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Organic Farming For Sustainable Crop Production
Dr Manoj Sharma Deputy Director ( Training)KVK Kapurthala
ldquoOrganic agriculture a holistic system that focuses on improvement of soil health use of local inputs and relatively high intensity use of local labour is an admirable fit for drylands in many ways and the dryland offer many benefits that would make it relatively easy to implementrdquo Dr APJ Abdul Kalam
Definitionldquoan ecological production management system that promotes and enhances biodiversity biological cycles and soil biological activityIt is based on minimal use of off-farm inputs and on management practices that restore maintain and enhance ecological harmonyrdquo
National Organic Standards Board
HEALTHY SOILHEALTHY SOIL
HEALTHY FOODHEALTHY FOOD
HEALTHY PEOPLEHEALTHY PEOPLE
HEALTHY SOCIETYHEALTHY SOCIETY
Feed The Soil Not
The Plant
PhilosophybullHuman health tied to the health of the environment bull A healthy soil is the foundation
What is Organic Farming
A production system that responds to site-specific conditions by integrating cultural biological and mechanical practices that foster cycling of resources promote ecological balance and conserve biodiversity
Organic agriculture is farming without synthetic pesticide and conventional fertilizer
Adverse effects of inorganic farming
1 Destruction of soil structure and poor water holding capacity
2 Reduction in soil fertility and low organic matter content
3 Increase in salinity sodicity and land submergence
4 Indiscriminate killing of useful insects
5 Adverse effect on soil flora and fauna
6 Resistance development in pathogen
7 Deterioration of environment and human health
8 Problems associated with residual toxicity
Pesticide contamination of food and feed in Punjab
Commodity Number of samples
Analysed Contaminated
Cereals 30 30Rice Grain 99 99Vegetables 96 64Animal feed 15 15Animal feed and fodder
105 105
Milk 24 23
Why farm organically
Organic farming provides long-term benefits to people and the environment
Organic farming aims to bull Increase long-term soil fertility
bull Control pests and diseases without harming the environment
bull Ensure that water stays clean and safe
bull Use resources which the farmer already has so the farmer
needs less money to buy farm inputs
bull Produce nutritious food feed for animals and high quality
crops to sell at a good price
Factors driving organic farmingbull Diverse agro-climate regions that provides
environment for wide range of crops that can cater to different market demands
bull Increasing awareness amp health consciousnessbull Availability of comparatively cheap labour for
labour-intensive organic agriculture bull Huge numbers of small farmers those who do
the traditional farming have very limited capacity to pay for most of the chemical inputs into agriculture
bull Presence of Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) as active promoters of organic farming in different agro-climatic regions
Factors driving organic farmingbull Increasing involvement of
private companies in field of agricultural extension trade consultation and other services
bull Enhanced government attention and support for organic agriculture through various policy initiations and action programs
ORGANIC STATUS
bull Global 24 mha (16 Ag Area) Nearly 130 countries produce organic
product Australia (10 mha) ndash lead country
bull Indian 37000-41000 ha (SOEL survey) (03 of Ag Area)
250 million ha (APEDA)(Including 243 mha of forest area with wild herb amp medicinal plants
Cotton herbal extractOthers
Sesame castor sunflowerOilseeds
Okra Brinjal Garlic Onion Tomato PotatoVegetables
Mango Banana Pineapple Grape passion fruit Orange Cashew nut walnut
Fruits
Red Gram Black GramPulses
Cardamom Black pepper white pepper ginger turmeric vanilla mustard tamarind clove cinnamon nutmeg mace chilly
Spices
Tea Coffee Rice WheatCommodity
ProductsType
Major products produced in India by Organic Farming
Market Organic (Export) 2004
Kerala = 1232 Metric ton
West Bengal = 937 Metric ton
Karnataka = 476 Metric ton
Tamil Nadu = 471 Metric ton
Punjab = 541 Metric ton
Himachal Pradesh = 521 Metric ton
Maharashtra = 375 Metric ton
India Total = 6472 Metric ton
Export Product
Basmati rice cottonMangopulp Cashewnut SesamePiniapple pulpHoney Walnutspices coffee TeaPeanut canned
APEDA
Organic PrinciplesIntegrityhellip
Benefits Protects the concept and value of organic
Practices Buffers good record keeping
Benefits reduced energy consumptionsoil conservation efficient water useincreased water quality
Practices conservation structuresconservation tillage controlled drainagerotations mulching integrated systems
Sustainabilityhellip
Natural Plant NutritionhellipBenefits Emphasis on soil health translates into healthier food healthier humans Less plant disease fewer weeds better water-holding capacity resistance to erosionPractices Crop rotations cover crops green manures animal manures application of allowable substances in limited quantities composting
BiodiversityhellipBenefits ecosystem (and financial) stability more beneficial insects greater below-ground diversity better nutrient cycling disease suppression tilth and N-fixationPractices intercropping companion planting establishment of beneficial habitats crop rotations cover crops speciesenterprise integration
Biodiversity and Organic Agriculture
Organic farmers are both custodians and users of biodiversity at
all levels
bull Gene level locally adapted seeds and breeds are preferred for their greater
resistance to diseases and resilience to climatic stress
bull Species level diverse combinations of plants and animals optimize nutrient
and energy cycling for agricultural production
bull Ecosystem level the maintenance of natural areas within and around organic
fields and absence of chemical inputs create suitable habitats for wildlife
Reliance on natural control methods maintains species diversity and avoids
the selection of pest species resistant to chemical control methods
Organic agriculture and soil ecosystemsNatural soil fertility must be relied upon in organic systems Practices such as crop rotations symbiotic association cover crops organic fertilizers and minimum tillage create suitable conditions for soil fauna and flora
(IFOAM 2000 )
Organic agriculture and agro-ecosystems
Natural disease resistance and pest predation must be strengthened in organic systems Crop rotation is considered the cornerstone of organic management functioning as a tool for pest management and soil fertility
Organic farming combats global warming
Some apprehensions about organic farming
Can organic farming produce enough food for every body Is it possible to meet the nutrient requirements of crops entirely from organic sourcesAre there any significant environmental benefits of organic farming Is the food produced by organic farming superior in quality Is organic agriculture economically feasible Is it possible to manage pests and diseases in organic farming
24
Comparative data of 3 years average production at Phanda farm
2000220095001500Wheat 3
1120108015001500Peas2
10181272900014000Gram1
Rabi
66379820003750Arhar4
1300145020008800Paddy3
75080010001000Maize2
Kharif
121612461400020000Soybean1
ControlOrganicControlOrganic
Production QntlHa
Sowing area (Ha)CropsSNo
Dr GS KaushalDirector AgricultureGovt of Madhya PradeshBHOPAL
Ram et al 2004
Improvement in soil composition under biodynamic practices
Treatment Fruit qualityTitrable acidity
(citrate )Ascorbic
acid (mg100
g)
Total solids()
pH
T1-control 043 183 36 36
T2-100 N as urea 052 207 44 38
T3-100N as fym 055 207 46 37
T4-100N as vermicompost 061 218 49 37
T5-100N as coirpith compost 056 208 45 36
T6-75N as FYM with Azospirillum 062 208 5O 37
T7-75N as vermicompost with Azospirllum 072 230 54 39
T8-75N as coirpith compost with Azospirillum
066 217 52 38
T9-50N asFYM with Azospirillum 048 191 41 35
T10-50N as vermicompost with Azospirllum 050 194 43 36
T11-50N as coirpith compost with Azospirillum
048 191 42 36
C D(P=005) 003 05 03 04Kannan et al 2006
Fruit quality of tomato influenced by organic farming
Treatment Fruit characters
Fruit height (cm)
Fruit girth (cm)
Fruit weight (g)
Yield (tha)
T1-Control 22 107 298 227
T2-100 N as urea 26 144 298 310
T3-100N as fym 26 143 397 309
T4-100N as vermicompost 27 147 403 312
T5-100N as coirpith compost 26 144 398 310
T6-75N as FYM with Azospirillum 28 147 405 313
T7-75N as vermicompost with Azospirllum
31 152 427 330
T8-75N as coirpith compost with Azospirillum
30 149 414 317
T9-50N asFYM with Azospirillum 24 127 385 306
T10-50N as vermicompost with Azospirllum
25 133 390 305
T11-50N as coirpith compost with Azospirillum
25 133 387 307
C D(P=005) 01 03 17 02
Kannan et al 2006
Effect of organic farming on fruit characteristics and yield of tomato
Rice equivalent yield (tha) of different systems under various management practices at PAU
Cropping System Productivity ( tha)Chemical Organic Integrated
GM-Basmati Rice- Wheat
126 130 136
Turmeric-Onion 192 369 366Summer Groundnut-Garlic
253 291 294
Maize-durum Wheat-Cowpea (F)
114 126 123
Rice-Garlic+Mentha 249 310 322
Management of soil fertility using on ndash farm inputs in maizebasmati rice ndashwheat cropping systems at PAU
Organic InputsGrain Yield (qha)
Maize Wheat
Farmyard Manure (FYM) 399 356Crop residues (CR) 337 324Vermicompost (VC) 419 33013 FYM + 13 CR + 13 VC 415 342Control 171 132
Basmati Rice Wheat
GM 308 293Control 172 137
Green fodder yield (tha) under different fodder production system at PAU
Treatment Green fodder yield (tha)Kharif Rabi Summer Total
Main Plots (Green fodder system)
Sorghum ndash Berseem - 337 672 - 1009Maize ndash Berseem- Bajra 132 677 608 1417Maize-Berseem-Maize+cowpea
142 679 419 1240
Sorghum + gurara - oats - cowpea
350 483 336 1169
Sub plots (Management sysem)Organic 259 712 472 1443Chemical 196 533 426 1155Integrated 264 637 465 1366CD (005) 095 17 20 23
Plant Nutrient Supply System in Organic Farming
1Organic amendments with organic manure vermi-compost and bio fertilizers
2Biodynamic Approach based on soil biotechnology and microbiology
3Homeopathic Approach
4Agnihotra Approach
5Panchgavya Approach
Nutrient Cycling Soil microorganisms mediate nutrient cycles through decomposition of organic residues- Microorganisms lsquofeedrsquo on the residues- Biochemical by-products are plant nutrients (NPS) and other beneficial compounds like humic acid
bull Mineralization- Microbial conversion of organic N P and S into ammonium phosphate and sulfate - Nutrients become available
bull Immobilization-Microbial assimilation of inorganic N P and S- Nutrients temporarily tied up in microbial biomass
Microbial Functional Groups1048698 Bacteria- decomposers primary players in NP and S cycling- Actinomycetes act on more complex compounds to form humus1048698 Fungi- Decomposers attack lignin- Nutrient acquisition (mycorrhiza)1048698 Protozoa and Nematodes- Consume bacteria and fungi releasing plant nutrients (N)- Activity increases decomposition rates
Factors Affecting Microbial Populations1048698 Moisture- Microorganisms need water to survive1048698 Oxygen- Bacteria both aerobic and anaerobic- Fungi protozoa and nematodes aerobic1048698 Temperature- Adaptable- Activity generally increases as temperature rises1048698 Soil pH- Bacteria sensitive to acidity- Fungi function at low pH1048698 Organic Matter- OM source of C and nutrients- OM additions stimulate microbial growth
Agricultural Practices Affecting Microbial Populations1048698 Tillage- Destroys fungi meso and macrofauna- Reduces OM- Reduces aggregation1048698 Fertilizers- N and P fertilizers create acid zones killing microorganisms1048698 Fumigation- Indiscriminant destruction of microbial community1048698 Monocropping- Reduces microbial diversity- Promotes pest build-up
What About the Soil Food Web
What About the Soil Food Web Important to recognize the role of each functional group and their interdependence
Remember that management practices affect microbial interactions
Soil tests to quantify soil food web are expensive and difficult to interpret
Hot area for research
Tools and Practices for organic farmingCrop Rotation Soil fertility- Legumes for N fixation- Diverse rooting habitsPest Management- Break pest cycles- Promote diversity Know the family of the cropsCrops rotated so that crops from different families follow each other Lettuce Beans Corn Tomatoes
Green Manures in the Crop Rotation1048698 Soil fertility- Legumes for N fixation- Grasses for OM accumulation- Diverse rooting habits1048698 Pest Management- Break pest cycles- Promote diversity attract beneficials- Biofumigants (brassicas sudan grass sunn hemp)1048698 Weed Management- Perennial rye- Oats
Composts and Manures Soil Conditioner- Feed the soil- Improve physical properties
Nutrient Availability- CN ratio- Total N content- 15 of total N in mature composts available in thefirst year (Bettina et al 2003)- Field trials estimate that composts alone can satisfycrop N demands after 40-80 years
Feather meal Dairy Manure CompostCN ratio 32 18 10-17Total N 12 20 10
Composts and Manures1048698 Timing-Continuous additions to build up SOM
- Mineralization potential of soil increases asOM inputs increase with time
- SOM acts as nutrient reserve continuouslyreleasing nutrients
- High N materials can be used as a rapidsource of N in the short term
Intercropping and Companion Planting1048698 Interplanting 2 or more mutually beneficial plants to increase biodiversity
Biological Pest Control1048698 Depends on managing beneficial insectpredatorsparasites1048698 Seen as default benefit of organic soilmanagement practices that promoteabove and below ground diversity1048698 Can include the release of control agents1048698 Farmscaping longshort term design tocreate habitats for beneficials
Tillage and Cultivation1048698 Tools for weed control residuemanagement manure incorporationhardpan destruction pest control1048698 Negative impacts- Costly- Destroy humus reserves and soil organisms- compaction1048698 Conservation and ridge tillage- Organic growers pioneers
Mulching1048698 Weed control moisture and temperature control soil organic matter
1048698 Large quantities of resistant organic materials (wood chips straw etchellip)
1048698 Not practical on a large scale
List of bio-pesticides available in marketName Purpose
Neemazal Against borers
Neem oil (5 ) Against borers
Neem seed extract (5 ) Against borers
Neem cake For controlling nematodes
Dried neem leaves Against stored grain pests
Sour butter milk (10 ) Against sap sucking insects
Cow dung ash dusting
Water spray Against aphid
Trichogramma cards Against borers
Trixho- XP ( Trichoderma harzaianum) Against diseases
SudocelPseudomonas fluoresens (PSF) Larvocel
Against diseases
Bauvaria baviana Against diseases
Products for use in fertilization and soil conditioning in organic farming
Sr No
Items Conditions for use
Material produced on an organic farm unit
Matter produced on an organic farm unit
1 Farmyard and slurry urine Permitted
2 Crop residues and green manure Permitted
3 Straw and other mulches Permitted
4 Composts and vermicomposts Permitted
Matter produced outside the organic farm unit
1 Blood meal meat meal bone meal and feather meal without preservatives
Restricted
2 Compost made from plant residues and animal excrement Restricted
3 Farmyard manure slurry urine Restricted
4 Fish and fish products without preservatives Restricted
5 Guano Restricted
6 Human excreta Restricted
7 Wood bark sawdust wood ash wood charcoal Restricted
8 Straw animal charcoal compost and spent mushroom and vermiculture substances
Restricted
9 Compost from organic household Restricted
10 Compost from plant residues Restricted
11 Sea weed and sea weed products
By products from the industries
1 By- products from the food and textile industries of biodegradable material of microbial plant or animal origin without any systematic additives
Restricted
2 By products from oil palm coconut and cocoa (including fruit bunch palm oil mill effluent cocoa peat and empty coca pods
Restricted
3 By products of industries processing ingredients from organic agriculture Restricted
4 Extracts from mushroom chlorella fermented product from Aspergillus natural acids (vinegar)
Restricted
Mineral Origin
Basic slag Restricted
Calcareous and magnesium rock Restricted
Lime limestone gypsum Restricted
Calcified sea weed Restricted
Calcium chloride Restricted
Mineral potassium with low chlorine content (eg sulphate of potash kainite sylvinite patenkali)
Restricted
Natural phosphates (rock phosphate) Restricted
Trace elements Permitted
Sulphur Permitted
Clay (bentonite perlite zeolite) Permitted
Microbiological origin
Bacterial preparation (bio fertilizers) Permitted
Biodynamic preparations Permitted
Plant preparation and botanical extracts Permitted
Products for plant pest and disease controlItems Condition
for use
Material from plant and animal origin
Plant based repellents (Neem preparations from Azadirachta indica
Permitted
Algal preparations (gelatine) Permitted
Casein Permitted
Extracts from mushroom chlorella fermented products from Aspergillus
Permitted
Propolis Restricted
Beeswax natural acids (vinegar) plant oils Quassia Permitted
Rotenone from Derris elliptica Lonchocarpus Trphrosia spp
Restricted
Tobacco tea (pure nicotine prohibited Restricted
Preparation from Rryania species Restricted
Items Condition for use
Mineral Origin
Chloride of limesoda Restricted
Burgundy mixture Restricted
Clay (bentonite perlite ermiculite zeolite Permitted
Copper saltsinorganic salts (Bordeaux mix copper hydroxide copper oxychloride)
Not allowed
Quick lime Restricted
Mineral Origin
Diatomaceous earth Permitted
Light mineral oils Restricted
Permagnate of potash Restricted
Insect Origin
Release of parasites predators of insect pests Restricted
Sterilized insects Restricted
Sterlized insects males Not allowed
Items Condition for use
Microorganisms used for biological pest control
Viral fungal and bacterial preparations (biopesticides) Restricted
Others
Carbon dioxide and nitrogen gas Permitted
Soft soap soda sulphur dioxide Permitted
Homeopathic and ayurvedic preparations Permitted
Herbal and biodynamic preparations Permitted
Sea salt and salty water Permitted
Ethyl alcohol Not allowed
Traps barriers and repellants
Physical methods (eg chromatic traps mechanical traps)
Permitted
Mulches nets Permitted
Pheromones-in traps and dispensers only Permitted
Average nutrient content of organic manures
Source of Nutrition Percentage composition
Organic manure N P2O5 K2O
Farmyard Manure 05 02 05
Farm compost 05 015 05
Town compost 14 100 14
Night soil 55 40 20
Vermicompost 30 00 15
Crop residues -
Bio gas slurry 15-20 10 1
Rock phosphate - 25-30 -
Source of Nutrition
Percentage composition
Non edible oil cake
N P2O5 K2O
Castor cake 43 18 13
Cotton seed cake 39 18 16
Karanj or honge cake 39 09 12
Mahua cake 25 08 18
Neem cake 52 10 14
Safflower cake 49 14 12
Green Manure crops
San hamp (Crotolaria juncea) 23 05 180
Dhaincha ( Sesbnia aculeata) 35 06 120
Sesbania speciosa 271 053 221
Source of Nutrition Percentage composition
Green leaf manure N P2O5 K2O
Glycricidia (Gluicidia sepium) 276 028 46
Pongamia (Pongama glabra) 331 044 239
Gulmohur (Delonix glabra) 276 046 050
Neem (Azadirachta indica) 283 028 035
Animal based
Blood meal 10-12 1-2 100
Meat meal 105 25 05
Fish meal 4-10 3-9 03-15
Horn and hoof meal 13 - -
Raw bone meal 3-4 20-25 -
Steamed bone meal 1-2 25-30 -
bull Lack of technical know-howbull Lack of required amount BD preparations in marketbull Lack of awareness among people about hazards caused by use of agrochemicalsbull Bulky nature of BD preparations and compostbull In-situ production is not feasiblebull Lack of scientific data on the long-term benefits and limitations of biodynamic farmingbull Limited domestic market for bio-dynamically grown producebull Quality certification
Constraints
ConstraintsProducersrsquoDistributorsrsquoTradersrsquo point of view
bull Lack of proper infrastructure for distribution and conservation of bio-inputs is a major constraint that hinders the access of these inputs to farmers
bull Some climatic regions and soil conditions are not suitable for specific strains of organic production
bull Given the mandated period of around three years for a conventional farm to become an organic farm the benefits perceived by farmers tend to be limited as they have a short term orientation
bull As a result even if they are aware they are hesitant to switch over to organic (green) agricultural practices
Constraining factorsFarmersrsquo point of view
The government perspective bull Changing the cropping and cultivation
patterns is slow and time-consuming process
bull Given the high levels of illiteracy and large number of small and marginal farmers it makes the change process difficult
bull Subsidies on chemical fertilizers and pesticide impede the growth of organic agriculture
Major Limitations under Punjab conditions
bull Bulky nature of organic manurebull Divergent nutritional valuebull Small land holdingbull Lack of awareness among farmersbull Marketing of organic producebull Labour and cost intensivebull Low incentives from governmentbull Non availability of bio pesticides
Major Limitations------contd
bull Dramatic and large benefits in terms of yield and returns
bull Cultivation of high nutrient responsive cultivers
bull Promotion of biological agentsbull Urgency to meet food security
Why farmers are reluctant to adopt organic farming in Punjab
bull Perceived high costs of doing organic farming due to incomplete knowledge about principles and practices of organic agriculture among farmers They were arranging inputs from outside
bull Non-availability of adequate quantities of organic manures and other organic inputs in the local market
bull Knowledge of organic farming has not filtered down to actual users ie small farmers and the information reached to target groups is often not backed by scientifically proven results
bull Complex and costly procedures of certificationbull Risk involved in marketing of organic produce
Discussion points
bull What arguments are there in favour of organic agriculture in India
bull What vested interests would oppose the growth of organic agricultures and why
bull What strategies could be employed to further promote the greening of agriculture in India
Can India adopt organic farming in a big way
bull Is organic farming non-scientific and unproven bull Does practicing organic farming means reduced yield bull Why were crop yields low before invention of Agro-
chemicals bull How is organic farming different from conventional bull What are the strengths and weaknesses of organic
farming
bull Where is the large quantity of compost for OF bull Does the soil fertility decline when fertilizers are
not used bull Scientifically where crop nutrients come from in
organic farming bull How are crops protected in organic farming bull Why restricted when India is a low user bull Where are the evidences that high yields are
possible in organic farming bull Is organic farming labour intensive
Conclusion Sustainable economic and eco friendly approach
Minimum risk of residual toxicity
Improvement in soil fertility with high yield quality produce Maintenance of organic matter content of the soil
Reduced energy use
Increased yields without over reliance on costly inputs
SummaryOrganic agriculture is not for everyone Yet it is a viable approach that can be beneficial It canbull Be particularly useful in the more difficult environments where resources are scarce and cultivation problematicbull Potentially reduce risks bya) ldquolocalizingrdquo input productionb) fostering soil and water conservationc) encouraging diversification (food security)bull Improve ability to compete in todayrsquos fast globalizing standards-critical trade
Strategies needed to promote organic farming in India
bull Adequate research and extension support needs to be providedbull Research to quantify the role of organic farming in minimizing the
ill effects of modern agriculture and its effect on environment bull Helping farmers to promote organic farmingbull Government should recognize agriculture in Kyoto protocol
carbon credit mechanismbull Developing infrastructure for supply chain and ensuring
competitive price for organic productsbull Capacity building through on farm demonstrations and trainingsbull Government support in cheaper access to organic certificates
Thanks
ldquoOrganic agriculture a holistic system that focuses on improvement of soil health use of local inputs and relatively high intensity use of local labour is an admirable fit for drylands in many ways and the dryland offer many benefits that would make it relatively easy to implementrdquo Dr APJ Abdul Kalam
Definitionldquoan ecological production management system that promotes and enhances biodiversity biological cycles and soil biological activityIt is based on minimal use of off-farm inputs and on management practices that restore maintain and enhance ecological harmonyrdquo
National Organic Standards Board
HEALTHY SOILHEALTHY SOIL
HEALTHY FOODHEALTHY FOOD
HEALTHY PEOPLEHEALTHY PEOPLE
HEALTHY SOCIETYHEALTHY SOCIETY
Feed The Soil Not
The Plant
PhilosophybullHuman health tied to the health of the environment bull A healthy soil is the foundation
What is Organic Farming
A production system that responds to site-specific conditions by integrating cultural biological and mechanical practices that foster cycling of resources promote ecological balance and conserve biodiversity
Organic agriculture is farming without synthetic pesticide and conventional fertilizer
Adverse effects of inorganic farming
1 Destruction of soil structure and poor water holding capacity
2 Reduction in soil fertility and low organic matter content
3 Increase in salinity sodicity and land submergence
4 Indiscriminate killing of useful insects
5 Adverse effect on soil flora and fauna
6 Resistance development in pathogen
7 Deterioration of environment and human health
8 Problems associated with residual toxicity
Pesticide contamination of food and feed in Punjab
Commodity Number of samples
Analysed Contaminated
Cereals 30 30Rice Grain 99 99Vegetables 96 64Animal feed 15 15Animal feed and fodder
105 105
Milk 24 23
Why farm organically
Organic farming provides long-term benefits to people and the environment
Organic farming aims to bull Increase long-term soil fertility
bull Control pests and diseases without harming the environment
bull Ensure that water stays clean and safe
bull Use resources which the farmer already has so the farmer
needs less money to buy farm inputs
bull Produce nutritious food feed for animals and high quality
crops to sell at a good price
Factors driving organic farmingbull Diverse agro-climate regions that provides
environment for wide range of crops that can cater to different market demands
bull Increasing awareness amp health consciousnessbull Availability of comparatively cheap labour for
labour-intensive organic agriculture bull Huge numbers of small farmers those who do
the traditional farming have very limited capacity to pay for most of the chemical inputs into agriculture
bull Presence of Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) as active promoters of organic farming in different agro-climatic regions
Factors driving organic farmingbull Increasing involvement of
private companies in field of agricultural extension trade consultation and other services
bull Enhanced government attention and support for organic agriculture through various policy initiations and action programs
ORGANIC STATUS
bull Global 24 mha (16 Ag Area) Nearly 130 countries produce organic
product Australia (10 mha) ndash lead country
bull Indian 37000-41000 ha (SOEL survey) (03 of Ag Area)
250 million ha (APEDA)(Including 243 mha of forest area with wild herb amp medicinal plants
Cotton herbal extractOthers
Sesame castor sunflowerOilseeds
Okra Brinjal Garlic Onion Tomato PotatoVegetables
Mango Banana Pineapple Grape passion fruit Orange Cashew nut walnut
Fruits
Red Gram Black GramPulses
Cardamom Black pepper white pepper ginger turmeric vanilla mustard tamarind clove cinnamon nutmeg mace chilly
Spices
Tea Coffee Rice WheatCommodity
ProductsType
Major products produced in India by Organic Farming
Market Organic (Export) 2004
Kerala = 1232 Metric ton
West Bengal = 937 Metric ton
Karnataka = 476 Metric ton
Tamil Nadu = 471 Metric ton
Punjab = 541 Metric ton
Himachal Pradesh = 521 Metric ton
Maharashtra = 375 Metric ton
India Total = 6472 Metric ton
Export Product
Basmati rice cottonMangopulp Cashewnut SesamePiniapple pulpHoney Walnutspices coffee TeaPeanut canned
APEDA
Organic PrinciplesIntegrityhellip
Benefits Protects the concept and value of organic
Practices Buffers good record keeping
Benefits reduced energy consumptionsoil conservation efficient water useincreased water quality
Practices conservation structuresconservation tillage controlled drainagerotations mulching integrated systems
Sustainabilityhellip
Natural Plant NutritionhellipBenefits Emphasis on soil health translates into healthier food healthier humans Less plant disease fewer weeds better water-holding capacity resistance to erosionPractices Crop rotations cover crops green manures animal manures application of allowable substances in limited quantities composting
BiodiversityhellipBenefits ecosystem (and financial) stability more beneficial insects greater below-ground diversity better nutrient cycling disease suppression tilth and N-fixationPractices intercropping companion planting establishment of beneficial habitats crop rotations cover crops speciesenterprise integration
Biodiversity and Organic Agriculture
Organic farmers are both custodians and users of biodiversity at
all levels
bull Gene level locally adapted seeds and breeds are preferred for their greater
resistance to diseases and resilience to climatic stress
bull Species level diverse combinations of plants and animals optimize nutrient
and energy cycling for agricultural production
bull Ecosystem level the maintenance of natural areas within and around organic
fields and absence of chemical inputs create suitable habitats for wildlife
Reliance on natural control methods maintains species diversity and avoids
the selection of pest species resistant to chemical control methods
Organic agriculture and soil ecosystemsNatural soil fertility must be relied upon in organic systems Practices such as crop rotations symbiotic association cover crops organic fertilizers and minimum tillage create suitable conditions for soil fauna and flora
(IFOAM 2000 )
Organic agriculture and agro-ecosystems
Natural disease resistance and pest predation must be strengthened in organic systems Crop rotation is considered the cornerstone of organic management functioning as a tool for pest management and soil fertility
Organic farming combats global warming
Some apprehensions about organic farming
Can organic farming produce enough food for every body Is it possible to meet the nutrient requirements of crops entirely from organic sourcesAre there any significant environmental benefits of organic farming Is the food produced by organic farming superior in quality Is organic agriculture economically feasible Is it possible to manage pests and diseases in organic farming
24
Comparative data of 3 years average production at Phanda farm
2000220095001500Wheat 3
1120108015001500Peas2
10181272900014000Gram1
Rabi
66379820003750Arhar4
1300145020008800Paddy3
75080010001000Maize2
Kharif
121612461400020000Soybean1
ControlOrganicControlOrganic
Production QntlHa
Sowing area (Ha)CropsSNo
Dr GS KaushalDirector AgricultureGovt of Madhya PradeshBHOPAL
Ram et al 2004
Improvement in soil composition under biodynamic practices
Treatment Fruit qualityTitrable acidity
(citrate )Ascorbic
acid (mg100
g)
Total solids()
pH
T1-control 043 183 36 36
T2-100 N as urea 052 207 44 38
T3-100N as fym 055 207 46 37
T4-100N as vermicompost 061 218 49 37
T5-100N as coirpith compost 056 208 45 36
T6-75N as FYM with Azospirillum 062 208 5O 37
T7-75N as vermicompost with Azospirllum 072 230 54 39
T8-75N as coirpith compost with Azospirillum
066 217 52 38
T9-50N asFYM with Azospirillum 048 191 41 35
T10-50N as vermicompost with Azospirllum 050 194 43 36
T11-50N as coirpith compost with Azospirillum
048 191 42 36
C D(P=005) 003 05 03 04Kannan et al 2006
Fruit quality of tomato influenced by organic farming
Treatment Fruit characters
Fruit height (cm)
Fruit girth (cm)
Fruit weight (g)
Yield (tha)
T1-Control 22 107 298 227
T2-100 N as urea 26 144 298 310
T3-100N as fym 26 143 397 309
T4-100N as vermicompost 27 147 403 312
T5-100N as coirpith compost 26 144 398 310
T6-75N as FYM with Azospirillum 28 147 405 313
T7-75N as vermicompost with Azospirllum
31 152 427 330
T8-75N as coirpith compost with Azospirillum
30 149 414 317
T9-50N asFYM with Azospirillum 24 127 385 306
T10-50N as vermicompost with Azospirllum
25 133 390 305
T11-50N as coirpith compost with Azospirillum
25 133 387 307
C D(P=005) 01 03 17 02
Kannan et al 2006
Effect of organic farming on fruit characteristics and yield of tomato
Rice equivalent yield (tha) of different systems under various management practices at PAU
Cropping System Productivity ( tha)Chemical Organic Integrated
GM-Basmati Rice- Wheat
126 130 136
Turmeric-Onion 192 369 366Summer Groundnut-Garlic
253 291 294
Maize-durum Wheat-Cowpea (F)
114 126 123
Rice-Garlic+Mentha 249 310 322
Management of soil fertility using on ndash farm inputs in maizebasmati rice ndashwheat cropping systems at PAU
Organic InputsGrain Yield (qha)
Maize Wheat
Farmyard Manure (FYM) 399 356Crop residues (CR) 337 324Vermicompost (VC) 419 33013 FYM + 13 CR + 13 VC 415 342Control 171 132
Basmati Rice Wheat
GM 308 293Control 172 137
Green fodder yield (tha) under different fodder production system at PAU
Treatment Green fodder yield (tha)Kharif Rabi Summer Total
Main Plots (Green fodder system)
Sorghum ndash Berseem - 337 672 - 1009Maize ndash Berseem- Bajra 132 677 608 1417Maize-Berseem-Maize+cowpea
142 679 419 1240
Sorghum + gurara - oats - cowpea
350 483 336 1169
Sub plots (Management sysem)Organic 259 712 472 1443Chemical 196 533 426 1155Integrated 264 637 465 1366CD (005) 095 17 20 23
Plant Nutrient Supply System in Organic Farming
1Organic amendments with organic manure vermi-compost and bio fertilizers
2Biodynamic Approach based on soil biotechnology and microbiology
3Homeopathic Approach
4Agnihotra Approach
5Panchgavya Approach
Nutrient Cycling Soil microorganisms mediate nutrient cycles through decomposition of organic residues- Microorganisms lsquofeedrsquo on the residues- Biochemical by-products are plant nutrients (NPS) and other beneficial compounds like humic acid
bull Mineralization- Microbial conversion of organic N P and S into ammonium phosphate and sulfate - Nutrients become available
bull Immobilization-Microbial assimilation of inorganic N P and S- Nutrients temporarily tied up in microbial biomass
Microbial Functional Groups1048698 Bacteria- decomposers primary players in NP and S cycling- Actinomycetes act on more complex compounds to form humus1048698 Fungi- Decomposers attack lignin- Nutrient acquisition (mycorrhiza)1048698 Protozoa and Nematodes- Consume bacteria and fungi releasing plant nutrients (N)- Activity increases decomposition rates
Factors Affecting Microbial Populations1048698 Moisture- Microorganisms need water to survive1048698 Oxygen- Bacteria both aerobic and anaerobic- Fungi protozoa and nematodes aerobic1048698 Temperature- Adaptable- Activity generally increases as temperature rises1048698 Soil pH- Bacteria sensitive to acidity- Fungi function at low pH1048698 Organic Matter- OM source of C and nutrients- OM additions stimulate microbial growth
Agricultural Practices Affecting Microbial Populations1048698 Tillage- Destroys fungi meso and macrofauna- Reduces OM- Reduces aggregation1048698 Fertilizers- N and P fertilizers create acid zones killing microorganisms1048698 Fumigation- Indiscriminant destruction of microbial community1048698 Monocropping- Reduces microbial diversity- Promotes pest build-up
What About the Soil Food Web
What About the Soil Food Web Important to recognize the role of each functional group and their interdependence
Remember that management practices affect microbial interactions
Soil tests to quantify soil food web are expensive and difficult to interpret
Hot area for research
Tools and Practices for organic farmingCrop Rotation Soil fertility- Legumes for N fixation- Diverse rooting habitsPest Management- Break pest cycles- Promote diversity Know the family of the cropsCrops rotated so that crops from different families follow each other Lettuce Beans Corn Tomatoes
Green Manures in the Crop Rotation1048698 Soil fertility- Legumes for N fixation- Grasses for OM accumulation- Diverse rooting habits1048698 Pest Management- Break pest cycles- Promote diversity attract beneficials- Biofumigants (brassicas sudan grass sunn hemp)1048698 Weed Management- Perennial rye- Oats
Composts and Manures Soil Conditioner- Feed the soil- Improve physical properties
Nutrient Availability- CN ratio- Total N content- 15 of total N in mature composts available in thefirst year (Bettina et al 2003)- Field trials estimate that composts alone can satisfycrop N demands after 40-80 years
Feather meal Dairy Manure CompostCN ratio 32 18 10-17Total N 12 20 10
Composts and Manures1048698 Timing-Continuous additions to build up SOM
- Mineralization potential of soil increases asOM inputs increase with time
- SOM acts as nutrient reserve continuouslyreleasing nutrients
- High N materials can be used as a rapidsource of N in the short term
Intercropping and Companion Planting1048698 Interplanting 2 or more mutually beneficial plants to increase biodiversity
Biological Pest Control1048698 Depends on managing beneficial insectpredatorsparasites1048698 Seen as default benefit of organic soilmanagement practices that promoteabove and below ground diversity1048698 Can include the release of control agents1048698 Farmscaping longshort term design tocreate habitats for beneficials
Tillage and Cultivation1048698 Tools for weed control residuemanagement manure incorporationhardpan destruction pest control1048698 Negative impacts- Costly- Destroy humus reserves and soil organisms- compaction1048698 Conservation and ridge tillage- Organic growers pioneers
Mulching1048698 Weed control moisture and temperature control soil organic matter
1048698 Large quantities of resistant organic materials (wood chips straw etchellip)
1048698 Not practical on a large scale
List of bio-pesticides available in marketName Purpose
Neemazal Against borers
Neem oil (5 ) Against borers
Neem seed extract (5 ) Against borers
Neem cake For controlling nematodes
Dried neem leaves Against stored grain pests
Sour butter milk (10 ) Against sap sucking insects
Cow dung ash dusting
Water spray Against aphid
Trichogramma cards Against borers
Trixho- XP ( Trichoderma harzaianum) Against diseases
SudocelPseudomonas fluoresens (PSF) Larvocel
Against diseases
Bauvaria baviana Against diseases
Products for use in fertilization and soil conditioning in organic farming
Sr No
Items Conditions for use
Material produced on an organic farm unit
Matter produced on an organic farm unit
1 Farmyard and slurry urine Permitted
2 Crop residues and green manure Permitted
3 Straw and other mulches Permitted
4 Composts and vermicomposts Permitted
Matter produced outside the organic farm unit
1 Blood meal meat meal bone meal and feather meal without preservatives
Restricted
2 Compost made from plant residues and animal excrement Restricted
3 Farmyard manure slurry urine Restricted
4 Fish and fish products without preservatives Restricted
5 Guano Restricted
6 Human excreta Restricted
7 Wood bark sawdust wood ash wood charcoal Restricted
8 Straw animal charcoal compost and spent mushroom and vermiculture substances
Restricted
9 Compost from organic household Restricted
10 Compost from plant residues Restricted
11 Sea weed and sea weed products
By products from the industries
1 By- products from the food and textile industries of biodegradable material of microbial plant or animal origin without any systematic additives
Restricted
2 By products from oil palm coconut and cocoa (including fruit bunch palm oil mill effluent cocoa peat and empty coca pods
Restricted
3 By products of industries processing ingredients from organic agriculture Restricted
4 Extracts from mushroom chlorella fermented product from Aspergillus natural acids (vinegar)
Restricted
Mineral Origin
Basic slag Restricted
Calcareous and magnesium rock Restricted
Lime limestone gypsum Restricted
Calcified sea weed Restricted
Calcium chloride Restricted
Mineral potassium with low chlorine content (eg sulphate of potash kainite sylvinite patenkali)
Restricted
Natural phosphates (rock phosphate) Restricted
Trace elements Permitted
Sulphur Permitted
Clay (bentonite perlite zeolite) Permitted
Microbiological origin
Bacterial preparation (bio fertilizers) Permitted
Biodynamic preparations Permitted
Plant preparation and botanical extracts Permitted
Products for plant pest and disease controlItems Condition
for use
Material from plant and animal origin
Plant based repellents (Neem preparations from Azadirachta indica
Permitted
Algal preparations (gelatine) Permitted
Casein Permitted
Extracts from mushroom chlorella fermented products from Aspergillus
Permitted
Propolis Restricted
Beeswax natural acids (vinegar) plant oils Quassia Permitted
Rotenone from Derris elliptica Lonchocarpus Trphrosia spp
Restricted
Tobacco tea (pure nicotine prohibited Restricted
Preparation from Rryania species Restricted
Items Condition for use
Mineral Origin
Chloride of limesoda Restricted
Burgundy mixture Restricted
Clay (bentonite perlite ermiculite zeolite Permitted
Copper saltsinorganic salts (Bordeaux mix copper hydroxide copper oxychloride)
Not allowed
Quick lime Restricted
Mineral Origin
Diatomaceous earth Permitted
Light mineral oils Restricted
Permagnate of potash Restricted
Insect Origin
Release of parasites predators of insect pests Restricted
Sterilized insects Restricted
Sterlized insects males Not allowed
Items Condition for use
Microorganisms used for biological pest control
Viral fungal and bacterial preparations (biopesticides) Restricted
Others
Carbon dioxide and nitrogen gas Permitted
Soft soap soda sulphur dioxide Permitted
Homeopathic and ayurvedic preparations Permitted
Herbal and biodynamic preparations Permitted
Sea salt and salty water Permitted
Ethyl alcohol Not allowed
Traps barriers and repellants
Physical methods (eg chromatic traps mechanical traps)
Permitted
Mulches nets Permitted
Pheromones-in traps and dispensers only Permitted
