Journey Of Organic Farming

As a system, organic agriculture follows the logic of living organisms wherein all the components, including soil, plants, farm animals, insects and farmers, are closely linked with each other. The concept of organic believes in feeding the soil to feed the plants. Thus, organic farming aims to make soil healthy and vital, which ultimately affects the plant.
The International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movement (IFOAM), the worldwide umbrella organisation for the organic agriculture movement, sets the standards for organic agriculture, production, and processing through its IFOAM Basic Standards for Organic Production and Processing (IBS). These standards are based on four main principles:

• The principle of health

• The principle of ecology

• The principle of fairness

• The principle of care

All generally accepted organic rules and standards worldwide are governed by these four principles. They prohibit the use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, growth regulators, and livestock feed additives, and require long-term soil management, emphasis on animal welfare, and extensive record keeping and planning. Certain activities, such as the use of genetically modified stock, application of sewage sludge to organic acreage, and food irradiation, are also prohibited.
According to the 2024 IFOAM – Organics International report, there were 4.5 million organic producers cultivating 96.4 million hectares globally in 2022. This growth is rooted in the early 20th century when organic agriculture emerged as a response to soil erosion, depletion, limited crop varieties, and declining food quality. At that time, rapid mechanisation and increased reliance on synthetic fertilizers and pesticides led to significantly higher crop yields and reduced farming costs. However, the negative environmental impacts of these practices catalysed development of the organic farming movement. The key milestones in evolution of organic farming are illustrated in Figure 1 below:

Organic farming is not new to India; it has been practiced since ancient times. However, the 1960s ushered in the Green Revolution, marked by a shift towards mineral-based farming and the introduction of chemical and technological advancements in agriculture.
The revolution significantly increased productivity, alleviating food insecurity for India's growing population. However, it also led to ecological degradation, including soil health deterioration, new pest and disease outbreaks, the destruction of beneficial microorganisms, and the infiltration of toxic chemicals into the food chain. Recognising these adverse effects, there was a growing consensus on the need for an alternative farming system that could sustain agricultural production without harming the environment. Organic farming emerged as a viable solution, focusing on the optimal, balanced, and scientific management of land, water, biodiversity, and external inputs.
The evolution of organic farming in India has been marked by a series of government initiatives, policies and schemes aimed at promoting sustainable agricultural practices and boosting organic production. Here is a chronological overview of the significant steps taken by the Indian government to support and develop the organic farming sector:

1980-1990s: Early awareness and promotion
The organic farming movement in India gained formal recognition in October 1984 with the first conference organised by the Association for Propagation of Indigenous Genetic Resources (APIGR) at Wardha. Subsequent conferences in the late 1980s and early 1990s, such as the Bordi Conference in Maharashtra and meetings organised by the Rajasthan College of Agriculture, further advanced the cause. The United Planters' Association of South India (UPASI) also held national-level conferences in 1993 and 1995. In 1995, the Agricultural Renewal in India for a Sustainable Environment (ARISE) was founded at a national conference in Auroville. ARISE plays a crucial role in promoting organic farming through a network of regional groups focused on environmental sustainability and biodiversity protection.

2001: National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP)
The movement gained momentum when stricter European standards for food imports led to the return of consignments with pesticide residues. This prompted the Indian government to support organic farming to boost exports, leading to the launch of the National Programme on Organic Production (NPOP) in 2001 under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. This programme, managed and operated by APEDA, aimed to establish standards for organic production, certification, and marketing. It provided a framework for the development and regulation of organic agriculture in India, ensuring that organic products meet international standards. In 2002, the Organic Farming Association of India (OFAI) was set up in Bangalore to promote organic farming, lobby with government agencies and departments to pay more attention to sustainable agriculture and assist farmers using chemicals and pesticides to convert successfully to organic farming methods. OFAI today remains the only membership-based national association of organic farmers, organic farming promoters and green stores.

2004: National Project on Organic Farming (NPOF)
In 2004, the National Project on Organic Farming was introduced by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare. The NPOF focused on promoting organic farming through capacity building, training, and demonstration programs. It also supported the development of organic inputs like bio-fertilizers and bio-pesticides.

2011: Participatory Guarantee System (PGS)
Initially, export-oriented organic certification schemes were costly, relying on European inspectors. Over time, Indian inspectors from accredited agencies took over. To simplify the certification procedure and reduce certification costs, the Government of India introduced the Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) in 2011. This system was developed by FAO and groups such as OFAI by taking inspiration from similar system in Brazil. This low-cost scheme has been successful, leading to the establishment of the PGS Organic Council (PGSOC), run by NGOs dedicated to sustainable agriculture. PGS-India is a decentralised, locally applicable quality assurance system for grower group certification implemented by local groups of farmers, traders and consumers under the supervision of Regional Councils.

2015: Introduction of two major policies to promote organic farming
In 2015, the government launched two major schemes to promote organic farming in India, i.e., Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) and Mission Organic Value Chain Development for Northeastern Region (MOVCDNER). PKVY launched under the National Mission of Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA), aimed at promoting traditional organic farming practices by forming clusters of farmers and providing them with financial assistance, training, and certification support. PKVY emphasised community-based farming and encouraged the use of natural resources for sustainable agriculture. However, MOVCDNER focused on developing organic farming in the Northeastern states of India. This mission aimed to create a value chain from production to marketing, ensuring better market access and higher income for organic farmers in the region.

2017: Food Safety and Standards (Organic Foods) Regulations
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has the mandate to regulate the manufacture, distribution, sale or import of “organic foods” as per the provisions laid under Section 22 of the Food Safety Standards Act, 2006. Organic foods are regulated by Food Safety and Standards (Organic Foods) Regulations, 2017, notified under the provisions of the Act. FSSAI has introduced the Jaivik Bharat logo to help customers identify authentic organic food. This initiative aimed to provide a unified logo for organic products, enhancing consumer awareness and confidence. It also ensured that all organic food products in India complied with the established standards.

2024: Organic Promotion Division, APEDA
In a significant move to bolster India’s organic export sector, APEDA has created a dedicated organic promotion division for the purpose. This division is now serving as a focal point for coordinating efforts to increase the country’s organic export potential.