Central Policy

Organic Farming Policy, 2005 (Ministry of Agriculture, Department of Agriculture & Cooperation)

The objectives of the Policy on organic farming are as follows:

(a) Maintenance of soil fertility by encouraging and enhancing the biological cycle within farming systems involving microorganisms, soil flora and fauna, plants and animals.

(b) Identification of areas and crops suitable for organic farming.

(d) Setting up of model organic farms for getting seed material for organic cultivation.

(e) Assurance of production and supply of quality organic input.

(f) Adoption of biological methods for pest and disease control.

(g) Adoption of biological and mechanical methods for weed management.

(h) Harnessing of traditional and indigenous knowledge relating to organic farming.

(i) Creation of awareness among farmers towards organic agriculture.

(j) Development of Domestic market for organic produce.

(k) Improvement of farmers’ income through production of quality produce.

(l) Generation of rural employment opportunity.

(m) Simplification of certification system and recognition of adequate certification agencies, especially for domestic market.

(n) Promotion of group certification.

(o) Maintaining a diversity of plant and animal species as a basis for ecological balance and economic stability.

(p) Improvement in condition of livestock that allow them to perform all aspects of their innate behaviour.

(q) Development of regulatory mechanism for various organic input and organic produce.

3 priority zones for organic farming have been identified:

Category-I: Are those areas which are rainfed and mostly under monocrop and traditionally no chemical input has ever been used. They can easily be classified as organic produce areas. Broadly, these areas exist in the States of N.E. Region, Jharkhand, Uttaranchal and Rajasthan.

Category-II: Are those areas primarily under rainfed farming having little irrigation support. These are normally under monocropping rarely under double cropping. Broadly the States of Orissa, HP, J&K, MP, Chattisgarh and Gujarat and also parts of Maharashtra and Karnataka will fall under this category.

Category-III: Are those areas which have moderate to heavy use of chemical fertilisers as well as pesticides. The areas are mostly under multiple cropping. The conversion of these areas into organic farming will initially cause some loss of productivity. For these areas balanced and conjunctive use of biomass, organic and inorganic fertilisers and controlled use of chemicals through integrated nutrient and pest management (INM & IPM) will be promoted to achieve sustainable increases in agricultural production.

Major thrust will be given to grow the following crops organically-

i. Major horticultural crops including vegetables. It will include mainly grapes, banana, mango, papaya, pineapple, guava, passion fruits, mausambi, orange, cashewnut, walnut and fresh vegetables.

ii. Export-oriented cereals like basmati rice, and few others like sorghum and pearl millets.

iii. All pulses, soybean, groundnut and cotton.

iv. Chillies, garlic, turmeric, coriander, ginger.