ROLE OF ORGANIC AGRICULTIRE/FARMING

COURSE SEMINAR

ON

SpeakerGovinda Raj Sedai I.D. No. A 11019

SupervisorDr. S. K. Verma

Assistant lecturer

DEPARTMENT OF AGRONOMY INSTITUTE OF AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES

BANARAS HINDU UNIVERSITY VARANASI

INTRODUCTION

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.

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

Principles of Organic Agriculture

•The principle of health•The principle of ecology•The principle of fairness•The principle of care

Principles of healthOrganic 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 with them, emulate them and help sustain them.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 GrenPresident, IFOAM

Ancient Period

10

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.

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

1

Europe 10637127.52 2.23 291451.00

2

Northern America 2790162.37 0.72 16659.00

3

Latin America 6857610.72 1.12 315889.00

4

Africa 1073656.65 0.12

540988.00

5

Asia 3706279.61 0.26 619439.00

Total

25064836.87 4.45 1784426.00

Europe Northern America Latin America Africa Asia0.00

2000000.00

4000000.00

6000000.00

8000000.00

10000000.00

12000000.00

10637127.52

2790162.37

6857610.72

1073656.65

3706279.61

2.230.72

1.12 0.12 0.26

291451.00 16659.00 315889.00 540988.00 619439.00

Area (ha)

% Organic

Producers

Sustainable aims

Socialaims

Ecological aims

Organic Agriculture

• Economic security,• Economically viable,• Added value,• Low investment,• Good and constant yields,• Make best use of local resources

• 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:

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

Material considered to be used/banded in Organic farmingS.N. Particulars Symbol Remarks

1 Chemical pesticides × Hazardous2 Aromatic substances Problematic in environment balance3 Traps -4 Soft soap -5 Micro-organism If imported from foreign used with special

take care6 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 environment11 Mulching from natural sources -

12 Potassium per magnet May cause bad impact in environment13 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

Material considered to be used/banded in Organic farmingS.N. Country No. of farmers Percent in Total

1 Germany 100002 Austria 200003 Sweden4 Finland5 Switzerland

6 Denmark

7 Italy 18000

8 Uganda 7000

9 Mexico 100000

1011

1213

Organic Agriculture:

Organic

farming

Integrated farming

Integrated weed

management

Integrated disease managem

ent

Crop rotation

Organic/Biofertiliz

er

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

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

Source: Moolam Ram et al. 2011

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 2025Generator

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 162Resources (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 68.7Farm Yard Manure (FYM) 68.3 74.6 10.6 11.8 92.9 99.1Green manure (GM) 76.0 84.9 11.8 13.3 99.8 108.0GM + Biofertilizer (B) 83.7 90.2 13.0 14.0 106.3 112.6GM + 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 12805Control Vs othersSEd± 5.51 4.81 0.86 0.74 5.29 6.10CD (P=0.05) 11.25 9.83 1.75 1.51 10.80 12.45Between othersSEm± 2.74 2.41 0.43 0.37 2.64 3.05CD (P=0.05) 7.95 6.95 1.24 1.07 7.63 8.81Mode 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 98.1Cumulative effect 105.0 110.3 16.3 17.2 127.5 132.1

SEm± 2.13 1.8 0.33 0.29 2.05 2.36CD (P=0.05) 6.16 5.38 0.96 0.83 5.91 6.82N × MSEm± 4.77 4.17 0.74 0.64 4.58 5.28CD (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

Source: Moolam 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 12.97Farm 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 14.59Green 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 14.64GM + 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 14.69GM + 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 14.84GM + 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 14.93Control 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 0.16CD (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 0.33Between 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 0.08CD (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 0.23Mode 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 14.78Residual 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 14.56Cumulative 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 14.88SEm± 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 0.06CD (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 others SEd± 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 others SEm± 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 2.4Cumulative 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 × M SEm± 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 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

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

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

Organic farming is relevant mitigation and adoption option for climate change.

Organic farming is viable solution for smallholder farmers in developing countries.

Organic farming build up soil health and conserves soil water and organic matter.

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

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

• 50% of the world’s hungry are in fact small holder farmers, who suffer from lack 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 produce 70% of the world’s food. Strengthening small holder farmers is the key to increasing access to food and food security

• A United Nations study has found that organic agriculture increased yields in Africa by over 100% and that organic systems have higher yields under conditions of climatic extremes

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

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

Conclusion:The government of India seems to be committed for promoting organic farming in the country. Several pieces of policies and strategies are formulated to promote organic farming. But, these policies and strategies are scattered and simply inadequate. For this purpose, a consolidated policy and a clear set of legislative provisions are required. Nature has gifted Nepal with plenty of production niches suitable for organic farming of various agricultural commodities. However, it encompasses several challenges in order to make national product competitive in the domestic and international market. On the one hand policies and capacities on production technologies of organic farming are inadequate and on the other hand the developed technologies and products are not being delivered properly in Nepal. So, under the given circumstances, Nepal has to reform its policies and make organic farming friendly, so that the virgin areas can be protected from the introduction of chemical inputs. Many actors including government organizations, NGOs, private sector and farmers should be involved in different steps of organic agriculture promotion and certification. Then only the nation can prosper with the means of healthy people.