Average nutrient content of organic manures
Source of Nutrition Percentage composition
Organic manure N P2O5 K2O
Farmyard Manure 05 02 05
Farm compost 05 015 05
Town compost 14 100 14
Night soil 55 40 20
Vermicompost 30 00 15
Crop residues -
Bio gas slurry 15-20 10 1
Rock phosphate - 25-30 -
Source of Nutrition
Percentage composition
Non edible oil cake
N P2O5 K2O
Castor cake 43 18 13
Cotton seed cake 39 18 16
Karanj or honge cake 39 09 12
Mahua cake 25 08 18
Neem cake 52 10 14
Safflower cake 49 14 12
Green Manure crops
San hamp (Crotolaria juncea) 23 05 180
Dhaincha ( Sesbnia aculeata) 35 06 120
Sesbania speciosa 271 053 221
Source of Nutrition Percentage composition
Green leaf manure N P2O5 K2O
Glycricidia (Gluicidia sepium) 276 028 46
Pongamia (Pongama glabra) 331 044 239
Gulmohur (Delonix glabra) 276 046 050
Neem (Azadirachta indica) 283 028 035
Animal based
Blood meal 10-12 1-2 100
Meat meal 105 25 05
Fish meal 4-10 3-9 03-15
Horn and hoof meal 13 - -
Raw bone meal 3-4 20-25 -
Steamed bone meal 1-2 25-30 -
bull Lack of technical know-howbull Lack of required amount BD preparations in marketbull Lack of awareness among people about hazards caused by use of agrochemicalsbull Bulky nature of BD preparations and compostbull In-situ production is not feasiblebull Lack of scientific data on the long-term benefits and limitations of biodynamic farmingbull Limited domestic market for bio-dynamically grown producebull Quality certification
Constraints
ConstraintsProducersrsquoDistributorsrsquoTradersrsquo point of view
bull Lack of proper infrastructure for distribution and conservation of bio-inputs is a major constraint that hinders the access of these inputs to farmers
bull Some climatic regions and soil conditions are not suitable for specific strains of organic production
bull Given the mandated period of around three years for a conventional farm to become an organic farm the benefits perceived by farmers tend to be limited as they have a short term orientation
bull As a result even if they are aware they are hesitant to switch over to organic (green) agricultural practices
Constraining factorsFarmersrsquo point of view
The government perspective bull Changing the cropping and cultivation
patterns is slow and time-consuming process
bull Given the high levels of illiteracy and large number of small and marginal farmers it makes the change process difficult
bull Subsidies on chemical fertilizers and pesticide impede the growth of organic agriculture
Major Limitations under Punjab conditions
bull Bulky nature of organic manurebull Divergent nutritional valuebull Small land holdingbull Lack of awareness among farmersbull Marketing of organic producebull Labour and cost intensivebull Low incentives from governmentbull Non availability of bio pesticides
Major Limitations------contd
bull Dramatic and large benefits in terms of yield and returns
bull Cultivation of high nutrient responsive cultivers
bull Promotion of biological agentsbull Urgency to meet food security
Why farmers are reluctant to adopt organic farming in Punjab
bull Perceived high costs of doing organic farming due to incomplete knowledge about principles and practices of organic agriculture among farmers They were arranging inputs from outside
bull Non-availability of adequate quantities of organic manures and other organic inputs in the local market
bull Knowledge of organic farming has not filtered down to actual users ie small farmers and the information reached to target groups is often not backed by scientifically proven results
bull Complex and costly procedures of certificationbull Risk involved in marketing of organic produce
Discussion points
bull What arguments are there in favour of organic agriculture in India
bull What vested interests would oppose the growth of organic agricultures and why
bull What strategies could be employed to further promote the greening of agriculture in India
Can India adopt organic farming in a big way
bull Is organic farming non-scientific and unproven bull Does practicing organic farming means reduced yield bull Why were crop yields low before invention of Agro-
chemicals bull How is organic farming different from conventional bull What are the strengths and weaknesses of organic
farming
bull Where is the large quantity of compost for OF bull Does the soil fertility decline when fertilizers are
not used bull Scientifically where crop nutrients come from in
organic farming bull How are crops protected in organic farming bull Why restricted when India is a low user bull Where are the evidences that high yields are
possible in organic farming bull Is organic farming labour intensive
Conclusion Sustainable economic and eco friendly approach
Minimum risk of residual toxicity
Improvement in soil fertility with high yield quality produce Maintenance of organic matter content of the soil
Reduced energy use
Increased yields without over reliance on costly inputs
SummaryOrganic agriculture is not for everyone Yet it is a viable approach that can be beneficial It canbull Be particularly useful in the more difficult environments where resources are scarce and cultivation problematicbull Potentially reduce risks bya) ldquolocalizingrdquo input productionb) fostering soil and water conservationc) encouraging diversification (food security)bull Improve ability to compete in todayrsquos fast globalizing standards-critical trade
Strategies needed to promote organic farming in India
bull Adequate research and extension support needs to be providedbull Research to quantify the role of organic farming in minimizing the
ill effects of modern agriculture and its effect on environment bull Helping farmers to promote organic farmingbull Government should recognize agriculture in Kyoto protocol
carbon credit mechanismbull Developing infrastructure for supply chain and ensuring
competitive price for organic productsbull Capacity building through on farm demonstrations and trainingsbull Government support in cheaper access to organic certificates
Thanks
Definitionldquoan ecological production management system that promotes and enhances biodiversity biological cycles and soil biological activityIt is based on minimal use of off-farm inputs and on management practices that restore maintain and enhance ecological harmonyrdquo
National Organic Standards Board
HEALTHY SOILHEALTHY SOIL
HEALTHY FOODHEALTHY FOOD
HEALTHY PEOPLEHEALTHY PEOPLE
HEALTHY SOCIETYHEALTHY SOCIETY
Feed The Soil Not
The Plant
PhilosophybullHuman health tied to the health of the environment bull A healthy soil is the foundation
What is Organic Farming
A production system that responds to site-specific conditions by integrating cultural biological and mechanical practices that foster cycling of resources promote ecological balance and conserve biodiversity
Organic agriculture is farming without synthetic pesticide and conventional fertilizer
Adverse effects of inorganic farming
1 Destruction of soil structure and poor water holding capacity
2 Reduction in soil fertility and low organic matter content
3 Increase in salinity sodicity and land submergence
4 Indiscriminate killing of useful insects
5 Adverse effect on soil flora and fauna
6 Resistance development in pathogen
7 Deterioration of environment and human health
8 Problems associated with residual toxicity
Pesticide contamination of food and feed in Punjab
Commodity Number of samples
Analysed Contaminated
Cereals 30 30Rice Grain 99 99Vegetables 96 64Animal feed 15 15Animal feed and fodder
105 105
Milk 24 23
Why farm organically
Organic farming provides long-term benefits to people and the environment
Organic farming aims to bull Increase long-term soil fertility
bull Control pests and diseases without harming the environment
bull Ensure that water stays clean and safe
bull Use resources which the farmer already has so the farmer
needs less money to buy farm inputs
bull Produce nutritious food feed for animals and high quality
crops to sell at a good price
Factors driving organic farmingbull Diverse agro-climate regions that provides
environment for wide range of crops that can cater to different market demands
bull Increasing awareness amp health consciousnessbull Availability of comparatively cheap labour for
labour-intensive organic agriculture bull Huge numbers of small farmers those who do
the traditional farming have very limited capacity to pay for most of the chemical inputs into agriculture
bull Presence of Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) as active promoters of organic farming in different agro-climatic regions
Factors driving organic farmingbull Increasing involvement of
private companies in field of agricultural extension trade consultation and other services
bull Enhanced government attention and support for organic agriculture through various policy initiations and action programs
ORGANIC STATUS
bull Global 24 mha (16 Ag Area) Nearly 130 countries produce organic
product Australia (10 mha) ndash lead country
bull Indian 37000-41000 ha (SOEL survey) (03 of Ag Area)
250 million ha (APEDA)(Including 243 mha of forest area with wild herb amp medicinal plants
Cotton herbal extractOthers
Sesame castor sunflowerOilseeds
Okra Brinjal Garlic Onion Tomato PotatoVegetables
Mango Banana Pineapple Grape passion fruit Orange Cashew nut walnut
Fruits
Red Gram Black GramPulses
Cardamom Black pepper white pepper ginger turmeric vanilla mustard tamarind clove cinnamon nutmeg mace chilly
Spices
Tea Coffee Rice WheatCommodity
ProductsType
Major products produced in India by Organic Farming
Market Organic (Export) 2004
Kerala = 1232 Metric ton
West Bengal = 937 Metric ton
Karnataka = 476 Metric ton
Tamil Nadu = 471 Metric ton
Punjab = 541 Metric ton
Himachal Pradesh = 521 Metric ton
Maharashtra = 375 Metric ton
India Total = 6472 Metric ton
Export Product
Basmati rice cottonMangopulp Cashewnut SesamePiniapple pulpHoney Walnutspices coffee TeaPeanut canned
APEDA
Organic PrinciplesIntegrityhellip
Benefits Protects the concept and value of organic
Practices Buffers good record keeping
Benefits reduced energy consumptionsoil conservation efficient water useincreased water quality
Practices conservation structuresconservation tillage controlled drainagerotations mulching integrated systems
Sustainabilityhellip
Natural Plant NutritionhellipBenefits Emphasis on soil health translates into healthier food healthier humans Less plant disease fewer weeds better water-holding capacity resistance to erosionPractices Crop rotations cover crops green manures animal manures application of allowable substances in limited quantities composting
BiodiversityhellipBenefits ecosystem (and financial) stability more beneficial insects greater below-ground diversity better nutrient cycling disease suppression tilth and N-fixationPractices intercropping companion planting establishment of beneficial habitats crop rotations cover crops speciesenterprise integration
Biodiversity and Organic Agriculture
Organic farmers are both custodians and users of biodiversity at
all levels
bull Gene level locally adapted seeds and breeds are preferred for their greater
resistance to diseases and resilience to climatic stress
bull Species level diverse combinations of plants and animals optimize nutrient
and energy cycling for agricultural production
bull Ecosystem level the maintenance of natural areas within and around organic
fields and absence of chemical inputs create suitable habitats for wildlife
Reliance on natural control methods maintains species diversity and avoids
the selection of pest species resistant to chemical control methods
Organic agriculture and soil ecosystemsNatural soil fertility must be relied upon in organic systems Practices such as crop rotations symbiotic association cover crops organic fertilizers and minimum tillage create suitable conditions for soil fauna and flora
(IFOAM 2000 )
Organic agriculture and agro-ecosystems
Natural disease resistance and pest predation must be strengthened in organic systems Crop rotation is considered the cornerstone of organic management functioning as a tool for pest management and soil fertility
Organic farming combats global warming
Some apprehensions about organic farming
Can organic farming produce enough food for every body Is it possible to meet the nutrient requirements of crops entirely from organic sourcesAre there any significant environmental benefits of organic farming Is the food produced by organic farming superior in quality Is organic agriculture economically feasible Is it possible to manage pests and diseases in organic farming
24
Comparative data of 3 years average production at Phanda farm
2000220095001500Wheat 3
1120108015001500Peas2
10181272900014000Gram1
Rabi
66379820003750Arhar4
1300145020008800Paddy3
75080010001000Maize2
Kharif
121612461400020000Soybean1
ControlOrganicControlOrganic
Production QntlHa
Sowing area (Ha)CropsSNo
Dr GS KaushalDirector AgricultureGovt of Madhya PradeshBHOPAL
Ram et al 2004
Improvement in soil composition under biodynamic practices
Treatment Fruit qualityTitrable acidity
(citrate )Ascorbic
acid (mg100
g)
Total solids()
pH
T1-control 043 183 36 36
T2-100 N as urea 052 207 44 38
T3-100N as fym 055 207 46 37
T4-100N as vermicompost 061 218 49 37
T5-100N as coirpith compost 056 208 45 36
T6-75N as FYM with Azospirillum 062 208 5O 37
T7-75N as vermicompost with Azospirllum 072 230 54 39
T8-75N as coirpith compost with Azospirillum
066 217 52 38
T9-50N asFYM with Azospirillum 048 191 41 35
T10-50N as vermicompost with Azospirllum 050 194 43 36
T11-50N as coirpith compost with Azospirillum
048 191 42 36
C D(P=005) 003 05 03 04Kannan et al 2006
Fruit quality of tomato influenced by organic farming
Treatment Fruit characters
Fruit height (cm)
Fruit girth (cm)
Fruit weight (g)
Yield (tha)
T1-Control 22 107 298 227
T2-100 N as urea 26 144 298 310
T3-100N as fym 26 143 397 309
T4-100N as vermicompost 27 147 403 312
T5-100N as coirpith compost 26 144 398 310
T6-75N as FYM with Azospirillum 28 147 405 313
T7-75N as vermicompost with Azospirllum
31 152 427 330
T8-75N as coirpith compost with Azospirillum
30 149 414 317
T9-50N asFYM with Azospirillum 24 127 385 306
T10-50N as vermicompost with Azospirllum
25 133 390 305
T11-50N as coirpith compost with Azospirillum
25 133 387 307
C D(P=005) 01 03 17 02
Kannan et al 2006
Effect of organic farming on fruit characteristics and yield of tomato
Rice equivalent yield (tha) of different systems under various management practices at PAU
Cropping System Productivity ( tha)Chemical Organic Integrated
GM-Basmati Rice- Wheat
126 130 136
Turmeric-Onion 192 369 366Summer Groundnut-Garlic
253 291 294
Maize-durum Wheat-Cowpea (F)
114 126 123
Rice-Garlic+Mentha 249 310 322
Management of soil fertility using on ndash farm inputs in maizebasmati rice ndashwheat cropping systems at PAU
Organic InputsGrain Yield (qha)
Maize Wheat
Farmyard Manure (FYM) 399 356Crop residues (CR) 337 324Vermicompost (VC) 419 33013 FYM + 13 CR + 13 VC 415 342Control 171 132
Basmati Rice Wheat
GM 308 293Control 172 137
Green fodder yield (tha) under different fodder production system at PAU
Treatment Green fodder yield (tha)Kharif Rabi Summer Total
Main Plots (Green fodder system)
Sorghum ndash Berseem - 337 672 - 1009Maize ndash Berseem- Bajra 132 677 608 1417Maize-Berseem-Maize+cowpea
142 679 419 1240
Sorghum + gurara - oats - cowpea
350 483 336 1169
Sub plots (Management sysem)Organic 259 712 472 1443Chemical 196 533 426 1155Integrated 264 637 465 1366CD (005) 095 17 20 23
Plant Nutrient Supply System in Organic Farming
1Organic amendments with organic manure vermi-compost and bio fertilizers
2Biodynamic Approach based on soil biotechnology and microbiology
3Homeopathic Approach
4Agnihotra Approach
5Panchgavya Approach
Nutrient Cycling Soil microorganisms mediate nutrient cycles through decomposition of organic residues- Microorganisms lsquofeedrsquo on the residues- Biochemical by-products are plant nutrients (NPS) and other beneficial compounds like humic acid
bull Mineralization- Microbial conversion of organic N P and S into ammonium phosphate and sulfate - Nutrients become available
bull Immobilization-Microbial assimilation of inorganic N P and S- Nutrients temporarily tied up in microbial biomass
Microbial Functional Groups1048698 Bacteria- decomposers primary players in NP and S cycling- Actinomycetes act on more complex compounds to form humus1048698 Fungi- Decomposers attack lignin- Nutrient acquisition (mycorrhiza)1048698 Protozoa and Nematodes- Consume bacteria and fungi releasing plant nutrients (N)- Activity increases decomposition rates
Factors Affecting Microbial Populations1048698 Moisture- Microorganisms need water to survive1048698 Oxygen- Bacteria both aerobic and anaerobic- Fungi protozoa and nematodes aerobic1048698 Temperature- Adaptable- Activity generally increases as temperature rises1048698 Soil pH- Bacteria sensitive to acidity- Fungi function at low pH1048698 Organic Matter- OM source of C and nutrients- OM additions stimulate microbial growth
Agricultural Practices Affecting Microbial Populations1048698 Tillage- Destroys fungi meso and macrofauna- Reduces OM- Reduces aggregation1048698 Fertilizers- N and P fertilizers create acid zones killing microorganisms1048698 Fumigation- Indiscriminant destruction of microbial community1048698 Monocropping- Reduces microbial diversity- Promotes pest build-up
What About the Soil Food Web
What About the Soil Food Web Important to recognize the role of each functional group and their interdependence
Remember that management practices affect microbial interactions
Soil tests to quantify soil food web are expensive and difficult to interpret
Hot area for research
Tools and Practices for organic farmingCrop Rotation Soil fertility- Legumes for N fixation- Diverse rooting habitsPest Management- Break pest cycles- Promote diversity Know the family of the cropsCrops rotated so that crops from different families follow each other Lettuce Beans Corn Tomatoes
Green Manures in the Crop Rotation1048698 Soil fertility- Legumes for N fixation- Grasses for OM accumulation- Diverse rooting habits1048698 Pest Management- Break pest cycles- Promote diversity attract beneficials- Biofumigants (brassicas sudan grass sunn hemp)1048698 Weed Management- Perennial rye- Oats
Composts and Manures Soil Conditioner- Feed the soil- Improve physical properties
Nutrient Availability- CN ratio- Total N content- 15 of total N in mature composts available in thefirst year (Bettina et al 2003)- Field trials estimate that composts alone can satisfycrop N demands after 40-80 years
Feather meal Dairy Manure CompostCN ratio 32 18 10-17Total N 12 20 10
Composts and Manures1048698 Timing-Continuous additions to build up SOM
- Mineralization potential of soil increases asOM inputs increase with time
- SOM acts as nutrient reserve continuouslyreleasing nutrients
- High N materials can be used as a rapidsource of N in the short term
Intercropping and Companion Planting1048698 Interplanting 2 or more mutually beneficial plants to increase biodiversity
Biological Pest Control1048698 Depends on managing beneficial insectpredatorsparasites1048698 Seen as default benefit of organic soilmanagement practices that promoteabove and below ground diversity1048698 Can include the release of control agents1048698 Farmscaping longshort term design tocreate habitats for beneficials
Tillage and Cultivation1048698 Tools for weed control residuemanagement manure incorporationhardpan destruction pest control1048698 Negative impacts- Costly- Destroy humus reserves and soil organisms- compaction1048698 Conservation and ridge tillage- Organic growers pioneers
Mulching1048698 Weed control moisture and temperature control soil organic matter
1048698 Large quantities of resistant organic materials (wood chips straw etchellip)
1048698 Not practical on a large scale
List of bio-pesticides available in marketName Purpose
Neemazal Against borers
Neem oil (5 ) Against borers
Neem seed extract (5 ) Against borers
Neem cake For controlling nematodes
Dried neem leaves Against stored grain pests
Sour butter milk (10 ) Against sap sucking insects
Cow dung ash dusting
Water spray Against aphid
Trichogramma cards Against borers
Trixho- XP ( Trichoderma harzaianum) Against diseases
SudocelPseudomonas fluoresens (PSF) Larvocel
Against diseases
Bauvaria baviana Against diseases
Products for use in fertilization and soil conditioning in organic farming
Sr No
Items Conditions for use
Material produced on an organic farm unit
Matter produced on an organic farm unit
1 Farmyard and slurry urine Permitted
2 Crop residues and green manure Permitted
3 Straw and other mulches Permitted
4 Composts and vermicomposts Permitted
Matter produced outside the organic farm unit
1 Blood meal meat meal bone meal and feather meal without preservatives
Restricted
2 Compost made from plant residues and animal excrement Restricted
3 Farmyard manure slurry urine Restricted
4 Fish and fish products without preservatives Restricted
5 Guano Restricted
6 Human excreta Restricted
7 Wood bark sawdust wood ash wood charcoal Restricted
8 Straw animal charcoal compost and spent mushroom and vermiculture substances
Restricted
9 Compost from organic household Restricted
10 Compost from plant residues Restricted
11 Sea weed and sea weed products
By products from the industries
1 By- products from the food and textile industries of biodegradable material of microbial plant or animal origin without any systematic additives
Restricted
2 By products from oil palm coconut and cocoa (including fruit bunch palm oil mill effluent cocoa peat and empty coca pods
Restricted
3 By products of industries processing ingredients from organic agriculture Restricted
4 Extracts from mushroom chlorella fermented product from Aspergillus natural acids (vinegar)
Restricted
Mineral Origin
Basic slag Restricted
Calcareous and magnesium rock Restricted
Lime limestone gypsum Restricted
Calcified sea weed Restricted
Calcium chloride Restricted
Mineral potassium with low chlorine content (eg sulphate of potash kainite sylvinite patenkali)
Restricted
Natural phosphates (rock phosphate) Restricted
Trace elements Permitted
Sulphur Permitted
Clay (bentonite perlite zeolite) Permitted
Microbiological origin
Bacterial preparation (bio fertilizers) Permitted
Biodynamic preparations Permitted
Plant preparation and botanical extracts Permitted
Products for plant pest and disease controlItems Condition
for use
Material from plant and animal origin
Plant based repellents (Neem preparations from Azadirachta indica
Permitted
Algal preparations (gelatine) Permitted
Casein Permitted
Extracts from mushroom chlorella fermented products from Aspergillus
Permitted
Propolis Restricted
Beeswax natural acids (vinegar) plant oils Quassia Permitted
Rotenone from Derris elliptica Lonchocarpus Trphrosia spp
Restricted
Tobacco tea (pure nicotine prohibited Restricted
Preparation from Rryania species Restricted
Items Condition for use
Mineral Origin
Chloride of limesoda Restricted
Burgundy mixture Restricted
Clay (bentonite perlite ermiculite zeolite Permitted
Copper saltsinorganic salts (Bordeaux mix copper hydroxide copper oxychloride)
Not allowed
Quick lime Restricted
Mineral Origin
Diatomaceous earth Permitted
Light mineral oils Restricted
Permagnate of potash Restricted
Insect Origin
Release of parasites predators of insect pests Restricted
Sterilized insects Restricted
Sterlized insects males Not allowed
Items Condition for use
Microorganisms used for biological pest control
Viral fungal and bacterial preparations (biopesticides) Restricted
Others
Carbon dioxide and nitrogen gas Permitted
Soft soap soda sulphur dioxide Permitted
Homeopathic and ayurvedic preparations Permitted
Herbal and biodynamic preparations Permitted
Sea salt and salty water Permitted
Ethyl alcohol Not allowed
Traps barriers and repellants
Physical methods (eg chromatic traps mechanical traps)
Permitted
Mulches nets Permitted
Pheromones-in traps and dispensers only Permitted
Average nutrient content of organic manures
Source of Nutrition Percentage composition
Organic manure N P2O5 K2O
Farmyard Manure 05 02 05
Farm compost 05 015 05
Town compost 14 100 14
Night soil 55 40 20
Vermicompost 30 00 15
Crop residues -
Bio gas slurry 15-20 10 1
Rock phosphate - 25-30 -
Source of Nutrition
Percentage composition
Non edible oil cake
N P2O5 K2O
Castor cake 43 18 13
Cotton seed cake 39 18 16
Karanj or honge cake 39 09 12
Mahua cake 25 08 18
Neem cake 52 10 14
Safflower cake 49 14 12
Green Manure crops
San hamp (Crotolaria juncea) 23 05 180
Dhaincha ( Sesbnia aculeata) 35 06 120
Sesbania speciosa 271 053 221
Source of Nutrition Percentage composition
Green leaf manure N P2O5 K2O
Glycricidia (Gluicidia sepium) 276 028 46
Pongamia (Pongama glabra) 331 044 239
Gulmohur (Delonix glabra) 276 046 050
Neem (Azadirachta indica) 283 028 035
Animal based
Blood meal 10-12 1-2 100
Meat meal 105 25 05
Fish meal 4-10 3-9 03-15
Horn and hoof meal 13 - -
Raw bone meal 3-4 20-25 -
Steamed bone meal 1-2 25-30 -
bull Lack of technical know-howbull Lack of required amount BD preparations in marketbull Lack of awareness among people about hazards caused by use of agrochemicalsbull Bulky nature of BD preparations and compostbull In-situ production is not feasiblebull Lack of scientific data on the long-term benefits and limitations of biodynamic farmingbull Limited domestic market for bio-dynamically grown producebull Quality certification
Constraints
ConstraintsProducersrsquoDistributorsrsquoTradersrsquo point of view
bull Lack of proper infrastructure for distribution and conservation of bio-inputs is a major constraint that hinders the access of these inputs to farmers
bull Some climatic regions and soil conditions are not suitable for specific strains of organic production
bull Given the mandated period of around three years for a conventional farm to become an organic farm the benefits perceived by farmers tend to be limited as they have a short term orientation
bull As a result even if they are aware they are hesitant to switch over to organic (green) agricultural practices
Constraining factorsFarmersrsquo point of view
The government perspective bull Changing the cropping and cultivation
patterns is slow and time-consuming process
bull Given the high levels of illiteracy and large number of small and marginal farmers it makes the change process difficult
bull Subsidies on chemical fertilizers and pesticide impede the growth of organic agriculture
Major Limitations under Punjab conditions
bull Bulky nature of organic manurebull Divergent nutritional valuebull Small land holdingbull Lack of awareness among farmersbull Marketing of organic producebull Labour and cost intensivebull Low incentives from governmentbull Non availability of bio pesticides
Major Limitations------contd
bull Dramatic and large benefits in terms of yield and returns
bull Cultivation of high nutrient responsive cultivers
bull Promotion of biological agentsbull Urgency to meet food security
Why farmers are reluctant to adopt organic farming in Punjab
bull Perceived high costs of doing organic farming due to incomplete knowledge about principles and practices of organic agriculture among farmers They were arranging inputs from outside
bull Non-availability of adequate quantities of organic manures and other organic inputs in the local market
bull Knowledge of organic farming has not filtered down to actual users ie small farmers and the information reached to target groups is often not backed by scientifically proven results
bull Complex and costly procedures of certificationbull Risk involved in marketing of organic produce
Discussion points
bull What arguments are there in favour of organic agriculture in India
bull What vested interests would oppose the growth of organic agricultures and why
bull What strategies could be employed to further promote the greening of agriculture in India
Can India adopt organic farming in a big way
bull Is organic farming non-scientific and unproven bull Does practicing organic farming means reduced yield bull Why were crop yields low before invention of Agro-
chemicals bull How is organic farming different from conventional bull What are the strengths and weaknesses of organic
farming
bull Where is the large quantity of compost for OF bull Does the soil fertility decline when fertilizers are
not used bull Scientifically where crop nutrients come from in
organic farming bull How are crops protected in organic farming bull Why restricted when India is a low user bull Where are the evidences that high yields are
possible in organic farming bull Is organic farming labour intensive
Conclusion Sustainable economic and eco friendly approach
Minimum risk of residual toxicity
Improvement in soil fertility with high yield quality produce Maintenance of organic matter content of the soil
Reduced energy use
Increased yields without over reliance on costly inputs
SummaryOrganic agriculture is not for everyone Yet it is a viable approach that can be beneficial It canbull Be particularly useful in the more difficult environments where resources are scarce and cultivation problematicbull Potentially reduce risks bya) ldquolocalizingrdquo input productionb) fostering soil and water conservationc) encouraging diversification (food security)bull Improve ability to compete in todayrsquos fast globalizing standards-critical trade
Strategies needed to promote organic farming in India
bull Adequate research and extension support needs to be providedbull Research to quantify the role of organic farming in minimizing the
ill effects of modern agriculture and its effect on environment bull Helping farmers to promote organic farmingbull Government should recognize agriculture in Kyoto protocol
carbon credit mechanismbull Developing infrastructure for supply chain and ensuring
competitive price for organic productsbull Capacity building through on farm demonstrations and trainingsbull Government support in cheaper access to organic certificates
Thanks
HEALTHY SOILHEALTHY SOIL
HEALTHY FOODHEALTHY FOOD
HEALTHY PEOPLEHEALTHY PEOPLE
HEALTHY SOCIETYHEALTHY SOCIETY
Feed The Soil Not
The Plant
PhilosophybullHuman health tied to the health of the environment bull A healthy soil is the foundation
What is Organic Farming
A production system that responds to site-specific conditions by integrating cultural biological and mechanical practices that foster cycling of resources promote ecological balance and conserve biodiversity
Organic agriculture is farming without synthetic pesticide and conventional fertilizer
Adverse effects of inorganic farming
1 Destruction of soil structure and poor water holding capacity
2 Reduction in soil fertility and low organic matter content
3 Increase in salinity sodicity and land submergence
4 Indiscriminate killing of useful insects
5 Adverse effect on soil flora and fauna
6 Resistance development in pathogen
7 Deterioration of environment and human health
8 Problems associated with residual toxicity
Pesticide contamination of food and feed in Punjab
Commodity Number of samples
Analysed Contaminated
Cereals 30 30Rice Grain 99 99Vegetables 96 64Animal feed 15 15Animal feed and fodder
105 105
Milk 24 23
Why farm organically
Organic farming provides long-term benefits to people and the environment
Organic farming aims to bull Increase long-term soil fertility
bull Control pests and diseases without harming the environment
bull Ensure that water stays clean and safe
bull Use resources which the farmer already has so the farmer
needs less money to buy farm inputs
bull Produce nutritious food feed for animals and high quality
crops to sell at a good price
Factors driving organic farmingbull Diverse agro-climate regions that provides
environment for wide range of crops that can cater to different market demands
bull Increasing awareness amp health consciousnessbull Availability of comparatively cheap labour for
labour-intensive organic agriculture bull Huge numbers of small farmers those who do
the traditional farming have very limited capacity to pay for most of the chemical inputs into agriculture
bull Presence of Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) as active promoters of organic farming in different agro-climatic regions
Factors driving organic farmingbull Increasing involvement of
private companies in field of agricultural extension trade consultation and other services
bull Enhanced government attention and support for organic agriculture through various policy initiations and action programs
ORGANIC STATUS
bull Global 24 mha (16 Ag Area) Nearly 130 countries produce organic
product Australia (10 mha) ndash lead country
bull Indian 37000-41000 ha (SOEL survey) (03 of Ag Area)
250 million ha (APEDA)(Including 243 mha of forest area with wild herb amp medicinal plants
Cotton herbal extractOthers
Sesame castor sunflowerOilseeds
Okra Brinjal Garlic Onion Tomato PotatoVegetables
Mango Banana Pineapple Grape passion fruit Orange Cashew nut walnut
Fruits
Red Gram Black GramPulses
Cardamom Black pepper white pepper ginger turmeric vanilla mustard tamarind clove cinnamon nutmeg mace chilly
Spices
Tea Coffee Rice WheatCommodity
ProductsType
Major products produced in India by Organic Farming
Market Organic (Export) 2004
Kerala = 1232 Metric ton
West Bengal = 937 Metric ton
Karnataka = 476 Metric ton
Tamil Nadu = 471 Metric ton
Punjab = 541 Metric ton
Himachal Pradesh = 521 Metric ton
Maharashtra = 375 Metric ton
India Total = 6472 Metric ton
Export Product
Basmati rice cottonMangopulp Cashewnut SesamePiniapple pulpHoney Walnutspices coffee TeaPeanut canned
APEDA
Organic PrinciplesIntegrityhellip
Benefits Protects the concept and value of organic
Practices Buffers good record keeping
Benefits reduced energy consumptionsoil conservation efficient water useincreased water quality
Practices conservation structuresconservation tillage controlled drainagerotations mulching integrated systems
Sustainabilityhellip
Natural Plant NutritionhellipBenefits Emphasis on soil health translates into healthier food healthier humans Less plant disease fewer weeds better water-holding capacity resistance to erosionPractices Crop rotations cover crops green manures animal manures application of allowable substances in limited quantities composting
BiodiversityhellipBenefits ecosystem (and financial) stability more beneficial insects greater below-ground diversity better nutrient cycling disease suppression tilth and N-fixationPractices intercropping companion planting establishment of beneficial habitats crop rotations cover crops speciesenterprise integration
Biodiversity and Organic Agriculture
Organic farmers are both custodians and users of biodiversity at
all levels
bull Gene level locally adapted seeds and breeds are preferred for their greater
resistance to diseases and resilience to climatic stress
bull Species level diverse combinations of plants and animals optimize nutrient
and energy cycling for agricultural production
bull Ecosystem level the maintenance of natural areas within and around organic
fields and absence of chemical inputs create suitable habitats for wildlife
Reliance on natural control methods maintains species diversity and avoids
the selection of pest species resistant to chemical control methods
Organic agriculture and soil ecosystemsNatural soil fertility must be relied upon in organic systems Practices such as crop rotations symbiotic association cover crops organic fertilizers and minimum tillage create suitable conditions for soil fauna and flora
(IFOAM 2000 )
Organic agriculture and agro-ecosystems
Natural disease resistance and pest predation must be strengthened in organic systems Crop rotation is considered the cornerstone of organic management functioning as a tool for pest management and soil fertility
Organic farming combats global warming
Some apprehensions about organic farming
Can organic farming produce enough food for every body Is it possible to meet the nutrient requirements of crops entirely from organic sourcesAre there any significant environmental benefits of organic farming Is the food produced by organic farming superior in quality Is organic agriculture economically feasible Is it possible to manage pests and diseases in organic farming
24
Comparative data of 3 years average production at Phanda farm
2000220095001500Wheat 3
1120108015001500Peas2
10181272900014000Gram1
Rabi
66379820003750Arhar4
1300145020008800Paddy3
75080010001000Maize2
Kharif
121612461400020000Soybean1
ControlOrganicControlOrganic
Production QntlHa
Sowing area (Ha)CropsSNo
Dr GS KaushalDirector AgricultureGovt of Madhya PradeshBHOPAL
Ram et al 2004
Improvement in soil composition under biodynamic practices
Treatment Fruit qualityTitrable acidity
(citrate )Ascorbic
acid (mg100
g)
Total solids()
pH
T1-control 043 183 36 36
T2-100 N as urea 052 207 44 38
T3-100N as fym 055 207 46 37
T4-100N as vermicompost 061 218 49 37
T5-100N as coirpith compost 056 208 45 36
T6-75N as FYM with Azospirillum 062 208 5O 37
T7-75N as vermicompost with Azospirllum 072 230 54 39
T8-75N as coirpith compost with Azospirillum
066 217 52 38
T9-50N asFYM with Azospirillum 048 191 41 35
T10-50N as vermicompost with Azospirllum 050 194 43 36
T11-50N as coirpith compost with Azospirillum
048 191 42 36
C D(P=005) 003 05 03 04Kannan et al 2006
Fruit quality of tomato influenced by organic farming
Treatment Fruit characters
Fruit height (cm)
Fruit girth (cm)
Fruit weight (g)
Yield (tha)
T1-Control 22 107 298 227
T2-100 N as urea 26 144 298 310
T3-100N as fym 26 143 397 309
T4-100N as vermicompost 27 147 403 312
T5-100N as coirpith compost 26 144 398 310
T6-75N as FYM with Azospirillum 28 147 405 313
T7-75N as vermicompost with Azospirllum
31 152 427 330
T8-75N as coirpith compost with Azospirillum
30 149 414 317
T9-50N asFYM with Azospirillum 24 127 385 306
T10-50N as vermicompost with Azospirllum
25 133 390 305
T11-50N as coirpith compost with Azospirillum
25 133 387 307
C D(P=005) 01 03 17 02
Kannan et al 2006
Effect of organic farming on fruit characteristics and yield of tomato
Rice equivalent yield (tha) of different systems under various management practices at PAU
Cropping System Productivity ( tha)Chemical Organic Integrated
GM-Basmati Rice- Wheat
126 130 136
Turmeric-Onion 192 369 366Summer Groundnut-Garlic
253 291 294
Maize-durum Wheat-Cowpea (F)
114 126 123
Rice-Garlic+Mentha 249 310 322
Management of soil fertility using on ndash farm inputs in maizebasmati rice ndashwheat cropping systems at PAU
Organic InputsGrain Yield (qha)
Maize Wheat
Farmyard Manure (FYM) 399 356Crop residues (CR) 337 324Vermicompost (VC) 419 33013 FYM + 13 CR + 13 VC 415 342Control 171 132
Basmati Rice Wheat
GM 308 293Control 172 137
Green fodder yield (tha) under different fodder production system at PAU
Treatment Green fodder yield (tha)Kharif Rabi Summer Total
Main Plots (Green fodder system)
Sorghum ndash Berseem - 337 672 - 1009Maize ndash Berseem- Bajra 132 677 608 1417Maize-Berseem-Maize+cowpea
142 679 419 1240
Sorghum + gurara - oats - cowpea
350 483 336 1169
Sub plots (Management sysem)Organic 259 712 472 1443Chemical 196 533 426 1155Integrated 264 637 465 1366CD (005) 095 17 20 23
Plant Nutrient Supply System in Organic Farming
1Organic amendments with organic manure vermi-compost and bio fertilizers
2Biodynamic Approach based on soil biotechnology and microbiology
3Homeopathic Approach
4Agnihotra Approach
5Panchgavya Approach
Nutrient Cycling Soil microorganisms mediate nutrient cycles through decomposition of organic residues- Microorganisms lsquofeedrsquo on the residues- Biochemical by-products are plant nutrients (NPS) and other beneficial compounds like humic acid
bull Mineralization- Microbial conversion of organic N P and S into ammonium phosphate and sulfate - Nutrients become available
bull Immobilization-Microbial assimilation of inorganic N P and S- Nutrients temporarily tied up in microbial biomass
Microbial Functional Groups1048698 Bacteria- decomposers primary players in NP and S cycling- Actinomycetes act on more complex compounds to form humus1048698 Fungi- Decomposers attack lignin- Nutrient acquisition (mycorrhiza)1048698 Protozoa and Nematodes- Consume bacteria and fungi releasing plant nutrients (N)- Activity increases decomposition rates
Factors Affecting Microbial Populations1048698 Moisture- Microorganisms need water to survive1048698 Oxygen- Bacteria both aerobic and anaerobic- Fungi protozoa and nematodes aerobic1048698 Temperature- Adaptable- Activity generally increases as temperature rises1048698 Soil pH- Bacteria sensitive to acidity- Fungi function at low pH1048698 Organic Matter- OM source of C and nutrients- OM additions stimulate microbial growth
Agricultural Practices Affecting Microbial Populations1048698 Tillage- Destroys fungi meso and macrofauna- Reduces OM- Reduces aggregation1048698 Fertilizers- N and P fertilizers create acid zones killing microorganisms1048698 Fumigation- Indiscriminant destruction of microbial community1048698 Monocropping- Reduces microbial diversity- Promotes pest build-up
What About the Soil Food Web
What About the Soil Food Web Important to recognize the role of each functional group and their interdependence
Remember that management practices affect microbial interactions
Soil tests to quantify soil food web are expensive and difficult to interpret
Hot area for research
Tools and Practices for organic farmingCrop Rotation Soil fertility- Legumes for N fixation- Diverse rooting habitsPest Management- Break pest cycles- Promote diversity Know the family of the cropsCrops rotated so that crops from different families follow each other Lettuce Beans Corn Tomatoes
Green Manures in the Crop Rotation1048698 Soil fertility- Legumes for N fixation- Grasses for OM accumulation- Diverse rooting habits1048698 Pest Management- Break pest cycles- Promote diversity attract beneficials- Biofumigants (brassicas sudan grass sunn hemp)1048698 Weed Management- Perennial rye- Oats
Composts and Manures Soil Conditioner- Feed the soil- Improve physical properties
Nutrient Availability- CN ratio- Total N content- 15 of total N in mature composts available in thefirst year (Bettina et al 2003)- Field trials estimate that composts alone can satisfycrop N demands after 40-80 years
Feather meal Dairy Manure CompostCN ratio 32 18 10-17Total N 12 20 10
Composts and Manures1048698 Timing-Continuous additions to build up SOM
- Mineralization potential of soil increases asOM inputs increase with time
- SOM acts as nutrient reserve continuouslyreleasing nutrients
- High N materials can be used as a rapidsource of N in the short term
Intercropping and Companion Planting1048698 Interplanting 2 or more mutually beneficial plants to increase biodiversity
