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Socially and Socially and Socially and Socially and Ecologically SecurEcologically SecurEcologically SecurEcologically Securityityityity with Organic Farming in with Organic Farming in with Organic Farming in with Organic Farming in LLLLow ow ow ow Rainfall AreasRainfall AreasRainfall AreasRainfall Areas Arun K.Arun K.Arun K.Arun K. SharmaSharmaSharmaSharma

Central Arid Zone Research Institute (CAZRI), Jodhpur-342003 Email:Email:Email:Email: a.k_sharma@sify.coma.k_sharma@sify.coma.k_sharma@sify.coma.k_sharma@sify.com

IntroductionIntroductionIntroductionIntroduction

In last few decades awareness about social and environmental issues has been increased.

Agriculture is one of basic enterprise that has major role in these two issues. Organic agriculture

is one of the agriculture production system that not only supportive to the environment but also

sensitive to the social issues like employment, health, migration etc. Definitions given by two

international organizations also verify this concept. These definitions are-

1. Organic agriculture is a holistic management system, which enhances agro-ecosystem

health, utilizing both traditional &scientific knowledge. Organic agriculture systems rely

on ecosystem management rather than external agricultural inputs. (IFOAM, 2006)

2. Organic agriculture is an environmentally and socially Sensitive food supply system. The

primary goal of organic agriculture is to optimize the health and productivity of

independent communities of soil life, plants, animals and people.(FAO,2002)

In simple words organic farming is the production system with the optimum utilization of local

resources in such a way so that sustainability of production and wellness of the society &

environment can be maintained for fairly long time.

Organic AgricultureOrganic AgricultureOrganic AgricultureOrganic Agriculture (OA)(OA)(OA)(OA) Vs Conventional (Chemical) FarmingVs Conventional (Chemical) FarmingVs Conventional (Chemical) FarmingVs Conventional (Chemical) Farming (CF)(CF)(CF)(CF)---- Ideological DifferencesIdeological DifferencesIdeological DifferencesIdeological Differences

Although organic agriculture is seems to be just the exclusion of synthetic external inputs but it is

the ideological differences with conventional farming that makes OA, friendly to society and

environment. These differences are-

Organic farming Conventional (chemical) farming

Holistic approach Reductionist approach.

Decentralize production Centralize production

Harmony with NATURE (Harness the benefit) Domination on NATURE (Exploit for profit)

Diversity Specialization

Input optimization (save more) Output maximization (spend more)

During last 3-4 decades the ill effects of synthetic chemical based conventional farming

(CF) are clearly visible and on the other side organic farming (OF) is proving at research,

production and environmental level a viable and sustainable alternative of CF. The need is

to promote OF all round support at policy, research and market level.

Popular Kheti Volume -1, Issue-4 (October-December), 2013

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ISSN:2321-0001 1(4) 2013

Special on

Organic Farming

Issue

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Objectives of Organic FarmingObjectives of Organic FarmingObjectives of Organic FarmingObjectives of Organic Farming

According to the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movement (IFOAM) the

objectives of organic farming are as follows:

� To produce food of high nutritional quality in sufficient quantities

� To work in harmony with natural systems rather than seeking to dominate them

� To encourage and enhance the biological cycles within farming system involving

microorganisms, soil flora and fauna, plants and animals

� To maintain and increase the long term fertility of soils

� To use, as far as possible, renewable resources in locally organized agricultural systems

� To work, as much as possible, within a closed system with regard to organic matter and

nutrient elements

� To give all livestock, conditions of life that allow them to perform all aspects of their

innate behavior

� To avoid all forms of pollution that may result from agricultural techniques

� To maintain the generic diversity of the agricultural system and its surroundings,

including the protection of plants and wild life habitat

� To allow agricultural producers an adequate return and satisfaction from their work

including a safe working environment

� To consider the wider social and ecological impact of the farming system

Essential ChaEssential ChaEssential ChaEssential Characters of Organic Farmingracters of Organic Farmingracters of Organic Farmingracters of Organic Farming

