About
India has become a leading exporter in the organic farming sector, which has seen strong growth over the years. Currently, the country exports organic products worth around ₹5,000 to ₹6,000 crore. By 2028, this figure is expected to grow to ₹20,000 crore — about 3 to 3.5 times more than the current level. Major export items include organic cereals, pulses, oilseeds, spices, tea, coffee, and fresh produce, which are in high demand in markets like the United States, the European Union, and Japan.
Organic Farming
Organic farming is a way of growing crops without using synthetic chemicals, pesticides, or fertilizers. Instead, it relies on natural methods like composting, rotating crops, and using beneficial insects to control pests. This approach helps keep the soil healthy, supports biodiversity, and aims to grow food in a way that’s better for the environment and more sustainable in the long run.
Organic Farming in India
As of March 2024, India has about 17.6 lakh hectares of land under organic farming, with another 36.2 lakh hectares in the process of being converted to organic. According to the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM) Statistics 2022, India ranks 4th in the world for certified organic farming area.
Madhya Pradesh leads the country with the largest area under organic certification, followed by Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Karnataka. Sikkim holds the distinction of being India’s first fully organic state, having adopted organic practices across nearly 75,000 hectares of its farmland.
India also ranks first in the world when it comes to the number of farmers engaged in organic farming.
Factors Supporting the Growth of Organic Farming in India
Several reasons are driving the rise of organic farming in India.
- Health Awareness:
- More and more people are looking for healthy, chemical-free food as they become aware of the health risks linked to pesticides and synthetic additives.
- Environmental Benefits:
- Organic farming helps improve soil health, cuts down pollution, and uses water more efficiently, making it better for the planet.
- Government Support:
- The government is promoting organic farming through subsidies, training programs, and certification schemes to help farmers make the switch.
- Global Market Demand:
- There’s growing international demand for organic products, creating big export opportunities for Indian farmers.
- Cultural and Traditional Practices:
- In many parts of India, traditional farming has always been eco-friendly, which makes the transition to organic methods smoother.
- Climate Change Resilience:
- Organic farming is often more adaptable and better equipped to handle the effects of climate change compared to conventional farming methods.
Challenges in Organic Farming
While organic farming has many benefits, it also comes with a set of challenges, especially for farmers in India:
- High Initial Costs:
- Shifting to organic farming can be expensive. Farmers need to invest in training, certification, and buy organic seeds and natural fertilizers, which often cost more than conventional ones.
- Lack of Knowledge:
- Many farmers aren’t fully trained in organic methods, making it harder for them to adopt and stick with these practices.
- Limited Access to Inputs:
- Organic products like bio-pesticides and compost are not always easy to find and can be costly, limiting their use.
- Complex Certification Process:
- Getting certified as an organic farmer involves a lot of paperwork and time, which can be especially difficult for small farmers.
- Lower Yields Initially:
- Organic farming usually produces lower yields in the beginning, which can hurt farmers’ income during the transition phase.
- Poor Market and Infrastructure Support:
- There aren’t enough markets or supply chains specifically for organic products, making it harder for farmers to sell their produce at good prices.
- Pest and Disease Control:
- Managing pests and diseases without using chemicals is tough, especially when the weather doesn’t cooperate.
Organic Certification Systems in India
India has two main systems for certifying organic products, each serving different needs:
- National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP):
- Run by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, this system is mainly focused on organic exports. It involves third-party certification, where independent agencies check every stage—from farming to processing, trading, and exporting—to make sure everything meets organic standards.
- Participatory Guarantee System (PGS-India):
- This system is under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and is designed for the domestic market. Here, farmers and producers themselves are involved in checking and verifying each other’s farming practices. It’s a more community-based and trust-driven approach, where decisions are made collectively.
To sell organic products in the Indian market with the Jaivik Bharat logo, certification under either NPOP or PGS is now mandatory as per food safety regulations.
Government Initiatives for Organic Farming
The Indian government has launched several schemes to promote and support organic farming across the country:
- Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY):
- This scheme provides full support to farmers involved in organic farming—from growing crops to processing, certification, marketing, and managing the harvest. Training and skill development are key parts of this program.
- Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region (MOVCDNER):
- Specifically focused on the Northeast states, this scheme helps farmers there adopt and sustain organic farming.
- National Mission on Organic Farming (NMOF):
- This mission promotes organic farming by offering financial help to farmers and supporting the certification process.
- Soil Health Management:
- The government runs programs encouraging farmers to use organic manure, compost, and other eco-friendly methods to keep the soil healthy.
- Support for Market Linkages:
- Programs like the Organic Farming Export Promotion Program (OFEP) help farmers connect with international buyers to boost exports of organic products.
Way Forward
To take organic farming in India further, the government can focus on building a strong, unified brand for Indian organic products. This will help increase their visibility and competitiveness in international markets.
At the same time, boosting the demand for organic food within India will encourage more farmers to switch to sustainable farming methods and diversify their crops.
Overall, the growth of this sector is expected to benefit farmers, create new jobs, and contribute significantly to the economy, while also strengthening India’s position as a global leader in organic agriculture.