Biological Pest Control1048698 Depends on managing beneficial insectpredatorsparasites1048698 Seen as default benefit of organic soilmanagement practices that promoteabove and below ground diversity1048698 Can include the release of control agents1048698 Farmscaping longshort term design tocreate habitats for beneficials
Tillage and Cultivation1048698 Tools for weed control residuemanagement manure incorporationhardpan destruction pest control1048698 Negative impacts- Costly- Destroy humus reserves and soil organisms- compaction1048698 Conservation and ridge tillage- Organic growers pioneers
Mulching1048698 Weed control moisture and temperature control soil organic matter
1048698 Large quantities of resistant organic materials (wood chips straw etchellip)
1048698 Not practical on a large scale
List of bio-pesticides available in marketName Purpose
Neemazal Against borers
Neem oil (5 ) Against borers
Neem seed extract (5 ) Against borers
Neem cake For controlling nematodes
Dried neem leaves Against stored grain pests
Sour butter milk (10 ) Against sap sucking insects
Cow dung ash dusting
Water spray Against aphid
Trichogramma cards Against borers
Trixho- XP ( Trichoderma harzaianum) Against diseases
SudocelPseudomonas fluoresens (PSF) Larvocel
Against diseases
Bauvaria baviana Against diseases
Products for use in fertilization and soil conditioning in organic farming
Sr No
Items Conditions for use
Material produced on an organic farm unit
Matter produced on an organic farm unit
1 Farmyard and slurry urine Permitted
2 Crop residues and green manure Permitted
3 Straw and other mulches Permitted
4 Composts and vermicomposts Permitted
Matter produced outside the organic farm unit
1 Blood meal meat meal bone meal and feather meal without preservatives
Restricted
2 Compost made from plant residues and animal excrement Restricted
3 Farmyard manure slurry urine Restricted
4 Fish and fish products without preservatives Restricted
5 Guano Restricted
6 Human excreta Restricted
7 Wood bark sawdust wood ash wood charcoal Restricted
8 Straw animal charcoal compost and spent mushroom and vermiculture substances
Restricted
9 Compost from organic household Restricted
10 Compost from plant residues Restricted
11 Sea weed and sea weed products
By products from the industries
1 By- products from the food and textile industries of biodegradable material of microbial plant or animal origin without any systematic additives
Restricted
2 By products from oil palm coconut and cocoa (including fruit bunch palm oil mill effluent cocoa peat and empty coca pods
Restricted
3 By products of industries processing ingredients from organic agriculture Restricted
4 Extracts from mushroom chlorella fermented product from Aspergillus natural acids (vinegar)
Restricted
Mineral Origin
Basic slag Restricted
Calcareous and magnesium rock Restricted
Lime limestone gypsum Restricted
Calcified sea weed Restricted
Calcium chloride Restricted
Mineral potassium with low chlorine content (eg sulphate of potash kainite sylvinite patenkali)
Restricted
Natural phosphates (rock phosphate) Restricted
Trace elements Permitted
Sulphur Permitted
Clay (bentonite perlite zeolite) Permitted
Microbiological origin
Bacterial preparation (bio fertilizers) Permitted
Biodynamic preparations Permitted
Plant preparation and botanical extracts Permitted
Products for plant pest and disease controlItems Condition
for use
Material from plant and animal origin
Plant based repellents (Neem preparations from Azadirachta indica
Permitted
Algal preparations (gelatine) Permitted
Casein Permitted
Extracts from mushroom chlorella fermented products from Aspergillus
Permitted
Propolis Restricted
Beeswax natural acids (vinegar) plant oils Quassia Permitted
Rotenone from Derris elliptica Lonchocarpus Trphrosia spp
Restricted
Tobacco tea (pure nicotine prohibited Restricted
Preparation from Rryania species Restricted
Items Condition for use
Mineral Origin
Chloride of limesoda Restricted
Burgundy mixture Restricted
Clay (bentonite perlite ermiculite zeolite Permitted
Copper saltsinorganic salts (Bordeaux mix copper hydroxide copper oxychloride)
Not allowed
Quick lime Restricted
Mineral Origin
Diatomaceous earth Permitted
Light mineral oils Restricted
Permagnate of potash Restricted
Insect Origin
Release of parasites predators of insect pests Restricted
Sterilized insects Restricted
Sterlized insects males Not allowed
Items Condition for use
Microorganisms used for biological pest control
Viral fungal and bacterial preparations (biopesticides) Restricted
Others
Carbon dioxide and nitrogen gas Permitted
Soft soap soda sulphur dioxide Permitted
Homeopathic and ayurvedic preparations Permitted
Herbal and biodynamic preparations Permitted
Sea salt and salty water Permitted
Ethyl alcohol Not allowed
Traps barriers and repellants
Physical methods (eg chromatic traps mechanical traps)
Permitted
Mulches nets Permitted
Pheromones-in traps and dispensers only Permitted
Average nutrient content of organic manures
Source of Nutrition Percentage composition
Organic manure N P2O5 K2O
Farmyard Manure 05 02 05
Farm compost 05 015 05
Town compost 14 100 14
Night soil 55 40 20
Vermicompost 30 00 15
Crop residues -
Bio gas slurry 15-20 10 1
Rock phosphate - 25-30 -
Source of Nutrition
Percentage composition
Non edible oil cake
N P2O5 K2O
Castor cake 43 18 13
Cotton seed cake 39 18 16
Karanj or honge cake 39 09 12
Mahua cake 25 08 18
Neem cake 52 10 14
Safflower cake 49 14 12
Green Manure crops
San hamp (Crotolaria juncea) 23 05 180
Dhaincha ( Sesbnia aculeata) 35 06 120
Sesbania speciosa 271 053 221
Source of Nutrition Percentage composition
Green leaf manure N P2O5 K2O
Glycricidia (Gluicidia sepium) 276 028 46
Pongamia (Pongama glabra) 331 044 239
Gulmohur (Delonix glabra) 276 046 050
Neem (Azadirachta indica) 283 028 035
Animal based
Blood meal 10-12 1-2 100
Meat meal 105 25 05
Fish meal 4-10 3-9 03-15
Horn and hoof meal 13 - -
Raw bone meal 3-4 20-25 -
Steamed bone meal 1-2 25-30 -
bull Lack of technical know-howbull Lack of required amount BD preparations in marketbull Lack of awareness among people about hazards caused by use of agrochemicalsbull Bulky nature of BD preparations and compostbull In-situ production is not feasiblebull Lack of scientific data on the long-term benefits and limitations of biodynamic farmingbull Limited domestic market for bio-dynamically grown producebull Quality certification
Constraints
ConstraintsProducersrsquoDistributorsrsquoTradersrsquo point of view
bull Lack of proper infrastructure for distribution and conservation of bio-inputs is a major constraint that hinders the access of these inputs to farmers
bull Some climatic regions and soil conditions are not suitable for specific strains of organic production
bull Given the mandated period of around three years for a conventional farm to become an organic farm the benefits perceived by farmers tend to be limited as they have a short term orientation
bull As a result even if they are aware they are hesitant to switch over to organic (green) agricultural practices
Constraining factorsFarmersrsquo point of view
The government perspective bull Changing the cropping and cultivation
patterns is slow and time-consuming process
bull Given the high levels of illiteracy and large number of small and marginal farmers it makes the change process difficult
bull Subsidies on chemical fertilizers and pesticide impede the growth of organic agriculture
Major Limitations under Punjab conditions
bull Bulky nature of organic manurebull Divergent nutritional valuebull Small land holdingbull Lack of awareness among farmersbull Marketing of organic producebull Labour and cost intensivebull Low incentives from governmentbull Non availability of bio pesticides
Major Limitations------contd
bull Dramatic and large benefits in terms of yield and returns
bull Cultivation of high nutrient responsive cultivers
bull Promotion of biological agentsbull Urgency to meet food security
Why farmers are reluctant to adopt organic farming in Punjab
bull Perceived high costs of doing organic farming due to incomplete knowledge about principles and practices of organic agriculture among farmers They were arranging inputs from outside
bull Non-availability of adequate quantities of organic manures and other organic inputs in the local market
bull Knowledge of organic farming has not filtered down to actual users ie small farmers and the information reached to target groups is often not backed by scientifically proven results
bull Complex and costly procedures of certificationbull Risk involved in marketing of organic produce
Discussion points
bull What arguments are there in favour of organic agriculture in India
bull What vested interests would oppose the growth of organic agricultures and why
bull What strategies could be employed to further promote the greening of agriculture in India
Can India adopt organic farming in a big way
bull Is organic farming non-scientific and unproven bull Does practicing organic farming means reduced yield bull Why were crop yields low before invention of Agro-
chemicals bull How is organic farming different from conventional bull What are the strengths and weaknesses of organic
farming
bull Where is the large quantity of compost for OF bull Does the soil fertility decline when fertilizers are
not used bull Scientifically where crop nutrients come from in
organic farming bull How are crops protected in organic farming bull Why restricted when India is a low user bull Where are the evidences that high yields are
possible in organic farming bull Is organic farming labour intensive
Conclusion Sustainable economic and eco friendly approach
Minimum risk of residual toxicity
Improvement in soil fertility with high yield quality produce Maintenance of organic matter content of the soil
Reduced energy use
Increased yields without over reliance on costly inputs
SummaryOrganic agriculture is not for everyone Yet it is a viable approach that can be beneficial It canbull Be particularly useful in the more difficult environments where resources are scarce and cultivation problematicbull Potentially reduce risks bya) ldquolocalizingrdquo input productionb) fostering soil and water conservationc) encouraging diversification (food security)bull Improve ability to compete in todayrsquos fast globalizing standards-critical trade
Strategies needed to promote organic farming in India
bull Adequate research and extension support needs to be providedbull Research to quantify the role of organic farming in minimizing the
ill effects of modern agriculture and its effect on environment bull Helping farmers to promote organic farmingbull Government should recognize agriculture in Kyoto protocol
carbon credit mechanismbull Developing infrastructure for supply chain and ensuring
competitive price for organic productsbull Capacity building through on farm demonstrations and trainingsbull Government support in cheaper access to organic certificates
Thanks
What is Organic Farming
A production system that responds to site-specific conditions by integrating cultural biological and mechanical practices that foster cycling of resources promote ecological balance and conserve biodiversity
Organic agriculture is farming without synthetic pesticide and conventional fertilizer
Adverse effects of inorganic farming
1 Destruction of soil structure and poor water holding capacity
2 Reduction in soil fertility and low organic matter content
3 Increase in salinity sodicity and land submergence
4 Indiscriminate killing of useful insects
5 Adverse effect on soil flora and fauna
6 Resistance development in pathogen
7 Deterioration of environment and human health
8 Problems associated with residual toxicity
Pesticide contamination of food and feed in Punjab
Commodity Number of samples
Analysed Contaminated
Cereals 30 30Rice Grain 99 99Vegetables 96 64Animal feed 15 15Animal feed and fodder
105 105
Milk 24 23
Why farm organically
Organic farming provides long-term benefits to people and the environment
Organic farming aims to bull Increase long-term soil fertility
bull Control pests and diseases without harming the environment
bull Ensure that water stays clean and safe
bull Use resources which the farmer already has so the farmer
needs less money to buy farm inputs
bull Produce nutritious food feed for animals and high quality
crops to sell at a good price
Factors driving organic farmingbull Diverse agro-climate regions that provides
environment for wide range of crops that can cater to different market demands
bull Increasing awareness amp health consciousnessbull Availability of comparatively cheap labour for
labour-intensive organic agriculture bull Huge numbers of small farmers those who do
the traditional farming have very limited capacity to pay for most of the chemical inputs into agriculture
bull Presence of Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) as active promoters of organic farming in different agro-climatic regions
Factors driving organic farmingbull Increasing involvement of
private companies in field of agricultural extension trade consultation and other services
bull Enhanced government attention and support for organic agriculture through various policy initiations and action programs
ORGANIC STATUS
bull Global 24 mha (16 Ag Area) Nearly 130 countries produce organic
product Australia (10 mha) ndash lead country
bull Indian 37000-41000 ha (SOEL survey) (03 of Ag Area)
250 million ha (APEDA)(Including 243 mha of forest area with wild herb amp medicinal plants
Cotton herbal extractOthers
Sesame castor sunflowerOilseeds
Okra Brinjal Garlic Onion Tomato PotatoVegetables
Mango Banana Pineapple Grape passion fruit Orange Cashew nut walnut
Fruits
Red Gram Black GramPulses
Cardamom Black pepper white pepper ginger turmeric vanilla mustard tamarind clove cinnamon nutmeg mace chilly
Spices
Tea Coffee Rice WheatCommodity
ProductsType
Major products produced in India by Organic Farming
Market Organic (Export) 2004
Kerala = 1232 Metric ton
West Bengal = 937 Metric ton
Karnataka = 476 Metric ton
Tamil Nadu = 471 Metric ton
Punjab = 541 Metric ton
Himachal Pradesh = 521 Metric ton
Maharashtra = 375 Metric ton
India Total = 6472 Metric ton
Export Product
Basmati rice cottonMangopulp Cashewnut SesamePiniapple pulpHoney Walnutspices coffee TeaPeanut canned
APEDA
Organic PrinciplesIntegrityhellip
Benefits Protects the concept and value of organic
Practices Buffers good record keeping
Benefits reduced energy consumptionsoil conservation efficient water useincreased water quality
Practices conservation structuresconservation tillage controlled drainagerotations mulching integrated systems
Sustainabilityhellip
Natural Plant NutritionhellipBenefits Emphasis on soil health translates into healthier food healthier humans Less plant disease fewer weeds better water-holding capacity resistance to erosionPractices Crop rotations cover crops green manures animal manures application of allowable substances in limited quantities composting
BiodiversityhellipBenefits ecosystem (and financial) stability more beneficial insects greater below-ground diversity better nutrient cycling disease suppression tilth and N-fixationPractices intercropping companion planting establishment of beneficial habitats crop rotations cover crops speciesenterprise integration
Biodiversity and Organic Agriculture
Organic farmers are both custodians and users of biodiversity at
all levels
bull Gene level locally adapted seeds and breeds are preferred for their greater
resistance to diseases and resilience to climatic stress
bull Species level diverse combinations of plants and animals optimize nutrient
and energy cycling for agricultural production
bull Ecosystem level the maintenance of natural areas within and around organic
fields and absence of chemical inputs create suitable habitats for wildlife
Reliance on natural control methods maintains species diversity and avoids
the selection of pest species resistant to chemical control methods
Organic agriculture and soil ecosystemsNatural soil fertility must be relied upon in organic systems Practices such as crop rotations symbiotic association cover crops organic fertilizers and minimum tillage create suitable conditions for soil fauna and flora
(IFOAM 2000 )
Organic agriculture and agro-ecosystems
Natural disease resistance and pest predation must be strengthened in organic systems Crop rotation is considered the cornerstone of organic management functioning as a tool for pest management and soil fertility
Organic farming combats global warming
Some apprehensions about organic farming
Can organic farming produce enough food for every body Is it possible to meet the nutrient requirements of crops entirely from organic sourcesAre there any significant environmental benefits of organic farming Is the food produced by organic farming superior in quality Is organic agriculture economically feasible Is it possible to manage pests and diseases in organic farming
24
Comparative data of 3 years average production at Phanda farm
2000220095001500Wheat 3
1120108015001500Peas2
10181272900014000Gram1
Rabi
66379820003750Arhar4
1300145020008800Paddy3
75080010001000Maize2
Kharif
121612461400020000Soybean1
ControlOrganicControlOrganic
Production QntlHa
Sowing area (Ha)CropsSNo
Dr GS KaushalDirector AgricultureGovt of Madhya PradeshBHOPAL
Ram et al 2004
Improvement in soil composition under biodynamic practices
Treatment Fruit qualityTitrable acidity
(citrate )Ascorbic
acid (mg100
g)
Total solids()
pH
T1-control 043 183 36 36
T2-100 N as urea 052 207 44 38
T3-100N as fym 055 207 46 37
T4-100N as vermicompost 061 218 49 37
T5-100N as coirpith compost 056 208 45 36
T6-75N as FYM with Azospirillum 062 208 5O 37
T7-75N as vermicompost with Azospirllum 072 230 54 39
T8-75N as coirpith compost with Azospirillum
066 217 52 38
T9-50N asFYM with Azospirillum 048 191 41 35
T10-50N as vermicompost with Azospirllum 050 194 43 36
T11-50N as coirpith compost with Azospirillum
048 191 42 36
C D(P=005) 003 05 03 04Kannan et al 2006
Fruit quality of tomato influenced by organic farming
Treatment Fruit characters
Fruit height (cm)
Fruit girth (cm)
Fruit weight (g)
Yield (tha)
T1-Control 22 107 298 227
T2-100 N as urea 26 144 298 310
T3-100N as fym 26 143 397 309
T4-100N as vermicompost 27 147 403 312
T5-100N as coirpith compost 26 144 398 310
T6-75N as FYM with Azospirillum 28 147 405 313
T7-75N as vermicompost with Azospirllum
31 152 427 330
T8-75N as coirpith compost with Azospirillum
30 149 414 317
T9-50N asFYM with Azospirillum 24 127 385 306
T10-50N as vermicompost with Azospirllum
25 133 390 305
T11-50N as coirpith compost with Azospirillum
25 133 387 307
C D(P=005) 01 03 17 02
Kannan et al 2006
Effect of organic farming on fruit characteristics and yield of tomato
Rice equivalent yield (tha) of different systems under various management practices at PAU
Cropping System Productivity ( tha)Chemical Organic Integrated
GM-Basmati Rice- Wheat
126 130 136
Turmeric-Onion 192 369 366Summer Groundnut-Garlic
253 291 294
Maize-durum Wheat-Cowpea (F)
114 126 123
Rice-Garlic+Mentha 249 310 322
Management of soil fertility using on ndash farm inputs in maizebasmati rice ndashwheat cropping systems at PAU
Organic InputsGrain Yield (qha)
Maize Wheat
Farmyard Manure (FYM) 399 356Crop residues (CR) 337 324Vermicompost (VC) 419 33013 FYM + 13 CR + 13 VC 415 342Control 171 132
Basmati Rice Wheat
GM 308 293Control 172 137
Green fodder yield (tha) under different fodder production system at PAU
Treatment Green fodder yield (tha)Kharif Rabi Summer Total
Main Plots (Green fodder system)
Sorghum ndash Berseem - 337 672 - 1009Maize ndash Berseem- Bajra 132 677 608 1417Maize-Berseem-Maize+cowpea
142 679 419 1240
Sorghum + gurara - oats - cowpea
350 483 336 1169
Sub plots (Management sysem)Organic 259 712 472 1443Chemical 196 533 426 1155Integrated 264 637 465 1366CD (005) 095 17 20 23
Plant Nutrient Supply System in Organic Farming
1Organic amendments with organic manure vermi-compost and bio fertilizers
2Biodynamic Approach based on soil biotechnology and microbiology
3Homeopathic Approach
4Agnihotra Approach
5Panchgavya Approach
Nutrient Cycling Soil microorganisms mediate nutrient cycles through decomposition of organic residues- Microorganisms lsquofeedrsquo on the residues- Biochemical by-products are plant nutrients (NPS) and other beneficial compounds like humic acid
bull Mineralization- Microbial conversion of organic N P and S into ammonium phosphate and sulfate - Nutrients become available
bull Immobilization-Microbial assimilation of inorganic N P and S- Nutrients temporarily tied up in microbial biomass
Microbial Functional Groups1048698 Bacteria- decomposers primary players in NP and S cycling- Actinomycetes act on more complex compounds to form humus1048698 Fungi- Decomposers attack lignin- Nutrient acquisition (mycorrhiza)1048698 Protozoa and Nematodes- Consume bacteria and fungi releasing plant nutrients (N)- Activity increases decomposition rates
Factors Affecting Microbial Populations1048698 Moisture- Microorganisms need water to survive1048698 Oxygen- Bacteria both aerobic and anaerobic- Fungi protozoa and nematodes aerobic1048698 Temperature- Adaptable- Activity generally increases as temperature rises1048698 Soil pH- Bacteria sensitive to acidity- Fungi function at low pH1048698 Organic Matter- OM source of C and nutrients- OM additions stimulate microbial growth
Agricultural Practices Affecting Microbial Populations1048698 Tillage- Destroys fungi meso and macrofauna- Reduces OM- Reduces aggregation1048698 Fertilizers- N and P fertilizers create acid zones killing microorganisms1048698 Fumigation- Indiscriminant destruction of microbial community1048698 Monocropping- Reduces microbial diversity- Promotes pest build-up
What About the Soil Food Web
What About the Soil Food Web Important to recognize the role of each functional group and their interdependence
Remember that management practices affect microbial interactions
Soil tests to quantify soil food web are expensive and difficult to interpret
Hot area for research
Tools and Practices for organic farmingCrop Rotation Soil fertility- Legumes for N fixation- Diverse rooting habitsPest Management- Break pest cycles- Promote diversity Know the family of the cropsCrops rotated so that crops from different families follow each other Lettuce Beans Corn Tomatoes
Green Manures in the Crop Rotation1048698 Soil fertility- Legumes for N fixation- Grasses for OM accumulation- Diverse rooting habits1048698 Pest Management- Break pest cycles- Promote diversity attract beneficials- Biofumigants (brassicas sudan grass sunn hemp)1048698 Weed Management- Perennial rye- Oats
Composts and Manures Soil Conditioner- Feed the soil- Improve physical properties
Nutrient Availability- CN ratio- Total N content- 15 of total N in mature composts available in thefirst year (Bettina et al 2003)- Field trials estimate that composts alone can satisfycrop N demands after 40-80 years
Feather meal Dairy Manure CompostCN ratio 32 18 10-17Total N 12 20 10
Composts and Manures1048698 Timing-Continuous additions to build up SOM
- Mineralization potential of soil increases asOM inputs increase with time
- SOM acts as nutrient reserve continuouslyreleasing nutrients
- High N materials can be used as a rapidsource of N in the short term
Intercropping and Companion Planting1048698 Interplanting 2 or more mutually beneficial plants to increase biodiversity
Biological Pest Control1048698 Depends on managing beneficial insectpredatorsparasites1048698 Seen as default benefit of organic soilmanagement practices that promoteabove and below ground diversity1048698 Can include the release of control agents1048698 Farmscaping longshort term design tocreate habitats for beneficials
Tillage and Cultivation1048698 Tools for weed control residuemanagement manure incorporationhardpan destruction pest control1048698 Negative impacts- Costly- Destroy humus reserves and soil organisms- compaction1048698 Conservation and ridge tillage- Organic growers pioneers
Mulching1048698 Weed control moisture and temperature control soil organic matter
1048698 Large quantities of resistant organic materials (wood chips straw etchellip)
1048698 Not practical on a large scale
List of bio-pesticides available in marketName Purpose
Neemazal Against borers
Neem oil (5 ) Against borers
Neem seed extract (5 ) Against borers
Neem cake For controlling nematodes
Dried neem leaves Against stored grain pests
Sour butter milk (10 ) Against sap sucking insects
Cow dung ash dusting
Water spray Against aphid
Trichogramma cards Against borers
Trixho- XP ( Trichoderma harzaianum) Against diseases
SudocelPseudomonas fluoresens (PSF) Larvocel
Against diseases
Bauvaria baviana Against diseases
Products for use in fertilization and soil conditioning in organic farming
Sr No
Items Conditions for use
Material produced on an organic farm unit
Matter produced on an organic farm unit
1 Farmyard and slurry urine Permitted
2 Crop residues and green manure Permitted
3 Straw and other mulches Permitted
4 Composts and vermicomposts Permitted
Matter produced outside the organic farm unit
1 Blood meal meat meal bone meal and feather meal without preservatives
Restricted
2 Compost made from plant residues and animal excrement Restricted
3 Farmyard manure slurry urine Restricted
4 Fish and fish products without preservatives Restricted
5 Guano Restricted
6 Human excreta Restricted
7 Wood bark sawdust wood ash wood charcoal Restricted
8 Straw animal charcoal compost and spent mushroom and vermiculture substances
Restricted
9 Compost from organic household Restricted
10 Compost from plant residues Restricted
11 Sea weed and sea weed products
By products from the industries
1 By- products from the food and textile industries of biodegradable material of microbial plant or animal origin without any systematic additives
Restricted
2 By products from oil palm coconut and cocoa (including fruit bunch palm oil mill effluent cocoa peat and empty coca pods
Restricted
3 By products of industries processing ingredients from organic agriculture Restricted
4 Extracts from mushroom chlorella fermented product from Aspergillus natural acids (vinegar)
Restricted
Mineral Origin
Basic slag Restricted
Calcareous and magnesium rock Restricted
Lime limestone gypsum Restricted
Calcified sea weed Restricted
Calcium chloride Restricted
Mineral potassium with low chlorine content (eg sulphate of potash kainite sylvinite patenkali)
Restricted
Natural phosphates (rock phosphate) Restricted
Trace elements Permitted
Sulphur Permitted
Clay (bentonite perlite zeolite) Permitted
Microbiological origin
Bacterial preparation (bio fertilizers) Permitted
Biodynamic preparations Permitted
Plant preparation and botanical extracts Permitted
Products for plant pest and disease controlItems Condition
for use
Material from plant and animal origin
Plant based repellents (Neem preparations from Azadirachta indica
Permitted
Algal preparations (gelatine) Permitted
Casein Permitted
Extracts from mushroom chlorella fermented products from Aspergillus
Permitted
Propolis Restricted
Beeswax natural acids (vinegar) plant oils Quassia Permitted
Rotenone from Derris elliptica Lonchocarpus Trphrosia spp
Restricted
Tobacco tea (pure nicotine prohibited Restricted
Preparation from Rryania species Restricted
Items Condition for use
Mineral Origin
Chloride of limesoda Restricted
Burgundy mixture Restricted
Clay (bentonite perlite ermiculite zeolite Permitted
Copper saltsinorganic salts (Bordeaux mix copper hydroxide copper oxychloride)
Not allowed
Quick lime Restricted
Mineral Origin
Diatomaceous earth Permitted
Light mineral oils Restricted
Permagnate of potash Restricted
Insect Origin
Release of parasites predators of insect pests Restricted
Sterilized insects Restricted
Sterlized insects males Not allowed
Items Condition for use
Microorganisms used for biological pest control
Viral fungal and bacterial preparations (biopesticides) Restricted
Others
Carbon dioxide and nitrogen gas Permitted
Soft soap soda sulphur dioxide Permitted
Homeopathic and ayurvedic preparations Permitted
Herbal and biodynamic preparations Permitted
Sea salt and salty water Permitted
Ethyl alcohol Not allowed
Traps barriers and repellants
Physical methods (eg chromatic traps mechanical traps)
Permitted
Mulches nets Permitted
Pheromones-in traps and dispensers only Permitted
Average nutrient content of organic manures
Source of Nutrition Percentage composition
Organic manure N P2O5 K2O
Farmyard Manure 05 02 05
Farm compost 05 015 05
Town compost 14 100 14
Night soil 55 40 20
Vermicompost 30 00 15
Crop residues -
Bio gas slurry 15-20 10 1
Rock phosphate - 25-30 -
Source of Nutrition
Percentage composition
Non edible oil cake
N P2O5 K2O
Castor cake 43 18 13
Cotton seed cake 39 18 16
Karanj or honge cake 39 09 12
Mahua cake 25 08 18
Neem cake 52 10 14
Safflower cake 49 14 12
Green Manure crops
San hamp (Crotolaria juncea) 23 05 180
Dhaincha ( Sesbnia aculeata) 35 06 120
Sesbania speciosa 271 053 221
Source of Nutrition Percentage composition
Green leaf manure N P2O5 K2O
Glycricidia (Gluicidia sepium) 276 028 46
Pongamia (Pongama glabra) 331 044 239
Gulmohur (Delonix glabra) 276 046 050
Neem (Azadirachta indica) 283 028 035
Animal based
Blood meal 10-12 1-2 100
Meat meal 105 25 05
Fish meal 4-10 3-9 03-15
Horn and hoof meal 13 - -
Raw bone meal 3-4 20-25 -
Steamed bone meal 1-2 25-30 -
bull Lack of technical know-howbull Lack of required amount BD preparations in marketbull Lack of awareness among people about hazards caused by use of agrochemicalsbull Bulky nature of BD preparations and compostbull In-situ production is not feasiblebull Lack of scientific data on the long-term benefits and limitations of biodynamic farmingbull Limited domestic market for bio-dynamically grown producebull Quality certification
Constraints
ConstraintsProducersrsquoDistributorsrsquoTradersrsquo point of view
bull Lack of proper infrastructure for distribution and conservation of bio-inputs is a major constraint that hinders the access of these inputs to farmers
bull Some climatic regions and soil conditions are not suitable for specific strains of organic production
bull Given the mandated period of around three years for a conventional farm to become an organic farm the benefits perceived by farmers tend to be limited as they have a short term orientation
bull As a result even if they are aware they are hesitant to switch over to organic (green) agricultural practices
Constraining factorsFarmersrsquo point of view
The government perspective bull Changing the cropping and cultivation
patterns is slow and time-consuming process
bull Given the high levels of illiteracy and large number of small and marginal farmers it makes the change process difficult
bull Subsidies on chemical fertilizers and pesticide impede the growth of organic agriculture
Major Limitations under Punjab conditions
bull Bulky nature of organic manurebull Divergent nutritional valuebull Small land holdingbull Lack of awareness among farmersbull Marketing of organic producebull Labour and cost intensivebull Low incentives from governmentbull Non availability of bio pesticides
Major Limitations------contd
bull Dramatic and large benefits in terms of yield and returns
bull Cultivation of high nutrient responsive cultivers
bull Promotion of biological agentsbull Urgency to meet food security
Why farmers are reluctant to adopt organic farming in Punjab
bull Perceived high costs of doing organic farming due to incomplete knowledge about principles and practices of organic agriculture among farmers They were arranging inputs from outside
bull Non-availability of adequate quantities of organic manures and other organic inputs in the local market
bull Knowledge of organic farming has not filtered down to actual users ie small farmers and the information reached to target groups is often not backed by scientifically proven results
bull Complex and costly procedures of certificationbull Risk involved in marketing of organic produce
Discussion points
bull What arguments are there in favour of organic agriculture in India
bull What vested interests would oppose the growth of organic agricultures and why
bull What strategies could be employed to further promote the greening of agriculture in India
Can India adopt organic farming in a big way
bull Is organic farming non-scientific and unproven bull Does practicing organic farming means reduced yield bull Why were crop yields low before invention of Agro-
chemicals bull How is organic farming different from conventional bull What are the strengths and weaknesses of organic
farming
bull Where is the large quantity of compost for OF bull Does the soil fertility decline when fertilizers are
not used bull Scientifically where crop nutrients come from in
organic farming bull How are crops protected in organic farming bull Why restricted when India is a low user bull Where are the evidences that high yields are
possible in organic farming bull Is organic farming labour intensive
Conclusion Sustainable economic and eco friendly approach
Minimum risk of residual toxicity
Improvement in soil fertility with high yield quality produce Maintenance of organic matter content of the soil
Reduced energy use
Increased yields without over reliance on costly inputs
SummaryOrganic agriculture is not for everyone Yet it is a viable approach that can be beneficial It canbull Be particularly useful in the more difficult environments where resources are scarce and cultivation problematicbull Potentially reduce risks bya) ldquolocalizingrdquo input productionb) fostering soil and water conservationc) encouraging diversification (food security)bull Improve ability to compete in todayrsquos fast globalizing standards-critical trade
Strategies needed to promote organic farming in India
bull Adequate research and extension support needs to be providedbull Research to quantify the role of organic farming in minimizing the
ill effects of modern agriculture and its effect on environment bull Helping farmers to promote organic farmingbull Government should recognize agriculture in Kyoto protocol
carbon credit mechanismbull Developing infrastructure for supply chain and ensuring
competitive price for organic productsbull Capacity building through on farm demonstrations and trainingsbull Government support in cheaper access to organic certificates
Thanks
Adverse effects of inorganic farming
1 Destruction of soil structure and poor water holding capacity
2 Reduction in soil fertility and low organic matter content
3 Increase in salinity sodicity and land submergence
4 Indiscriminate killing of useful insects
5 Adverse effect on soil flora and fauna
6 Resistance development in pathogen
7 Deterioration of environment and human health
8 Problems associated with residual toxicity
Pesticide contamination of food and feed in Punjab
Commodity Number of samples
Analysed Contaminated
Cereals 30 30Rice Grain 99 99Vegetables 96 64Animal feed 15 15Animal feed and fodder
105 105
Milk 24 23
Why farm organically
Organic farming provides long-term benefits to people and the environment
Organic farming aims to bull Increase long-term soil fertility
bull Control pests and diseases without harming the environment
bull Ensure that water stays clean and safe
bull Use resources which the farmer already has so the farmer
needs less money to buy farm inputs
bull Produce nutritious food feed for animals and high quality
crops to sell at a good price
Factors driving organic farmingbull Diverse agro-climate regions that provides
environment for wide range of crops that can cater to different market demands
bull Increasing awareness amp health consciousnessbull Availability of comparatively cheap labour for
labour-intensive organic agriculture bull Huge numbers of small farmers those who do
the traditional farming have very limited capacity to pay for most of the chemical inputs into agriculture
bull Presence of Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) as active promoters of organic farming in different agro-climatic regions
Factors driving organic farmingbull Increasing involvement of
private companies in field of agricultural extension trade consultation and other services
bull Enhanced government attention and support for organic agriculture through various policy initiations and action programs
ORGANIC STATUS
bull Global 24 mha (16 Ag Area) Nearly 130 countries produce organic
product Australia (10 mha) ndash lead country
bull Indian 37000-41000 ha (SOEL survey) (03 of Ag Area)
250 million ha (APEDA)(Including 243 mha of forest area with wild herb amp medicinal plants
Cotton herbal extractOthers
Sesame castor sunflowerOilseeds
Okra Brinjal Garlic Onion Tomato PotatoVegetables
Mango Banana Pineapple Grape passion fruit Orange Cashew nut walnut
Fruits
Red Gram Black GramPulses
Cardamom Black pepper white pepper ginger turmeric vanilla mustard tamarind clove cinnamon nutmeg mace chilly
Spices
Tea Coffee Rice WheatCommodity
ProductsType
Major products produced in India by Organic Farming
Market Organic (Export) 2004
Kerala = 1232 Metric ton
West Bengal = 937 Metric ton
Karnataka = 476 Metric ton
Tamil Nadu = 471 Metric ton
Punjab = 541 Metric ton
Himachal Pradesh = 521 Metric ton
Maharashtra = 375 Metric ton
India Total = 6472 Metric ton
Export Product
Basmati rice cottonMangopulp Cashewnut SesamePiniapple pulpHoney Walnutspices coffee TeaPeanut canned
APEDA
Organic PrinciplesIntegrityhellip
Benefits Protects the concept and value of organic
Practices Buffers good record keeping
Benefits reduced energy consumptionsoil conservation efficient water useincreased water quality
Practices conservation structuresconservation tillage controlled drainagerotations mulching integrated systems
Sustainabilityhellip
Natural Plant NutritionhellipBenefits Emphasis on soil health translates into healthier food healthier humans Less plant disease fewer weeds better water-holding capacity resistance to erosionPractices Crop rotations cover crops green manures animal manures application of allowable substances in limited quantities composting
BiodiversityhellipBenefits ecosystem (and financial) stability more beneficial insects greater below-ground diversity better nutrient cycling disease suppression tilth and N-fixationPractices intercropping companion planting establishment of beneficial habitats crop rotations cover crops speciesenterprise integration
Biodiversity and Organic Agriculture
Organic farmers are both custodians and users of biodiversity at
all levels
bull Gene level locally adapted seeds and breeds are preferred for their greater
resistance to diseases and resilience to climatic stress
bull Species level diverse combinations of plants and animals optimize nutrient
and energy cycling for agricultural production
bull Ecosystem level the maintenance of natural areas within and around organic
fields and absence of chemical inputs create suitable habitats for wildlife
Reliance on natural control methods maintains species diversity and avoids
the selection of pest species resistant to chemical control methods
Organic agriculture and soil ecosystemsNatural soil fertility must be relied upon in organic systems Practices such as crop rotations symbiotic association cover crops organic fertilizers and minimum tillage create suitable conditions for soil fauna and flora
(IFOAM 2000 )
Organic agriculture and agro-ecosystems
Natural disease resistance and pest predation must be strengthened in organic systems Crop rotation is considered the cornerstone of organic management functioning as a tool for pest management and soil fertility
Organic farming combats global warming
Some apprehensions about organic farming
Can organic farming produce enough food for every body Is it possible to meet the nutrient requirements of crops entirely from organic sourcesAre there any significant environmental benefits of organic farming Is the food produced by organic farming superior in quality Is organic agriculture economically feasible Is it possible to manage pests and diseases in organic farming
24
Comparative data of 3 years average production at Phanda farm
2000220095001500Wheat 3
1120108015001500Peas2
10181272900014000Gram1
Rabi
66379820003750Arhar4
1300145020008800Paddy3
75080010001000Maize2
Kharif
121612461400020000Soybean1
ControlOrganicControlOrganic
Production QntlHa
Sowing area (Ha)CropsSNo
Dr GS KaushalDirector AgricultureGovt of Madhya PradeshBHOPAL
Ram et al 2004
Improvement in soil composition under biodynamic practices
Treatment Fruit qualityTitrable acidity
(citrate )Ascorbic
acid (mg100
g)
Total solids()
pH
T1-control 043 183 36 36
T2-100 N as urea 052 207 44 38
T3-100N as fym 055 207 46 37
T4-100N as vermicompost 061 218 49 37
T5-100N as coirpith compost 056 208 45 36
T6-75N as FYM with Azospirillum 062 208 5O 37
T7-75N as vermicompost with Azospirllum 072 230 54 39
T8-75N as coirpith compost with Azospirillum
066 217 52 38
T9-50N asFYM with Azospirillum 048 191 41 35
T10-50N as vermicompost with Azospirllum 050 194 43 36
T11-50N as coirpith compost with Azospirillum
048 191 42 36
C D(P=005) 003 05 03 04Kannan et al 2006
Fruit quality of tomato influenced by organic farming
Treatment Fruit characters
Fruit height (cm)
Fruit girth (cm)
Fruit weight (g)
Yield (tha)
T1-Control 22 107 298 227
T2-100 N as urea 26 144 298 310
T3-100N as fym 26 143 397 309
T4-100N as vermicompost 27 147 403 312
T5-100N as coirpith compost 26 144 398 310
T6-75N as FYM with Azospirillum 28 147 405 313
T7-75N as vermicompost with Azospirllum
31 152 427 330
T8-75N as coirpith compost with Azospirillum
30 149 414 317
T9-50N asFYM with Azospirillum 24 127 385 306
T10-50N as vermicompost with Azospirllum
25 133 390 305
T11-50N as coirpith compost with Azospirillum
25 133 387 307
C D(P=005) 01 03 17 02
Kannan et al 2006
Effect of organic farming on fruit characteristics and yield of tomato
Rice equivalent yield (tha) of different systems under various management practices at PAU
Cropping System Productivity ( tha)Chemical Organic Integrated
GM-Basmati Rice- Wheat
126 130 136
Turmeric-Onion 192 369 366Summer Groundnut-Garlic
253 291 294
Maize-durum Wheat-Cowpea (F)
114 126 123
Rice-Garlic+Mentha 249 310 322
Management of soil fertility using on ndash farm inputs in maizebasmati rice ndashwheat cropping systems at PAU
Organic InputsGrain Yield (qha)
Maize Wheat
Farmyard Manure (FYM) 399 356Crop residues (CR) 337 324Vermicompost (VC) 419 33013 FYM + 13 CR + 13 VC 415 342Control 171 132
Basmati Rice Wheat
GM 308 293Control 172 137
Green fodder yield (tha) under different fodder production system at PAU
Treatment Green fodder yield (tha)Kharif Rabi Summer Total
Main Plots (Green fodder system)
