmar 201.90 0 13

Uzbekistan 209.00 0 6

Tajikistan 460.44 0.01 75

Saudi Arabia 18562.91 0.01 78

Malaysia 1581.62 0.02 24

Armenia 750.00 0.04 34

Bangladesh 6810.38 0.07 9335

Georgia 1998.97 0.08 150

Pakistan 24923.99 0.09 1045

Islamic Republic of Iran 43332.15 0.09 6120

Kazakhstan* 196215.40 0.09 0

Kyrgyzstan 15097.37 0.14 988

Syrian Arab Republic 19987.00 0.14 2458

Indonesia 74034.10 0.14 8612

Cambodia 8284.50 0.15 5182

People’s Democratic Republic Lao 3843.00 0.16 2178

Source: FiBL-IFOAM survey, 2013

Table Country-wise share of organic farming in agricultural production in Asia

Country Area (ha) % Organic Producers

United Arab Emirates 958.00 0.17 15

Thailand 34829.22 0.18 7405

Nepal 9891.73 0.23 247

Viet Nam 23400.04 0.23 4385

Japan 9401.00 0.24 2137

Jordan 2567.27 0.25 98

China* 1900000.00 0.36 0

Azerbaijan 21959.30 0.46 322

Lebanon 3303.24 0.48 181

Taiwan 5015.69 0.59 2300

India* 1084266.01 0.6 547591

Sri Lanka 19469.46 0.75 403

Philippines* 96316.89 0.81 3010

Republic of Korea (South) 19312.00 1.04 13376

Israel 7095.00 1.36 500

Occupied Palestinian Territory 6354.00 1.73 832

Bhutan 20994.64 4.14 0

Timor-Leste 24753.75 6.6 71

Total 3706279.61 21.45 619439

Source: FiBL-IFOAM survey, 2013

Table Leading county of organic farming in Asia

Country Area (ha) % Organic Producers

Timor-Leste 24753.75 6.60 71

Pakistan 24923.99 0.09 1045

Thailand 34829.22 0.18 7405

Islamic Republic of Iran 43332.15 0.09 6120

Indonesia 74034.10 0.14 8612

Philippines 96316.89 0.81 3010

Kazakhstan 196215.40 0.09 0

India 1084266.01 0.60 547591

China 1900000.00 0.36 0

Total in Asia 3706279.61 21.45 619439

Table 1. Chemical composition of organic manures

Composition

FYM Green manure

2007-08 2008-09 2007-08 2008-09

Rice wheat Rice wheat Rice wheat Rice wheat

Organic carbon (mg kg-1) 143000 138600 139800 140200 386000 460000 389000 481000

Total N (mg kg-1) 4800 5000 4900 4900 24000 32000 27000 31500

Total P (mg kg-1) 2300 2500 2500 2400 3700 3300 3900 3000

Total K (mg kg-1) 4900 5200 5100 5000 208000 23000 21900 22800

Fe (mg kg-1) 20.85 22.35 21.9 22 74.6 83.2 77.2 80.3

Zn (mg kg-1) 10.6 11.7 12.05 11.9 34.2 36.4 34.8 33.7

Mn (mg kg-1) 38.9 39.6 39.95 40.1 88.2 96.2 90.4 94.8

Cu (mg kg-1) 2.6 2.7 2.79 2.83 8.5 9.2 8.7 8.8

C:N ratio 29.8 27.7 28.5 28.6 16.1 14.4 14.4 15.3

Ram et al. 2011

44335

6892

67333

17560

163185

284832

17419 16506

194505

129543

8001

32354

15364

63985

16785 59647

86906

20084 10838

538073

5876725235

0

100000

200000

300000

400000

500000

600000

Organic

In-conversion

Production of agricultural commodity under

organic management in 2008-09

0

200000

400000

600000

800000

1000000

1200000

1400000

2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10

42000 76000

173000

538000

865000

1207000

1085648

Growth of under organic management area

Years

Hec

tare

Table 1. Biodiversity on organic farms (global literature review of comparison studies)

Taxon Positive Negative No difference

Birds 7 2

Mammals 2

Butterflies 1 1

Spiders 7 3

Earthworms 7 2 4

Beetles 13 5 3

Other arthropods 7 1 2

Plants 13 2

Soil microbes 9 8

Total 66 8 25

Hole et al., 2005

Table 2. Some projection on the availability of organic resources for agriculture in India during 2010-2025