The most important essential characters of organic farming are as follows:

� Maximal but sustainable use of local resources

� Use of purchased inputs, only as complementary to local resources

� Increasing crop and animal diversity in the form of poly-cultures, agroforestry, integrated

crop/livestock systems, etc. to minimize risk and improve ecological balance and

economic stability

� Ensuring the basic biological functions of soil-water-nutrient-humus continuum

� Creating an attractive overall landscape which gives satisfaction to the local people

Thus, to sum up mixed farming, crop rotation and organic cycle optimization are the three key

principles of organic agriculture.

Advantages of Advantages of Advantages of Advantages of Organic Organic Organic Organic FarmingFarmingFarmingFarming

Some important advantages of organic farming experiences worldwide are as follows:

� It creates optimal conditions in soil for improved growth and physiological activities of

plants and the higher crop yield

� It improves soil physical, chemical and biological conditions

� It improves soil carbon content (carbon sequestration)

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� Utilizing organic wastes as an input minimizes pollution

� It mitigates environmental degradation

� It is more resistant to diseases, insects and pests

� Organically grown produce are believed to be nutritionally superior and good for health

� Higher demand of organically produced food coupled with its premium price may

improve economy of the farmer and the region

Essential Components of the Essential Components of the Essential Components of the Essential Components of the Organic System Organic System Organic System Organic System

There are three major components of organic system that creates core environment for organic

production system. There may be some minor components of location specific.

Three major components are-

1. Maintaining agro-diversity through cropping system, integration of animals and other

beneficial flora and fauna.

2. Conservation and efficient utilization of local resources with lest dependency on external

inputs.

3. Farness in production and utilization so that every stakeholder of the system gets his due

share.

Organic Agriculture For Organic Agriculture For Organic Agriculture For Organic Agriculture For

A.A.A.A. Social Social Social Social ssssecurityecurityecurityecurity: : : : Health, employment, economic stability cooperation among the members of

the society are some of the key components that ensures the progress and wellness of the

society. Organic farming based on promotion of these components by following ways-

1.1.1.1. HealthHealthHealthHealth: Organic production system prohibits the use of synthetic chemicals thus not only

field workers/ farmers gets good environment but the consumers also gets chemical free food.

This minimizes health problems due to exposure of chemicals.

2.2.2.2. EmploymentEmploymentEmploymentEmployment: Since organic farming promotes use of local recourses and decentralized input

supply therefore, there is good possibility of employment generation in input preparation, soil

and water conservation work etc. Many state governments now using this opportunity for

employment under MNRGA scheme.

3.3.3.3. Economic Economic Economic Economic stabilitystabilitystabilitystability: In organic farming use of external inputs is minimized therefore cost of

production reduced to great extent. Further, due to quality production organic produce get

10-15% premium price. By these two factors farmers economic conditions improve. This has

been proved by a survey of organic farms all over the India, done by Indian Institute of Soil

Science, Bhopal. (Ramesh et. al. 2010).

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4.4.4.4. Fairness:Fairness:Fairness:Fairness: Organic agriculture ensures fairness and equality to all the stakeholders comes from

production to consumption chain.

B.B.B.B. Ecological SecurityEcological SecurityEcological SecurityEcological Security: : : : Practices that maintain ecological balance are, in other word securing the

ecology of land area or the earth as a whole. Organic farming helps in ecological security by

following ways-

1.1.1.1. Conservation of Conservation of Conservation of Conservation of biodiversitybiodiversitybiodiversitybiodiversity: Organic farming avoids monoculture and promotes production

system that follows crop rotation, use of flora and fauna useful for production. This maintains

ecological balance. Further, non chemical (synthetic) management of nutrition and

protection of crops further helps in maintaining food chain and ecosystem balance.