Sorghum ndash Berseem - 337 672 - 1009Maize ndash Berseem- Bajra 132 677 608 1417Maize-Berseem-Maize+cowpea
142 679 419 1240
Sorghum + gurara - oats - cowpea
350 483 336 1169
Sub plots (Management sysem)Organic 259 712 472 1443Chemical 196 533 426 1155Integrated 264 637 465 1366CD (005) 095 17 20 23
Plant Nutrient Supply System in Organic Farming
1Organic amendments with organic manure vermi-compost and bio fertilizers
2Biodynamic Approach based on soil biotechnology and microbiology
3Homeopathic Approach
4Agnihotra Approach
5Panchgavya Approach
Nutrient Cycling Soil microorganisms mediate nutrient cycles through decomposition of organic residues- Microorganisms lsquofeedrsquo on the residues- Biochemical by-products are plant nutrients (NPS) and other beneficial compounds like humic acid
bull Mineralization- Microbial conversion of organic N P and S into ammonium phosphate and sulfate - Nutrients become available
bull Immobilization-Microbial assimilation of inorganic N P and S- Nutrients temporarily tied up in microbial biomass
Microbial Functional Groups1048698 Bacteria- decomposers primary players in NP and S cycling- Actinomycetes act on more complex compounds to form humus1048698 Fungi- Decomposers attack lignin- Nutrient acquisition (mycorrhiza)1048698 Protozoa and Nematodes- Consume bacteria and fungi releasing plant nutrients (N)- Activity increases decomposition rates
Factors Affecting Microbial Populations1048698 Moisture- Microorganisms need water to survive1048698 Oxygen- Bacteria both aerobic and anaerobic- Fungi protozoa and nematodes aerobic1048698 Temperature- Adaptable- Activity generally increases as temperature rises1048698 Soil pH- Bacteria sensitive to acidity- Fungi function at low pH1048698 Organic Matter- OM source of C and nutrients- OM additions stimulate microbial growth
Agricultural Practices Affecting Microbial Populations1048698 Tillage- Destroys fungi meso and macrofauna- Reduces OM- Reduces aggregation1048698 Fertilizers- N and P fertilizers create acid zones killing microorganisms1048698 Fumigation- Indiscriminant destruction of microbial community1048698 Monocropping- Reduces microbial diversity- Promotes pest build-up
What About the Soil Food Web
What About the Soil Food Web Important to recognize the role of each functional group and their interdependence
Remember that management practices affect microbial interactions
Soil tests to quantify soil food web are expensive and difficult to interpret
Hot area for research
Tools and Practices for organic farmingCrop Rotation Soil fertility- Legumes for N fixation- Diverse rooting habitsPest Management- Break pest cycles- Promote diversity Know the family of the cropsCrops rotated so that crops from different families follow each other Lettuce Beans Corn Tomatoes
Green Manures in the Crop Rotation1048698 Soil fertility- Legumes for N fixation- Grasses for OM accumulation- Diverse rooting habits1048698 Pest Management- Break pest cycles- Promote diversity attract beneficials- Biofumigants (brassicas sudan grass sunn hemp)1048698 Weed Management- Perennial rye- Oats
Composts and Manures Soil Conditioner- Feed the soil- Improve physical properties
Nutrient Availability- CN ratio- Total N content- 15 of total N in mature composts available in thefirst year (Bettina et al 2003)- Field trials estimate that composts alone can satisfycrop N demands after 40-80 years
Feather meal Dairy Manure CompostCN ratio 32 18 10-17Total N 12 20 10
Composts and Manures1048698 Timing-Continuous additions to build up SOM
- Mineralization potential of soil increases asOM inputs increase with time
- SOM acts as nutrient reserve continuouslyreleasing nutrients
- High N materials can be used as a rapidsource of N in the short term
Intercropping and Companion Planting1048698 Interplanting 2 or more mutually beneficial plants to increase biodiversity
Biological Pest Control1048698 Depends on managing beneficial insectpredatorsparasites1048698 Seen as default benefit of organic soilmanagement practices that promoteabove and below ground diversity1048698 Can include the release of control agents1048698 Farmscaping longshort term design tocreate habitats for beneficials
Tillage and Cultivation1048698 Tools for weed control residuemanagement manure incorporationhardpan destruction pest control1048698 Negative impacts- Costly- Destroy humus reserves and soil organisms- compaction1048698 Conservation and ridge tillage- Organic growers pioneers
Mulching1048698 Weed control moisture and temperature control soil organic matter
1048698 Large quantities of resistant organic materials (wood chips straw etchellip)
1048698 Not practical on a large scale
List of bio-pesticides available in marketName Purpose
Neemazal Against borers
Neem oil (5 ) Against borers
Neem seed extract (5 ) Against borers
Neem cake For controlling nematodes
Dried neem leaves Against stored grain pests
Sour butter milk (10 ) Against sap sucking insects
Cow dung ash dusting
Water spray Against aphid
Trichogramma cards Against borers
Trixho- XP ( Trichoderma harzaianum) Against diseases
SudocelPseudomonas fluoresens (PSF) Larvocel
Against diseases
Bauvaria baviana Against diseases
Products for use in fertilization and soil conditioning in organic farming
Sr No
Items Conditions for use
Material produced on an organic farm unit
Matter produced on an organic farm unit
1 Farmyard and slurry urine Permitted
2 Crop residues and green manure Permitted
3 Straw and other mulches Permitted
4 Composts and vermicomposts Permitted
Matter produced outside the organic farm unit
1 Blood meal meat meal bone meal and feather meal without preservatives
Restricted
2 Compost made from plant residues and animal excrement Restricted
3 Farmyard manure slurry urine Restricted
4 Fish and fish products without preservatives Restricted
5 Guano Restricted
6 Human excreta Restricted
7 Wood bark sawdust wood ash wood charcoal Restricted
8 Straw animal charcoal compost and spent mushroom and vermiculture substances
Restricted
9 Compost from organic household Restricted
10 Compost from plant residues Restricted
11 Sea weed and sea weed products
By products from the industries
1 By- products from the food and textile industries of biodegradable material of microbial plant or animal origin without any systematic additives
Restricted
2 By products from oil palm coconut and cocoa (including fruit bunch palm oil mill effluent cocoa peat and empty coca pods
Restricted
3 By products of industries processing ingredients from organic agriculture Restricted
4 Extracts from mushroom chlorella fermented product from Aspergillus natural acids (vinegar)
Restricted
Mineral Origin
Basic slag Restricted
Calcareous and magnesium rock Restricted
Lime limestone gypsum Restricted
Calcified sea weed Restricted
Calcium chloride Restricted
Mineral potassium with low chlorine content (eg sulphate of potash kainite sylvinite patenkali)
Restricted
Natural phosphates (rock phosphate) Restricted
Trace elements Permitted
Sulphur Permitted
Clay (bentonite perlite zeolite) Permitted
Microbiological origin
Bacterial preparation (bio fertilizers) Permitted
Biodynamic preparations Permitted
Plant preparation and botanical extracts Permitted
Products for plant pest and disease controlItems Condition
for use
Material from plant and animal origin
Plant based repellents (Neem preparations from Azadirachta indica
Permitted
Algal preparations (gelatine) Permitted
Casein Permitted
Extracts from mushroom chlorella fermented products from Aspergillus
Permitted
Propolis Restricted
Beeswax natural acids (vinegar) plant oils Quassia Permitted
Rotenone from Derris elliptica Lonchocarpus Trphrosia spp
Restricted
Tobacco tea (pure nicotine prohibited Restricted
Preparation from Rryania species Restricted
Items Condition for use
Mineral Origin
Chloride of limesoda Restricted
Burgundy mixture Restricted
Clay (bentonite perlite ermiculite zeolite Permitted
Copper saltsinorganic salts (Bordeaux mix copper hydroxide copper oxychloride)
Not allowed
Quick lime Restricted
Mineral Origin
Diatomaceous earth Permitted
Light mineral oils Restricted
Permagnate of potash Restricted
Insect Origin
Release of parasites predators of insect pests Restricted
Sterilized insects Restricted
Sterlized insects males Not allowed
Items Condition for use
Microorganisms used for biological pest control
Viral fungal and bacterial preparations (biopesticides) Restricted
Others
Carbon dioxide and nitrogen gas Permitted
Soft soap soda sulphur dioxide Permitted
Homeopathic and ayurvedic preparations Permitted
Herbal and biodynamic preparations Permitted
Sea salt and salty water Permitted
Ethyl alcohol Not allowed
Traps barriers and repellants
Physical methods (eg chromatic traps mechanical traps)
Permitted
Mulches nets Permitted
Pheromones-in traps and dispensers only Permitted
Average nutrient content of organic manures
Source of Nutrition Percentage composition
Organic manure N P2O5 K2O
Farmyard Manure 05 02 05
Farm compost 05 015 05
Town compost 14 100 14
Night soil 55 40 20
Vermicompost 30 00 15
Crop residues -
Bio gas slurry 15-20 10 1
Rock phosphate - 25-30 -
Source of Nutrition
Percentage composition
Non edible oil cake
N P2O5 K2O
Castor cake 43 18 13
Cotton seed cake 39 18 16
Karanj or honge cake 39 09 12
Mahua cake 25 08 18
Neem cake 52 10 14
Safflower cake 49 14 12
Green Manure crops
San hamp (Crotolaria juncea) 23 05 180
Dhaincha ( Sesbnia aculeata) 35 06 120
Sesbania speciosa 271 053 221
Source of Nutrition Percentage composition
Green leaf manure N P2O5 K2O
Glycricidia (Gluicidia sepium) 276 028 46
Pongamia (Pongama glabra) 331 044 239
Gulmohur (Delonix glabra) 276 046 050
Neem (Azadirachta indica) 283 028 035
Animal based
Blood meal 10-12 1-2 100
Meat meal 105 25 05
Fish meal 4-10 3-9 03-15
Horn and hoof meal 13 - -
Raw bone meal 3-4 20-25 -
Steamed bone meal 1-2 25-30 -
bull Lack of technical know-howbull Lack of required amount BD preparations in marketbull Lack of awareness among people about hazards caused by use of agrochemicalsbull Bulky nature of BD preparations and compostbull In-situ production is not feasiblebull Lack of scientific data on the long-term benefits and limitations of biodynamic farmingbull Limited domestic market for bio-dynamically grown producebull Quality certification
Constraints
ConstraintsProducersrsquoDistributorsrsquoTradersrsquo point of view
bull Lack of proper infrastructure for distribution and conservation of bio-inputs is a major constraint that hinders the access of these inputs to farmers
bull Some climatic regions and soil conditions are not suitable for specific strains of organic production
bull Given the mandated period of around three years for a conventional farm to become an organic farm the benefits perceived by farmers tend to be limited as they have a short term orientation
bull As a result even if they are aware they are hesitant to switch over to organic (green) agricultural practices
Constraining factorsFarmersrsquo point of view
The government perspective bull Changing the cropping and cultivation
patterns is slow and time-consuming process
bull Given the high levels of illiteracy and large number of small and marginal farmers it makes the change process difficult
bull Subsidies on chemical fertilizers and pesticide impede the growth of organic agriculture
Major Limitations under Punjab conditions
bull Bulky nature of organic manurebull Divergent nutritional valuebull Small land holdingbull Lack of awareness among farmersbull Marketing of organic producebull Labour and cost intensivebull Low incentives from governmentbull Non availability of bio pesticides
Major Limitations------contd
bull Dramatic and large benefits in terms of yield and returns
bull Cultivation of high nutrient responsive cultivers
bull Promotion of biological agentsbull Urgency to meet food security
Why farmers are reluctant to adopt organic farming in Punjab
bull Perceived high costs of doing organic farming due to incomplete knowledge about principles and practices of organic agriculture among farmers They were arranging inputs from outside
bull Non-availability of adequate quantities of organic manures and other organic inputs in the local market
bull Knowledge of organic farming has not filtered down to actual users ie small farmers and the information reached to target groups is often not backed by scientifically proven results
bull Complex and costly procedures of certificationbull Risk involved in marketing of organic produce
Discussion points
bull What arguments are there in favour of organic agriculture in India
bull What vested interests would oppose the growth of organic agricultures and why
bull What strategies could be employed to further promote the greening of agriculture in India
Can India adopt organic farming in a big way
bull Is organic farming non-scientific and unproven bull Does practicing organic farming means reduced yield bull Why were crop yields low before invention of Agro-
chemicals bull How is organic farming different from conventional bull What are the strengths and weaknesses of organic
farming
bull Where is the large quantity of compost for OF bull Does the soil fertility decline when fertilizers are
not used bull Scientifically where crop nutrients come from in
organic farming bull How are crops protected in organic farming bull Why restricted when India is a low user bull Where are the evidences that high yields are
possible in organic farming bull Is organic farming labour intensive
Conclusion Sustainable economic and eco friendly approach
Minimum risk of residual toxicity
Improvement in soil fertility with high yield quality produce Maintenance of organic matter content of the soil
Reduced energy use
Increased yields without over reliance on costly inputs
SummaryOrganic agriculture is not for everyone Yet it is a viable approach that can be beneficial It canbull Be particularly useful in the more difficult environments where resources are scarce and cultivation problematicbull Potentially reduce risks bya) ldquolocalizingrdquo input productionb) fostering soil and water conservationc) encouraging diversification (food security)bull Improve ability to compete in todayrsquos fast globalizing standards-critical trade
Strategies needed to promote organic farming in India
bull Adequate research and extension support needs to be providedbull Research to quantify the role of organic farming in minimizing the
ill effects of modern agriculture and its effect on environment bull Helping farmers to promote organic farmingbull Government should recognize agriculture in Kyoto protocol
carbon credit mechanismbull Developing infrastructure for supply chain and ensuring
competitive price for organic productsbull Capacity building through on farm demonstrations and trainingsbull Government support in cheaper access to organic certificates
Thanks
Pesticide contamination of food and feed in Punjab
Commodity Number of samples
Analysed Contaminated
Cereals 30 30Rice Grain 99 99Vegetables 96 64Animal feed 15 15Animal feed and fodder
105 105
Milk 24 23
Why farm organically
Organic farming provides long-term benefits to people and the environment
Organic farming aims to bull Increase long-term soil fertility
bull Control pests and diseases without harming the environment
bull Ensure that water stays clean and safe
bull Use resources which the farmer already has so the farmer
needs less money to buy farm inputs
bull Produce nutritious food feed for animals and high quality
crops to sell at a good price
Factors driving organic farmingbull Diverse agro-climate regions that provides
environment for wide range of crops that can cater to different market demands
bull Increasing awareness amp health consciousnessbull Availability of comparatively cheap labour for
labour-intensive organic agriculture bull Huge numbers of small farmers those who do
the traditional farming have very limited capacity to pay for most of the chemical inputs into agriculture
bull Presence of Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) as active promoters of organic farming in different agro-climatic regions
Factors driving organic farmingbull Increasing involvement of
private companies in field of agricultural extension trade consultation and other services
bull Enhanced government attention and support for organic agriculture through various policy initiations and action programs
ORGANIC STATUS
bull Global 24 mha (16 Ag Area) Nearly 130 countries produce organic
product Australia (10 mha) ndash lead country
bull Indian 37000-41000 ha (SOEL survey) (03 of Ag Area)
250 million ha (APEDA)(Including 243 mha of forest area with wild herb amp medicinal plants
Cotton herbal extractOthers
Sesame castor sunflowerOilseeds
Okra Brinjal Garlic Onion Tomato PotatoVegetables
Mango Banana Pineapple Grape passion fruit Orange Cashew nut walnut
Fruits
Red Gram Black GramPulses
Cardamom Black pepper white pepper ginger turmeric vanilla mustard tamarind clove cinnamon nutmeg mace chilly
Spices
Tea Coffee Rice WheatCommodity
ProductsType
Major products produced in India by Organic Farming
Market Organic (Export) 2004
Kerala = 1232 Metric ton
West Bengal = 937 Metric ton
Karnataka = 476 Metric ton
Tamil Nadu = 471 Metric ton
Punjab = 541 Metric ton
Himachal Pradesh = 521 Metric ton
Maharashtra = 375 Metric ton
India Total = 6472 Metric ton
Export Product
Basmati rice cottonMangopulp Cashewnut SesamePiniapple pulpHoney Walnutspices coffee TeaPeanut canned
APEDA
Organic PrinciplesIntegrityhellip
Benefits Protects the concept and value of organic
Practices Buffers good record keeping
Benefits reduced energy consumptionsoil conservation efficient water useincreased water quality
Practices conservation structuresconservation tillage controlled drainagerotations mulching integrated systems
Sustainabilityhellip
Natural Plant NutritionhellipBenefits Emphasis on soil health translates into healthier food healthier humans Less plant disease fewer weeds better water-holding capacity resistance to erosionPractices Crop rotations cover crops green manures animal manures application of allowable substances in limited quantities composting
BiodiversityhellipBenefits ecosystem (and financial) stability more beneficial insects greater below-ground diversity better nutrient cycling disease suppression tilth and N-fixationPractices intercropping companion planting establishment of beneficial habitats crop rotations cover crops speciesenterprise integration
Biodiversity and Organic Agriculture
Organic farmers are both custodians and users of biodiversity at
all levels
bull Gene level locally adapted seeds and breeds are preferred for their greater
resistance to diseases and resilience to climatic stress
bull Species level diverse combinations of plants and animals optimize nutrient
and energy cycling for agricultural production
bull Ecosystem level the maintenance of natural areas within and around organic
fields and absence of chemical inputs create suitable habitats for wildlife
Reliance on natural control methods maintains species diversity and avoids
the selection of pest species resistant to chemical control methods
Organic agriculture and soil ecosystemsNatural soil fertility must be relied upon in organic systems Practices such as crop rotations symbiotic association cover crops organic fertilizers and minimum tillage create suitable conditions for soil fauna and flora
(IFOAM 2000 )
Organic agriculture and agro-ecosystems
Natural disease resistance and pest predation must be strengthened in organic systems Crop rotation is considered the cornerstone of organic management functioning as a tool for pest management and soil fertility
Organic farming combats global warming
Some apprehensions about organic farming
Can organic farming produce enough food for every body Is it possible to meet the nutrient requirements of crops entirely from organic sourcesAre there any significant environmental benefits of organic farming Is the food produced by organic farming superior in quality Is organic agriculture economically feasible Is it possible to manage pests and diseases in organic farming
24
Comparative data of 3 years average production at Phanda farm
2000220095001500Wheat 3
1120108015001500Peas2
10181272900014000Gram1
Rabi
66379820003750Arhar4
1300145020008800Paddy3
75080010001000Maize2
Kharif
121612461400020000Soybean1
ControlOrganicControlOrganic
Production QntlHa
Sowing area (Ha)CropsSNo
Dr GS KaushalDirector AgricultureGovt of Madhya PradeshBHOPAL
Ram et al 2004
Improvement in soil composition under biodynamic practices
Treatment Fruit qualityTitrable acidity
(citrate )Ascorbic
acid (mg100
g)
Total solids()
pH
T1-control 043 183 36 36
T2-100 N as urea 052 207 44 38
T3-100N as fym 055 207 46 37
T4-100N as vermicompost 061 218 49 37
T5-100N as coirpith compost 056 208 45 36
T6-75N as FYM with Azospirillum 062 208 5O 37
T7-75N as vermicompost with Azospirllum 072 230 54 39
T8-75N as coirpith compost with Azospirillum
066 217 52 38
T9-50N asFYM with Azospirillum 048 191 41 35
T10-50N as vermicompost with Azospirllum 050 194 43 36
T11-50N as coirpith compost with Azospirillum
048 191 42 36
C D(P=005) 003 05 03 04Kannan et al 2006
Fruit quality of tomato influenced by organic farming
Treatment Fruit characters
Fruit height (cm)
Fruit girth (cm)
Fruit weight (g)
Yield (tha)
T1-Control 22 107 298 227
T2-100 N as urea 26 144 298 310
T3-100N as fym 26 143 397 309
T4-100N as vermicompost 27 147 403 312
T5-100N as coirpith compost 26 144 398 310
T6-75N as FYM with Azospirillum 28 147 405 313
T7-75N as vermicompost with Azospirllum
31 152 427 330
T8-75N as coirpith compost with Azospirillum
30 149 414 317
T9-50N asFYM with Azospirillum 24 127 385 306
T10-50N as vermicompost with Azospirllum
25 133 390 305
T11-50N as coirpith compost with Azospirillum
25 133 387 307
C D(P=005) 01 03 17 02
Kannan et al 2006
Effect of organic farming on fruit characteristics and yield of tomato
Rice equivalent yield (tha) of different systems under various management practices at PAU
Cropping System Productivity ( tha)Chemical Organic Integrated
GM-Basmati Rice- Wheat
126 130 136
Turmeric-Onion 192 369 366Summer Groundnut-Garlic
253 291 294
Maize-durum Wheat-Cowpea (F)
114 126 123
Rice-Garlic+Mentha 249 310 322
Management of soil fertility using on ndash farm inputs in maizebasmati rice ndashwheat cropping systems at PAU
Organic InputsGrain Yield (qha)
Maize Wheat
Farmyard Manure (FYM) 399 356Crop residues (CR) 337 324Vermicompost (VC) 419 33013 FYM + 13 CR + 13 VC 415 342Control 171 132
Basmati Rice Wheat
GM 308 293Control 172 137
Green fodder yield (tha) under different fodder production system at PAU
Treatment Green fodder yield (tha)Kharif Rabi Summer Total
Main Plots (Green fodder system)
Sorghum ndash Berseem - 337 672 - 1009Maize ndash Berseem- Bajra 132 677 608 1417Maize-Berseem-Maize+cowpea
142 679 419 1240
Sorghum + gurara - oats - cowpea
350 483 336 1169
Sub plots (Management sysem)Organic 259 712 472 1443Chemical 196 533 426 1155Integrated 264 637 465 1366CD (005) 095 17 20 23
Plant Nutrient Supply System in Organic Farming
1Organic amendments with organic manure vermi-compost and bio fertilizers
2Biodynamic Approach based on soil biotechnology and microbiology
3Homeopathic Approach
4Agnihotra Approach
5Panchgavya Approach
Nutrient Cycling Soil microorganisms mediate nutrient cycles through decomposition of organic residues- Microorganisms lsquofeedrsquo on the residues- Biochemical by-products are plant nutrients (NPS) and other beneficial compounds like humic acid
bull Mineralization- Microbial conversion of organic N P and S into ammonium phosphate and sulfate - Nutrients become available
bull Immobilization-Microbial assimilation of inorganic N P and S- Nutrients temporarily tied up in microbial biomass
Microbial Functional Groups1048698 Bacteria- decomposers primary players in NP and S cycling- Actinomycetes act on more complex compounds to form humus1048698 Fungi- Decomposers attack lignin- Nutrient acquisition (mycorrhiza)1048698 Protozoa and Nematodes- Consume bacteria and fungi releasing plant nutrients (N)- Activity increases decomposition rates
Factors Affecting Microbial Populations1048698 Moisture- Microorganisms need water to survive1048698 Oxygen- Bacteria both aerobic and anaerobic- Fungi protozoa and nematodes aerobic1048698 Temperature- Adaptable- Activity generally increases as temperature rises1048698 Soil pH- Bacteria sensitive to acidity- Fungi function at low pH1048698 Organic Matter- OM source of C and nutrients- OM additions stimulate microbial growth
Agricultural Practices Affecting Microbial Populations1048698 Tillage- Destroys fungi meso and macrofauna- Reduces OM- Reduces aggregation1048698 Fertilizers- N and P fertilizers create acid zones killing microorganisms1048698 Fumigation- Indiscriminant destruction of microbial community1048698 Monocropping- Reduces microbial diversity- Promotes pest build-up
What About the Soil Food Web
What About the Soil Food Web Important to recognize the role of each functional group and their interdependence
Remember that management practices affect microbial interactions
Soil tests to quantify soil food web are expensive and difficult to interpret
Hot area for research
Tools and Practices for organic farmingCrop Rotation Soil fertility- Legumes for N fixation- Diverse rooting habitsPest Management- Break pest cycles- Promote diversity Know the family of the cropsCrops rotated so that crops from different families follow each other Lettuce Beans Corn Tomatoes
Green Manures in the Crop Rotation1048698 Soil fertility- Legumes for N fixation- Grasses for OM accumulation- Diverse rooting habits1048698 Pest Management- Break pest cycles- Promote diversity attract beneficials- Biofumigants (brassicas sudan grass sunn hemp)1048698 Weed Management- Perennial rye- Oats
Composts and Manures Soil Conditioner- Feed the soil- Improve physical properties
Nutrient Availability- CN ratio- Total N content- 15 of total N in mature composts available in thefirst year (Bettina et al 2003)- Field trials estimate that composts alone can satisfycrop N demands after 40-80 years
Feather meal Dairy Manure CompostCN ratio 32 18 10-17Total N 12 20 10
Composts and Manures1048698 Timing-Continuous additions to build up SOM
- Mineralization potential of soil increases asOM inputs increase with time
- SOM acts as nutrient reserve continuouslyreleasing nutrients
- High N materials can be used as a rapidsource of N in the short term
Intercropping and Companion Planting1048698 Interplanting 2 or more mutually beneficial plants to increase biodiversity
Biological Pest Control1048698 Depends on managing beneficial insectpredatorsparasites1048698 Seen as default benefit of organic soilmanagement practices that promoteabove and below ground diversity1048698 Can include the release of control agents1048698 Farmscaping longshort term design tocreate habitats for beneficials
Tillage and Cultivation1048698 Tools for weed control residuemanagement manure incorporationhardpan destruction pest control1048698 Negative impacts- Costly- Destroy humus reserves and soil organisms- compaction1048698 Conservation and ridge tillage- Organic growers pioneers
Mulching1048698 Weed control moisture and temperature control soil organic matter
1048698 Large quantities of resistant organic materials (wood chips straw etchellip)
1048698 Not practical on a large scale
List of bio-pesticides available in marketName Purpose
Neemazal Against borers
Neem oil (5 ) Against borers
Neem seed extract (5 ) Against borers
Neem cake For controlling nematodes
Dried neem leaves Against stored grain pests
Sour butter milk (10 ) Against sap sucking insects
Cow dung ash dusting
Water spray Against aphid
Trichogramma cards Against borers
Trixho- XP ( Trichoderma harzaianum) Against diseases
SudocelPseudomonas fluoresens (PSF) Larvocel
Against diseases
Bauvaria baviana Against diseases
Products for use in fertilization and soil conditioning in organic farming
Sr No
Items Conditions for use
Material produced on an organic farm unit
Matter produced on an organic farm unit
1 Farmyard and slurry urine Permitted
2 Crop residues and green manure Permitted
3 Straw and other mulches Permitted
4 Composts and vermicomposts Permitted
Matter produced outside the organic farm unit
1 Blood meal meat meal bone meal and feather meal without preservatives
Restricted
2 Compost made from plant residues and animal excrement Restricted
3 Farmyard manure slurry urine Restricted
4 Fish and fish products without preservatives Restricted
5 Guano Restricted
6 Human excreta Restricted
7 Wood bark sawdust wood ash wood charcoal Restricted
8 Straw animal charcoal compost and spent mushroom and vermiculture substances
Restricted
9 Compost from organic household Restricted
10 Compost from plant residues Restricted
11 Sea weed and sea weed products
By products from the industries
1 By- products from the food and textile industries of biodegradable material of microbial plant or animal origin without any systematic additives
Restricted
2 By products from oil palm coconut and cocoa (including fruit bunch palm oil mill effluent cocoa peat and empty coca pods
Restricted
3 By products of industries processing ingredients from organic agriculture Restricted
4 Extracts from mushroom chlorella fermented product from Aspergillus natural acids (vinegar)
Restricted
Mineral Origin
Basic slag Restricted
Calcareous and magnesium rock Restricted
Lime limestone gypsum Restricted
Calcified sea weed Restricted
Calcium chloride Restricted
Mineral potassium with low chlorine content (eg sulphate of potash kainite sylvinite patenkali)
Restricted
Natural phosphates (rock phosphate) Restricted
Trace elements Permitted
Sulphur Permitted
Clay (bentonite perlite zeolite) Permitted
Microbiological origin
Bacterial preparation (bio fertilizers) Permitted
Biodynamic preparations Permitted
Plant preparation and botanical extracts Permitted
Products for plant pest and disease controlItems Condition
for use
Material from plant and animal origin
Plant based repellents (Neem preparations from Azadirachta indica
Permitted
Algal preparations (gelatine) Permitted
Casein Permitted
Extracts from mushroom chlorella fermented products from Aspergillus
Permitted
Propolis Restricted
Beeswax natural acids (vinegar) plant oils Quassia Permitted
Rotenone from Derris elliptica Lonchocarpus Trphrosia spp
Restricted
Tobacco tea (pure nicotine prohibited Restricted
Preparation from Rryania species Restricted
Items Condition for use
Mineral Origin
Chloride of limesoda Restricted
Burgundy mixture Restricted
Clay (bentonite perlite ermiculite zeolite Permitted
Copper saltsinorganic salts (Bordeaux mix copper hydroxide copper oxychloride)
Not allowed
Quick lime Restricted
Mineral Origin
Diatomaceous earth Permitted
Light mineral oils Restricted
Permagnate of potash Restricted
Insect Origin
Release of parasites predators of insect pests Restricted
Sterilized insects Restricted
Sterlized insects males Not allowed
Items Condition for use
Microorganisms used for biological pest control
Viral fungal and bacterial preparations (biopesticides) Restricted
Others
Carbon dioxide and nitrogen gas Permitted
Soft soap soda sulphur dioxide Permitted
Homeopathic and ayurvedic preparations Permitted
Herbal and biodynamic preparations Permitted
Sea salt and salty water Permitted
Ethyl alcohol Not allowed
Traps barriers and repellants
Physical methods (eg chromatic traps mechanical traps)
Permitted
Mulches nets Permitted
Pheromones-in traps and dispensers only Permitted
Average nutrient content of organic manures
Source of Nutrition Percentage composition
Organic manure N P2O5 K2O
Farmyard Manure 05 02 05
Farm compost 05 015 05
Town compost 14 100 14
Night soil 55 40 20
Vermicompost 30 00 15
Crop residues -
Bio gas slurry 15-20 10 1
Rock phosphate - 25-30 -
Source of Nutrition
Percentage composition
Non edible oil cake
N P2O5 K2O
Castor cake 43 18 13
Cotton seed cake 39 18 16
Karanj or honge cake 39 09 12
Mahua cake 25 08 18
Neem cake 52 10 14
Safflower cake 49 14 12
Green Manure crops
San hamp (Crotolaria juncea) 23 05 180
Dhaincha ( Sesbnia aculeata) 35 06 120
Sesbania speciosa 271 053 221
Source of Nutrition Percentage composition
Green leaf manure N P2O5 K2O
Glycricidia (Gluicidia sepium) 276 028 46
Pongamia (Pongama glabra) 331 044 239
Gulmohur (Delonix glabra) 276 046 050
Neem (Azadirachta indica) 283 028 035
Animal based
Blood meal 10-12 1-2 100
Meat meal 105 25 05
Fish meal 4-10 3-9 03-15
Horn and hoof meal 13 - -
Raw bone meal 3-4 20-25 -
Steamed bone meal 1-2 25-30 -
bull Lack of technical know-howbull Lack of required amount BD preparations in marketbull Lack of awareness among people about hazards caused by use of agrochemicalsbull Bulky nature of BD preparations and compostbull In-situ production is not feasiblebull Lack of scientific data on the long-term benefits and limitations of biodynamic farmingbull Limited domestic market for bio-dynamically grown producebull Quality certification
Constraints
ConstraintsProducersrsquoDistributorsrsquoTradersrsquo point of view
bull Lack of proper infrastructure for distribution and conservation of bio-inputs is a major constraint that hinders the access of these inputs to farmers
bull Some climatic regions and soil conditions are not suitable for specific strains of organic production
bull Given the mandated period of around three years for a conventional farm to become an organic farm the benefits perceived by farmers tend to be limited as they have a short term orientation
bull As a result even if they are aware they are hesitant to switch over to organic (green) agricultural practices
Constraining factorsFarmersrsquo point of view
The government perspective bull Changing the cropping and cultivation
patterns is slow and time-consuming process
bull Given the high levels of illiteracy and large number of small and marginal farmers it makes the change process difficult
bull Subsidies on chemical fertilizers and pesticide impede the growth of organic agriculture
Major Limitations under Punjab conditions
bull Bulky nature of organic manurebull Divergent nutritional valuebull Small land holdingbull Lack of awareness among farmersbull Marketing of organic producebull Labour and cost intensivebull Low incentives from governmentbull Non availability of bio pesticides
Major Limitations------contd
bull Dramatic and large benefits in terms of yield and returns
bull Cultivation of high nutrient responsive cultivers
bull Promotion of biological agentsbull Urgency to meet food security
Why farmers are reluctant to adopt organic farming in Punjab
bull Perceived high costs of doing organic farming due to incomplete knowledge about principles and practices of organic agriculture among farmers They were arranging inputs from outside
bull Non-availability of adequate quantities of organic manures and other organic inputs in the local market
bull Knowledge of organic farming has not filtered down to actual users ie small farmers and the information reached to target groups is often not backed by scientifically proven results
bull Complex and costly procedures of certificationbull Risk involved in marketing of organic produce
Discussion points
bull What arguments are there in favour of organic agriculture in India
bull What vested interests would oppose the growth of organic agricultures and why
bull What strategies could be employed to further promote the greening of agriculture in India
Can India adopt organic farming in a big way
bull Is organic farming non-scientific and unproven bull Does practicing organic farming means reduced yield bull Why were crop yields low before invention of Agro-
chemicals bull How is organic farming different from conventional bull What are the strengths and weaknesses of organic
farming
bull Where is the large quantity of compost for OF bull Does the soil fertility decline when fertilizers are
not used bull Scientifically where crop nutrients come from in
organic farming bull How are crops protected in organic farming bull Why restricted when India is a low user bull Where are the evidences that high yields are
possible in organic farming bull Is organic farming labour intensive
Conclusion Sustainable economic and eco friendly approach
Minimum risk of residual toxicity
Improvement in soil fertility with high yield quality produce Maintenance of organic matter content of the soil
Reduced energy use
Increased yields without over reliance on costly inputs
SummaryOrganic agriculture is not for everyone Yet it is a viable approach that can be beneficial It canbull Be particularly useful in the more difficult environments where resources are scarce and cultivation problematicbull Potentially reduce risks bya) ldquolocalizingrdquo input productionb) fostering soil and water conservationc) encouraging diversification (food security)bull Improve ability to compete in todayrsquos fast globalizing standards-critical trade
Strategies needed to promote organic farming in India
bull Adequate research and extension support needs to be providedbull Research to quantify the role of organic farming in minimizing the
ill effects of modern agriculture and its effect on environment bull Helping farmers to promote organic farmingbull Government should recognize agriculture in Kyoto protocol
carbon credit mechanismbull Developing infrastructure for supply chain and ensuring
competitive price for organic productsbull Capacity building through on farm demonstrations and trainingsbull Government support in cheaper access to organic certificates
Thanks
Why farm organically
Organic farming provides long-term benefits to people and the environment
Organic farming aims to bull Increase long-term soil fertility
bull Control pests and diseases without harming the environment
bull Ensure that water stays clean and safe
bull Use resources which the farmer already has so the farmer
needs less money to buy farm inputs
bull Produce nutritious food feed for animals and high quality
crops to sell at a good price
Factors driving organic farmingbull Diverse agro-climate regions that provides
environment for wide range of crops that can cater to different market demands
bull Increasing awareness amp health consciousnessbull Availability of comparatively cheap labour for
labour-intensive organic agriculture bull Huge numbers of small farmers those who do
the traditional farming have very limited capacity to pay for most of the chemical inputs into agriculture
bull Presence of Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) as active promoters of organic farming in different agro-climatic regions
Factors driving organic farmingbull Increasing involvement of
private companies in field of agricultural extension trade consultation and other services
bull Enhanced government attention and support for organic agriculture through various policy initiations and action programs
ORGANIC STATUS
bull Global 24 mha (16 Ag Area) Nearly 130 countries produce organic
product Australia (10 mha) ndash lead country
bull Indian 37000-41000 ha (SOEL survey) (03 of Ag Area)
250 million ha (APEDA)(Including 243 mha of forest area with wild herb amp medicinal plants
Cotton herbal extractOthers
Sesame castor sunflowerOilseeds
Okra Brinjal Garlic Onion Tomato PotatoVegetables
Mango Banana Pineapple Grape passion fruit Orange Cashew nut walnut
Fruits
Red Gram Black GramPulses
Cardamom Black pepper white pepper ginger turmeric vanilla mustard tamarind clove cinnamon nutmeg mace chilly
Spices
Tea Coffee Rice WheatCommodity
ProductsType
Major products produced in India by Organic Farming
Market Organic (Export) 2004
Kerala = 1232 Metric ton
West Bengal = 937 Metric ton
Karnataka = 476 Metric ton
Tamil Nadu = 471 Metric ton
Punjab = 541 Metric ton
Himachal Pradesh = 521 Metric ton
Maharashtra = 375 Metric ton
India Total = 6472 Metric ton
Export Product
Basmati rice cottonMangopulp Cashewnut SesamePiniapple pulpHoney Walnutspices coffee TeaPeanut canned
APEDA
Organic PrinciplesIntegrityhellip
Benefits Protects the concept and value of organic
Practices Buffers good record keeping
Benefits reduced energy consumptionsoil conservation efficient water useincreased water quality
Practices conservation structuresconservation tillage controlled drainagerotations mulching integrated systems
Sustainabilityhellip
Natural Plant NutritionhellipBenefits Emphasis on soil health translates into healthier food healthier humans Less plant disease fewer weeds better water-holding capacity resistance to erosionPractices Crop rotations cover crops green manures animal manures application of allowable substances in limited quantities composting
BiodiversityhellipBenefits ecosystem (and financial) stability more beneficial insects greater below-ground diversity better nutrient cycling disease suppression tilth and N-fixationPractices intercropping companion planting establishment of beneficial habitats crop rotations cover crops speciesenterprise integration
Biodiversity and Organic Agriculture
Organic farmers are both custodians and users of biodiversity at
all levels
bull Gene level locally adapted seeds and breeds are preferred for their greater
resistance to diseases and resilience to climatic stress
bull Species level diverse combinations of plants and animals optimize nutrient
and energy cycling for agricultural production
bull Ecosystem level the maintenance of natural areas within and around organic
fields and absence of chemical inputs create suitable habitats for wildlife
Reliance on natural control methods maintains species diversity and avoids
the selection of pest species resistant to chemical control methods
Organic agriculture and soil ecosystemsNatural soil fertility must be relied upon in organic systems Practices such as crop rotations symbiotic association cover crops organic fertilizers and minimum tillage create suitable conditions for soil fauna and flora
(IFOAM 2000 )
Organic agriculture and agro-ecosystems
Natural disease resistance and pest predation must be strengthened in organic systems Crop rotation is considered the cornerstone of organic management functioning as a tool for pest management and soil fertility
Organic farming combats global warming
Some apprehensions about organic farming
Can organic farming produce enough food for every body Is it possible to meet the nutrient requirements of crops entirely from organic sourcesAre there any significant environmental benefits of organic farming Is the food produced by organic farming superior in quality Is organic agriculture economically feasible Is it possible to manage pests and diseases in organic farming
24
Comparative data of 3 years average production at Phanda farm
2000220095001500Wheat 3
1120108015001500Peas2
10181272900014000Gram1
