Organic farming in tropical tuber crops: Prospects, challenges and strategies

Abstract

In order to attain sustainable foodcum- livelihood-cum environmental security in India, we may require an array of alternatives to chemicalintensive agriculture. It has been conclusively proved in tuber crops that organic management is an alternative viable option for sustainable and safe food production with less soil degradation and environmental pollution. Generation of sufficient biomass, addition of crop residues, green manuring, farm waste recycling, fortification of manures through proper composting, adoption of crop rotations involving legumes, establishment of biogas plants and development of agroforestry for an alternate source of fuels are some of the strategies that will help to promote organic farming of tuber crops. Organic farming practices are suitable for small and marginal farmers especially for their livelihood security and to free them from the debt trap. Sustained efforts from research institutes developmental organizations, progressive farmers, input dealers, processors and other stakeholders are warranted for better adoption of organic farming in tuber crops in the long run.