Resources 2010 2025

Generator

Human population (million) 1120 1300

Livestock population (million) 537 596

Food grain production (million t) 264 315

Human excreta (dry) (million t) 18.5 21.5

Livestock dung (sun dry) (million t) 396 426

Crop residue (million t) 343 496

Resources (considered tappable)

Human excreta 15 17

Livestock excreta 119 128

Crop residue excreta 112 162

Resources (considered potental)

Human excreta (million t N + P2O5 + K2O) 2.24 2.60

Livestock excreta (million t N + P2O5 + K2O) 7.00 7.54

Crop residue excreta (million t N + P2O5 + K2O) 7.10 20.27

Nutrient( considered tappable) (30% dung, 80% excreta and 33% of crop residue)

Human excreta (million t N + P2O5 + K2O) 1.80 2.10

Livestock excreta (million t N + P2O5 + K2O) 2.10 2.26

Crop residue excreta (million t N + P2O5 + K2O) 2.34 3.39

Total 6.24 7.75

Source: Tandon 1997

TreatmentsN uptake (kg ha-1) P uptake (kg ha-1) K uptake (kg ha-1)

2007 2008 2007 2008 2007 2008

Nutrient combination (N)

Control 47.4 47.1 7.5 7.2 69.6 68.7

Farm Yard Manure (FYM) 68.3 74.6 10.6 11.8 92.9 99.1

Green manure (GM) 76.0 84.9 11.8 13.3 99.8 108.0

GM + Biofertilizer (B) 83.7 90.2 13.0 14.0 106.3 112.6

GM + FYM 95.8 103.8 14.7 15.9 115.7 120.7

GM + FYM + B 105.4 112.5 16.2 17.2 124.9 128.5

Control Vs others

SEd± 5.51 4.81 0.86 0.74 5.29 6.10

CD (P=0.05) 11.25 9.83 1.75 1.51 10.80 12.45

Between others

SEm± 2.74 2.41 0.43 0.37 2.64 3.05

CD (P=0.05) 7.95 6.95 1.24 1.07 7.63 8.81

Mode of application (M)

Direct effect 82.7 93.8 12.6 14.3 102.9 111.2

Residual effect 69.7 75.5 10.9 11.8 93.3 98.1

Cumulative effect 105.0 110.3 16.3 17.2 127.5 132.1

SEm± 2.13 1.8 0.33 0.29 2.05 2.36

CD (P=0.05) 6.16 5.38 0.96 0.83 5.91 6.82

N × M

SEm± 4.77 4.17 0.74 0.64 4.58 5.28

CD (P=0.05) NS NS NS NS NS NS

Table 3. Effect of nutrient combinations and mode of application N, P and K uptake in rice

Ram et al. (2011 )

TreatmentsN, P, K concentration (%) Micro-nutrient concentration (%)N P K Fe Mn Zn Cu

2007 2008 2007 2008 2007 2008 2007 2008 2007 2008 2007 2008 2007 2008Nutrient combination (N)Control 1.2 1.18 0.206 0.205 0.212 0.211 34.110 33.770 33.010 33.02 32.65 32.27 13.7 12.97

Farm Yard Manure (FYM) 1.29 1.31 0.229 0.236 0.246 0.249 35.610 35.870 34.560 35.08 34.15 34.43 14.1 14.59

Green manure (GM) 1.32 1.35 0.237 0.244 0.251 0.256 35.800 36.290 34.770 35.34 34.34 34.68 14.1 14.64

GM + Biofertilizer (B) 1.34 1.36 0.239 0.245 0.253 0.258 35.850 36.440 34.860 35.43 34.39 34.71 14.2 14.69

GM + FYM 1.37 1.39 0.247 0.253 0.259 0.266 36.330 37.020 35.730 36.37 35.09 35.25 14.2 14.84

GM + FYM + B 1.39 1.4 0.250 0.255 0.262 0.267 36.320 37.220 35.980 36.6 35.13 35.43 14.3 14.93

Control Vs others

SEd± 0.062 0.027 0.010 0.008 0.007 0.006 0.480 0.230 0.290 0.19 0.64 0.55 0.11 0.16