Rabi
66379820003750Arhar4
1300145020008800Paddy3
75080010001000Maize2
Kharif
121612461400020000Soybean1
ControlOrganicControlOrganic
Production QntlHa
Sowing area (Ha)CropsSNo
Dr GS KaushalDirector AgricultureGovt of Madhya PradeshBHOPAL
Ram et al 2004
Improvement in soil composition under biodynamic practices
Treatment Fruit qualityTitrable acidity
(citrate )Ascorbic
acid (mg100
g)
Total solids()
pH
T1-control 043 183 36 36
T2-100 N as urea 052 207 44 38
T3-100N as fym 055 207 46 37
T4-100N as vermicompost 061 218 49 37
T5-100N as coirpith compost 056 208 45 36
T6-75N as FYM with Azospirillum 062 208 5O 37
T7-75N as vermicompost with Azospirllum 072 230 54 39
T8-75N as coirpith compost with Azospirillum
066 217 52 38
T9-50N asFYM with Azospirillum 048 191 41 35
T10-50N as vermicompost with Azospirllum 050 194 43 36
T11-50N as coirpith compost with Azospirillum
048 191 42 36
C D(P=005) 003 05 03 04Kannan et al 2006
Fruit quality of tomato influenced by organic farming
Treatment Fruit characters
Fruit height (cm)
Fruit girth (cm)
Fruit weight (g)
Yield (tha)
T1-Control 22 107 298 227
T2-100 N as urea 26 144 298 310
T3-100N as fym 26 143 397 309
T4-100N as vermicompost 27 147 403 312
T5-100N as coirpith compost 26 144 398 310
T6-75N as FYM with Azospirillum 28 147 405 313
T7-75N as vermicompost with Azospirllum
31 152 427 330
T8-75N as coirpith compost with Azospirillum
30 149 414 317
T9-50N asFYM with Azospirillum 24 127 385 306
T10-50N as vermicompost with Azospirllum
25 133 390 305
T11-50N as coirpith compost with Azospirillum
25 133 387 307
C D(P=005) 01 03 17 02
Kannan et al 2006
Effect of organic farming on fruit characteristics and yield of tomato
Rice equivalent yield (tha) of different systems under various management practices at PAU
Cropping System Productivity ( tha)Chemical Organic Integrated
GM-Basmati Rice- Wheat
126 130 136
Turmeric-Onion 192 369 366Summer Groundnut-Garlic
253 291 294
Maize-durum Wheat-Cowpea (F)
114 126 123
Rice-Garlic+Mentha 249 310 322
Management of soil fertility using on ndash farm inputs in maizebasmati rice ndashwheat cropping systems at PAU
Organic InputsGrain Yield (qha)
Maize Wheat
Farmyard Manure (FYM) 399 356Crop residues (CR) 337 324Vermicompost (VC) 419 33013 FYM + 13 CR + 13 VC 415 342Control 171 132
Basmati Rice Wheat
GM 308 293Control 172 137
Green fodder yield (tha) under different fodder production system at PAU
Treatment Green fodder yield (tha)Kharif Rabi Summer Total
Main Plots (Green fodder system)
Sorghum ndash Berseem - 337 672 - 1009Maize ndash Berseem- Bajra 132 677 608 1417Maize-Berseem-Maize+cowpea
142 679 419 1240
Sorghum + gurara - oats - cowpea
350 483 336 1169
Sub plots (Management sysem)Organic 259 712 472 1443Chemical 196 533 426 1155Integrated 264 637 465 1366CD (005) 095 17 20 23
Plant Nutrient Supply System in Organic Farming
1Organic amendments with organic manure vermi-compost and bio fertilizers
2Biodynamic Approach based on soil biotechnology and microbiology
3Homeopathic Approach
4Agnihotra Approach
5Panchgavya Approach
Nutrient Cycling Soil microorganisms mediate nutrient cycles through decomposition of organic residues- Microorganisms lsquofeedrsquo on the residues- Biochemical by-products are plant nutrients (NPS) and other beneficial compounds like humic acid
bull Mineralization- Microbial conversion of organic N P and S into ammonium phosphate and sulfate - Nutrients become available
bull Immobilization-Microbial assimilation of inorganic N P and S- Nutrients temporarily tied up in microbial biomass
Microbial Functional Groups1048698 Bacteria- decomposers primary players in NP and S cycling- Actinomycetes act on more complex compounds to form humus1048698 Fungi- Decomposers attack lignin- Nutrient acquisition (mycorrhiza)1048698 Protozoa and Nematodes- Consume bacteria and fungi releasing plant nutrients (N)- Activity increases decomposition rates
Factors Affecting Microbial Populations1048698 Moisture- Microorganisms need water to survive1048698 Oxygen- Bacteria both aerobic and anaerobic- Fungi protozoa and nematodes aerobic1048698 Temperature- Adaptable- Activity generally increases as temperature rises1048698 Soil pH- Bacteria sensitive to acidity- Fungi function at low pH1048698 Organic Matter- OM source of C and nutrients- OM additions stimulate microbial growth
Agricultural Practices Affecting Microbial Populations1048698 Tillage- Destroys fungi meso and macrofauna- Reduces OM- Reduces aggregation1048698 Fertilizers- N and P fertilizers create acid zones killing microorganisms1048698 Fumigation- Indiscriminant destruction of microbial community1048698 Monocropping- Reduces microbial diversity- Promotes pest build-up
What About the Soil Food Web
What About the Soil Food Web Important to recognize the role of each functional group and their interdependence
Remember that management practices affect microbial interactions
Soil tests to quantify soil food web are expensive and difficult to interpret
Hot area for research
Tools and Practices for organic farmingCrop Rotation Soil fertility- Legumes for N fixation- Diverse rooting habitsPest Management- Break pest cycles- Promote diversity Know the family of the cropsCrops rotated so that crops from different families follow each other Lettuce Beans Corn Tomatoes
Green Manures in the Crop Rotation1048698 Soil fertility- Legumes for N fixation- Grasses for OM accumulation- Diverse rooting habits1048698 Pest Management- Break pest cycles- Promote diversity attract beneficials- Biofumigants (brassicas sudan grass sunn hemp)1048698 Weed Management- Perennial rye- Oats
Composts and Manures Soil Conditioner- Feed the soil- Improve physical properties
Nutrient Availability- CN ratio- Total N content- 15 of total N in mature composts available in thefirst year (Bettina et al 2003)- Field trials estimate that composts alone can satisfycrop N demands after 40-80 years
Feather meal Dairy Manure CompostCN ratio 32 18 10-17Total N 12 20 10
Composts and Manures1048698 Timing-Continuous additions to build up SOM
- Mineralization potential of soil increases asOM inputs increase with time
- SOM acts as nutrient reserve continuouslyreleasing nutrients
- High N materials can be used as a rapidsource of N in the short term
Intercropping and Companion Planting1048698 Interplanting 2 or more mutually beneficial plants to increase biodiversity
Biological Pest Control1048698 Depends on managing beneficial insectpredatorsparasites1048698 Seen as default benefit of organic soilmanagement practices that promoteabove and below ground diversity1048698 Can include the release of control agents1048698 Farmscaping longshort term design tocreate habitats for beneficials
Tillage and Cultivation1048698 Tools for weed control residuemanagement manure incorporationhardpan destruction pest control1048698 Negative impacts- Costly- Destroy humus reserves and soil organisms- compaction1048698 Conservation and ridge tillage- Organic growers pioneers
Mulching1048698 Weed control moisture and temperature control soil organic matter
1048698 Large quantities of resistant organic materials (wood chips straw etchellip)
1048698 Not practical on a large scale
List of bio-pesticides available in marketName Purpose
Neemazal Against borers
Neem oil (5 ) Against borers
Neem seed extract (5 ) Against borers
Neem cake For controlling nematodes
Dried neem leaves Against stored grain pests
Sour butter milk (10 ) Against sap sucking insects
Cow dung ash dusting
Water spray Against aphid
Trichogramma cards Against borers
Trixho- XP ( Trichoderma harzaianum) Against diseases
SudocelPseudomonas fluoresens (PSF) Larvocel
Against diseases
Bauvaria baviana Against diseases
Products for use in fertilization and soil conditioning in organic farming
Sr No
Items Conditions for use
Material produced on an organic farm unit
Matter produced on an organic farm unit
1 Farmyard and slurry urine Permitted
2 Crop residues and green manure Permitted
3 Straw and other mulches Permitted
4 Composts and vermicomposts Permitted
Matter produced outside the organic farm unit
1 Blood meal meat meal bone meal and feather meal without preservatives
Restricted
2 Compost made from plant residues and animal excrement Restricted
3 Farmyard manure slurry urine Restricted
4 Fish and fish products without preservatives Restricted
5 Guano Restricted
6 Human excreta Restricted
7 Wood bark sawdust wood ash wood charcoal Restricted
8 Straw animal charcoal compost and spent mushroom and vermiculture substances
Restricted
9 Compost from organic household Restricted
10 Compost from plant residues Restricted
11 Sea weed and sea weed products
By products from the industries
1 By- products from the food and textile industries of biodegradable material of microbial plant or animal origin without any systematic additives
Restricted
2 By products from oil palm coconut and cocoa (including fruit bunch palm oil mill effluent cocoa peat and empty coca pods
Restricted
3 By products of industries processing ingredients from organic agriculture Restricted
4 Extracts from mushroom chlorella fermented product from Aspergillus natural acids (vinegar)
Restricted
Mineral Origin
Basic slag Restricted
Calcareous and magnesium rock Restricted
Lime limestone gypsum Restricted
Calcified sea weed Restricted
Calcium chloride Restricted
Mineral potassium with low chlorine content (eg sulphate of potash kainite sylvinite patenkali)
Restricted
Natural phosphates (rock phosphate) Restricted
Trace elements Permitted
Sulphur Permitted
Clay (bentonite perlite zeolite) Permitted
Microbiological origin
Bacterial preparation (bio fertilizers) Permitted
Biodynamic preparations Permitted
Plant preparation and botanical extracts Permitted
Products for plant pest and disease controlItems Condition
for use
Material from plant and animal origin
Plant based repellents (Neem preparations from Azadirachta indica
Permitted
Algal preparations (gelatine) Permitted
Casein Permitted
Extracts from mushroom chlorella fermented products from Aspergillus
Permitted
Propolis Restricted
Beeswax natural acids (vinegar) plant oils Quassia Permitted
Rotenone from Derris elliptica Lonchocarpus Trphrosia spp
Restricted
Tobacco tea (pure nicotine prohibited Restricted
Preparation from Rryania species Restricted
Items Condition for use
Mineral Origin
Chloride of limesoda Restricted
Burgundy mixture Restricted
Clay (bentonite perlite ermiculite zeolite Permitted
Copper saltsinorganic salts (Bordeaux mix copper hydroxide copper oxychloride)
Not allowed
Quick lime Restricted
Mineral Origin
Diatomaceous earth Permitted
Light mineral oils Restricted
Permagnate of potash Restricted
Insect Origin
Release of parasites predators of insect pests Restricted
Sterilized insects Restricted
Sterlized insects males Not allowed
Items Condition for use
Microorganisms used for biological pest control
Viral fungal and bacterial preparations (biopesticides) Restricted
Others
Carbon dioxide and nitrogen gas Permitted
Soft soap soda sulphur dioxide Permitted
Homeopathic and ayurvedic preparations Permitted
Herbal and biodynamic preparations Permitted
Sea salt and salty water Permitted
Ethyl alcohol Not allowed
Traps barriers and repellants
Physical methods (eg chromatic traps mechanical traps)
Permitted
Mulches nets Permitted
Pheromones-in traps and dispensers only Permitted
Average nutrient content of organic manures
Source of Nutrition Percentage composition
Organic manure N P2O5 K2O
Farmyard Manure 05 02 05
Farm compost 05 015 05
Town compost 14 100 14
Night soil 55 40 20
Vermicompost 30 00 15
Crop residues -
Bio gas slurry 15-20 10 1
Rock phosphate - 25-30 -
Source of Nutrition
Percentage composition
Non edible oil cake
N P2O5 K2O
Castor cake 43 18 13
Cotton seed cake 39 18 16
Karanj or honge cake 39 09 12
Mahua cake 25 08 18
Neem cake 52 10 14
Safflower cake 49 14 12
Green Manure crops
San hamp (Crotolaria juncea) 23 05 180
Dhaincha ( Sesbnia aculeata) 35 06 120
Sesbania speciosa 271 053 221
Source of Nutrition Percentage composition
Green leaf manure N P2O5 K2O
Glycricidia (Gluicidia sepium) 276 028 46
Pongamia (Pongama glabra) 331 044 239
Gulmohur (Delonix glabra) 276 046 050
Neem (Azadirachta indica) 283 028 035
Animal based
Blood meal 10-12 1-2 100
Meat meal 105 25 05
Fish meal 4-10 3-9 03-15
Horn and hoof meal 13 - -
Raw bone meal 3-4 20-25 -
Steamed bone meal 1-2 25-30 -
bull Lack of technical know-howbull Lack of required amount BD preparations in marketbull Lack of awareness among people about hazards caused by use of agrochemicalsbull Bulky nature of BD preparations and compostbull In-situ production is not feasiblebull Lack of scientific data on the long-term benefits and limitations of biodynamic farmingbull Limited domestic market for bio-dynamically grown producebull Quality certification
Constraints
ConstraintsProducersrsquoDistributorsrsquoTradersrsquo point of view
bull Lack of proper infrastructure for distribution and conservation of bio-inputs is a major constraint that hinders the access of these inputs to farmers
bull Some climatic regions and soil conditions are not suitable for specific strains of organic production
bull Given the mandated period of around three years for a conventional farm to become an organic farm the benefits perceived by farmers tend to be limited as they have a short term orientation
bull As a result even if they are aware they are hesitant to switch over to organic (green) agricultural practices
Constraining factorsFarmersrsquo point of view
The government perspective bull Changing the cropping and cultivation
patterns is slow and time-consuming process
bull Given the high levels of illiteracy and large number of small and marginal farmers it makes the change process difficult
bull Subsidies on chemical fertilizers and pesticide impede the growth of organic agriculture
Major Limitations under Punjab conditions
bull Bulky nature of organic manurebull Divergent nutritional valuebull Small land holdingbull Lack of awareness among farmersbull Marketing of organic producebull Labour and cost intensivebull Low incentives from governmentbull Non availability of bio pesticides
Major Limitations------contd
bull Dramatic and large benefits in terms of yield and returns
bull Cultivation of high nutrient responsive cultivers
bull Promotion of biological agentsbull Urgency to meet food security
Why farmers are reluctant to adopt organic farming in Punjab
bull Perceived high costs of doing organic farming due to incomplete knowledge about principles and practices of organic agriculture among farmers They were arranging inputs from outside
bull Non-availability of adequate quantities of organic manures and other organic inputs in the local market
bull Knowledge of organic farming has not filtered down to actual users ie small farmers and the information reached to target groups is often not backed by scientifically proven results
bull Complex and costly procedures of certificationbull Risk involved in marketing of organic produce
Discussion points
bull What arguments are there in favour of organic agriculture in India
bull What vested interests would oppose the growth of organic agricultures and why
bull What strategies could be employed to further promote the greening of agriculture in India
Can India adopt organic farming in a big way
bull Is organic farming non-scientific and unproven bull Does practicing organic farming means reduced yield bull Why were crop yields low before invention of Agro-
chemicals bull How is organic farming different from conventional bull What are the strengths and weaknesses of organic
farming
bull Where is the large quantity of compost for OF bull Does the soil fertility decline when fertilizers are
not used bull Scientifically where crop nutrients come from in
organic farming bull How are crops protected in organic farming bull Why restricted when India is a low user bull Where are the evidences that high yields are
possible in organic farming bull Is organic farming labour intensive
Conclusion Sustainable economic and eco friendly approach
Minimum risk of residual toxicity
Improvement in soil fertility with high yield quality produce Maintenance of organic matter content of the soil
Reduced energy use
Increased yields without over reliance on costly inputs
SummaryOrganic agriculture is not for everyone Yet it is a viable approach that can be beneficial It canbull Be particularly useful in the more difficult environments where resources are scarce and cultivation problematicbull Potentially reduce risks bya) ldquolocalizingrdquo input productionb) fostering soil and water conservationc) encouraging diversification (food security)bull Improve ability to compete in todayrsquos fast globalizing standards-critical trade
Strategies needed to promote organic farming in India
bull Adequate research and extension support needs to be providedbull Research to quantify the role of organic farming in minimizing the
ill effects of modern agriculture and its effect on environment bull Helping farmers to promote organic farmingbull Government should recognize agriculture in Kyoto protocol
carbon credit mechanismbull Developing infrastructure for supply chain and ensuring
competitive price for organic productsbull Capacity building through on farm demonstrations and trainingsbull Government support in cheaper access to organic certificates
Thanks
Factors driving organic farmingbull Diverse agro-climate regions that provides
environment for wide range of crops that can cater to different market demands
bull Increasing awareness amp health consciousnessbull Availability of comparatively cheap labour for
labour-intensive organic agriculture bull Huge numbers of small farmers those who do
the traditional farming have very limited capacity to pay for most of the chemical inputs into agriculture
bull Presence of Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) as active promoters of organic farming in different agro-climatic regions
Factors driving organic farmingbull Increasing involvement of
private companies in field of agricultural extension trade consultation and other services
bull Enhanced government attention and support for organic agriculture through various policy initiations and action programs
ORGANIC STATUS
bull Global 24 mha (16 Ag Area) Nearly 130 countries produce organic
product Australia (10 mha) ndash lead country
bull Indian 37000-41000 ha (SOEL survey) (03 of Ag Area)
250 million ha (APEDA)(Including 243 mha of forest area with wild herb amp medicinal plants
Cotton herbal extractOthers
Sesame castor sunflowerOilseeds
Okra Brinjal Garlic Onion Tomato PotatoVegetables
Mango Banana Pineapple Grape passion fruit Orange Cashew nut walnut
Fruits
Red Gram Black GramPulses
Cardamom Black pepper white pepper ginger turmeric vanilla mustard tamarind clove cinnamon nutmeg mace chilly
Spices
Tea Coffee Rice WheatCommodity
ProductsType
Major products produced in India by Organic Farming
Market Organic (Export) 2004
Kerala = 1232 Metric ton
West Bengal = 937 Metric ton
Karnataka = 476 Metric ton
Tamil Nadu = 471 Metric ton
Punjab = 541 Metric ton
Himachal Pradesh = 521 Metric ton
Maharashtra = 375 Metric ton
India Total = 6472 Metric ton
Export Product
Basmati rice cottonMangopulp Cashewnut SesamePiniapple pulpHoney Walnutspices coffee TeaPeanut canned
APEDA
Organic PrinciplesIntegrityhellip
Benefits Protects the concept and value of organic
Practices Buffers good record keeping
Benefits reduced energy consumptionsoil conservation efficient water useincreased water quality
Practices conservation structuresconservation tillage controlled drainagerotations mulching integrated systems
Sustainabilityhellip
Natural Plant NutritionhellipBenefits Emphasis on soil health translates into healthier food healthier humans Less plant disease fewer weeds better water-holding capacity resistance to erosionPractices Crop rotations cover crops green manures animal manures application of allowable substances in limited quantities composting
BiodiversityhellipBenefits ecosystem (and financial) stability more beneficial insects greater below-ground diversity better nutrient cycling disease suppression tilth and N-fixationPractices intercropping companion planting establishment of beneficial habitats crop rotations cover crops speciesenterprise integration
Biodiversity and Organic Agriculture
Organic farmers are both custodians and users of biodiversity at
all levels
bull Gene level locally adapted seeds and breeds are preferred for their greater
resistance to diseases and resilience to climatic stress
bull Species level diverse combinations of plants and animals optimize nutrient
and energy cycling for agricultural production
bull Ecosystem level the maintenance of natural areas within and around organic
fields and absence of chemical inputs create suitable habitats for wildlife
Reliance on natural control methods maintains species diversity and avoids
the selection of pest species resistant to chemical control methods
Organic agriculture and soil ecosystemsNatural soil fertility must be relied upon in organic systems Practices such as crop rotations symbiotic association cover crops organic fertilizers and minimum tillage create suitable conditions for soil fauna and flora
(IFOAM 2000 )
Organic agriculture and agro-ecosystems
Natural disease resistance and pest predation must be strengthened in organic systems Crop rotation is considered the cornerstone of organic management functioning as a tool for pest management and soil fertility
Organic farming combats global warming
Some apprehensions about organic farming
Can organic farming produce enough food for every body Is it possible to meet the nutrient requirements of crops entirely from organic sourcesAre there any significant environmental benefits of organic farming Is the food produced by organic farming superior in quality Is organic agriculture economically feasible Is it possible to manage pests and diseases in organic farming
24
Comparative data of 3 years average production at Phanda farm
2000220095001500Wheat 3
1120108015001500Peas2
10181272900014000Gram1
Rabi
66379820003750Arhar4
1300145020008800Paddy3
75080010001000Maize2
Kharif
121612461400020000Soybean1
ControlOrganicControlOrganic
Production QntlHa
Sowing area (Ha)CropsSNo
Dr GS KaushalDirector AgricultureGovt of Madhya PradeshBHOPAL
Ram et al 2004
Improvement in soil composition under biodynamic practices
Treatment Fruit qualityTitrable acidity
(citrate )Ascorbic
acid (mg100
g)
Total solids()
pH
T1-control 043 183 36 36
T2-100 N as urea 052 207 44 38
T3-100N as fym 055 207 46 37
T4-100N as vermicompost 061 218 49 37
T5-100N as coirpith compost 056 208 45 36
T6-75N as FYM with Azospirillum 062 208 5O 37
T7-75N as vermicompost with Azospirllum 072 230 54 39
T8-75N as coirpith compost with Azospirillum
066 217 52 38
T9-50N asFYM with Azospirillum 048 191 41 35
T10-50N as vermicompost with Azospirllum 050 194 43 36
T11-50N as coirpith compost with Azospirillum
048 191 42 36
C D(P=005) 003 05 03 04Kannan et al 2006
Fruit quality of tomato influenced by organic farming
Treatment Fruit characters
Fruit height (cm)
Fruit girth (cm)
Fruit weight (g)
Yield (tha)
T1-Control 22 107 298 227
T2-100 N as urea 26 144 298 310
T3-100N as fym 26 143 397 309
T4-100N as vermicompost 27 147 403 312
T5-100N as coirpith compost 26 144 398 310
T6-75N as FYM with Azospirillum 28 147 405 313
T7-75N as vermicompost with Azospirllum
31 152 427 330
T8-75N as coirpith compost with Azospirillum
30 149 414 317
T9-50N asFYM with Azospirillum 24 127 385 306
T10-50N as vermicompost with Azospirllum
25 133 390 305
T11-50N as coirpith compost with Azospirillum
25 133 387 307
C D(P=005) 01 03 17 02
Kannan et al 2006
Effect of organic farming on fruit characteristics and yield of tomato
Rice equivalent yield (tha) of different systems under various management practices at PAU
Cropping System Productivity ( tha)Chemical Organic Integrated
GM-Basmati Rice- Wheat
126 130 136
Turmeric-Onion 192 369 366Summer Groundnut-Garlic
253 291 294
Maize-durum Wheat-Cowpea (F)
114 126 123
Rice-Garlic+Mentha 249 310 322
Management of soil fertility using on ndash farm inputs in maizebasmati rice ndashwheat cropping systems at PAU
Organic InputsGrain Yield (qha)
Maize Wheat
Farmyard Manure (FYM) 399 356Crop residues (CR) 337 324Vermicompost (VC) 419 33013 FYM + 13 CR + 13 VC 415 342Control 171 132
Basmati Rice Wheat
GM 308 293Control 172 137
Green fodder yield (tha) under different fodder production system at PAU
Treatment Green fodder yield (tha)Kharif Rabi Summer Total
Main Plots (Green fodder system)
Sorghum ndash Berseem - 337 672 - 1009Maize ndash Berseem- Bajra 132 677 608 1417Maize-Berseem-Maize+cowpea
142 679 419 1240
Sorghum + gurara - oats - cowpea
350 483 336 1169
Sub plots (Management sysem)Organic 259 712 472 1443Chemical 196 533 426 1155Integrated 264 637 465 1366CD (005) 095 17 20 23
Plant Nutrient Supply System in Organic Farming
1Organic amendments with organic manure vermi-compost and bio fertilizers
2Biodynamic Approach based on soil biotechnology and microbiology
3Homeopathic Approach
4Agnihotra Approach
5Panchgavya Approach
Nutrient Cycling Soil microorganisms mediate nutrient cycles through decomposition of organic residues- Microorganisms lsquofeedrsquo on the residues- Biochemical by-products are plant nutrients (NPS) and other beneficial compounds like humic acid
bull Mineralization- Microbial conversion of organic N P and S into ammonium phosphate and sulfate - Nutrients become available
bull Immobilization-Microbial assimilation of inorganic N P and S- Nutrients temporarily tied up in microbial biomass
Microbial Functional Groups1048698 Bacteria- decomposers primary players in NP and S cycling- Actinomycetes act on more complex compounds to form humus1048698 Fungi- Decomposers attack lignin- Nutrient acquisition (mycorrhiza)1048698 Protozoa and Nematodes- Consume bacteria and fungi releasing plant nutrients (N)- Activity increases decomposition rates
Factors Affecting Microbial Populations1048698 Moisture- Microorganisms need water to survive1048698 Oxygen- Bacteria both aerobic and anaerobic- Fungi protozoa and nematodes aerobic1048698 Temperature- Adaptable- Activity generally increases as temperature rises1048698 Soil pH- Bacteria sensitive to acidity- Fungi function at low pH1048698 Organic Matter- OM source of C and nutrients- OM additions stimulate microbial growth
Agricultural Practices Affecting Microbial Populations1048698 Tillage- Destroys fungi meso and macrofauna- Reduces OM- Reduces aggregation1048698 Fertilizers- N and P fertilizers create acid zones killing microorganisms1048698 Fumigation- Indiscriminant destruction of microbial community1048698 Monocropping- Reduces microbial diversity- Promotes pest build-up
What About the Soil Food Web
What About the Soil Food Web Important to recognize the role of each functional group and their interdependence
Remember that management practices affect microbial interactions
Soil tests to quantify soil food web are expensive and difficult to interpret
Hot area for research
Tools and Practices for organic farmingCrop Rotation Soil fertility- Legumes for N fixation- Diverse rooting habitsPest Management- Break pest cycles- Promote diversity Know the family of the cropsCrops rotated so that crops from different families follow each other Lettuce Beans Corn Tomatoes
Green Manures in the Crop Rotation1048698 Soil fertility- Legumes for N fixation- Grasses for OM accumulation- Diverse rooting habits1048698 Pest Management- Break pest cycles- Promote diversity attract beneficials- Biofumigants (brassicas sudan grass sunn hemp)1048698 Weed Management- Perennial rye- Oats
Composts and Manures Soil Conditioner- Feed the soil- Improve physical properties
Nutrient Availability- CN ratio- Total N content- 15 of total N in mature composts available in thefirst year (Bettina et al 2003)- Field trials estimate that composts alone can satisfycrop N demands after 40-80 years
Feather meal Dairy Manure CompostCN ratio 32 18 10-17Total N 12 20 10
Composts and Manures1048698 Timing-Continuous additions to build up SOM
- Mineralization potential of soil increases asOM inputs increase with time
- SOM acts as nutrient reserve continuouslyreleasing nutrients
- High N materials can be used as a rapidsource of N in the short term
Intercropping and Companion Planting1048698 Interplanting 2 or more mutually beneficial plants to increase biodiversity
Biological Pest Control1048698 Depends on managing beneficial insectpredatorsparasites1048698 Seen as default benefit of organic soilmanagement practices that promoteabove and below ground diversity1048698 Can include the release of control agents1048698 Farmscaping longshort term design tocreate habitats for beneficials
Tillage and Cultivation1048698 Tools for weed control residuemanagement manure incorporationhardpan destruction pest control1048698 Negative impacts- Costly- Destroy humus reserves and soil organisms- compaction1048698 Conservation and ridge tillage- Organic growers pioneers
Mulching1048698 Weed control moisture and temperature control soil organic matter
1048698 Large quantities of resistant organic materials (wood chips straw etchellip)
1048698 Not practical on a large scale
List of bio-pesticides available in marketName Purpose
Neemazal Against borers
Neem oil (5 ) Against borers
Neem seed extract (5 ) Against borers
Neem cake For controlling nematodes
Dried neem leaves Against stored grain pests
Sour butter milk (10 ) Against sap sucking insects
Cow dung ash dusting
Water spray Against aphid
Trichogramma cards Against borers
Trixho- XP ( Trichoderma harzaianum) Against diseases
SudocelPseudomonas fluoresens (PSF) Larvocel
Against diseases
Bauvaria baviana Against diseases
Products for use in fertilization and soil conditioning in organic farming
Sr No
Items Conditions for use
Material produced on an organic farm unit
Matter produced on an organic farm unit
1 Farmyard and slurry urine Permitted
2 Crop residues and green manure Permitted
3 Straw and other mulches Permitted
4 Composts and vermicomposts Permitted
Matter produced outside the organic farm unit
1 Blood meal meat meal bone meal and feather meal without preservatives
Restricted
2 Compost made from plant residues and animal excrement Restricted
3 Farmyard manure slurry urine Restricted
4 Fish and fish products without preservatives Restricted
5 Guano Restricted
6 Human excreta Restricted
7 Wood bark sawdust wood ash wood charcoal Restricted
8 Straw animal charcoal compost and spent mushroom and vermiculture substances
Restricted
9 Compost from organic household Restricted
10 Compost from plant residues Restricted
11 Sea weed and sea weed products
By products from the industries
1 By- products from the food and textile industries of biodegradable material of microbial plant or animal origin without any systematic additives
Restricted
2 By products from oil palm coconut and cocoa (including fruit bunch palm oil mill effluent cocoa peat and empty coca pods
Restricted
3 By products of industries processing ingredients from organic agriculture Restricted
4 Extracts from mushroom chlorella fermented product from Aspergillus natural acids (vinegar)
Restricted
Mineral Origin
Basic slag Restricted
Calcareous and magnesium rock Restricted
Lime limestone gypsum Restricted
Calcified sea weed Restricted
Calcium chloride Restricted
Mineral potassium with low chlorine content (eg sulphate of potash kainite sylvinite patenkali)
Restricted
Natural phosphates (rock phosphate) Restricted
Trace elements Permitted
Sulphur Permitted
Clay (bentonite perlite zeolite) Permitted
Microbiological origin
Bacterial preparation (bio fertilizers) Permitted
Biodynamic preparations Permitted
Plant preparation and botanical extracts Permitted
Products for plant pest and disease controlItems Condition
for use
Material from plant and animal origin
Plant based repellents (Neem preparations from Azadirachta indica
Permitted
Algal preparations (gelatine) Permitted
Casein Permitted
Extracts from mushroom chlorella fermented products from Aspergillus
Permitted
Propolis Restricted
Beeswax natural acids (vinegar) plant oils Quassia Permitted
Rotenone from Derris elliptica Lonchocarpus Trphrosia spp
Restricted
Tobacco tea (pure nicotine prohibited Restricted
Preparation from Rryania species Restricted
Items Condition for use
Mineral Origin
Chloride of limesoda Restricted
Burgundy mixture Restricted
Clay (bentonite perlite ermiculite zeolite Permitted
Copper saltsinorganic salts (Bordeaux mix copper hydroxide copper oxychloride)
Not allowed
Quick lime Restricted
Mineral Origin
Diatomaceous earth Permitted
Light mineral oils Restricted
Permagnate of potash Restricted
Insect Origin
Release of parasites predators of insect pests Restricted
Sterilized insects Restricted
Sterlized insects males Not allowed
Items Condition for use
Microorganisms used for biological pest control
Viral fungal and bacterial preparations (biopesticides) Restricted
Others
Carbon dioxide and nitrogen gas Permitted
Soft soap soda sulphur dioxide Permitted
Homeopathic and ayurvedic preparations Permitted
Herbal and biodynamic preparations Permitted
Sea salt and salty water Permitted
Ethyl alcohol Not allowed
Traps barriers and repellants
Physical methods (eg chromatic traps mechanical traps)
Permitted
Mulches nets Permitted
Pheromones-in traps and dispensers only Permitted
Average nutrient content of organic manures
Source of Nutrition Percentage composition
Organic manure N P2O5 K2O
Farmyard Manure 05 02 05
Farm compost 05 015 05
Town compost 14 100 14
Night soil 55 40 20
Vermicompost 30 00 15
Crop residues -
Bio gas slurry 15-20 10 1
Rock phosphate - 25-30 -
Source of Nutrition
Percentage composition
Non edible oil cake
N P2O5 K2O
Castor cake 43 18 13
Cotton seed cake 39 18 16
Karanj or honge cake 39 09 12
Mahua cake 25 08 18
Neem cake 52 10 14
Safflower cake 49 14 12
Green Manure crops
San hamp (Crotolaria juncea) 23 05 180
Dhaincha ( Sesbnia aculeata) 35 06 120
Sesbania speciosa 271 053 221
Source of Nutrition Percentage composition
Green leaf manure N P2O5 K2O
Glycricidia (Gluicidia sepium) 276 028 46
Pongamia (Pongama glabra) 331 044 239
Gulmohur (Delonix glabra) 276 046 050
Neem (Azadirachta indica) 283 028 035
Animal based
Blood meal 10-12 1-2 100
Meat meal 105 25 05
Fish meal 4-10 3-9 03-15
Horn and hoof meal 13 - -
Raw bone meal 3-4 20-25 -
Steamed bone meal 1-2 25-30 -
bull Lack of technical know-howbull Lack of required amount BD preparations in marketbull Lack of awareness among people about hazards caused by use of agrochemicalsbull Bulky nature of BD preparations and compostbull In-situ production is not feasiblebull Lack of scientific data on the long-term benefits and limitations of biodynamic farmingbull Limited domestic market for bio-dynamically grown producebull Quality certification
Constraints
ConstraintsProducersrsquoDistributorsrsquoTradersrsquo point of view
bull Lack of proper infrastructure for distribution and conservation of bio-inputs is a major constraint that hinders the access of these inputs to farmers
bull Some climatic regions and soil conditions are not suitable for specific strains of organic production
bull Given the mandated period of around three years for a conventional farm to become an organic farm the benefits perceived by farmers tend to be limited as they have a short term orientation
bull As a result even if they are aware they are hesitant to switch over to organic (green) agricultural practices
Constraining factorsFarmersrsquo point of view
The government perspective bull Changing the cropping and cultivation
patterns is slow and time-consuming process
bull Given the high levels of illiteracy and large number of small and marginal farmers it makes the change process difficult
bull Subsidies on chemical fertilizers and pesticide impede the growth of organic agriculture
Major Limitations under Punjab conditions
bull Bulky nature of organic manurebull Divergent nutritional valuebull Small land holdingbull Lack of awareness among farmersbull Marketing of organic producebull Labour and cost intensivebull Low incentives from governmentbull Non availability of bio pesticides
Major Limitations------contd
bull Dramatic and large benefits in terms of yield and returns
bull Cultivation of high nutrient responsive cultivers
bull Promotion of biological agentsbull Urgency to meet food security
Why farmers are reluctant to adopt organic farming in Punjab
bull Perceived high costs of doing organic farming due to incomplete knowledge about principles and practices of organic agriculture among farmers They were arranging inputs from outside
bull Non-availability of adequate quantities of organic manures and other organic inputs in the local market
bull Knowledge of organic farming has not filtered down to actual users ie small farmers and the information reached to target groups is often not backed by scientifically proven results
bull Complex and costly procedures of certificationbull Risk involved in marketing of organic produce
Discussion points
bull What arguments are there in favour of organic agriculture in India
bull What vested interests would oppose the growth of organic agricultures and why
bull What strategies could be employed to further promote the greening of agriculture in India
Can India adopt organic farming in a big way
bull Is organic farming non-scientific and unproven bull Does practicing organic farming means reduced yield bull Why were crop yields low before invention of Agro-
chemicals bull How is organic farming different from conventional bull What are the strengths and weaknesses of organic
farming
bull Where is the large quantity of compost for OF bull Does the soil fertility decline when fertilizers are
not used bull Scientifically where crop nutrients come from in
organic farming bull How are crops protected in organic farming bull Why restricted when India is a low user bull Where are the evidences that high yields are
possible in organic farming bull Is organic farming labour intensive
Conclusion Sustainable economic and eco friendly approach
Minimum risk of residual toxicity
Improvement in soil fertility with high yield quality produce Maintenance of organic matter content of the soil
Reduced energy use
Increased yields without over reliance on costly inputs
SummaryOrganic agriculture is not for everyone Yet it is a viable approach that can be beneficial It canbull Be particularly useful in the more difficult environments where resources are scarce and cultivation problematicbull Potentially reduce risks bya) ldquolocalizingrdquo input productionb) fostering soil and water conservationc) encouraging diversification (food security)bull Improve ability to compete in todayrsquos fast globalizing standards-critical trade
Strategies needed to promote organic farming in India
bull Adequate research and extension support needs to be providedbull Research to quantify the role of organic farming in minimizing the
ill effects of modern agriculture and its effect on environment bull Helping farmers to promote organic farmingbull Government should recognize agriculture in Kyoto protocol
carbon credit mechanismbull Developing infrastructure for supply chain and ensuring
competitive price for organic productsbull Capacity building through on farm demonstrations and trainingsbull Government support in cheaper access to organic certificates
Thanks
Factors driving organic farmingbull Increasing involvement of
private companies in field of agricultural extension trade consultation and other services
bull Enhanced government attention and support for organic agriculture through various policy initiations and action programs
ORGANIC STATUS
bull Global 24 mha (16 Ag Area) Nearly 130 countries produce organic
product Australia (10 mha) ndash lead country
bull Indian 37000-41000 ha (SOEL survey) (03 of Ag Area)
250 million ha (APEDA)(Including 243 mha of forest area with wild herb amp medicinal plants
Cotton herbal extractOthers
Sesame castor sunflowerOilseeds
Okra Brinjal Garlic Onion Tomato PotatoVegetables
Mango Banana Pineapple Grape passion fruit Orange Cashew nut walnut
Fruits
Red Gram Black GramPulses
Cardamom Black pepper white pepper ginger turmeric vanilla mustard tamarind clove cinnamon nutmeg mace chilly
Spices
Tea Coffee Rice WheatCommodity
ProductsType
Major products produced in India by Organic Farming
Market Organic (Export) 2004
Kerala = 1232 Metric ton
West Bengal = 937 Metric ton
Karnataka = 476 Metric ton
Tamil Nadu = 471 Metric ton
Punjab = 541 Metric ton
Himachal Pradesh = 521 Metric ton
Maharashtra = 375 Metric ton
India Total = 6472 Metric ton
Export Product
Basmati rice cottonMangopulp Cashewnut SesamePiniapple pulpHoney Walnutspices coffee TeaPeanut canned
APEDA
Organic PrinciplesIntegrityhellip
Benefits Protects the concept and value of organic
Practices Buffers good record keeping
Benefits reduced energy consumptionsoil conservation efficient water useincreased water quality
Practices conservation structuresconservation tillage controlled drainagerotations mulching integrated systems
Sustainabilityhellip
Natural Plant NutritionhellipBenefits Emphasis on soil health translates into healthier food healthier humans Less plant disease fewer weeds better water-holding capacity resistance to erosionPractices Crop rotations cover crops green manures animal manures application of allowable substances in limited quantities composting
BiodiversityhellipBenefits ecosystem (and financial) stability more beneficial insects greater below-ground diversity better nutrient cycling disease suppression tilth and N-fixationPractices intercropping companion planting establishment of beneficial habitats crop rotations cover crops speciesenterprise integration
Biodiversity and Organic Agriculture
Organic farmers are both custodians and users of biodiversity at
all levels
bull Gene level locally adapted seeds and breeds are preferred for their greater
resistance to diseases and resilience to climatic stress
bull Species level diverse combinations of plants and animals optimize nutrient
and energy cycling for agricultural production
bull Ecosystem level the maintenance of natural areas within and around organic
fields and absence of chemical inputs create suitable habitats for wildlife
Reliance on natural control methods maintains species diversity and avoids
the selection of pest species resistant to chemical control methods
Organic agriculture and soil ecosystemsNatural soil fertility must be relied upon in organic systems Practices such as crop rotations symbiotic association cover crops organic fertilizers and minimum tillage create suitable conditions for soil fauna and flora
(IFOAM 2000 )
Organic agriculture and agro-ecosystems
