Organic Farming: Growth and market opportunities in India

Abstract

Conventional farming has played a vital role in ensuring food security in India through the use of high-yielding seeds, irrigation, fertilizers, and agrochemicals. While these practices have boosted productivity, their excessive reliance has led to serious concerns such as declining biodiversity, deteriorating soil and environmental health, unsafe food, and reduced farm income. Pesticide residues in many crops have often exceeded safe limits, posing risks to human health and the environment. Overuse of chemicals has also contributed to soil, water, and air pollution. To address these challenges, alternative approaches have emerged, including integrated crop management, conservation agriculture, integrated farming systems, agroforestry, and organic farming. These sustainable methods focus on improving productivity while conserving natural resources and ensuring safer food, thus reducing the negative impacts of conventional.