CD (P=0.05) 0.126 0.056 0.021 0.017 0.014 0.013 0.990 0.460 0.600 0.39 1.32 1.11 0.22 0.33

Between others

SEm± 0.031 0.014 0.01 0.004 0 0.003 0.240 0.11 0.15 0.1 0.32 0.27 0.05 0.08

CD (P=0.05) 0.089 0.039 0.015 0.012 0.010 0.009 0.700 0.330 0.420 0.27 0.93 0.79 0.15 0.23

Mode of application (M)

Direct effect 1.34 1.36 0.237 0.24 0.25 0.26 35.87 36.22 35.51 35.99 34.55 34.83 14.2 14.78

Residual effect 1.3 1.33 0.23 0.24 0.25 0.25 35.49 35.55 33.31 34.33 34.1 34.41 14.1 14.56

Cumulative effect 1.39 1.40 0.25 0.26 0.27 0.27 36.51 37.94 36.73 36.98 35.11 35.46 14.2 14.88

SEm± 0.024 0.011 0 0.003 0.003 0.002 0.190 0.090 0.110 0.07 0.25 0.21 0.04 0.06

CD (P=0.05) 0.069 0.030 0.01 0.009 0.008 0.007 0.540 0.250 0.330 0.21 0.72 0.61 0.12 0.18

Table 4. Effect of nutrient combinations and mode of application in

nutrient concentration in Basmati rice grain

Source: Moolam Ram et al. 2011

Source: Moolam Ram et al. 2011

TreatmentGross Return

(×103 Rs. Ha-1)cost of cultivation

(×103 Rs. Ha-1)Net return

(×103 Rs. Ha-1)B:C ratio

2007 2008 2007 2008 2007 2008 2007 2008Nutrient combination (N)Control 49.64 49.85 20.090 21.040 29.550 28.810 1.500 1.400Farm Yard Manure (FYM) 66.86 72.67 25.770 27.060 41.090 45.620 1.600 1.700Green manure (GM) 71.66 78.98 22.410 23.460 49.250 55.520 2.200 2.400GM + Biofertilizer (B) 79.54 83.47 22.520 23.570 57.020 59.890 2.500 2.500GM + FYM 87.65 93.07 41.490 43.510 46.170 49.560 1.100 1.100GM + FYM + B 95.79 100.16 41.600 43.620 54.190 56.550 1.300 1.300Control Vs othersSEd± 5.710 3.550 5.710 3.550 0.320 0.150CD (P=0.05) 11.660 7.250 11.660 7.250 0.660 0.300Between othersSEm± 2.860 1.780 2.860 1.780 0.160 0.070CD (P=0.05) 8.250 5.130 8.25 5.130 0.470 0.21Mode of application (M)Direct effect 77.76 86.74 36.090 36.09 41.67 48.89 1.2 1.3Residual effect 67.34 71.40 20.09 20.09 47.250 50.36 2.4 2.4

Cumulative effect 95.8 98.88 36.85 36.09 59.71 61.03 1.7 1.6SEm± 2.210 1.380 2.210 1.380 0.13 0.060CD (P=0.05) 6.390 3.970 6.390 3.970 0.36 0.160N × MSEm± 4.95 3.080 4.950 3.08 0.280 0.130CD (P=0.05) NS 8.88 NS 8.880 0.810 0.36

Table 5. Effect of nutrient combinations and mode of application on

economy of cultivation of Basmati rice

Certification - Legalities

• Conversion Period: NOS Standards require time between the

beginning of organic cultivation & when a crop can be

harvested as organic

– Annual crops: 24 months prior to sowing

– Perennial crops: 36 months prior to harvest

– Grassland for pasture: 2 years

• Related concepts

– Certification – USDA Certified Organic,

– Transitional,

– $5,000 exclusion,

Certification

A procedure by which a third party gives written

assurance that a product, process or services is in

conformity with certain standards.

• Certification Body

• Inspector

• Operator (farmers. Processor and applicant)

Certification Process:Steps of certification process

• Request for Certification,

• Applicant’s screening from Certification Body and send forms for

applicant,

• Applicant’s fill up form and prepare all document and return to

Certification Body,

• CB assess potential eligibility (Again screening),

• CB assigns organic inspector for site visit,

• Onsite visit report to CB,

• Review on report and takes decision,

• CB notifies applicant

• Certification (Yes or No)

• Annual certification renewal

Certification Institution

International level• National Association of Sustainable Agriculture (NASSA), Australia

• Institute of Market ecology (IMO)

• Organic Certification Nepal (OCN),

• Organic World and Fair Future (OWF)

• The Institute for Market ecology (IMO, Switzerland),

• the Ethical and Environmental Certification Institute (ICEA, Italy),

• Ecocert France,

• OneCert America

• European Organic Standards

• The British System

Contd……National level in India• Natural Organic Certification Association. Pune, India

• National Centre of Organic Farming, Ghaziabad

• Organic Certification and Internal Control System (ICS)

• Uttarakhanda organic commodity board (UOCB)-Delivering prosperity through sustainable

agriculture in 19 May 2003.