Natural disease resistance and pest predation must be strengthened in organic systems Crop rotation is considered the cornerstone of organic management functioning as a tool for pest management and soil fertility
Organic farming combats global warming
Some apprehensions about organic farming
Can organic farming produce enough food for every body Is it possible to meet the nutrient requirements of crops entirely from organic sourcesAre there any significant environmental benefits of organic farming Is the food produced by organic farming superior in quality Is organic agriculture economically feasible Is it possible to manage pests and diseases in organic farming
24
Comparative data of 3 years average production at Phanda farm
2000220095001500Wheat 3
1120108015001500Peas2
10181272900014000Gram1
Rabi
66379820003750Arhar4
1300145020008800Paddy3
75080010001000Maize2
Kharif
121612461400020000Soybean1
ControlOrganicControlOrganic
Production QntlHa
Sowing area (Ha)CropsSNo
Dr GS KaushalDirector AgricultureGovt of Madhya PradeshBHOPAL
Ram et al 2004
Improvement in soil composition under biodynamic practices
Treatment Fruit qualityTitrable acidity
(citrate )Ascorbic
acid (mg100
g)
Total solids()
pH
T1-control 043 183 36 36
T2-100 N as urea 052 207 44 38
T3-100N as fym 055 207 46 37
T4-100N as vermicompost 061 218 49 37
T5-100N as coirpith compost 056 208 45 36
T6-75N as FYM with Azospirillum 062 208 5O 37
T7-75N as vermicompost with Azospirllum 072 230 54 39
T8-75N as coirpith compost with Azospirillum
066 217 52 38
T9-50N asFYM with Azospirillum 048 191 41 35
T10-50N as vermicompost with Azospirllum 050 194 43 36
T11-50N as coirpith compost with Azospirillum
048 191 42 36
C D(P=005) 003 05 03 04Kannan et al 2006
Fruit quality of tomato influenced by organic farming
Treatment Fruit characters
Fruit height (cm)
Fruit girth (cm)
Fruit weight (g)
Yield (tha)
T1-Control 22 107 298 227
T2-100 N as urea 26 144 298 310
T3-100N as fym 26 143 397 309
T4-100N as vermicompost 27 147 403 312
T5-100N as coirpith compost 26 144 398 310
T6-75N as FYM with Azospirillum 28 147 405 313
T7-75N as vermicompost with Azospirllum
31 152 427 330
T8-75N as coirpith compost with Azospirillum
30 149 414 317
T9-50N asFYM with Azospirillum 24 127 385 306
T10-50N as vermicompost with Azospirllum
25 133 390 305
T11-50N as coirpith compost with Azospirillum
25 133 387 307
C D(P=005) 01 03 17 02
Kannan et al 2006
Effect of organic farming on fruit characteristics and yield of tomato
Rice equivalent yield (tha) of different systems under various management practices at PAU
Cropping System Productivity ( tha)Chemical Organic Integrated
GM-Basmati Rice- Wheat
126 130 136
Turmeric-Onion 192 369 366Summer Groundnut-Garlic
253 291 294
Maize-durum Wheat-Cowpea (F)
114 126 123
Rice-Garlic+Mentha 249 310 322
Management of soil fertility using on ndash farm inputs in maizebasmati rice ndashwheat cropping systems at PAU
Organic InputsGrain Yield (qha)
Maize Wheat
Farmyard Manure (FYM) 399 356Crop residues (CR) 337 324Vermicompost (VC) 419 33013 FYM + 13 CR + 13 VC 415 342Control 171 132
Basmati Rice Wheat
GM 308 293Control 172 137
Green fodder yield (tha) under different fodder production system at PAU
Treatment Green fodder yield (tha)Kharif Rabi Summer Total
Main Plots (Green fodder system)
Sorghum ndash Berseem - 337 672 - 1009Maize ndash Berseem- Bajra 132 677 608 1417Maize-Berseem-Maize+cowpea
142 679 419 1240
Sorghum + gurara - oats - cowpea
350 483 336 1169
Sub plots (Management sysem)Organic 259 712 472 1443Chemical 196 533 426 1155Integrated 264 637 465 1366CD (005) 095 17 20 23
Plant Nutrient Supply System in Organic Farming
1Organic amendments with organic manure vermi-compost and bio fertilizers
2Biodynamic Approach based on soil biotechnology and microbiology
3Homeopathic Approach
4Agnihotra Approach
5Panchgavya Approach
Nutrient Cycling Soil microorganisms mediate nutrient cycles through decomposition of organic residues- Microorganisms lsquofeedrsquo on the residues- Biochemical by-products are plant nutrients (NPS) and other beneficial compounds like humic acid
bull Mineralization- Microbial conversion of organic N P and S into ammonium phosphate and sulfate - Nutrients become available
bull Immobilization-Microbial assimilation of inorganic N P and S- Nutrients temporarily tied up in microbial biomass
Microbial Functional Groups1048698 Bacteria- decomposers primary players in NP and S cycling- Actinomycetes act on more complex compounds to form humus1048698 Fungi- Decomposers attack lignin- Nutrient acquisition (mycorrhiza)1048698 Protozoa and Nematodes- Consume bacteria and fungi releasing plant nutrients (N)- Activity increases decomposition rates
Factors Affecting Microbial Populations1048698 Moisture- Microorganisms need water to survive1048698 Oxygen- Bacteria both aerobic and anaerobic- Fungi protozoa and nematodes aerobic1048698 Temperature- Adaptable- Activity generally increases as temperature rises1048698 Soil pH- Bacteria sensitive to acidity- Fungi function at low pH1048698 Organic Matter- OM source of C and nutrients- OM additions stimulate microbial growth
Agricultural Practices Affecting Microbial Populations1048698 Tillage- Destroys fungi meso and macrofauna- Reduces OM- Reduces aggregation1048698 Fertilizers- N and P fertilizers create acid zones killing microorganisms1048698 Fumigation- Indiscriminant destruction of microbial community1048698 Monocropping- Reduces microbial diversity- Promotes pest build-up
What About the Soil Food Web
What About the Soil Food Web Important to recognize the role of each functional group and their interdependence
Remember that management practices affect microbial interactions
Soil tests to quantify soil food web are expensive and difficult to interpret
Hot area for research
Tools and Practices for organic farmingCrop Rotation Soil fertility- Legumes for N fixation- Diverse rooting habitsPest Management- Break pest cycles- Promote diversity Know the family of the cropsCrops rotated so that crops from different families follow each other Lettuce Beans Corn Tomatoes
Green Manures in the Crop Rotation1048698 Soil fertility- Legumes for N fixation- Grasses for OM accumulation- Diverse rooting habits1048698 Pest Management- Break pest cycles- Promote diversity attract beneficials- Biofumigants (brassicas sudan grass sunn hemp)1048698 Weed Management- Perennial rye- Oats
Composts and Manures Soil Conditioner- Feed the soil- Improve physical properties
Nutrient Availability- CN ratio- Total N content- 15 of total N in mature composts available in thefirst year (Bettina et al 2003)- Field trials estimate that composts alone can satisfycrop N demands after 40-80 years
Feather meal Dairy Manure CompostCN ratio 32 18 10-17Total N 12 20 10
Composts and Manures1048698 Timing-Continuous additions to build up SOM
- Mineralization potential of soil increases asOM inputs increase with time
- SOM acts as nutrient reserve continuouslyreleasing nutrients
- High N materials can be used as a rapidsource of N in the short term
Intercropping and Companion Planting1048698 Interplanting 2 or more mutually beneficial plants to increase biodiversity
Biological Pest Control1048698 Depends on managing beneficial insectpredatorsparasites1048698 Seen as default benefit of organic soilmanagement practices that promoteabove and below ground diversity1048698 Can include the release of control agents1048698 Farmscaping longshort term design tocreate habitats for beneficials
Tillage and Cultivation1048698 Tools for weed control residuemanagement manure incorporationhardpan destruction pest control1048698 Negative impacts- Costly- Destroy humus reserves and soil organisms- compaction1048698 Conservation and ridge tillage- Organic growers pioneers
Mulching1048698 Weed control moisture and temperature control soil organic matter
1048698 Large quantities of resistant organic materials (wood chips straw etchellip)
1048698 Not practical on a large scale
List of bio-pesticides available in marketName Purpose
Neemazal Against borers
Neem oil (5 ) Against borers
Neem seed extract (5 ) Against borers
Neem cake For controlling nematodes
Dried neem leaves Against stored grain pests
Sour butter milk (10 ) Against sap sucking insects
Cow dung ash dusting
Water spray Against aphid
Trichogramma cards Against borers
Trixho- XP ( Trichoderma harzaianum) Against diseases
SudocelPseudomonas fluoresens (PSF) Larvocel
Against diseases
Bauvaria baviana Against diseases
Products for use in fertilization and soil conditioning in organic farming
Sr No
Items Conditions for use
Material produced on an organic farm unit
Matter produced on an organic farm unit
1 Farmyard and slurry urine Permitted
2 Crop residues and green manure Permitted
3 Straw and other mulches Permitted
4 Composts and vermicomposts Permitted
Matter produced outside the organic farm unit
1 Blood meal meat meal bone meal and feather meal without preservatives
Restricted
2 Compost made from plant residues and animal excrement Restricted
3 Farmyard manure slurry urine Restricted
4 Fish and fish products without preservatives Restricted
5 Guano Restricted
6 Human excreta Restricted
7 Wood bark sawdust wood ash wood charcoal Restricted
8 Straw animal charcoal compost and spent mushroom and vermiculture substances
Restricted
9 Compost from organic household Restricted
10 Compost from plant residues Restricted
11 Sea weed and sea weed products
By products from the industries
1 By- products from the food and textile industries of biodegradable material of microbial plant or animal origin without any systematic additives
Restricted
2 By products from oil palm coconut and cocoa (including fruit bunch palm oil mill effluent cocoa peat and empty coca pods
Restricted
3 By products of industries processing ingredients from organic agriculture Restricted
4 Extracts from mushroom chlorella fermented product from Aspergillus natural acids (vinegar)
Restricted
Mineral Origin
Basic slag Restricted
Calcareous and magnesium rock Restricted
Lime limestone gypsum Restricted
Calcified sea weed Restricted
Calcium chloride Restricted
Mineral potassium with low chlorine content (eg sulphate of potash kainite sylvinite patenkali)
Restricted
Natural phosphates (rock phosphate) Restricted
Trace elements Permitted
Sulphur Permitted
Clay (bentonite perlite zeolite) Permitted
Microbiological origin
Bacterial preparation (bio fertilizers) Permitted
Biodynamic preparations Permitted
Plant preparation and botanical extracts Permitted
Products for plant pest and disease controlItems Condition
for use
Material from plant and animal origin
Plant based repellents (Neem preparations from Azadirachta indica
Permitted
Algal preparations (gelatine) Permitted
Casein Permitted
Extracts from mushroom chlorella fermented products from Aspergillus
Permitted
Propolis Restricted
Beeswax natural acids (vinegar) plant oils Quassia Permitted
Rotenone from Derris elliptica Lonchocarpus Trphrosia spp
Restricted
Tobacco tea (pure nicotine prohibited Restricted
Preparation from Rryania species Restricted
Items Condition for use
Mineral Origin
Chloride of limesoda Restricted
Burgundy mixture Restricted
Clay (bentonite perlite ermiculite zeolite Permitted
Copper saltsinorganic salts (Bordeaux mix copper hydroxide copper oxychloride)
Not allowed
Quick lime Restricted
Mineral Origin
Diatomaceous earth Permitted
Light mineral oils Restricted
Permagnate of potash Restricted
Insect Origin
Release of parasites predators of insect pests Restricted
Sterilized insects Restricted
Sterlized insects males Not allowed
Items Condition for use
Microorganisms used for biological pest control
Viral fungal and bacterial preparations (biopesticides) Restricted
Others
Carbon dioxide and nitrogen gas Permitted
Soft soap soda sulphur dioxide Permitted
Homeopathic and ayurvedic preparations Permitted
Herbal and biodynamic preparations Permitted
Sea salt and salty water Permitted
Ethyl alcohol Not allowed
Traps barriers and repellants
Physical methods (eg chromatic traps mechanical traps)
Permitted
Mulches nets Permitted
Pheromones-in traps and dispensers only Permitted
Average nutrient content of organic manures
Source of Nutrition Percentage composition
Organic manure N P2O5 K2O
Farmyard Manure 05 02 05
Farm compost 05 015 05
Town compost 14 100 14
Night soil 55 40 20
Vermicompost 30 00 15
Crop residues -
Bio gas slurry 15-20 10 1
Rock phosphate - 25-30 -
Source of Nutrition
Percentage composition
Non edible oil cake
N P2O5 K2O
Castor cake 43 18 13
Cotton seed cake 39 18 16
Karanj or honge cake 39 09 12
Mahua cake 25 08 18
Neem cake 52 10 14
Safflower cake 49 14 12
Green Manure crops
San hamp (Crotolaria juncea) 23 05 180
Dhaincha ( Sesbnia aculeata) 35 06 120
Sesbania speciosa 271 053 221
Source of Nutrition Percentage composition
Green leaf manure N P2O5 K2O
Glycricidia (Gluicidia sepium) 276 028 46
Pongamia (Pongama glabra) 331 044 239
Gulmohur (Delonix glabra) 276 046 050
Neem (Azadirachta indica) 283 028 035
Animal based
Blood meal 10-12 1-2 100
Meat meal 105 25 05
Fish meal 4-10 3-9 03-15
Horn and hoof meal 13 - -
Raw bone meal 3-4 20-25 -
Steamed bone meal 1-2 25-30 -
bull Lack of technical know-howbull Lack of required amount BD preparations in marketbull Lack of awareness among people about hazards caused by use of agrochemicalsbull Bulky nature of BD preparations and compostbull In-situ production is not feasiblebull Lack of scientific data on the long-term benefits and limitations of biodynamic farmingbull Limited domestic market for bio-dynamically grown producebull Quality certification
Constraints
ConstraintsProducersrsquoDistributorsrsquoTradersrsquo point of view
bull Lack of proper infrastructure for distribution and conservation of bio-inputs is a major constraint that hinders the access of these inputs to farmers
bull Some climatic regions and soil conditions are not suitable for specific strains of organic production
bull Given the mandated period of around three years for a conventional farm to become an organic farm the benefits perceived by farmers tend to be limited as they have a short term orientation
bull As a result even if they are aware they are hesitant to switch over to organic (green) agricultural practices
Constraining factorsFarmersrsquo point of view
The government perspective bull Changing the cropping and cultivation
patterns is slow and time-consuming process
bull Given the high levels of illiteracy and large number of small and marginal farmers it makes the change process difficult
bull Subsidies on chemical fertilizers and pesticide impede the growth of organic agriculture
Major Limitations under Punjab conditions
bull Bulky nature of organic manurebull Divergent nutritional valuebull Small land holdingbull Lack of awareness among farmersbull Marketing of organic producebull Labour and cost intensivebull Low incentives from governmentbull Non availability of bio pesticides
Major Limitations------contd
bull Dramatic and large benefits in terms of yield and returns
bull Cultivation of high nutrient responsive cultivers
bull Promotion of biological agentsbull Urgency to meet food security
Why farmers are reluctant to adopt organic farming in Punjab
bull Perceived high costs of doing organic farming due to incomplete knowledge about principles and practices of organic agriculture among farmers They were arranging inputs from outside
bull Non-availability of adequate quantities of organic manures and other organic inputs in the local market
bull Knowledge of organic farming has not filtered down to actual users ie small farmers and the information reached to target groups is often not backed by scientifically proven results
bull Complex and costly procedures of certificationbull Risk involved in marketing of organic produce
Discussion points
bull What arguments are there in favour of organic agriculture in India
bull What vested interests would oppose the growth of organic agricultures and why
bull What strategies could be employed to further promote the greening of agriculture in India
Can India adopt organic farming in a big way
bull Is organic farming non-scientific and unproven bull Does practicing organic farming means reduced yield bull Why were crop yields low before invention of Agro-
chemicals bull How is organic farming different from conventional bull What are the strengths and weaknesses of organic
farming
bull Where is the large quantity of compost for OF bull Does the soil fertility decline when fertilizers are
not used bull Scientifically where crop nutrients come from in
organic farming bull How are crops protected in organic farming bull Why restricted when India is a low user bull Where are the evidences that high yields are
possible in organic farming bull Is organic farming labour intensive
Conclusion Sustainable economic and eco friendly approach
Minimum risk of residual toxicity
Improvement in soil fertility with high yield quality produce Maintenance of organic matter content of the soil
Reduced energy use
Increased yields without over reliance on costly inputs
SummaryOrganic agriculture is not for everyone Yet it is a viable approach that can be beneficial It canbull Be particularly useful in the more difficult environments where resources are scarce and cultivation problematicbull Potentially reduce risks bya) ldquolocalizingrdquo input productionb) fostering soil and water conservationc) encouraging diversification (food security)bull Improve ability to compete in todayrsquos fast globalizing standards-critical trade
Strategies needed to promote organic farming in India
bull Adequate research and extension support needs to be providedbull Research to quantify the role of organic farming in minimizing the
ill effects of modern agriculture and its effect on environment bull Helping farmers to promote organic farmingbull Government should recognize agriculture in Kyoto protocol
carbon credit mechanismbull Developing infrastructure for supply chain and ensuring
competitive price for organic productsbull Capacity building through on farm demonstrations and trainingsbull Government support in cheaper access to organic certificates
Thanks
ORGANIC STATUS
bull Global 24 mha (16 Ag Area) Nearly 130 countries produce organic
product Australia (10 mha) ndash lead country
bull Indian 37000-41000 ha (SOEL survey) (03 of Ag Area)
250 million ha (APEDA)(Including 243 mha of forest area with wild herb amp medicinal plants
Cotton herbal extractOthers
Sesame castor sunflowerOilseeds
Okra Brinjal Garlic Onion Tomato PotatoVegetables
Mango Banana Pineapple Grape passion fruit Orange Cashew nut walnut
Fruits
Red Gram Black GramPulses
Cardamom Black pepper white pepper ginger turmeric vanilla mustard tamarind clove cinnamon nutmeg mace chilly
Spices
Tea Coffee Rice WheatCommodity
ProductsType
Major products produced in India by Organic Farming
Market Organic (Export) 2004
Kerala = 1232 Metric ton
West Bengal = 937 Metric ton
Karnataka = 476 Metric ton
Tamil Nadu = 471 Metric ton
Punjab = 541 Metric ton
Himachal Pradesh = 521 Metric ton
Maharashtra = 375 Metric ton
India Total = 6472 Metric ton
Export Product
Basmati rice cottonMangopulp Cashewnut SesamePiniapple pulpHoney Walnutspices coffee TeaPeanut canned
APEDA
Organic PrinciplesIntegrityhellip
Benefits Protects the concept and value of organic
Practices Buffers good record keeping
Benefits reduced energy consumptionsoil conservation efficient water useincreased water quality
Practices conservation structuresconservation tillage controlled drainagerotations mulching integrated systems
Sustainabilityhellip
Natural Plant NutritionhellipBenefits Emphasis on soil health translates into healthier food healthier humans Less plant disease fewer weeds better water-holding capacity resistance to erosionPractices Crop rotations cover crops green manures animal manures application of allowable substances in limited quantities composting
BiodiversityhellipBenefits ecosystem (and financial) stability more beneficial insects greater below-ground diversity better nutrient cycling disease suppression tilth and N-fixationPractices intercropping companion planting establishment of beneficial habitats crop rotations cover crops speciesenterprise integration
Biodiversity and Organic Agriculture
Organic farmers are both custodians and users of biodiversity at
all levels
bull Gene level locally adapted seeds and breeds are preferred for their greater
resistance to diseases and resilience to climatic stress
bull Species level diverse combinations of plants and animals optimize nutrient
and energy cycling for agricultural production
bull Ecosystem level the maintenance of natural areas within and around organic
fields and absence of chemical inputs create suitable habitats for wildlife
Reliance on natural control methods maintains species diversity and avoids
the selection of pest species resistant to chemical control methods
Organic agriculture and soil ecosystemsNatural soil fertility must be relied upon in organic systems Practices such as crop rotations symbiotic association cover crops organic fertilizers and minimum tillage create suitable conditions for soil fauna and flora
(IFOAM 2000 )
Organic agriculture and agro-ecosystems
Natural disease resistance and pest predation must be strengthened in organic systems Crop rotation is considered the cornerstone of organic management functioning as a tool for pest management and soil fertility
Organic farming combats global warming
Some apprehensions about organic farming
Can organic farming produce enough food for every body Is it possible to meet the nutrient requirements of crops entirely from organic sourcesAre there any significant environmental benefits of organic farming Is the food produced by organic farming superior in quality Is organic agriculture economically feasible Is it possible to manage pests and diseases in organic farming
24
Comparative data of 3 years average production at Phanda farm
2000220095001500Wheat 3
1120108015001500Peas2
10181272900014000Gram1
Rabi
66379820003750Arhar4
1300145020008800Paddy3
75080010001000Maize2
Kharif
121612461400020000Soybean1
ControlOrganicControlOrganic
Production QntlHa
Sowing area (Ha)CropsSNo
Dr GS KaushalDirector AgricultureGovt of Madhya PradeshBHOPAL
Ram et al 2004
Improvement in soil composition under biodynamic practices
Treatment Fruit qualityTitrable acidity
(citrate )Ascorbic
acid (mg100
g)
Total solids()
pH
T1-control 043 183 36 36
T2-100 N as urea 052 207 44 38
T3-100N as fym 055 207 46 37
T4-100N as vermicompost 061 218 49 37
T5-100N as coirpith compost 056 208 45 36
T6-75N as FYM with Azospirillum 062 208 5O 37
T7-75N as vermicompost with Azospirllum 072 230 54 39
T8-75N as coirpith compost with Azospirillum
066 217 52 38
T9-50N asFYM with Azospirillum 048 191 41 35
T10-50N as vermicompost with Azospirllum 050 194 43 36
T11-50N as coirpith compost with Azospirillum
048 191 42 36
C D(P=005) 003 05 03 04Kannan et al 2006
Fruit quality of tomato influenced by organic farming
Treatment Fruit characters
Fruit height (cm)
Fruit girth (cm)
Fruit weight (g)
Yield (tha)
T1-Control 22 107 298 227
T2-100 N as urea 26 144 298 310
T3-100N as fym 26 143 397 309
T4-100N as vermicompost 27 147 403 312
T5-100N as coirpith compost 26 144 398 310
T6-75N as FYM with Azospirillum 28 147 405 313
T7-75N as vermicompost with Azospirllum
31 152 427 330
T8-75N as coirpith compost with Azospirillum
30 149 414 317
T9-50N asFYM with Azospirillum 24 127 385 306
T10-50N as vermicompost with Azospirllum
25 133 390 305
T11-50N as coirpith compost with Azospirillum
25 133 387 307
C D(P=005) 01 03 17 02
Kannan et al 2006
Effect of organic farming on fruit characteristics and yield of tomato
Rice equivalent yield (tha) of different systems under various management practices at PAU
Cropping System Productivity ( tha)Chemical Organic Integrated
GM-Basmati Rice- Wheat
126 130 136
Turmeric-Onion 192 369 366Summer Groundnut-Garlic
253 291 294
Maize-durum Wheat-Cowpea (F)
114 126 123
Rice-Garlic+Mentha 249 310 322
Management of soil fertility using on ndash farm inputs in maizebasmati rice ndashwheat cropping systems at PAU
Organic InputsGrain Yield (qha)
Maize Wheat
Farmyard Manure (FYM) 399 356Crop residues (CR) 337 324Vermicompost (VC) 419 33013 FYM + 13 CR + 13 VC 415 342Control 171 132
Basmati Rice Wheat
GM 308 293Control 172 137
Green fodder yield (tha) under different fodder production system at PAU
Treatment Green fodder yield (tha)Kharif Rabi Summer Total
Main Plots (Green fodder system)
Sorghum ndash Berseem - 337 672 - 1009Maize ndash Berseem- Bajra 132 677 608 1417Maize-Berseem-Maize+cowpea
142 679 419 1240
Sorghum + gurara - oats - cowpea
350 483 336 1169
Sub plots (Management sysem)Organic 259 712 472 1443Chemical 196 533 426 1155Integrated 264 637 465 1366CD (005) 095 17 20 23
Plant Nutrient Supply System in Organic Farming
1Organic amendments with organic manure vermi-compost and bio fertilizers
2Biodynamic Approach based on soil biotechnology and microbiology
3Homeopathic Approach
4Agnihotra Approach
5Panchgavya Approach
Nutrient Cycling Soil microorganisms mediate nutrient cycles through decomposition of organic residues- Microorganisms lsquofeedrsquo on the residues- Biochemical by-products are plant nutrients (NPS) and other beneficial compounds like humic acid
bull Mineralization- Microbial conversion of organic N P and S into ammonium phosphate and sulfate - Nutrients become available
bull Immobilization-Microbial assimilation of inorganic N P and S- Nutrients temporarily tied up in microbial biomass
Microbial Functional Groups1048698 Bacteria- decomposers primary players in NP and S cycling- Actinomycetes act on more complex compounds to form humus1048698 Fungi- Decomposers attack lignin- Nutrient acquisition (mycorrhiza)1048698 Protozoa and Nematodes- Consume bacteria and fungi releasing plant nutrients (N)- Activity increases decomposition rates
Factors Affecting Microbial Populations1048698 Moisture- Microorganisms need water to survive1048698 Oxygen- Bacteria both aerobic and anaerobic- Fungi protozoa and nematodes aerobic1048698 Temperature- Adaptable- Activity generally increases as temperature rises1048698 Soil pH- Bacteria sensitive to acidity- Fungi function at low pH1048698 Organic Matter- OM source of C and nutrients- OM additions stimulate microbial growth
Agricultural Practices Affecting Microbial Populations1048698 Tillage- Destroys fungi meso and macrofauna- Reduces OM- Reduces aggregation1048698 Fertilizers- N and P fertilizers create acid zones killing microorganisms1048698 Fumigation- Indiscriminant destruction of microbial community1048698 Monocropping- Reduces microbial diversity- Promotes pest build-up
What About the Soil Food Web
What About the Soil Food Web Important to recognize the role of each functional group and their interdependence
Remember that management practices affect microbial interactions
Soil tests to quantify soil food web are expensive and difficult to interpret
Hot area for research
Tools and Practices for organic farmingCrop Rotation Soil fertility- Legumes for N fixation- Diverse rooting habitsPest Management- Break pest cycles- Promote diversity Know the family of the cropsCrops rotated so that crops from different families follow each other Lettuce Beans Corn Tomatoes
Green Manures in the Crop Rotation1048698 Soil fertility- Legumes for N fixation- Grasses for OM accumulation- Diverse rooting habits1048698 Pest Management- Break pest cycles- Promote diversity attract beneficials- Biofumigants (brassicas sudan grass sunn hemp)1048698 Weed Management- Perennial rye- Oats
Composts and Manures Soil Conditioner- Feed the soil- Improve physical properties
Nutrient Availability- CN ratio- Total N content- 15 of total N in mature composts available in thefirst year (Bettina et al 2003)- Field trials estimate that composts alone can satisfycrop N demands after 40-80 years
Feather meal Dairy Manure CompostCN ratio 32 18 10-17Total N 12 20 10
Composts and Manures1048698 Timing-Continuous additions to build up SOM
- Mineralization potential of soil increases asOM inputs increase with time
- SOM acts as nutrient reserve continuouslyreleasing nutrients
- High N materials can be used as a rapidsource of N in the short term
Intercropping and Companion Planting1048698 Interplanting 2 or more mutually beneficial plants to increase biodiversity
Biological Pest Control1048698 Depends on managing beneficial insectpredatorsparasites1048698 Seen as default benefit of organic soilmanagement practices that promoteabove and below ground diversity1048698 Can include the release of control agents1048698 Farmscaping longshort term design tocreate habitats for beneficials
Tillage and Cultivation1048698 Tools for weed control residuemanagement manure incorporationhardpan destruction pest control1048698 Negative impacts- Costly- Destroy humus reserves and soil organisms- compaction1048698 Conservation and ridge tillage- Organic growers pioneers
Mulching1048698 Weed control moisture and temperature control soil organic matter
1048698 Large quantities of resistant organic materials (wood chips straw etchellip)
1048698 Not practical on a large scale
List of bio-pesticides available in marketName Purpose
Neemazal Against borers
Neem oil (5 ) Against borers
Neem seed extract (5 ) Against borers
Neem cake For controlling nematodes
Dried neem leaves Against stored grain pests
Sour butter milk (10 ) Against sap sucking insects
Cow dung ash dusting
Water spray Against aphid
Trichogramma cards Against borers
Trixho- XP ( Trichoderma harzaianum) Against diseases
SudocelPseudomonas fluoresens (PSF) Larvocel
Against diseases
Bauvaria baviana Against diseases
Products for use in fertilization and soil conditioning in organic farming
Sr No
Items Conditions for use
Material produced on an organic farm unit
Matter produced on an organic farm unit
1 Farmyard and slurry urine Permitted
2 Crop residues and green manure Permitted
3 Straw and other mulches Permitted
4 Composts and vermicomposts Permitted
Matter produced outside the organic farm unit
1 Blood meal meat meal bone meal and feather meal without preservatives
Restricted
2 Compost made from plant residues and animal excrement Restricted
3 Farmyard manure slurry urine Restricted
4 Fish and fish products without preservatives Restricted
5 Guano Restricted
6 Human excreta Restricted
7 Wood bark sawdust wood ash wood charcoal Restricted
8 Straw animal charcoal compost and spent mushroom and vermiculture substances
Restricted
9 Compost from organic household Restricted
10 Compost from plant residues Restricted
11 Sea weed and sea weed products
By products from the industries
1 By- products from the food and textile industries of biodegradable material of microbial plant or animal origin without any systematic additives
Restricted
2 By products from oil palm coconut and cocoa (including fruit bunch palm oil mill effluent cocoa peat and empty coca pods
Restricted
3 By products of industries processing ingredients from organic agriculture Restricted
4 Extracts from mushroom chlorella fermented product from Aspergillus natural acids (vinegar)
Restricted
Mineral Origin
Basic slag Restricted
Calcareous and magnesium rock Restricted
Lime limestone gypsum Restricted
Calcified sea weed Restricted
Calcium chloride Restricted
Mineral potassium with low chlorine content (eg sulphate of potash kainite sylvinite patenkali)
Restricted
Natural phosphates (rock phosphate) Restricted
Trace elements Permitted
Sulphur Permitted
Clay (bentonite perlite zeolite) Permitted
Microbiological origin
Bacterial preparation (bio fertilizers) Permitted
Biodynamic preparations Permitted
Plant preparation and botanical extracts Permitted
Products for plant pest and disease controlItems Condition
for use
Material from plant and animal origin
Plant based repellents (Neem preparations from Azadirachta indica
Permitted
Algal preparations (gelatine) Permitted
Casein Permitted
Extracts from mushroom chlorella fermented products from Aspergillus
Permitted
Propolis Restricted
Beeswax natural acids (vinegar) plant oils Quassia Permitted
Rotenone from Derris elliptica Lonchocarpus Trphrosia spp
Restricted
Tobacco tea (pure nicotine prohibited Restricted
Preparation from Rryania species Restricted
Items Condition for use
Mineral Origin
Chloride of limesoda Restricted
Burgundy mixture Restricted
Clay (bentonite perlite ermiculite zeolite Permitted
Copper saltsinorganic salts (Bordeaux mix copper hydroxide copper oxychloride)
Not allowed
Quick lime Restricted
Mineral Origin
Diatomaceous earth Permitted
Light mineral oils Restricted
Permagnate of potash Restricted
Insect Origin
Release of parasites predators of insect pests Restricted
Sterilized insects Restricted
Sterlized insects males Not allowed
Items Condition for use
Microorganisms used for biological pest control
Viral fungal and bacterial preparations (biopesticides) Restricted
Others
Carbon dioxide and nitrogen gas Permitted
Soft soap soda sulphur dioxide Permitted
Homeopathic and ayurvedic preparations Permitted
Herbal and biodynamic preparations Permitted
Sea salt and salty water Permitted
Ethyl alcohol Not allowed
Traps barriers and repellants
Physical methods (eg chromatic traps mechanical traps)
Permitted
Mulches nets Permitted
Pheromones-in traps and dispensers only Permitted
Average nutrient content of organic manures
Source of Nutrition Percentage composition
Organic manure N P2O5 K2O
Farmyard Manure 05 02 05
Farm compost 05 015 05
Town compost 14 100 14
Night soil 55 40 20
Vermicompost 30 00 15
Crop residues -
Bio gas slurry 15-20 10 1
Rock phosphate - 25-30 -
Source of Nutrition
Percentage composition
Non edible oil cake
N P2O5 K2O
Castor cake 43 18 13
Cotton seed cake 39 18 16
Karanj or honge cake 39 09 12
Mahua cake 25 08 18
Neem cake 52 10 14
Safflower cake 49 14 12
Green Manure crops
San hamp (Crotolaria juncea) 23 05 180
Dhaincha ( Sesbnia aculeata) 35 06 120
Sesbania speciosa 271 053 221
Source of Nutrition Percentage composition
Green leaf manure N P2O5 K2O
Glycricidia (Gluicidia sepium) 276 028 46
Pongamia (Pongama glabra) 331 044 239
Gulmohur (Delonix glabra) 276 046 050
Neem (Azadirachta indica) 283 028 035
Animal based
Blood meal 10-12 1-2 100
Meat meal 105 25 05
Fish meal 4-10 3-9 03-15
Horn and hoof meal 13 - -
Raw bone meal 3-4 20-25 -
Steamed bone meal 1-2 25-30 -
bull Lack of technical know-howbull Lack of required amount BD preparations in marketbull Lack of awareness among people about hazards caused by use of agrochemicalsbull Bulky nature of BD preparations and compostbull In-situ production is not feasiblebull Lack of scientific data on the long-term benefits and limitations of biodynamic farmingbull Limited domestic market for bio-dynamically grown producebull Quality certification
Constraints
ConstraintsProducersrsquoDistributorsrsquoTradersrsquo point of view
bull Lack of proper infrastructure for distribution and conservation of bio-inputs is a major constraint that hinders the access of these inputs to farmers
bull Some climatic regions and soil conditions are not suitable for specific strains of organic production
bull Given the mandated period of around three years for a conventional farm to become an organic farm the benefits perceived by farmers tend to be limited as they have a short term orientation
bull As a result even if they are aware they are hesitant to switch over to organic (green) agricultural practices
Constraining factorsFarmersrsquo point of view
The government perspective bull Changing the cropping and cultivation
patterns is slow and time-consuming process
bull Given the high levels of illiteracy and large number of small and marginal farmers it makes the change process difficult
bull Subsidies on chemical fertilizers and pesticide impede the growth of organic agriculture
Major Limitations under Punjab conditions
bull Bulky nature of organic manurebull Divergent nutritional valuebull Small land holdingbull Lack of awareness among farmersbull Marketing of organic producebull Labour and cost intensivebull Low incentives from governmentbull Non availability of bio pesticides
Major Limitations------contd
bull Dramatic and large benefits in terms of yield and returns
bull Cultivation of high nutrient responsive cultivers
bull Promotion of biological agentsbull Urgency to meet food security
Why farmers are reluctant to adopt organic farming in Punjab
bull Perceived high costs of doing organic farming due to incomplete knowledge about principles and practices of organic agriculture among farmers They were arranging inputs from outside
bull Non-availability of adequate quantities of organic manures and other organic inputs in the local market
bull Knowledge of organic farming has not filtered down to actual users ie small farmers and the information reached to target groups is often not backed by scientifically proven results
bull Complex and costly procedures of certificationbull Risk involved in marketing of organic produce
Discussion points
bull What arguments are there in favour of organic agriculture in India
bull What vested interests would oppose the growth of organic agricultures and why
bull What strategies could be employed to further promote the greening of agriculture in India
Can India adopt organic farming in a big way
bull Is organic farming non-scientific and unproven bull Does practicing organic farming means reduced yield bull Why were crop yields low before invention of Agro-
chemicals bull How is organic farming different from conventional bull What are the strengths and weaknesses of organic
farming
bull Where is the large quantity of compost for OF bull Does the soil fertility decline when fertilizers are
not used bull Scientifically where crop nutrients come from in
organic farming bull How are crops protected in organic farming bull Why restricted when India is a low user bull Where are the evidences that high yields are
possible in organic farming bull Is organic farming labour intensive
Conclusion Sustainable economic and eco friendly approach
Minimum risk of residual toxicity
Improvement in soil fertility with high yield quality produce Maintenance of organic matter content of the soil
Reduced energy use
Increased yields without over reliance on costly inputs
SummaryOrganic agriculture is not for everyone Yet it is a viable approach that can be beneficial It canbull Be particularly useful in the more difficult environments where resources are scarce and cultivation problematicbull Potentially reduce risks bya) ldquolocalizingrdquo input productionb) fostering soil and water conservationc) encouraging diversification (food security)bull Improve ability to compete in todayrsquos fast globalizing standards-critical trade
Strategies needed to promote organic farming in India
bull Adequate research and extension support needs to be providedbull Research to quantify the role of organic farming in minimizing the
ill effects of modern agriculture and its effect on environment bull Helping farmers to promote organic farmingbull Government should recognize agriculture in Kyoto protocol
carbon credit mechanismbull Developing infrastructure for supply chain and ensuring
competitive price for organic productsbull Capacity building through on farm demonstrations and trainingsbull Government support in cheaper access to organic certificates
Thanks
Cotton herbal extractOthers
Sesame castor sunflowerOilseeds
Okra Brinjal Garlic Onion Tomato PotatoVegetables
Mango Banana Pineapple Grape passion fruit Orange Cashew nut walnut
Fruits
Red Gram Black GramPulses
Cardamom Black pepper white pepper ginger turmeric vanilla mustard tamarind clove cinnamon nutmeg mace chilly
Spices
Tea Coffee Rice WheatCommodity
ProductsType
Major products produced in India by Organic Farming
Market Organic (Export) 2004
Kerala = 1232 Metric ton
West Bengal = 937 Metric ton
Karnataka = 476 Metric ton
Tamil Nadu = 471 Metric ton
Punjab = 541 Metric ton
Himachal Pradesh = 521 Metric ton
Maharashtra = 375 Metric ton
India Total = 6472 Metric ton
Export Product
Basmati rice cottonMangopulp Cashewnut SesamePiniapple pulpHoney Walnutspices coffee TeaPeanut canned
APEDA
Organic PrinciplesIntegrityhellip
Benefits Protects the concept and value of organic
Practices Buffers good record keeping
Benefits reduced energy consumptionsoil conservation efficient water useincreased water quality
Practices conservation structuresconservation tillage controlled drainagerotations mulching integrated systems
Sustainabilityhellip
Natural Plant NutritionhellipBenefits Emphasis on soil health translates into healthier food healthier humans Less plant disease fewer weeds better water-holding capacity resistance to erosionPractices Crop rotations cover crops green manures animal manures application of allowable substances in limited quantities composting
BiodiversityhellipBenefits ecosystem (and financial) stability more beneficial insects greater below-ground diversity better nutrient cycling disease suppression tilth and N-fixationPractices intercropping companion planting establishment of beneficial habitats crop rotations cover crops speciesenterprise integration
Biodiversity and Organic Agriculture
Organic farmers are both custodians and users of biodiversity at
all levels
bull Gene level locally adapted seeds and breeds are preferred for their greater
resistance to diseases and resilience to climatic stress
bull Species level diverse combinations of plants and animals optimize nutrient
and energy cycling for agricultural production
bull Ecosystem level the maintenance of natural areas within and around organic
fields and absence of chemical inputs create suitable habitats for wildlife
Reliance on natural control methods maintains species diversity and avoids
the selection of pest species resistant to chemical control methods
Organic agriculture and soil ecosystemsNatural soil fertility must be relied upon in organic systems Practices such as crop rotations symbiotic association cover crops organic fertilizers and minimum tillage create suitable conditions for soil fauna and flora
(IFOAM 2000 )
Organic agriculture and agro-ecosystems
Natural disease resistance and pest predation must be strengthened in organic systems Crop rotation is considered the cornerstone of organic management functioning as a tool for pest management and soil fertility
Organic farming combats global warming
Some apprehensions about organic farming
Can organic farming produce enough food for every body Is it possible to meet the nutrient requirements of crops entirely from organic sourcesAre there any significant environmental benefits of organic farming Is the food produced by organic farming superior in quality Is organic agriculture economically feasible Is it possible to manage pests and diseases in organic farming
24
Comparative data of 3 years average production at Phanda farm
