Organic Farming In India – Success Stories & Facts

By Author: Karthik
Total Articles: 43
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The Green Revolution in the 1960s brought in improved agronomic technology. This resulted in an increase in food production and made countries like India self-sufficient. As the technology spread, the greater use of chemical fertilisers, pesticides and fungicides over the years led to several problems like:

1. Degradation & desertification of soil
2. Water pollution
3. Respiratory ailments
4. Increased incidence of cancer
5. Contamination of dairy products
6. Negative impact on domestic animals
7. Loss of soil fertility

It is only in the early 21st century that India went back to organic farming. Practised thousands of years ago, today, farmers are successfully employing organic farming techniques for sustainable agricultural practices. Organic products are now sought after as they are natural, free from harmful chemicals and taste better.
Key aspects of organic farming:

1. Soil management by using compost, green manure and natural mineral powders
2. Crop rotation to improve soil fertility
3. Microbial inclusions to release soil nutrients
4. ...
... Soaking seeds in beej amrit
5. Use of natural pesticides such as neem leaves, garlic, green chillies, etc.
5. Planting seeds in small squares to use rain harvesting methods
6. Seasonal agriculture

These are several success stories of organic farming in India:
Gudivada Nagaratnam Naidu - In 1989, Mr Naidu gave up his job to start organic farming on his 17-acre farm land, part of a rocky terrain. They used the “System of Rice Intensification” or SRI and planted paddy. Today, his rice yield is nearly 2.5 times as compared to others. Further, Mr Naidu uses mixed cropping, organic farming and dryland water saving techniques to get the most of his land. Use of cow dung & neem oil cakes ensures soil fertility.

Mr Naidu has been an inspiration to many and today, Mr Naidu is the most sought after speaker at agricultural universities.

Terra Greens Organic employs nearly 2000 farmers all over India, right from Rajasthan, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, to Maharashtra. The farmers are trained in methods of organic farming for environment and health friendly agricultural practices. As awareness of eating organic food is increasing, Terra Greens helps consumers make an informed choice about the kind of food they eat. With a bouquet of more than 90 products, Terra Greens has taken organic farming in India to new levels.

Sarita Jiwan Yelane – Owner of 2.4 hectares of land, Sarita turned to organic farming in 2011. Today, with increased yields and 860 papaya trees loaded with fruits, Sarita cultivates other vegetables with the chemical free method. She now trains other farmers who grow organic vegetables and fruits for economic independence.

ODDOOR Farms – Rajesh Naik transformed 120 acres of barren land into an organic farm by sheer hard work. He started by developing 50 feet and 2-acre wide lake. This resulted in improving the water table of the surrounding area. Located 25 kilometres from Mangalore city, today, Oddoor Farm grows coconuts, cashew nuts, mangoes, bananas and many kinds of vegetables. A dairy farm with 200 cows is another achievement. This self-sufficient farm is completely organic and a successful example of organic farming in India.

Organic farming in India has come a long way. These eco-friendly techniques are not only environmentally friendly but are helping farmers get high yields.