• OneCert Asia Agri Certification, Pvt. Ltd. Mr. Sandeep Bhargava.

• Control Union Certifications (Formerly, known as Skal International (India).

Indicator Leading countries

Countries with data on certified organic

agriculture 2009

2009: 160 countries (2008: 154; 2000: 86)

Organic agricultural land 2009 37.2 million hectares (2008: 35.2, 1999: 11) Australia (12 million ha), Argentina

(4.4 million ha), US (1.9 million ha)

Number of countries with more than

five percent organic agricultural land

2009

24 countries (2008: 22); More than ten

percent: 7 Countries (2008: 6 countries)

Falkland Islands (Malvinas) (35.7 %),

Liechtenstein (26.9 %), Austria (18.5

%)

Further, non-agricultural organic areas

2009

41.9 million hectares

(2008: 31 million)

Finland (7.8 million ha), Brazil (6.2

million ha); Cameroon (6 million ha).

Producers 2009 1.8 million producers

(2008: 1.4 million)

India (677’257), Uganda (187’893),

Mexico (128’826)

Organic market size 2009 54.9 billion US dollars or 40 billion euros

(2008: 50.9 billion US dollars; 1999: 15.2

billion)

US (17.8 billion euros), Germany (5.8

billion euros), France (3 billion euros)

Number of countries with organic

regulations 2010

74 countries (2008: 73 countries)

Organic certifiers 2010 523 certifiers (2008: 489) Japan, USA, South Korea

Number of IFOAM affiliates

2011

1.1.2011: 757 affiliates (2008: 734 affiliates

2000: 606 affiliates)

Germany: 98 affiliates; United States:

45 affiliates; India: 44 affiliates

Table 3: Organic Agriculture 2011; Key Indicators and Leading Countries

Conclusion: Organic farming intensifies farm-internal processes like biological activities,

recycling of livestock and crop waste, enhanced biodiversity as well asnitrogen fixation and improve phosphorus availability by symbiosis.

Organic farming is relevant mitigation and adoption option for climatechange.

Organic farming is viable solution for smallholder farmers in developingcountries.

Organic farming build up soil health and conserves soil water and organicmatter.

• The world currently produces double the amount of food required to feedeveryone; still around 1 billion people suffer from hunger, and anotherbillion are malnourished

• The problem of hunger is mostly due to poor distribution systems andinadequate production in the poorest communities

• 50% of the world’s hungry are in fact small holder farmers, who suffer fromlack of extension services and access to resources, unjust trade conditions,erosion of their agricultural biodiversity and climate change

• Much greater support of small holder producers is required, as they produce70% of the world’s food. Strengthening small holder farmers is the key toincreasing access to food and food security

• A United Nations study has found that organic agriculture increased yields inAfrica by over 100% and that organic systems have higher yields underconditions of climatic extremes

• Organic systems are highly suitable for increasing productivity of traditionalsmall holder and subsistence systems

• Greater investment in research and extension of affordable, and resilientorganic systems for small holder farmers is required

The government of India seems to be committed for promoting organicfarming in the country. Several pieces of policies and strategies areformulated to promote organic farming. But, these policies and strategiesare scattered and simply inadequate. For this purpose, a consolidatedpolicy and a clear set of legislative provisions are required. Nature hasgifted India with plenty of production niches suitable for organic farming ofvarious agricultural commodities. However, it encompasses severalchallenges in order to make national product competitive in the domesticand international market. On the one hand policies and capacities onproduction technologies of organic farming are inadequate and on theother hand the developed technologies and products are not beingdelivered properly in India. So, under the given circumstances, India has toreform its policies and make organic farming friendly, so that the cultivatedareas can be protected from the over application of chemical inputs. Manyactors including government organizations, NGOs, private sector andfarmers should be involved in different steps of organic agriculturepromotion and certification. Then only the nation can prosper with themeans of healthy people.