2000220095001500Wheat 3
1120108015001500Peas2
10181272900014000Gram1
Rabi
66379820003750Arhar4
1300145020008800Paddy3
75080010001000Maize2
Kharif
121612461400020000Soybean1
ControlOrganicControlOrganic
Production QntlHa
Sowing area (Ha)CropsSNo
Dr GS KaushalDirector AgricultureGovt of Madhya PradeshBHOPAL
Ram et al 2004
Improvement in soil composition under biodynamic practices
Treatment Fruit qualityTitrable acidity
(citrate )Ascorbic
acid (mg100
g)
Total solids()
pH
T1-control 043 183 36 36
T2-100 N as urea 052 207 44 38
T3-100N as fym 055 207 46 37
T4-100N as vermicompost 061 218 49 37
T5-100N as coirpith compost 056 208 45 36
T6-75N as FYM with Azospirillum 062 208 5O 37
T7-75N as vermicompost with Azospirllum 072 230 54 39
T8-75N as coirpith compost with Azospirillum
066 217 52 38
T9-50N asFYM with Azospirillum 048 191 41 35
T10-50N as vermicompost with Azospirllum 050 194 43 36
T11-50N as coirpith compost with Azospirillum
048 191 42 36
C D(P=005) 003 05 03 04Kannan et al 2006
Fruit quality of tomato influenced by organic farming
Treatment Fruit characters
Fruit height (cm)
Fruit girth (cm)
Fruit weight (g)
Yield (tha)
T1-Control 22 107 298 227
T2-100 N as urea 26 144 298 310
T3-100N as fym 26 143 397 309
T4-100N as vermicompost 27 147 403 312
T5-100N as coirpith compost 26 144 398 310
T6-75N as FYM with Azospirillum 28 147 405 313
T7-75N as vermicompost with Azospirllum
31 152 427 330
T8-75N as coirpith compost with Azospirillum
30 149 414 317
T9-50N asFYM with Azospirillum 24 127 385 306
T10-50N as vermicompost with Azospirllum
25 133 390 305
T11-50N as coirpith compost with Azospirillum
25 133 387 307
C D(P=005) 01 03 17 02
Kannan et al 2006
Effect of organic farming on fruit characteristics and yield of tomato
Rice equivalent yield (tha) of different systems under various management practices at PAU
Cropping System Productivity ( tha)Chemical Organic Integrated
GM-Basmati Rice- Wheat
126 130 136
Turmeric-Onion 192 369 366Summer Groundnut-Garlic
253 291 294
Maize-durum Wheat-Cowpea (F)
114 126 123
Rice-Garlic+Mentha 249 310 322
Management of soil fertility using on ndash farm inputs in maizebasmati rice ndashwheat cropping systems at PAU
Organic InputsGrain Yield (qha)
Maize Wheat
Farmyard Manure (FYM) 399 356Crop residues (CR) 337 324Vermicompost (VC) 419 33013 FYM + 13 CR + 13 VC 415 342Control 171 132
Basmati Rice Wheat
GM 308 293Control 172 137
Green fodder yield (tha) under different fodder production system at PAU
Treatment Green fodder yield (tha)Kharif Rabi Summer Total
Main Plots (Green fodder system)
Sorghum ndash Berseem - 337 672 - 1009Maize ndash Berseem- Bajra 132 677 608 1417Maize-Berseem-Maize+cowpea
142 679 419 1240
Sorghum + gurara - oats - cowpea
350 483 336 1169
Sub plots (Management sysem)Organic 259 712 472 1443Chemical 196 533 426 1155Integrated 264 637 465 1366CD (005) 095 17 20 23
Plant Nutrient Supply System in Organic Farming
1Organic amendments with organic manure vermi-compost and bio fertilizers
2Biodynamic Approach based on soil biotechnology and microbiology
3Homeopathic Approach
4Agnihotra Approach
5Panchgavya Approach
Nutrient Cycling Soil microorganisms mediate nutrient cycles through decomposition of organic residues- Microorganisms lsquofeedrsquo on the residues- Biochemical by-products are plant nutrients (NPS) and other beneficial compounds like humic acid
bull Mineralization- Microbial conversion of organic N P and S into ammonium phosphate and sulfate - Nutrients become available
bull Immobilization-Microbial assimilation of inorganic N P and S- Nutrients temporarily tied up in microbial biomass
Microbial Functional Groups1048698 Bacteria- decomposers primary players in NP and S cycling- Actinomycetes act on more complex compounds to form humus1048698 Fungi- Decomposers attack lignin- Nutrient acquisition (mycorrhiza)1048698 Protozoa and Nematodes- Consume bacteria and fungi releasing plant nutrients (N)- Activity increases decomposition rates
Factors Affecting Microbial Populations1048698 Moisture- Microorganisms need water to survive1048698 Oxygen- Bacteria both aerobic and anaerobic- Fungi protozoa and nematodes aerobic1048698 Temperature- Adaptable- Activity generally increases as temperature rises1048698 Soil pH- Bacteria sensitive to acidity- Fungi function at low pH1048698 Organic Matter- OM source of C and nutrients- OM additions stimulate microbial growth
Agricultural Practices Affecting Microbial Populations1048698 Tillage- Destroys fungi meso and macrofauna- Reduces OM- Reduces aggregation1048698 Fertilizers- N and P fertilizers create acid zones killing microorganisms1048698 Fumigation- Indiscriminant destruction of microbial community1048698 Monocropping- Reduces microbial diversity- Promotes pest build-up
What About the Soil Food Web
What About the Soil Food Web Important to recognize the role of each functional group and their interdependence
Remember that management practices affect microbial interactions
Soil tests to quantify soil food web are expensive and difficult to interpret
Hot area for research
Tools and Practices for organic farmingCrop Rotation Soil fertility- Legumes for N fixation- Diverse rooting habitsPest Management- Break pest cycles- Promote diversity Know the family of the cropsCrops rotated so that crops from different families follow each other Lettuce Beans Corn Tomatoes
Green Manures in the Crop Rotation1048698 Soil fertility- Legumes for N fixation- Grasses for OM accumulation- Diverse rooting habits1048698 Pest Management- Break pest cycles- Promote diversity attract beneficials- Biofumigants (brassicas sudan grass sunn hemp)1048698 Weed Management- Perennial rye- Oats
Composts and Manures Soil Conditioner- Feed the soil- Improve physical properties
Nutrient Availability- CN ratio- Total N content- 15 of total N in mature composts available in thefirst year (Bettina et al 2003)- Field trials estimate that composts alone can satisfycrop N demands after 40-80 years
Feather meal Dairy Manure CompostCN ratio 32 18 10-17Total N 12 20 10
Composts and Manures1048698 Timing-Continuous additions to build up SOM
- Mineralization potential of soil increases asOM inputs increase with time
- SOM acts as nutrient reserve continuouslyreleasing nutrients
- High N materials can be used as a rapidsource of N in the short term
Intercropping and Companion Planting1048698 Interplanting 2 or more mutually beneficial plants to increase biodiversity
Biological Pest Control1048698 Depends on managing beneficial insectpredatorsparasites1048698 Seen as default benefit of organic soilmanagement practices that promoteabove and below ground diversity1048698 Can include the release of control agents1048698 Farmscaping longshort term design tocreate habitats for beneficials
Tillage and Cultivation1048698 Tools for weed control residuemanagement manure incorporationhardpan destruction pest control1048698 Negative impacts- Costly- Destroy humus reserves and soil organisms- compaction1048698 Conservation and ridge tillage- Organic growers pioneers
Mulching1048698 Weed control moisture and temperature control soil organic matter
1048698 Large quantities of resistant organic materials (wood chips straw etchellip)
1048698 Not practical on a large scale
List of bio-pesticides available in marketName Purpose
Neemazal Against borers
Neem oil (5 ) Against borers
Neem seed extract (5 ) Against borers
Neem cake For controlling nematodes
Dried neem leaves Against stored grain pests
Sour butter milk (10 ) Against sap sucking insects
Cow dung ash dusting
Water spray Against aphid
Trichogramma cards Against borers
Trixho- XP ( Trichoderma harzaianum) Against diseases
SudocelPseudomonas fluoresens (PSF) Larvocel
Against diseases
Bauvaria baviana Against diseases
Products for use in fertilization and soil conditioning in organic farming
Sr No
Items Conditions for use
Material produced on an organic farm unit
Matter produced on an organic farm unit
1 Farmyard and slurry urine Permitted
2 Crop residues and green manure Permitted
3 Straw and other mulches Permitted
4 Composts and vermicomposts Permitted
Matter produced outside the organic farm unit
1 Blood meal meat meal bone meal and feather meal without preservatives
Restricted
2 Compost made from plant residues and animal excrement Restricted
3 Farmyard manure slurry urine Restricted
4 Fish and fish products without preservatives Restricted
5 Guano Restricted
6 Human excreta Restricted
7 Wood bark sawdust wood ash wood charcoal Restricted
8 Straw animal charcoal compost and spent mushroom and vermiculture substances
Restricted
9 Compost from organic household Restricted
10 Compost from plant residues Restricted
11 Sea weed and sea weed products
By products from the industries
1 By- products from the food and textile industries of biodegradable material of microbial plant or animal origin without any systematic additives
Restricted
2 By products from oil palm coconut and cocoa (including fruit bunch palm oil mill effluent cocoa peat and empty coca pods
Restricted
3 By products of industries processing ingredients from organic agriculture Restricted
4 Extracts from mushroom chlorella fermented product from Aspergillus natural acids (vinegar)
Restricted
Mineral Origin
Basic slag Restricted
Calcareous and magnesium rock Restricted
Lime limestone gypsum Restricted
Calcified sea weed Restricted
Calcium chloride Restricted
Mineral potassium with low chlorine content (eg sulphate of potash kainite sylvinite patenkali)
Restricted
Natural phosphates (rock phosphate) Restricted
Trace elements Permitted
Sulphur Permitted
Clay (bentonite perlite zeolite) Permitted
Microbiological origin
Bacterial preparation (bio fertilizers) Permitted
Biodynamic preparations Permitted
Plant preparation and botanical extracts Permitted
Products for plant pest and disease controlItems Condition
for use
Material from plant and animal origin
Plant based repellents (Neem preparations from Azadirachta indica
Permitted
Algal preparations (gelatine) Permitted
Casein Permitted
Extracts from mushroom chlorella fermented products from Aspergillus
Permitted
Propolis Restricted
Beeswax natural acids (vinegar) plant oils Quassia Permitted
Rotenone from Derris elliptica Lonchocarpus Trphrosia spp
Restricted
Tobacco tea (pure nicotine prohibited Restricted
Preparation from Rryania species Restricted
Items Condition for use
Mineral Origin
Chloride of limesoda Restricted
Burgundy mixture Restricted
Clay (bentonite perlite ermiculite zeolite Permitted
Copper saltsinorganic salts (Bordeaux mix copper hydroxide copper oxychloride)
Not allowed
Quick lime Restricted
Mineral Origin
Diatomaceous earth Permitted
Light mineral oils Restricted
Permagnate of potash Restricted
Insect Origin
Release of parasites predators of insect pests Restricted
Sterilized insects Restricted
Sterlized insects males Not allowed
Items Condition for use
Microorganisms used for biological pest control
Viral fungal and bacterial preparations (biopesticides) Restricted
Others
Carbon dioxide and nitrogen gas Permitted
Soft soap soda sulphur dioxide Permitted
Homeopathic and ayurvedic preparations Permitted
Herbal and biodynamic preparations Permitted
Sea salt and salty water Permitted
Ethyl alcohol Not allowed
Traps barriers and repellants
Physical methods (eg chromatic traps mechanical traps)
Permitted
Mulches nets Permitted
Pheromones-in traps and dispensers only Permitted
Average nutrient content of organic manures
Source of Nutrition Percentage composition
Organic manure N P2O5 K2O
Farmyard Manure 05 02 05
Farm compost 05 015 05
Town compost 14 100 14
Night soil 55 40 20
Vermicompost 30 00 15
Crop residues -
Bio gas slurry 15-20 10 1
Rock phosphate - 25-30 -
Source of Nutrition
Percentage composition
Non edible oil cake
N P2O5 K2O
Castor cake 43 18 13
Cotton seed cake 39 18 16
Karanj or honge cake 39 09 12
Mahua cake 25 08 18
Neem cake 52 10 14
Safflower cake 49 14 12
Green Manure crops
San hamp (Crotolaria juncea) 23 05 180
Dhaincha ( Sesbnia aculeata) 35 06 120
Sesbania speciosa 271 053 221
Source of Nutrition Percentage composition
Green leaf manure N P2O5 K2O
Glycricidia (Gluicidia sepium) 276 028 46
Pongamia (Pongama glabra) 331 044 239
Gulmohur (Delonix glabra) 276 046 050
Neem (Azadirachta indica) 283 028 035
Animal based
Blood meal 10-12 1-2 100
Meat meal 105 25 05
Fish meal 4-10 3-9 03-15
Horn and hoof meal 13 - -
Raw bone meal 3-4 20-25 -
Steamed bone meal 1-2 25-30 -
bull Lack of technical know-howbull Lack of required amount BD preparations in marketbull Lack of awareness among people about hazards caused by use of agrochemicalsbull Bulky nature of BD preparations and compostbull In-situ production is not feasiblebull Lack of scientific data on the long-term benefits and limitations of biodynamic farmingbull Limited domestic market for bio-dynamically grown producebull Quality certification
Constraints
ConstraintsProducersrsquoDistributorsrsquoTradersrsquo point of view
bull Lack of proper infrastructure for distribution and conservation of bio-inputs is a major constraint that hinders the access of these inputs to farmers
bull Some climatic regions and soil conditions are not suitable for specific strains of organic production
bull Given the mandated period of around three years for a conventional farm to become an organic farm the benefits perceived by farmers tend to be limited as they have a short term orientation
bull As a result even if they are aware they are hesitant to switch over to organic (green) agricultural practices
Constraining factorsFarmersrsquo point of view
The government perspective bull Changing the cropping and cultivation
patterns is slow and time-consuming process
bull Given the high levels of illiteracy and large number of small and marginal farmers it makes the change process difficult
bull Subsidies on chemical fertilizers and pesticide impede the growth of organic agriculture
Major Limitations under Punjab conditions
bull Bulky nature of organic manurebull Divergent nutritional valuebull Small land holdingbull Lack of awareness among farmersbull Marketing of organic producebull Labour and cost intensivebull Low incentives from governmentbull Non availability of bio pesticides
Major Limitations------contd
bull Dramatic and large benefits in terms of yield and returns
bull Cultivation of high nutrient responsive cultivers
bull Promotion of biological agentsbull Urgency to meet food security
Why farmers are reluctant to adopt organic farming in Punjab
bull Perceived high costs of doing organic farming due to incomplete knowledge about principles and practices of organic agriculture among farmers They were arranging inputs from outside
bull Non-availability of adequate quantities of organic manures and other organic inputs in the local market
bull Knowledge of organic farming has not filtered down to actual users ie small farmers and the information reached to target groups is often not backed by scientifically proven results
bull Complex and costly procedures of certificationbull Risk involved in marketing of organic produce
Discussion points
bull What arguments are there in favour of organic agriculture in India
bull What vested interests would oppose the growth of organic agricultures and why
bull What strategies could be employed to further promote the greening of agriculture in India
Can India adopt organic farming in a big way
bull Is organic farming non-scientific and unproven bull Does practicing organic farming means reduced yield bull Why were crop yields low before invention of Agro-
chemicals bull How is organic farming different from conventional bull What are the strengths and weaknesses of organic
farming
bull Where is the large quantity of compost for OF bull Does the soil fertility decline when fertilizers are
not used bull Scientifically where crop nutrients come from in
organic farming bull How are crops protected in organic farming bull Why restricted when India is a low user bull Where are the evidences that high yields are
possible in organic farming bull Is organic farming labour intensive
Conclusion Sustainable economic and eco friendly approach
Minimum risk of residual toxicity
Improvement in soil fertility with high yield quality produce Maintenance of organic matter content of the soil
Reduced energy use
Increased yields without over reliance on costly inputs
SummaryOrganic agriculture is not for everyone Yet it is a viable approach that can be beneficial It canbull Be particularly useful in the more difficult environments where resources are scarce and cultivation problematicbull Potentially reduce risks bya) ldquolocalizingrdquo input productionb) fostering soil and water conservationc) encouraging diversification (food security)bull Improve ability to compete in todayrsquos fast globalizing standards-critical trade
Strategies needed to promote organic farming in India
bull Adequate research and extension support needs to be providedbull Research to quantify the role of organic farming in minimizing the
ill effects of modern agriculture and its effect on environment bull Helping farmers to promote organic farmingbull Government should recognize agriculture in Kyoto protocol
carbon credit mechanismbull Developing infrastructure for supply chain and ensuring
competitive price for organic productsbull Capacity building through on farm demonstrations and trainingsbull Government support in cheaper access to organic certificates
Thanks
Market Organic (Export) 2004
Kerala = 1232 Metric ton
West Bengal = 937 Metric ton
Karnataka = 476 Metric ton
Tamil Nadu = 471 Metric ton
Punjab = 541 Metric ton
Himachal Pradesh = 521 Metric ton
Maharashtra = 375 Metric ton
India Total = 6472 Metric ton
Export Product
Basmati rice cottonMangopulp Cashewnut SesamePiniapple pulpHoney Walnutspices coffee TeaPeanut canned
APEDA
Organic PrinciplesIntegrityhellip
Benefits Protects the concept and value of organic
Practices Buffers good record keeping
Benefits reduced energy consumptionsoil conservation efficient water useincreased water quality
Practices conservation structuresconservation tillage controlled drainagerotations mulching integrated systems
Sustainabilityhellip
Natural Plant NutritionhellipBenefits Emphasis on soil health translates into healthier food healthier humans Less plant disease fewer weeds better water-holding capacity resistance to erosionPractices Crop rotations cover crops green manures animal manures application of allowable substances in limited quantities composting
BiodiversityhellipBenefits ecosystem (and financial) stability more beneficial insects greater below-ground diversity better nutrient cycling disease suppression tilth and N-fixationPractices intercropping companion planting establishment of beneficial habitats crop rotations cover crops speciesenterprise integration
Biodiversity and Organic Agriculture
Organic farmers are both custodians and users of biodiversity at
all levels
bull Gene level locally adapted seeds and breeds are preferred for their greater
resistance to diseases and resilience to climatic stress
bull Species level diverse combinations of plants and animals optimize nutrient
and energy cycling for agricultural production
bull Ecosystem level the maintenance of natural areas within and around organic
fields and absence of chemical inputs create suitable habitats for wildlife
Reliance on natural control methods maintains species diversity and avoids
the selection of pest species resistant to chemical control methods
Organic agriculture and soil ecosystemsNatural soil fertility must be relied upon in organic systems Practices such as crop rotations symbiotic association cover crops organic fertilizers and minimum tillage create suitable conditions for soil fauna and flora
(IFOAM 2000 )
Organic agriculture and agro-ecosystems
Natural disease resistance and pest predation must be strengthened in organic systems Crop rotation is considered the cornerstone of organic management functioning as a tool for pest management and soil fertility
Organic farming combats global warming
Some apprehensions about organic farming
Can organic farming produce enough food for every body Is it possible to meet the nutrient requirements of crops entirely from organic sourcesAre there any significant environmental benefits of organic farming Is the food produced by organic farming superior in quality Is organic agriculture economically feasible Is it possible to manage pests and diseases in organic farming
24
Comparative data of 3 years average production at Phanda farm
2000220095001500Wheat 3
1120108015001500Peas2
10181272900014000Gram1
Rabi
66379820003750Arhar4
1300145020008800Paddy3
75080010001000Maize2
Kharif
121612461400020000Soybean1
ControlOrganicControlOrganic
Production QntlHa
Sowing area (Ha)CropsSNo
Dr GS KaushalDirector AgricultureGovt of Madhya PradeshBHOPAL
Ram et al 2004
Improvement in soil composition under biodynamic practices
Treatment Fruit qualityTitrable acidity
(citrate )Ascorbic
acid (mg100
g)
Total solids()
pH
T1-control 043 183 36 36
T2-100 N as urea 052 207 44 38
T3-100N as fym 055 207 46 37
T4-100N as vermicompost 061 218 49 37
T5-100N as coirpith compost 056 208 45 36
T6-75N as FYM with Azospirillum 062 208 5O 37
T7-75N as vermicompost with Azospirllum 072 230 54 39
T8-75N as coirpith compost with Azospirillum
066 217 52 38
T9-50N asFYM with Azospirillum 048 191 41 35
T10-50N as vermicompost with Azospirllum 050 194 43 36
T11-50N as coirpith compost with Azospirillum
048 191 42 36
C D(P=005) 003 05 03 04Kannan et al 2006
Fruit quality of tomato influenced by organic farming
Treatment Fruit characters
Fruit height (cm)
Fruit girth (cm)
Fruit weight (g)
Yield (tha)
T1-Control 22 107 298 227
T2-100 N as urea 26 144 298 310
T3-100N as fym 26 143 397 309
T4-100N as vermicompost 27 147 403 312
T5-100N as coirpith compost 26 144 398 310
T6-75N as FYM with Azospirillum 28 147 405 313
T7-75N as vermicompost with Azospirllum
31 152 427 330
T8-75N as coirpith compost with Azospirillum
30 149 414 317
T9-50N asFYM with Azospirillum 24 127 385 306
T10-50N as vermicompost with Azospirllum
25 133 390 305
T11-50N as coirpith compost with Azospirillum
25 133 387 307
C D(P=005) 01 03 17 02
Kannan et al 2006
Effect of organic farming on fruit characteristics and yield of tomato
Rice equivalent yield (tha) of different systems under various management practices at PAU
Cropping System Productivity ( tha)Chemical Organic Integrated
GM-Basmati Rice- Wheat
126 130 136
Turmeric-Onion 192 369 366Summer Groundnut-Garlic
253 291 294
Maize-durum Wheat-Cowpea (F)
114 126 123
Rice-Garlic+Mentha 249 310 322
Management of soil fertility using on ndash farm inputs in maizebasmati rice ndashwheat cropping systems at PAU
Organic InputsGrain Yield (qha)
Maize Wheat
Farmyard Manure (FYM) 399 356Crop residues (CR) 337 324Vermicompost (VC) 419 33013 FYM + 13 CR + 13 VC 415 342Control 171 132
Basmati Rice Wheat
GM 308 293Control 172 137
Green fodder yield (tha) under different fodder production system at PAU
Treatment Green fodder yield (tha)Kharif Rabi Summer Total
Main Plots (Green fodder system)
Sorghum ndash Berseem - 337 672 - 1009Maize ndash Berseem- Bajra 132 677 608 1417Maize-Berseem-Maize+cowpea
142 679 419 1240
Sorghum + gurara - oats - cowpea
350 483 336 1169
Sub plots (Management sysem)Organic 259 712 472 1443Chemical 196 533 426 1155Integrated 264 637 465 1366CD (005) 095 17 20 23
Plant Nutrient Supply System in Organic Farming
1Organic amendments with organic manure vermi-compost and bio fertilizers
2Biodynamic Approach based on soil biotechnology and microbiology
3Homeopathic Approach
4Agnihotra Approach
5Panchgavya Approach
Nutrient Cycling Soil microorganisms mediate nutrient cycles through decomposition of organic residues- Microorganisms lsquofeedrsquo on the residues- Biochemical by-products are plant nutrients (NPS) and other beneficial compounds like humic acid
bull Mineralization- Microbial conversion of organic N P and S into ammonium phosphate and sulfate - Nutrients become available
bull Immobilization-Microbial assimilation of inorganic N P and S- Nutrients temporarily tied up in microbial biomass
Microbial Functional Groups1048698 Bacteria- decomposers primary players in NP and S cycling- Actinomycetes act on more complex compounds to form humus1048698 Fungi- Decomposers attack lignin- Nutrient acquisition (mycorrhiza)1048698 Protozoa and Nematodes- Consume bacteria and fungi releasing plant nutrients (N)- Activity increases decomposition rates
Factors Affecting Microbial Populations1048698 Moisture- Microorganisms need water to survive1048698 Oxygen- Bacteria both aerobic and anaerobic- Fungi protozoa and nematodes aerobic1048698 Temperature- Adaptable- Activity generally increases as temperature rises1048698 Soil pH- Bacteria sensitive to acidity- Fungi function at low pH1048698 Organic Matter- OM source of C and nutrients- OM additions stimulate microbial growth
Agricultural Practices Affecting Microbial Populations1048698 Tillage- Destroys fungi meso and macrofauna- Reduces OM- Reduces aggregation1048698 Fertilizers- N and P fertilizers create acid zones killing microorganisms1048698 Fumigation- Indiscriminant destruction of microbial community1048698 Monocropping- Reduces microbial diversity- Promotes pest build-up
What About the Soil Food Web
What About the Soil Food Web Important to recognize the role of each functional group and their interdependence
Remember that management practices affect microbial interactions
Soil tests to quantify soil food web are expensive and difficult to interpret
Hot area for research
Tools and Practices for organic farmingCrop Rotation Soil fertility- Legumes for N fixation- Diverse rooting habitsPest Management- Break pest cycles- Promote diversity Know the family of the cropsCrops rotated so that crops from different families follow each other Lettuce Beans Corn Tomatoes
Green Manures in the Crop Rotation1048698 Soil fertility- Legumes for N fixation- Grasses for OM accumulation- Diverse rooting habits1048698 Pest Management- Break pest cycles- Promote diversity attract beneficials- Biofumigants (brassicas sudan grass sunn hemp)1048698 Weed Management- Perennial rye- Oats
Composts and Manures Soil Conditioner- Feed the soil- Improve physical properties
Nutrient Availability- CN ratio- Total N content- 15 of total N in mature composts available in thefirst year (Bettina et al 2003)- Field trials estimate that composts alone can satisfycrop N demands after 40-80 years
Feather meal Dairy Manure CompostCN ratio 32 18 10-17Total N 12 20 10
Composts and Manures1048698 Timing-Continuous additions to build up SOM
- Mineralization potential of soil increases asOM inputs increase with time
- SOM acts as nutrient reserve continuouslyreleasing nutrients
- High N materials can be used as a rapidsource of N in the short term
Intercropping and Companion Planting1048698 Interplanting 2 or more mutually beneficial plants to increase biodiversity
Biological Pest Control1048698 Depends on managing beneficial insectpredatorsparasites1048698 Seen as default benefit of organic soilmanagement practices that promoteabove and below ground diversity1048698 Can include the release of control agents1048698 Farmscaping longshort term design tocreate habitats for beneficials
Tillage and Cultivation1048698 Tools for weed control residuemanagement manure incorporationhardpan destruction pest control1048698 Negative impacts- Costly- Destroy humus reserves and soil organisms- compaction1048698 Conservation and ridge tillage- Organic growers pioneers
Mulching1048698 Weed control moisture and temperature control soil organic matter
1048698 Large quantities of resistant organic materials (wood chips straw etchellip)
1048698 Not practical on a large scale
List of bio-pesticides available in marketName Purpose
Neemazal Against borers
Neem oil (5 ) Against borers
Neem seed extract (5 ) Against borers
Neem cake For controlling nematodes
Dried neem leaves Against stored grain pests
Sour butter milk (10 ) Against sap sucking insects
Cow dung ash dusting
Water spray Against aphid
Trichogramma cards Against borers
Trixho- XP ( Trichoderma harzaianum) Against diseases
SudocelPseudomonas fluoresens (PSF) Larvocel
Against diseases
Bauvaria baviana Against diseases
Products for use in fertilization and soil conditioning in organic farming
Sr No
Items Conditions for use
Material produced on an organic farm unit
Matter produced on an organic farm unit
1 Farmyard and slurry urine Permitted
2 Crop residues and green manure Permitted
3 Straw and other mulches Permitted
4 Composts and vermicomposts Permitted
Matter produced outside the organic farm unit
1 Blood meal meat meal bone meal and feather meal without preservatives
Restricted
2 Compost made from plant residues and animal excrement Restricted
3 Farmyard manure slurry urine Restricted
4 Fish and fish products without preservatives Restricted
5 Guano Restricted
6 Human excreta Restricted
7 Wood bark sawdust wood ash wood charcoal Restricted
8 Straw animal charcoal compost and spent mushroom and vermiculture substances
Restricted
9 Compost from organic household Restricted
10 Compost from plant residues Restricted
11 Sea weed and sea weed products
By products from the industries
1 By- products from the food and textile industries of biodegradable material of microbial plant or animal origin without any systematic additives
Restricted
2 By products from oil palm coconut and cocoa (including fruit bunch palm oil mill effluent cocoa peat and empty coca pods
Restricted
3 By products of industries processing ingredients from organic agriculture Restricted
4 Extracts from mushroom chlorella fermented product from Aspergillus natural acids (vinegar)
Restricted
Mineral Origin
Basic slag Restricted
Calcareous and magnesium rock Restricted
Lime limestone gypsum Restricted
Calcified sea weed Restricted
Calcium chloride Restricted
Mineral potassium with low chlorine content (eg sulphate of potash kainite sylvinite patenkali)
Restricted
Natural phosphates (rock phosphate) Restricted
Trace elements Permitted
Sulphur Permitted
Clay (bentonite perlite zeolite) Permitted
Microbiological origin
Bacterial preparation (bio fertilizers) Permitted
Biodynamic preparations Permitted
Plant preparation and botanical extracts Permitted
Products for plant pest and disease controlItems Condition
for use
Material from plant and animal origin
Plant based repellents (Neem preparations from Azadirachta indica
Permitted
Algal preparations (gelatine) Permitted
Casein Permitted
Extracts from mushroom chlorella fermented products from Aspergillus
Permitted
Propolis Restricted
Beeswax natural acids (vinegar) plant oils Quassia Permitted
Rotenone from Derris elliptica Lonchocarpus Trphrosia spp
Restricted
Tobacco tea (pure nicotine prohibited Restricted
Preparation from Rryania species Restricted
Items Condition for use
Mineral Origin
Chloride of limesoda Restricted
Burgundy mixture Restricted
Clay (bentonite perlite ermiculite zeolite Permitted
Copper saltsinorganic salts (Bordeaux mix copper hydroxide copper oxychloride)
Not allowed
Quick lime Restricted
Mineral Origin
Diatomaceous earth Permitted
Light mineral oils Restricted
Permagnate of potash Restricted
Insect Origin
Release of parasites predators of insect pests Restricted
Sterilized insects Restricted
Sterlized insects males Not allowed
Items Condition for use
Microorganisms used for biological pest control
Viral fungal and bacterial preparations (biopesticides) Restricted
Others
Carbon dioxide and nitrogen gas Permitted
Soft soap soda sulphur dioxide Permitted
Homeopathic and ayurvedic preparations Permitted
Herbal and biodynamic preparations Permitted
Sea salt and salty water Permitted
Ethyl alcohol Not allowed
Traps barriers and repellants
Physical methods (eg chromatic traps mechanical traps)
Permitted
Mulches nets Permitted
Pheromones-in traps and dispensers only Permitted
Average nutrient content of organic manures
Source of Nutrition Percentage composition
Organic manure N P2O5 K2O
Farmyard Manure 05 02 05
Farm compost 05 015 05
Town compost 14 100 14
Night soil 55 40 20
Vermicompost 30 00 15
Crop residues -
Bio gas slurry 15-20 10 1
Rock phosphate - 25-30 -
Source of Nutrition
Percentage composition
Non edible oil cake
N P2O5 K2O
Castor cake 43 18 13
Cotton seed cake 39 18 16
Karanj or honge cake 39 09 12
Mahua cake 25 08 18
Neem cake 52 10 14
Safflower cake 49 14 12
Green Manure crops
San hamp (Crotolaria juncea) 23 05 180
Dhaincha ( Sesbnia aculeata) 35 06 120
Sesbania speciosa 271 053 221
Source of Nutrition Percentage composition
Green leaf manure N P2O5 K2O
Glycricidia (Gluicidia sepium) 276 028 46
Pongamia (Pongama glabra) 331 044 239
Gulmohur (Delonix glabra) 276 046 050
Neem (Azadirachta indica) 283 028 035
Animal based
Blood meal 10-12 1-2 100
Meat meal 105 25 05
Fish meal 4-10 3-9 03-15
Horn and hoof meal 13 - -
Raw bone meal 3-4 20-25 -
Steamed bone meal 1-2 25-30 -
bull Lack of technical know-howbull Lack of required amount BD preparations in marketbull Lack of awareness among people about hazards caused by use of agrochemicalsbull Bulky nature of BD preparations and compostbull In-situ production is not feasiblebull Lack of scientific data on the long-term benefits and limitations of biodynamic farmingbull Limited domestic market for bio-dynamically grown producebull Quality certification
Constraints
ConstraintsProducersrsquoDistributorsrsquoTradersrsquo point of view
bull Lack of proper infrastructure for distribution and conservation of bio-inputs is a major constraint that hinders the access of these inputs to farmers
bull Some climatic regions and soil conditions are not suitable for specific strains of organic production
bull Given the mandated period of around three years for a conventional farm to become an organic farm the benefits perceived by farmers tend to be limited as they have a short term orientation
bull As a result even if they are aware they are hesitant to switch over to organic (green) agricultural practices
Constraining factorsFarmersrsquo point of view
The government perspective bull Changing the cropping and cultivation
patterns is slow and time-consuming process
bull Given the high levels of illiteracy and large number of small and marginal farmers it makes the change process difficult
bull Subsidies on chemical fertilizers and pesticide impede the growth of organic agriculture
Major Limitations under Punjab conditions
bull Bulky nature of organic manurebull Divergent nutritional valuebull Small land holdingbull Lack of awareness among farmersbull Marketing of organic producebull Labour and cost intensivebull Low incentives from governmentbull Non availability of bio pesticides
Major Limitations------contd
bull Dramatic and large benefits in terms of yield and returns
bull Cultivation of high nutrient responsive cultivers
bull Promotion of biological agentsbull Urgency to meet food security
Why farmers are reluctant to adopt organic farming in Punjab
bull Perceived high costs of doing organic farming due to incomplete knowledge about principles and practices of organic agriculture among farmers They were arranging inputs from outside
bull Non-availability of adequate quantities of organic manures and other organic inputs in the local market
bull Knowledge of organic farming has not filtered down to actual users ie small farmers and the information reached to target groups is often not backed by scientifically proven results
bull Complex and costly procedures of certificationbull Risk involved in marketing of organic produce
Discussion points
bull What arguments are there in favour of organic agriculture in India
bull What vested interests would oppose the growth of organic agricultures and why
bull What strategies could be employed to further promote the greening of agriculture in India
Can India adopt organic farming in a big way
bull Is organic farming non-scientific and unproven bull Does practicing organic farming means reduced yield bull Why were crop yields low before invention of Agro-
chemicals bull How is organic farming different from conventional bull What are the strengths and weaknesses of organic
farming
bull Where is the large quantity of compost for OF bull Does the soil fertility decline when fertilizers are
not used bull Scientifically where crop nutrients come from in
organic farming bull How are crops protected in organic farming bull Why restricted when India is a low user bull Where are the evidences that high yields are
possible in organic farming bull Is organic farming labour intensive
Conclusion Sustainable economic and eco friendly approach
Minimum risk of residual toxicity
Improvement in soil fertility with high yield quality produce Maintenance of organic matter content of the soil
Reduced energy use
Increased yields without over reliance on costly inputs
SummaryOrganic agriculture is not for everyone Yet it is a viable approach that can be beneficial It canbull Be particularly useful in the more difficult environments where resources are scarce and cultivation problematicbull Potentially reduce risks bya) ldquolocalizingrdquo input productionb) fostering soil and water conservationc) encouraging diversification (food security)bull Improve ability to compete in todayrsquos fast globalizing standards-critical trade
Strategies needed to promote organic farming in India
bull Adequate research and extension support needs to be providedbull Research to quantify the role of organic farming in minimizing the
ill effects of modern agriculture and its effect on environment bull Helping farmers to promote organic farmingbull Government should recognize agriculture in Kyoto protocol
carbon credit mechanismbull Developing infrastructure for supply chain and ensuring
competitive price for organic productsbull Capacity building through on farm demonstrations and trainingsbull Government support in cheaper access to organic certificates
Thanks
Organic PrinciplesIntegrityhellip
Benefits Protects the concept and value of organic
Practices Buffers good record keeping
Benefits reduced energy consumptionsoil conservation efficient water useincreased water quality
Practices conservation structuresconservation tillage controlled drainagerotations mulching integrated systems
Sustainabilityhellip
Natural Plant NutritionhellipBenefits Emphasis on soil health translates into healthier food healthier humans Less plant disease fewer weeds better water-holding capacity resistance to erosionPractices Crop rotations cover crops green manures animal manures application of allowable substances in limited quantities composting
BiodiversityhellipBenefits ecosystem (and financial) stability more beneficial insects greater below-ground diversity better nutrient cycling disease suppression tilth and N-fixationPractices intercropping companion planting establishment of beneficial habitats crop rotations cover crops speciesenterprise integration
Biodiversity and Organic Agriculture
Organic farmers are both custodians and users of biodiversity at
all levels
bull Gene level locally adapted seeds and breeds are preferred for their greater
resistance to diseases and resilience to climatic stress
bull Species level diverse combinations of plants and animals optimize nutrient
and energy cycling for agricultural production
bull Ecosystem level the maintenance of natural areas within and around organic
fields and absence of chemical inputs create suitable habitats for wildlife
Reliance on natural control methods maintains species diversity and avoids
the selection of pest species resistant to chemical control methods
Organic agriculture and soil ecosystemsNatural soil fertility must be relied upon in organic systems Practices such as crop rotations symbiotic association cover crops organic fertilizers and minimum tillage create suitable conditions for soil fauna and flora
(IFOAM 2000 )
Organic agriculture and agro-ecosystems
Natural disease resistance and pest predation must be strengthened in organic systems Crop rotation is considered the cornerstone of organic management functioning as a tool for pest management and soil fertility
Organic farming combats global warming
Some apprehensions about organic farming
Can organic farming produce enough food for every body Is it possible to meet the nutrient requirements of crops entirely from organic sourcesAre there any significant environmental benefits of organic farming Is the food produced by organic farming superior in quality Is organic agriculture economically feasible Is it possible to manage pests and diseases in organic farming
24
Comparative data of 3 years average production at Phanda farm
2000220095001500Wheat 3
1120108015001500Peas2
10181272900014000Gram1
Rabi
66379820003750Arhar4
1300145020008800Paddy3
75080010001000Maize2
Kharif
121612461400020000Soybean1
ControlOrganicControlOrganic
Production QntlHa
Sowing area (Ha)CropsSNo
Dr GS KaushalDirector AgricultureGovt of Madhya PradeshBHOPAL
Ram et al 2004
Improvement in soil composition under biodynamic practices
Treatment Fruit qualityTitrable acidity
(citrate )Ascorbic
acid (mg100
g)
Total solids()
pH
T1-control 043 183 36 36
T2-100 N as urea 052 207 44 38
T3-100N as fym 055 207 46 37
T4-100N as vermicompost 061 218 49 37
T5-100N as coirpith compost 056 208 45 36
T6-75N as FYM with Azospirillum 062 208 5O 37
T7-75N as vermicompost with Azospirllum 072 230 54 39
T8-75N as coirpith compost with Azospirillum
066 217 52 38
T9-50N asFYM with Azospirillum 048 191 41 35
T10-50N as vermicompost with Azospirllum 050 194 43 36
T11-50N as coirpith compost with Azospirillum
048 191 42 36
C D(P=005) 003 05 03 04Kannan et al 2006
Fruit quality of tomato influenced by organic farming
Treatment Fruit characters
Fruit height (cm)
Fruit girth (cm)
Fruit weight (g)
Yield (tha)
T1-Control 22 107 298 227
T2-100 N as urea 26 144 298 310
T3-100N as fym 26 143 397 309
T4-100N as vermicompost 27 147 403 312
T5-100N as coirpith compost 26 144 398 310
T6-75N as FYM with Azospirillum 28 147 405 313
T7-75N as vermicompost with Azospirllum
31 152 427 330
T8-75N as coirpith compost with Azospirillum
30 149 414 317
T9-50N asFYM with Azospirillum 24 127 385 306
T10-50N as vermicompost with Azospirllum
25 133 390 305
T11-50N as coirpith compost with Azospirillum
25 133 387 307
C D(P=005) 01 03 17 02
Kannan et al 2006
Effect of organic farming on fruit characteristics and yield of tomato
Rice equivalent yield (tha) of different systems under various management practices at PAU
Cropping System Productivity ( tha)Chemical Organic Integrated
GM-Basmati Rice- Wheat
126 130 136
Turmeric-Onion 192 369 366Summer Groundnut-Garlic
253 291 294
Maize-durum Wheat-Cowpea (F)
114 126 123
Rice-Garlic+Mentha 249 310 322
Management of soil fertility using on ndash farm inputs in maizebasmati rice ndashwheat cropping systems at PAU