2.2.2.2. Mitigating effect of climate changeMitigating effect of climate changeMitigating effect of climate changeMitigating effect of climate change: Worldwide 90 million tons of mineral oil or natural gas

are processed to get Nitrogenous fertilizers every year. This generates 250 million tons of CO2

emission. On the contrary, organic farms return 575 to 700 kg CO2 to the soil. Organic

farming thus reduces CO2 emission by eliminating synthetic fertilizers, and at the same time

reduces atmospheric concentration of this gas by storing in the soil, a win-win system (Niggli,

2008). Further, soils with higher humus content can adapt to the adverse effect of climate

change.

Organic Agriculture: Suitable To Society and Ecology of Arid ZoneOrganic Agriculture: Suitable To Society and Ecology of Arid ZoneOrganic Agriculture: Suitable To Society and Ecology of Arid ZoneOrganic Agriculture: Suitable To Society and Ecology of Arid Zone

1. Diversified farming Diversified farming Diversified farming Diversified farming systemsystemsystemsystem: Farming systems in the region are highly diversified in nature

with crops, trees, animals, grasses etc. This system is scientifically efficient in nutrient

recycling and restoration of soil fertility. In these systems 10-30 trees/ha are available and 2-5

animals are reared by a farm family. This integrated farming system minimizes pest incidence

as well as favors organic farming and controls desertification.

2. Rich traditional Rich traditional Rich traditional Rich traditional wisdomwisdomwisdomwisdom: Rich traditional wisdom in these areas for restoration of soil fertility

and for pest control further strengthens and provide strong infrastructure for organic system.

3. Natural Natural Natural Natural Availability ofAvailability ofAvailability ofAvailability of inputsinputsinputsinputs: Plants like neem, pongamia, calotropis etc. are the best sources

of biopesticides, are abundantly available in these areas. Minerals like rock phosphate,

gypsum and lime are available in large quantity. These are good soil ameliorator as well as

good nutrients supplier. Further the farming systems are dominated by animals. Waste and

product of huge animal population can be a best source .of balanced nutrient supply.

4. Employment Employment Employment Employment opportunitiesopportunitiesopportunitiesopportunities: High density as well as high growth of human resource remains

underutilized throughout the year due to erratic rainfall and limited irrigation facilities.

Migration of human resources during drought imbalances the development of the state.

Since the organic farming is labour intensive and input supply made at local level, there is

ample opportunity for employment and proper utilization of human resource.

5. Soil Soil Soil Soil improvement:improvement:improvement:improvement: Soils are poor in water holding capacity and deficient in most of these

essential nutrients. Addition of organic matter not only improves the water holding capacity

but also make the soil to supply nutrients in balanced manner

improved was observed by Ramesh et.

Thus, there are ample opportunities in arid areas for promotion of organic farming.

Model Organic Farm (MOFModel Organic Farm (MOFModel Organic Farm (MOFModel Organic Farm (MOF) f) f) f) f

Considering the possibilities and to explore them through experimentation on organic production

system for low rainfall areas

the central research farm CAZRI, Jodhpur.

“Certified Organic Farm” in the year 2011.

Outcome of Experiment at MOF Outcome of Experiment at MOF Outcome of Experiment at MOF Outcome of Experiment at MOF

1. Contribution of Contribution of Contribution of Contribution of legumelegumelegumelegume:

During Rabi season crops of cumin and psyllium were grown in

cluster bean. Cumin yield of 566 kg/ha and psyllium

treatments of organic inputs+ cluster bean in

Table:Table:Table:Table: Effect of rotation and level of manuring on the yield off rabi crops

harvested rainwater under organic management (

Crop sequenceCrop sequenceCrop sequenceCrop sequence

After sesame 229.4

After cluster bean 407.9

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Sharma

Soils are poor in water holding capacity and deficient in most of these

. Addition of organic matter not only improves the water holding capacity

but also make the soil to supply nutrients in balanced manner. This trend in soil properties

observed by Ramesh et. al. (2010) in an all India survey of organic farms

there are ample opportunities in arid areas for promotion of organic farming.

