Constraints in organic farming: An Indian perspective

Abstract

Agricultural development strategy needs to be geared towards increasing the productivity of land under cultivation, reduced cost, higher input use efficiency with little or no harm to both human and the environment. Strategy of promoting eco-friendly farming involves modification of the present systems of farming in the area of soil nutrient restoration to encourage the use of organic materials and is termed as organic farming. Furthermore, the adverse impact of synthetic chemicals (fertilizers, pesticides, livestock feed additives etc.) on environment and human health coupled with increase in awareness has renewed the interest of consumers for organic foods. The lessons learnt from the long term field experiments indicated a declining trend in productivity and degradation of soil resource due to intensified cropping with constant fertilizer inputs without addition of manure. This article attempts to analyze the problems in adopting and expanding organic farming in India.