Organic
farming has emerged as one of the most significant agricultural revolutions of
the 21st century, not just as an eco-friendly method of food production but as
a necessity for ensuring long-term sustainability. For UPSC aspirants, the
importance of organic farming spans across environmental conservation,
public health, rural livelihoods, biodiversity protection, and sustainable
economic growth.
In the
context of Prelims and GS Mains, organic farming is an important
topic due to its direct connection with the Indian agriculture sector,
environmental ethics, government policies, and global food security challenges.
This article comprehensively covers the importance, principles, advantages,
limitations, government initiatives, and UPSC-relevant facts about organic
farming while addressing its role in achieving the Sustainable Development
Goals (SDGs).
Importance of Organic Farming
1. Meaning of Organic Farming
Organic
farming refers to an agricultural system that avoids or largely excludes the
use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, growth regulators, and genetically
modified organisms (GMOs). Instead, it emphasizes crop rotation, green
manures, compost, biological pest control, and mechanical cultivation to
maintain soil productivity and ecological balance.
Key
Characteristics:
- Use of natural inputs
- Preservation of soil
health
- Encouragement of
biodiversity
- Prohibition of GM crops
- Integration of
livestock and crops
2. Historical Background
- Traditional Indian
Agriculture: For centuries, Indian
farmers practiced natural farming using cow dung, compost, and mixed
cropping.
- Green Revolution
Impact: The 1960s Green
Revolution boosted yields but also increased chemical dependency, leading
to soil degradation and water pollution.
- Organic Farming
Revival: Growing awareness
about environmental degradation and consumer demand for healthy food
revived interest in organic farming in the late 20th century.
3. Importance of Organic Farming for UPSC
Perspective
A. Environmental Importance
- Soil Fertility
Improvement – Enhances organic
matter content, prevents erosion.
- Water Conservation – Reduces groundwater contamination from
chemical runoff.
- Biodiversity Protection – Encourages pollinators and beneficial
insects.
- Climate Change
Mitigation – Lower greenhouse gas
emissions than conventional farming.
B. Health Importance
- Reduction in Chemical
Residues – Safer food without
pesticide traces.
- Better Nutritional
Value – Some studies
indicate higher micronutrient content.
C. Economic Importance
- Premium Pricing – Organic products fetch higher market
value.
- Export Potential – India’s organic exports are rising,
especially in EU and US markets.
D. Social Importance
- Rural Employment – Labour-intensive farming creates jobs.
- Preservation of
Traditional Knowledge – Promotes indigenous
farming practices.
4. Principles of Organic Farming (As per IFOAM
standards)
- Health – Sustain and enhance the health of
soil, plants, animals, and humans.
- Ecology – Work with natural systems and cycles.
- Fairness – Build relationships that ensure
fairness for farmers and consumers.
- Care – Manage agriculture in a precautionary
and responsible manner.
5. Organic Farming in India – Current Scenario
- India ranks first
in the world in the number of organic farmers and fifth in area
under organic cultivation.
- Sikkim became the first fully organic state in
2016.
- Major organic producing
states: Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh.
6. Government Initiatives for Organic Farming
- Paramparagat Krishi
Vikas Yojana (PKVY) – Cluster-based
approach for organic farming.
- National Program for
Organic Production (NPOP) –
Certification and promotion.
- Mission Organic Value
Chain Development for North Eastern Region (MOVCDNER) – Value chain development for organic
produce in NE states.
- Organic Farming
Certification Assistance –
Subsidies for farmers to get certified.
7. Advantages of Organic Farming
|
Aspect |
Benefit |
|
Soil Health |
Increases organic carbon content |
|
Environment |
Reduces chemical runoff |
|
Economy |
Higher profit margins |
|
Food Quality |
Better taste and safety |
|
Sustainability |
Supports long-term productivity |
8. Challenges in Organic Farming
- Lower Yields Initially – Takes 2–3 years for soil to regain
fertility.
- Certification Costs – High and time-consuming.
- Market Access – Lack of proper supply chains.
- Knowledge Gap – Many farmers lack training in organic
methods.
9. Way Forward for India
- Strengthening organic
market infrastructure.
- Increasing training
and capacity building.
- Promoting research
in organic farming techniques.
- Offering price
incentives and subsidies.
10. Organic Farming and Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs)
Organic
farming contributes directly to:
- SDG 2 – Zero Hunger
- SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being
- SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production
- SDG 15 – Life on Land
11. UPSC GS Mains Relevance
GS Paper 3: Agriculture, Environment, Economy.
GS Paper 2: Government Policies, Rural Development.
Essay Paper: Sustainable agriculture, climate change, rural economy.
12. Conclusion
Organic
farming is not merely an alternative agricultural system; it is a necessity
for a sustainable future. For India, where agriculture sustains the
majority of the population, adopting organic practices ensures soil health,
biodiversity conservation, food safety, and economic resilience. From the
UPSC perspective, it is a multidimensional topic covering environment,
economy, society, and governance, making it an essential study area for
both Prelims and Mains.
FAQs on Organic Farming
1. What is organic farming and why is it
important?
Organic
farming is an agricultural practice that avoids synthetic chemicals and
emphasizes natural methods like composting, crop rotation, and biological pest
control. It’s important for soil health, environmental protection, and
producing safe, nutritious food.
2. What are the key benefits of organic
farming?
- Healthier food without
chemical residues
- Soil fertility
improvement
- Water conservation
- Biodiversity protection
- Higher market value for
produce
3. What are the main principles of organic
farming?
- Health – Maintain health of soil, plants, and
people
- Ecology – Respect natural ecosystems
- Fairness – Ensure equity for all stakeholders
- Care – Act with responsibility for future
generations
4. How does organic farming help the
environment?
Organic
farming reduces water pollution, lowers greenhouse gas emissions,
and promotes wildlife diversity. By avoiding chemical pesticides and
fertilizers, it keeps soil and water bodies healthy.
5. Is organic farming profitable for Indian
farmers?
Yes, it can
be. Although initial yields may be lower, premium pricing, reduced input
costs, and export demand make it financially viable in the long term.
6. Which states are leading in organic farming
in India?
- Sikkim – First fully organic state
- Madhya Pradesh,
Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh – Large cultivation areas
7. What is the role of the government in
promoting organic farming?
Through
schemes like PKVY, NPOP, and MOVCDNER, the government provides financial
assistance, certification support, and training to farmers.
8. How is organic farming different from
natural farming?
While both
avoid chemicals, organic farming follows certification standards and
allows certain approved natural inputs, whereas natural farming is more
minimalistic, often based on indigenous techniques like zero-budget farming.
9. Can organic farming feed the growing
population?
Organic
farming can meet demand if combined with agroecology, improved techniques,
and supportive policies. It’s sustainable but may require more land and
labor.
10. Why is organic farming important for UPSC
exams?
It is relevant for GS Paper 3, Prelims environment and agriculture questions, and essay topics on sustainability, rural economy, and environmental ethics.
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