) f) f) f) for Low Rainfall Areasor Low Rainfall Areasor Low Rainfall Areasor Low Rainfall Areas

idering the possibilities and to explore them through experimentation on organic production

rainfall areas, a 2.0 ha model organic farm has been established in

research farm CAZRI, Jodhpur. The farm registered for certification and got status of

the year 2011.

Outcome of Experiment at MOF Outcome of Experiment at MOF Outcome of Experiment at MOF Outcome of Experiment at MOF

Legumes contributed 25-30% higher yield in the subsequent crop.

During Rabi season crops of cumin and psyllium were grown in

cluster bean. Cumin yield of 566 kg/ha and psyllium yield of 808 kg were obtained in the

treatments of organic inputs+ cluster bean in rotation.

Effect of rotation and level of manuring on the yield off rabi crops

ater under organic management (manuring was done to Kharif crops)

Yield of crop(kg/ha)Yield of crop(kg/ha)Yield of crop(kg/ha)Yield of crop(kg/ha)

Cumin

Manure application(t/ha) Manure application(t/ha)

2.52.52.52.5 5.05.05.05.0 7.57.57.57.5 2.52.52.52.5

229.4 374.3 459.8 424.7

407.9 489.3 516.4 629.4

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Soils are poor in water holding capacity and deficient in most of these

. Addition of organic matter not only improves the water holding capacity

This trend in soil properties

(2010) in an all India survey of organic farms.

there are ample opportunities in arid areas for promotion of organic farming.

idering the possibilities and to explore them through experimentation on organic production

organic farm has been established in 2008, within

certification and got status of

30% higher yield in the subsequent crop.

During Rabi season crops of cumin and psyllium were grown in rotation with sesame and

808 kg were obtained in the

Effect of rotation and level of manuring on the yield off rabi crops (irrigated with

manuring was done to Kharif crops)

Psyllium

Manure application(t/ha)

5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 7.57.57.57.5

578.8 672.9

786.2 808.3

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2. Crop yield Crop yield Crop yield Crop yield comparisoncomparisoncomparisoncomparison: There is apprehension that organic system is poor yielder.

However, finding at MOF shows that the initial developmental stage of organic system

there may be low yield by only 20-30% but after 2-3 year once the system developed the

yield levels comparable to the conventional system. At third year yield of sesame 886

kg/ha, cluster bean 630 kg/ha, cumin 516 kg/ha and psyllium 808 kg/ha was recorded. This

is comparable to the average yield in conventional system.

3. Pest ManagementPest ManagementPest ManagementPest Management: Pest were kept below Economic threshold level with the integrated

use of use of following eco- technologies –

1. Soil application of neem cake @ 300 kg/ha

2. Use of well prepared compost @ 5.0 t/ha

3. Trichoderma viride application in soil and seed treatment

4. Use of healthy seed and also free from weed seeds

5. Hand weeding and mulching

6. Prophylactic spray of neem seed kernel extract solution(5.0%) at regular interval

7. Use of pheromone traps according to the pest

ConclusionConclusionConclusionConclusion

Organic farming is a holistic production system run with the efficient use and recycling of locally

available resources. Due to scarcity of water and light soils areas it is best suitable and applicable

arid areas. Some monopoly high value crops of this region like seed spices are having great

international demand if produce organically. Organic productions in arid areas not only boost the

economy of this region but also sustain the productivity of natural resources. The need is to do

research on development of easy & economic technologies, development of processing and

marketing infrastructure and financial well as technical support for quality organic production.

ReferenceReferenceReferenceReferencessss

FAO, 2002. Organic Agriculture, environment and food security. FAO, Rome, Itly, 252p.

IFOAM, 2006. Accessed at http://www.ifoam.org/growing_organic/definitions/doa/index.html

Niggli U, 2008. Organic farming and climate change-Monograph, Fibl, Switzerland, 29p.

Ramesh P, Singh AB, Ramana S and Subharao A, 2010. Status of organic farming in India.

Current Science, 98(9):1190-1194.

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