Organic InputsGrain Yield (qha)
Maize Wheat
Farmyard Manure (FYM) 399 356Crop residues (CR) 337 324Vermicompost (VC) 419 33013 FYM + 13 CR + 13 VC 415 342Control 171 132
Basmati Rice Wheat
GM 308 293Control 172 137
Green fodder yield (tha) under different fodder production system at PAU
Treatment Green fodder yield (tha)Kharif Rabi Summer Total
Main Plots (Green fodder system)
Sorghum ndash Berseem - 337 672 - 1009Maize ndash Berseem- Bajra 132 677 608 1417Maize-Berseem-Maize+cowpea
142 679 419 1240
Sorghum + gurara - oats - cowpea
350 483 336 1169
Sub plots (Management sysem)Organic 259 712 472 1443Chemical 196 533 426 1155Integrated 264 637 465 1366CD (005) 095 17 20 23
Plant Nutrient Supply System in Organic Farming
1Organic amendments with organic manure vermi-compost and bio fertilizers
2Biodynamic Approach based on soil biotechnology and microbiology
3Homeopathic Approach
4Agnihotra Approach
5Panchgavya Approach
Nutrient Cycling Soil microorganisms mediate nutrient cycles through decomposition of organic residues- Microorganisms lsquofeedrsquo on the residues- Biochemical by-products are plant nutrients (NPS) and other beneficial compounds like humic acid
bull Mineralization- Microbial conversion of organic N P and S into ammonium phosphate and sulfate - Nutrients become available
bull Immobilization-Microbial assimilation of inorganic N P and S- Nutrients temporarily tied up in microbial biomass
Microbial Functional Groups1048698 Bacteria- decomposers primary players in NP and S cycling- Actinomycetes act on more complex compounds to form humus1048698 Fungi- Decomposers attack lignin- Nutrient acquisition (mycorrhiza)1048698 Protozoa and Nematodes- Consume bacteria and fungi releasing plant nutrients (N)- Activity increases decomposition rates
Factors Affecting Microbial Populations1048698 Moisture- Microorganisms need water to survive1048698 Oxygen- Bacteria both aerobic and anaerobic- Fungi protozoa and nematodes aerobic1048698 Temperature- Adaptable- Activity generally increases as temperature rises1048698 Soil pH- Bacteria sensitive to acidity- Fungi function at low pH1048698 Organic Matter- OM source of C and nutrients- OM additions stimulate microbial growth
Agricultural Practices Affecting Microbial Populations1048698 Tillage- Destroys fungi meso and macrofauna- Reduces OM- Reduces aggregation1048698 Fertilizers- N and P fertilizers create acid zones killing microorganisms1048698 Fumigation- Indiscriminant destruction of microbial community1048698 Monocropping- Reduces microbial diversity- Promotes pest build-up
What About the Soil Food Web
What About the Soil Food Web Important to recognize the role of each functional group and their interdependence
Remember that management practices affect microbial interactions
Soil tests to quantify soil food web are expensive and difficult to interpret
Hot area for research
Tools and Practices for organic farmingCrop Rotation Soil fertility- Legumes for N fixation- Diverse rooting habitsPest Management- Break pest cycles- Promote diversity Know the family of the cropsCrops rotated so that crops from different families follow each other Lettuce Beans Corn Tomatoes
Green Manures in the Crop Rotation1048698 Soil fertility- Legumes for N fixation- Grasses for OM accumulation- Diverse rooting habits1048698 Pest Management- Break pest cycles- Promote diversity attract beneficials- Biofumigants (brassicas sudan grass sunn hemp)1048698 Weed Management- Perennial rye- Oats
Composts and Manures Soil Conditioner- Feed the soil- Improve physical properties
Nutrient Availability- CN ratio- Total N content- 15 of total N in mature composts available in thefirst year (Bettina et al 2003)- Field trials estimate that composts alone can satisfycrop N demands after 40-80 years
Feather meal Dairy Manure CompostCN ratio 32 18 10-17Total N 12 20 10
Composts and Manures1048698 Timing-Continuous additions to build up SOM
- Mineralization potential of soil increases asOM inputs increase with time
- SOM acts as nutrient reserve continuouslyreleasing nutrients
- High N materials can be used as a rapidsource of N in the short term
Intercropping and Companion Planting1048698 Interplanting 2 or more mutually beneficial plants to increase biodiversity
Biological Pest Control1048698 Depends on managing beneficial insectpredatorsparasites1048698 Seen as default benefit of organic soilmanagement practices that promoteabove and below ground diversity1048698 Can include the release of control agents1048698 Farmscaping longshort term design tocreate habitats for beneficials
Tillage and Cultivation1048698 Tools for weed control residuemanagement manure incorporationhardpan destruction pest control1048698 Negative impacts- Costly- Destroy humus reserves and soil organisms- compaction1048698 Conservation and ridge tillage- Organic growers pioneers
Mulching1048698 Weed control moisture and temperature control soil organic matter
1048698 Large quantities of resistant organic materials (wood chips straw etchellip)
1048698 Not practical on a large scale
List of bio-pesticides available in marketName Purpose
Neemazal Against borers
Neem oil (5 ) Against borers
Neem seed extract (5 ) Against borers
Neem cake For controlling nematodes
Dried neem leaves Against stored grain pests
Sour butter milk (10 ) Against sap sucking insects
Cow dung ash dusting
Water spray Against aphid
Trichogramma cards Against borers
Trixho- XP ( Trichoderma harzaianum) Against diseases
SudocelPseudomonas fluoresens (PSF) Larvocel
Against diseases
Bauvaria baviana Against diseases
Products for use in fertilization and soil conditioning in organic farming
Sr No
Items Conditions for use
Material produced on an organic farm unit
Matter produced on an organic farm unit
1 Farmyard and slurry urine Permitted
2 Crop residues and green manure Permitted
3 Straw and other mulches Permitted
4 Composts and vermicomposts Permitted
Matter produced outside the organic farm unit
1 Blood meal meat meal bone meal and feather meal without preservatives
Restricted
2 Compost made from plant residues and animal excrement Restricted
3 Farmyard manure slurry urine Restricted
4 Fish and fish products without preservatives Restricted
5 Guano Restricted
6 Human excreta Restricted
7 Wood bark sawdust wood ash wood charcoal Restricted
8 Straw animal charcoal compost and spent mushroom and vermiculture substances
Restricted
9 Compost from organic household Restricted
10 Compost from plant residues Restricted
11 Sea weed and sea weed products
By products from the industries
1 By- products from the food and textile industries of biodegradable material of microbial plant or animal origin without any systematic additives
Restricted
2 By products from oil palm coconut and cocoa (including fruit bunch palm oil mill effluent cocoa peat and empty coca pods
Restricted
3 By products of industries processing ingredients from organic agriculture Restricted
4 Extracts from mushroom chlorella fermented product from Aspergillus natural acids (vinegar)
Restricted
Mineral Origin
Basic slag Restricted
Calcareous and magnesium rock Restricted
Lime limestone gypsum Restricted
Calcified sea weed Restricted
Calcium chloride Restricted
Mineral potassium with low chlorine content (eg sulphate of potash kainite sylvinite patenkali)
Restricted
Natural phosphates (rock phosphate) Restricted
Trace elements Permitted
Sulphur Permitted
Clay (bentonite perlite zeolite) Permitted
Microbiological origin
Bacterial preparation (bio fertilizers) Permitted
Biodynamic preparations Permitted
Plant preparation and botanical extracts Permitted
Products for plant pest and disease controlItems Condition
for use
Material from plant and animal origin
Plant based repellents (Neem preparations from Azadirachta indica
Permitted
Algal preparations (gelatine) Permitted
Casein Permitted
Extracts from mushroom chlorella fermented products from Aspergillus
Permitted
Propolis Restricted
Beeswax natural acids (vinegar) plant oils Quassia Permitted
Rotenone from Derris elliptica Lonchocarpus Trphrosia spp
Restricted
Tobacco tea (pure nicotine prohibited Restricted
Preparation from Rryania species Restricted
Items Condition for use
Mineral Origin
Chloride of limesoda Restricted
Burgundy mixture Restricted
Clay (bentonite perlite ermiculite zeolite Permitted
Copper saltsinorganic salts (Bordeaux mix copper hydroxide copper oxychloride)
Not allowed
Quick lime Restricted
Mineral Origin
Diatomaceous earth Permitted
Light mineral oils Restricted
Permagnate of potash Restricted
Insect Origin
Release of parasites predators of insect pests Restricted
Sterilized insects Restricted
Sterlized insects males Not allowed
Items Condition for use
Microorganisms used for biological pest control
Viral fungal and bacterial preparations (biopesticides) Restricted
Others
Carbon dioxide and nitrogen gas Permitted
Soft soap soda sulphur dioxide Permitted
Homeopathic and ayurvedic preparations Permitted
Herbal and biodynamic preparations Permitted
Sea salt and salty water Permitted
Ethyl alcohol Not allowed
Traps barriers and repellants
Physical methods (eg chromatic traps mechanical traps)
Permitted
Mulches nets Permitted
Pheromones-in traps and dispensers only Permitted
Average nutrient content of organic manures
Source of Nutrition Percentage composition
Organic manure N P2O5 K2O
Farmyard Manure 05 02 05
Farm compost 05 015 05
Town compost 14 100 14
Night soil 55 40 20
Vermicompost 30 00 15
Crop residues -
Bio gas slurry 15-20 10 1
Rock phosphate - 25-30 -
Source of Nutrition
Percentage composition
Non edible oil cake
N P2O5 K2O
Castor cake 43 18 13
Cotton seed cake 39 18 16
Karanj or honge cake 39 09 12
Mahua cake 25 08 18
Neem cake 52 10 14
Safflower cake 49 14 12
Green Manure crops
San hamp (Crotolaria juncea) 23 05 180
Dhaincha ( Sesbnia aculeata) 35 06 120
Sesbania speciosa 271 053 221
Source of Nutrition Percentage composition
Green leaf manure N P2O5 K2O
Glycricidia (Gluicidia sepium) 276 028 46
Pongamia (Pongama glabra) 331 044 239
Gulmohur (Delonix glabra) 276 046 050
Neem (Azadirachta indica) 283 028 035
Animal based
Blood meal 10-12 1-2 100
Meat meal 105 25 05
Fish meal 4-10 3-9 03-15
Horn and hoof meal 13 - -
Raw bone meal 3-4 20-25 -
Steamed bone meal 1-2 25-30 -
bull Lack of technical know-howbull Lack of required amount BD preparations in marketbull Lack of awareness among people about hazards caused by use of agrochemicalsbull Bulky nature of BD preparations and compostbull In-situ production is not feasiblebull Lack of scientific data on the long-term benefits and limitations of biodynamic farmingbull Limited domestic market for bio-dynamically grown producebull Quality certification
Constraints
ConstraintsProducersrsquoDistributorsrsquoTradersrsquo point of view
bull Lack of proper infrastructure for distribution and conservation of bio-inputs is a major constraint that hinders the access of these inputs to farmers
bull Some climatic regions and soil conditions are not suitable for specific strains of organic production
bull Given the mandated period of around three years for a conventional farm to become an organic farm the benefits perceived by farmers tend to be limited as they have a short term orientation
bull As a result even if they are aware they are hesitant to switch over to organic (green) agricultural practices
Constraining factorsFarmersrsquo point of view
The government perspective bull Changing the cropping and cultivation
patterns is slow and time-consuming process
bull Given the high levels of illiteracy and large number of small and marginal farmers it makes the change process difficult
bull Subsidies on chemical fertilizers and pesticide impede the growth of organic agriculture
Major Limitations under Punjab conditions
bull Bulky nature of organic manurebull Divergent nutritional valuebull Small land holdingbull Lack of awareness among farmersbull Marketing of organic producebull Labour and cost intensivebull Low incentives from governmentbull Non availability of bio pesticides
Major Limitations------contd
bull Dramatic and large benefits in terms of yield and returns
bull Cultivation of high nutrient responsive cultivers
bull Promotion of biological agentsbull Urgency to meet food security
Why farmers are reluctant to adopt organic farming in Punjab
bull Perceived high costs of doing organic farming due to incomplete knowledge about principles and practices of organic agriculture among farmers They were arranging inputs from outside
bull Non-availability of adequate quantities of organic manures and other organic inputs in the local market
bull Knowledge of organic farming has not filtered down to actual users ie small farmers and the information reached to target groups is often not backed by scientifically proven results
bull Complex and costly procedures of certificationbull Risk involved in marketing of organic produce
Discussion points
bull What arguments are there in favour of organic agriculture in India
bull What vested interests would oppose the growth of organic agricultures and why
bull What strategies could be employed to further promote the greening of agriculture in India
Can India adopt organic farming in a big way
bull Is organic farming non-scientific and unproven bull Does practicing organic farming means reduced yield bull Why were crop yields low before invention of Agro-
chemicals bull How is organic farming different from conventional bull What are the strengths and weaknesses of organic
farming
bull Where is the large quantity of compost for OF bull Does the soil fertility decline when fertilizers are
not used bull Scientifically where crop nutrients come from in
organic farming bull How are crops protected in organic farming bull Why restricted when India is a low user bull Where are the evidences that high yields are
possible in organic farming bull Is organic farming labour intensive
Conclusion Sustainable economic and eco friendly approach
Minimum risk of residual toxicity
Improvement in soil fertility with high yield quality produce Maintenance of organic matter content of the soil
Reduced energy use
Increased yields without over reliance on costly inputs
SummaryOrganic agriculture is not for everyone Yet it is a viable approach that can be beneficial It canbull Be particularly useful in the more difficult environments where resources are scarce and cultivation problematicbull Potentially reduce risks bya) ldquolocalizingrdquo input productionb) fostering soil and water conservationc) encouraging diversification (food security)bull Improve ability to compete in todayrsquos fast globalizing standards-critical trade
Strategies needed to promote organic farming in India
bull Adequate research and extension support needs to be providedbull Research to quantify the role of organic farming in minimizing the
ill effects of modern agriculture and its effect on environment bull Helping farmers to promote organic farmingbull Government should recognize agriculture in Kyoto protocol
carbon credit mechanismbull Developing infrastructure for supply chain and ensuring
competitive price for organic productsbull Capacity building through on farm demonstrations and trainingsbull Government support in cheaper access to organic certificates
Thanks
Biodiversity and Organic Agriculture
Organic farmers are both custodians and users of biodiversity at
all levels
bull Gene level locally adapted seeds and breeds are preferred for their greater
resistance to diseases and resilience to climatic stress
bull Species level diverse combinations of plants and animals optimize nutrient
and energy cycling for agricultural production
bull Ecosystem level the maintenance of natural areas within and around organic
fields and absence of chemical inputs create suitable habitats for wildlife
Reliance on natural control methods maintains species diversity and avoids
the selection of pest species resistant to chemical control methods
Organic agriculture and soil ecosystemsNatural soil fertility must be relied upon in organic systems Practices such as crop rotations symbiotic association cover crops organic fertilizers and minimum tillage create suitable conditions for soil fauna and flora
(IFOAM 2000 )
Organic agriculture and agro-ecosystems
Natural disease resistance and pest predation must be strengthened in organic systems Crop rotation is considered the cornerstone of organic management functioning as a tool for pest management and soil fertility
Organic farming combats global warming
Some apprehensions about organic farming
Can organic farming produce enough food for every body Is it possible to meet the nutrient requirements of crops entirely from organic sourcesAre there any significant environmental benefits of organic farming Is the food produced by organic farming superior in quality Is organic agriculture economically feasible Is it possible to manage pests and diseases in organic farming
24
Comparative data of 3 years average production at Phanda farm
2000220095001500Wheat 3
1120108015001500Peas2
10181272900014000Gram1
Rabi
66379820003750Arhar4
1300145020008800Paddy3
75080010001000Maize2
Kharif
121612461400020000Soybean1
ControlOrganicControlOrganic
Production QntlHa
Sowing area (Ha)CropsSNo
Dr GS KaushalDirector AgricultureGovt of Madhya PradeshBHOPAL
Ram et al 2004
Improvement in soil composition under biodynamic practices
Treatment Fruit qualityTitrable acidity
(citrate )Ascorbic
acid (mg100
g)
Total solids()
pH
T1-control 043 183 36 36
T2-100 N as urea 052 207 44 38
T3-100N as fym 055 207 46 37
T4-100N as vermicompost 061 218 49 37
T5-100N as coirpith compost 056 208 45 36
T6-75N as FYM with Azospirillum 062 208 5O 37
T7-75N as vermicompost with Azospirllum 072 230 54 39
T8-75N as coirpith compost with Azospirillum
066 217 52 38
T9-50N asFYM with Azospirillum 048 191 41 35
T10-50N as vermicompost with Azospirllum 050 194 43 36
T11-50N as coirpith compost with Azospirillum
048 191 42 36
C D(P=005) 003 05 03 04Kannan et al 2006
Fruit quality of tomato influenced by organic farming
Treatment Fruit characters
Fruit height (cm)
Fruit girth (cm)
Fruit weight (g)
Yield (tha)
T1-Control 22 107 298 227
T2-100 N as urea 26 144 298 310
T3-100N as fym 26 143 397 309
T4-100N as vermicompost 27 147 403 312
T5-100N as coirpith compost 26 144 398 310
T6-75N as FYM with Azospirillum 28 147 405 313
T7-75N as vermicompost with Azospirllum
31 152 427 330
T8-75N as coirpith compost with Azospirillum
30 149 414 317
T9-50N asFYM with Azospirillum 24 127 385 306
T10-50N as vermicompost with Azospirllum
25 133 390 305
T11-50N as coirpith compost with Azospirillum
25 133 387 307
C D(P=005) 01 03 17 02
Kannan et al 2006
Effect of organic farming on fruit characteristics and yield of tomato
Rice equivalent yield (tha) of different systems under various management practices at PAU
Cropping System Productivity ( tha)Chemical Organic Integrated
GM-Basmati Rice- Wheat
126 130 136
Turmeric-Onion 192 369 366Summer Groundnut-Garlic
253 291 294
Maize-durum Wheat-Cowpea (F)
114 126 123
Rice-Garlic+Mentha 249 310 322
Management of soil fertility using on ndash farm inputs in maizebasmati rice ndashwheat cropping systems at PAU
Organic InputsGrain Yield (qha)
Maize Wheat
Farmyard Manure (FYM) 399 356Crop residues (CR) 337 324Vermicompost (VC) 419 33013 FYM + 13 CR + 13 VC 415 342Control 171 132
Basmati Rice Wheat
GM 308 293Control 172 137
Green fodder yield (tha) under different fodder production system at PAU
Treatment Green fodder yield (tha)Kharif Rabi Summer Total
Main Plots (Green fodder system)
Sorghum ndash Berseem - 337 672 - 1009Maize ndash Berseem- Bajra 132 677 608 1417Maize-Berseem-Maize+cowpea
142 679 419 1240
Sorghum + gurara - oats - cowpea
350 483 336 1169
Sub plots (Management sysem)Organic 259 712 472 1443Chemical 196 533 426 1155Integrated 264 637 465 1366CD (005) 095 17 20 23
Plant Nutrient Supply System in Organic Farming
1Organic amendments with organic manure vermi-compost and bio fertilizers
2Biodynamic Approach based on soil biotechnology and microbiology
3Homeopathic Approach
4Agnihotra Approach
5Panchgavya Approach
Nutrient Cycling Soil microorganisms mediate nutrient cycles through decomposition of organic residues- Microorganisms lsquofeedrsquo on the residues- Biochemical by-products are plant nutrients (NPS) and other beneficial compounds like humic acid
bull Mineralization- Microbial conversion of organic N P and S into ammonium phosphate and sulfate - Nutrients become available
bull Immobilization-Microbial assimilation of inorganic N P and S- Nutrients temporarily tied up in microbial biomass
Microbial Functional Groups1048698 Bacteria- decomposers primary players in NP and S cycling- Actinomycetes act on more complex compounds to form humus1048698 Fungi- Decomposers attack lignin- Nutrient acquisition (mycorrhiza)1048698 Protozoa and Nematodes- Consume bacteria and fungi releasing plant nutrients (N)- Activity increases decomposition rates
Factors Affecting Microbial Populations1048698 Moisture- Microorganisms need water to survive1048698 Oxygen- Bacteria both aerobic and anaerobic- Fungi protozoa and nematodes aerobic1048698 Temperature- Adaptable- Activity generally increases as temperature rises1048698 Soil pH- Bacteria sensitive to acidity- Fungi function at low pH1048698 Organic Matter- OM source of C and nutrients- OM additions stimulate microbial growth
Agricultural Practices Affecting Microbial Populations1048698 Tillage- Destroys fungi meso and macrofauna- Reduces OM- Reduces aggregation1048698 Fertilizers- N and P fertilizers create acid zones killing microorganisms1048698 Fumigation- Indiscriminant destruction of microbial community1048698 Monocropping- Reduces microbial diversity- Promotes pest build-up
What About the Soil Food Web
What About the Soil Food Web Important to recognize the role of each functional group and their interdependence
Remember that management practices affect microbial interactions
Soil tests to quantify soil food web are expensive and difficult to interpret
Hot area for research
Tools and Practices for organic farmingCrop Rotation Soil fertility- Legumes for N fixation- Diverse rooting habitsPest Management- Break pest cycles- Promote diversity Know the family of the cropsCrops rotated so that crops from different families follow each other Lettuce Beans Corn Tomatoes
Green Manures in the Crop Rotation1048698 Soil fertility- Legumes for N fixation- Grasses for OM accumulation- Diverse rooting habits1048698 Pest Management- Break pest cycles- Promote diversity attract beneficials- Biofumigants (brassicas sudan grass sunn hemp)1048698 Weed Management- Perennial rye- Oats
Composts and Manures Soil Conditioner- Feed the soil- Improve physical properties
Nutrient Availability- CN ratio- Total N content- 15 of total N in mature composts available in thefirst year (Bettina et al 2003)- Field trials estimate that composts alone can satisfycrop N demands after 40-80 years
Feather meal Dairy Manure CompostCN ratio 32 18 10-17Total N 12 20 10
Composts and Manures1048698 Timing-Continuous additions to build up SOM
- Mineralization potential of soil increases asOM inputs increase with time
- SOM acts as nutrient reserve continuouslyreleasing nutrients
- High N materials can be used as a rapidsource of N in the short term
Intercropping and Companion Planting1048698 Interplanting 2 or more mutually beneficial plants to increase biodiversity
Biological Pest Control1048698 Depends on managing beneficial insectpredatorsparasites1048698 Seen as default benefit of organic soilmanagement practices that promoteabove and below ground diversity1048698 Can include the release of control agents1048698 Farmscaping longshort term design tocreate habitats for beneficials
Tillage and Cultivation1048698 Tools for weed control residuemanagement manure incorporationhardpan destruction pest control1048698 Negative impacts- Costly- Destroy humus reserves and soil organisms- compaction1048698 Conservation and ridge tillage- Organic growers pioneers
Mulching1048698 Weed control moisture and temperature control soil organic matter
1048698 Large quantities of resistant organic materials (wood chips straw etchellip)
1048698 Not practical on a large scale
List of bio-pesticides available in marketName Purpose
Neemazal Against borers
Neem oil (5 ) Against borers
Neem seed extract (5 ) Against borers
Neem cake For controlling nematodes
Dried neem leaves Against stored grain pests
Sour butter milk (10 ) Against sap sucking insects
Cow dung ash dusting
Water spray Against aphid
Trichogramma cards Against borers
Trixho- XP ( Trichoderma harzaianum) Against diseases
SudocelPseudomonas fluoresens (PSF) Larvocel
Against diseases
Bauvaria baviana Against diseases
Products for use in fertilization and soil conditioning in organic farming
Sr No
Items Conditions for use
Material produced on an organic farm unit
Matter produced on an organic farm unit
1 Farmyard and slurry urine Permitted
2 Crop residues and green manure Permitted
3 Straw and other mulches Permitted
4 Composts and vermicomposts Permitted
Matter produced outside the organic farm unit
1 Blood meal meat meal bone meal and feather meal without preservatives
Restricted
2 Compost made from plant residues and animal excrement Restricted
3 Farmyard manure slurry urine Restricted
4 Fish and fish products without preservatives Restricted
5 Guano Restricted
6 Human excreta Restricted
7 Wood bark sawdust wood ash wood charcoal Restricted
8 Straw animal charcoal compost and spent mushroom and vermiculture substances
Restricted
9 Compost from organic household Restricted
10 Compost from plant residues Restricted
11 Sea weed and sea weed products
By products from the industries
1 By- products from the food and textile industries of biodegradable material of microbial plant or animal origin without any systematic additives
Restricted
2 By products from oil palm coconut and cocoa (including fruit bunch palm oil mill effluent cocoa peat and empty coca pods
Restricted
3 By products of industries processing ingredients from organic agriculture Restricted
4 Extracts from mushroom chlorella fermented product from Aspergillus natural acids (vinegar)
Restricted
Mineral Origin
Basic slag Restricted
Calcareous and magnesium rock Restricted
Lime limestone gypsum Restricted
Calcified sea weed Restricted
Calcium chloride Restricted
Mineral potassium with low chlorine content (eg sulphate of potash kainite sylvinite patenkali)
Restricted
Natural phosphates (rock phosphate) Restricted
Trace elements Permitted
Sulphur Permitted
Clay (bentonite perlite zeolite) Permitted
Microbiological origin
Bacterial preparation (bio fertilizers) Permitted
Biodynamic preparations Permitted
Plant preparation and botanical extracts Permitted
Products for plant pest and disease controlItems Condition
for use
Material from plant and animal origin
Plant based repellents (Neem preparations from Azadirachta indica
Permitted
Algal preparations (gelatine) Permitted
Casein Permitted
Extracts from mushroom chlorella fermented products from Aspergillus
Permitted
Propolis Restricted
Beeswax natural acids (vinegar) plant oils Quassia Permitted
Rotenone from Derris elliptica Lonchocarpus Trphrosia spp
Restricted
Tobacco tea (pure nicotine prohibited Restricted
Preparation from Rryania species Restricted
Items Condition for use
Mineral Origin
Chloride of limesoda Restricted
Burgundy mixture Restricted
Clay (bentonite perlite ermiculite zeolite Permitted
Copper saltsinorganic salts (Bordeaux mix copper hydroxide copper oxychloride)
Not allowed
Quick lime Restricted
Mineral Origin
Diatomaceous earth Permitted
Light mineral oils Restricted
Permagnate of potash Restricted
Insect Origin
Release of parasites predators of insect pests Restricted
Sterilized insects Restricted
Sterlized insects males Not allowed
Items Condition for use
Microorganisms used for biological pest control
Viral fungal and bacterial preparations (biopesticides) Restricted
Others
Carbon dioxide and nitrogen gas Permitted
Soft soap soda sulphur dioxide Permitted
Homeopathic and ayurvedic preparations Permitted
Herbal and biodynamic preparations Permitted
Sea salt and salty water Permitted
Ethyl alcohol Not allowed
Traps barriers and repellants
Physical methods (eg chromatic traps mechanical traps)
Permitted
Mulches nets Permitted
Pheromones-in traps and dispensers only Permitted
Average nutrient content of organic manures
Source of Nutrition Percentage composition
Organic manure N P2O5 K2O
Farmyard Manure 05 02 05
Farm compost 05 015 05
Town compost 14 100 14
Night soil 55 40 20
Vermicompost 30 00 15
Crop residues -
Bio gas slurry 15-20 10 1
Rock phosphate - 25-30 -
Source of Nutrition
Percentage composition
Non edible oil cake
N P2O5 K2O
Castor cake 43 18 13
Cotton seed cake 39 18 16
Karanj or honge cake 39 09 12
Mahua cake 25 08 18
Neem cake 52 10 14
Safflower cake 49 14 12
Green Manure crops
San hamp (Crotolaria juncea) 23 05 180
Dhaincha ( Sesbnia aculeata) 35 06 120
Sesbania speciosa 271 053 221
Source of Nutrition Percentage composition
Green leaf manure N P2O5 K2O
Glycricidia (Gluicidia sepium) 276 028 46
Pongamia (Pongama glabra) 331 044 239
Gulmohur (Delonix glabra) 276 046 050
Neem (Azadirachta indica) 283 028 035
Animal based
Blood meal 10-12 1-2 100
Meat meal 105 25 05
Fish meal 4-10 3-9 03-15
Horn and hoof meal 13 - -
Raw bone meal 3-4 20-25 -
Steamed bone meal 1-2 25-30 -
bull Lack of technical know-howbull Lack of required amount BD preparations in marketbull Lack of awareness among people about hazards caused by use of agrochemicalsbull Bulky nature of BD preparations and compostbull In-situ production is not feasiblebull Lack of scientific data on the long-term benefits and limitations of biodynamic farmingbull Limited domestic market for bio-dynamically grown producebull Quality certification
Constraints
ConstraintsProducersrsquoDistributorsrsquoTradersrsquo point of view
bull Lack of proper infrastructure for distribution and conservation of bio-inputs is a major constraint that hinders the access of these inputs to farmers
bull Some climatic regions and soil conditions are not suitable for specific strains of organic production
bull Given the mandated period of around three years for a conventional farm to become an organic farm the benefits perceived by farmers tend to be limited as they have a short term orientation
bull As a result even if they are aware they are hesitant to switch over to organic (green) agricultural practices
Constraining factorsFarmersrsquo point of view
The government perspective bull Changing the cropping and cultivation
patterns is slow and time-consuming process
bull Given the high levels of illiteracy and large number of small and marginal farmers it makes the change process difficult
bull Subsidies on chemical fertilizers and pesticide impede the growth of organic agriculture
Major Limitations under Punjab conditions
bull Bulky nature of organic manurebull Divergent nutritional valuebull Small land holdingbull Lack of awareness among farmersbull Marketing of organic producebull Labour and cost intensivebull Low incentives from governmentbull Non availability of bio pesticides
Major Limitations------contd
bull Dramatic and large benefits in terms of yield and returns
bull Cultivation of high nutrient responsive cultivers
bull Promotion of biological agentsbull Urgency to meet food security
Why farmers are reluctant to adopt organic farming in Punjab
bull Perceived high costs of doing organic farming due to incomplete knowledge about principles and practices of organic agriculture among farmers They were arranging inputs from outside
bull Non-availability of adequate quantities of organic manures and other organic inputs in the local market
bull Knowledge of organic farming has not filtered down to actual users ie small farmers and the information reached to target groups is often not backed by scientifically proven results
bull Complex and costly procedures of certificationbull Risk involved in marketing of organic produce
Discussion points
bull What arguments are there in favour of organic agriculture in India
bull What vested interests would oppose the growth of organic agricultures and why
bull What strategies could be employed to further promote the greening of agriculture in India
Can India adopt organic farming in a big way
bull Is organic farming non-scientific and unproven bull Does practicing organic farming means reduced yield bull Why were crop yields low before invention of Agro-
chemicals bull How is organic farming different from conventional bull What are the strengths and weaknesses of organic
farming
bull Where is the large quantity of compost for OF bull Does the soil fertility decline when fertilizers are
not used bull Scientifically where crop nutrients come from in
organic farming bull How are crops protected in organic farming bull Why restricted when India is a low user bull Where are the evidences that high yields are
possible in organic farming bull Is organic farming labour intensive
Conclusion Sustainable economic and eco friendly approach
Minimum risk of residual toxicity
Improvement in soil fertility with high yield quality produce Maintenance of organic matter content of the soil
Reduced energy use
Increased yields without over reliance on costly inputs
SummaryOrganic agriculture is not for everyone Yet it is a viable approach that can be beneficial It canbull Be particularly useful in the more difficult environments where resources are scarce and cultivation problematicbull Potentially reduce risks bya) ldquolocalizingrdquo input productionb) fostering soil and water conservationc) encouraging diversification (food security)bull Improve ability to compete in todayrsquos fast globalizing standards-critical trade
Strategies needed to promote organic farming in India
bull Adequate research and extension support needs to be providedbull Research to quantify the role of organic farming in minimizing the
ill effects of modern agriculture and its effect on environment bull Helping farmers to promote organic farmingbull Government should recognize agriculture in Kyoto protocol
carbon credit mechanismbull Developing infrastructure for supply chain and ensuring
competitive price for organic productsbull Capacity building through on farm demonstrations and trainingsbull Government support in cheaper access to organic certificates
Thanks
Organic agriculture and soil ecosystemsNatural soil fertility must be relied upon in organic systems Practices such as crop rotations symbiotic association cover crops organic fertilizers and minimum tillage create suitable conditions for soil fauna and flora
(IFOAM 2000 )
Organic agriculture and agro-ecosystems
Natural disease resistance and pest predation must be strengthened in organic systems Crop rotation is considered the cornerstone of organic management functioning as a tool for pest management and soil fertility
Organic farming combats global warming
Some apprehensions about organic farming
Can organic farming produce enough food for every body Is it possible to meet the nutrient requirements of crops entirely from organic sourcesAre there any significant environmental benefits of organic farming Is the food produced by organic farming superior in quality Is organic agriculture economically feasible Is it possible to manage pests and diseases in organic farming
24
Comparative data of 3 years average production at Phanda farm
2000220095001500Wheat 3
1120108015001500Peas2
10181272900014000Gram1
Rabi
66379820003750Arhar4
1300145020008800Paddy3
75080010001000Maize2
Kharif
121612461400020000Soybean1
ControlOrganicControlOrganic
Production QntlHa
Sowing area (Ha)CropsSNo
Dr GS KaushalDirector AgricultureGovt of Madhya PradeshBHOPAL
Ram et al 2004
Improvement in soil composition under biodynamic practices
Treatment Fruit qualityTitrable acidity
(citrate )Ascorbic
acid (mg100
g)
Total solids()
pH
T1-control 043 183 36 36
T2-100 N as urea 052 207 44 38
T3-100N as fym 055 207 46 37
T4-100N as vermicompost 061 218 49 37
T5-100N as coirpith compost 056 208 45 36
T6-75N as FYM with Azospirillum 062 208 5O 37
T7-75N as vermicompost with Azospirllum 072 230 54 39
T8-75N as coirpith compost with Azospirillum
066 217 52 38
T9-50N asFYM with Azospirillum 048 191 41 35
T10-50N as vermicompost with Azospirllum 050 194 43 36
T11-50N as coirpith compost with Azospirillum
048 191 42 36
C D(P=005) 003 05 03 04Kannan et al 2006
Fruit quality of tomato influenced by organic farming
Treatment Fruit characters
Fruit height (cm)
Fruit girth (cm)
Fruit weight (g)
Yield (tha)
T1-Control 22 107 298 227
T2-100 N as urea 26 144 298 310
T3-100N as fym 26 143 397 309
T4-100N as vermicompost 27 147 403 312
T5-100N as coirpith compost 26 144 398 310
T6-75N as FYM with Azospirillum 28 147 405 313
T7-75N as vermicompost with Azospirllum
31 152 427 330
T8-75N as coirpith compost with Azospirillum
30 149 414 317
T9-50N asFYM with Azospirillum 24 127 385 306
T10-50N as vermicompost with Azospirllum
25 133 390 305
T11-50N as coirpith compost with Azospirillum
25 133 387 307
C D(P=005) 01 03 17 02
Kannan et al 2006
Effect of organic farming on fruit characteristics and yield of tomato
Rice equivalent yield (tha) of different systems under various management practices at PAU
Cropping System Productivity ( tha)Chemical Organic Integrated
GM-Basmati Rice- Wheat
126 130 136
Turmeric-Onion 192 369 366Summer Groundnut-Garlic
253 291 294
Maize-durum Wheat-Cowpea (F)
114 126 123
Rice-Garlic+Mentha 249 310 322
Management of soil fertility using on ndash farm inputs in maizebasmati rice ndashwheat cropping systems at PAU
Organic InputsGrain Yield (qha)
Maize Wheat
Farmyard Manure (FYM) 399 356Crop residues (CR) 337 324Vermicompost (VC) 419 33013 FYM + 13 CR + 13 VC 415 342Control 171 132
Basmati Rice Wheat
GM 308 293Control 172 137
Green fodder yield (tha) under different fodder production system at PAU
Treatment Green fodder yield (tha)Kharif Rabi Summer Total
Main Plots (Green fodder system)
Sorghum ndash Berseem - 337 672 - 1009Maize ndash Berseem- Bajra 132 677 608 1417Maize-Berseem-Maize+cowpea
142 679 419 1240
Sorghum + gurara - oats - cowpea
350 483 336 1169
Sub plots (Management sysem)Organic 259 712 472 1443Chemical 196 533 426 1155Integrated 264 637 465 1366CD (005) 095 17 20 23
Plant Nutrient Supply System in Organic Farming
1Organic amendments with organic manure vermi-compost and bio fertilizers
2Biodynamic Approach based on soil biotechnology and microbiology
3Homeopathic Approach
4Agnihotra Approach
5Panchgavya Approach
Nutrient Cycling Soil microorganisms mediate nutrient cycles through decomposition of organic residues- Microorganisms lsquofeedrsquo on the residues- Biochemical by-products are plant nutrients (NPS) and other beneficial compounds like humic acid
bull Mineralization- Microbial conversion of organic N P and S into ammonium phosphate and sulfate - Nutrients become available
bull Immobilization-Microbial assimilation of inorganic N P and S- Nutrients temporarily tied up in microbial biomass
Microbial Functional Groups1048698 Bacteria- decomposers primary players in NP and S cycling- Actinomycetes act on more complex compounds to form humus1048698 Fungi- Decomposers attack lignin- Nutrient acquisition (mycorrhiza)1048698 Protozoa and Nematodes- Consume bacteria and fungi releasing plant nutrients (N)- Activity increases decomposition rates
Factors Affecting Microbial Populations1048698 Moisture- Microorganisms need water to survive1048698 Oxygen- Bacteria both aerobic and anaerobic- Fungi protozoa and nematodes aerobic1048698 Temperature- Adaptable- Activity generally increases as temperature rises1048698 Soil pH- Bacteria sensitive to acidity- Fungi function at low pH1048698 Organic Matter- OM source of C and nutrients- OM additions stimulate microbial growth
Agricultural Practices Affecting Microbial Populations1048698 Tillage- Destroys fungi meso and macrofauna- Reduces OM- Reduces aggregation1048698 Fertilizers- N and P fertilizers create acid zones killing microorganisms1048698 Fumigation- Indiscriminant destruction of microbial community1048698 Monocropping- Reduces microbial diversity- Promotes pest build-up
What About the Soil Food Web
What About the Soil Food Web Important to recognize the role of each functional group and their interdependence
Remember that management practices affect microbial interactions
Soil tests to quantify soil food web are expensive and difficult to interpret
Hot area for research
Tools and Practices for organic farmingCrop Rotation Soil fertility- Legumes for N fixation- Diverse rooting habitsPest Management- Break pest cycles- Promote diversity Know the family of the cropsCrops rotated so that crops from different families follow each other Lettuce Beans Corn Tomatoes
Green Manures in the Crop Rotation1048698 Soil fertility- Legumes for N fixation- Grasses for OM accumulation- Diverse rooting habits1048698 Pest Management- Break pest cycles- Promote diversity attract beneficials- Biofumigants (brassicas sudan grass sunn hemp)1048698 Weed Management- Perennial rye- Oats
Composts and Manures Soil Conditioner- Feed the soil- Improve physical properties
Nutrient Availability- CN ratio- Total N content- 15 of total N in mature composts available in thefirst year (Bettina et al 2003)- Field trials estimate that composts alone can satisfycrop N demands after 40-80 years
Feather meal Dairy Manure CompostCN ratio 32 18 10-17Total N 12 20 10
Composts and Manures1048698 Timing-Continuous additions to build up SOM
- Mineralization potential of soil increases asOM inputs increase with time
- SOM acts as nutrient reserve continuouslyreleasing nutrients
- High N materials can be used as a rapidsource of N in the short term
Intercropping and Companion Planting1048698 Interplanting 2 or more mutually beneficial plants to increase biodiversity
Biological Pest Control1048698 Depends on managing beneficial insectpredatorsparasites1048698 Seen as default benefit of organic soilmanagement practices that promoteabove and below ground diversity1048698 Can include the release of control agents1048698 Farmscaping longshort term design tocreate habitats for beneficials
Tillage and Cultivation1048698 Tools for weed control residuemanagement manure incorporationhardpan destruction pest control1048698 Negative impacts- Costly- Destroy humus reserves and soil organisms- compaction1048698 Conservation and ridge tillage- Organic growers pioneers
Mulching1048698 Weed control moisture and temperature control soil organic matter
1048698 Large quantities of resistant organic materials (wood chips straw etchellip)
1048698 Not practical on a large scale
List of bio-pesticides available in marketName Purpose
Neemazal Against borers
Neem oil (5 ) Against borers
Neem seed extract (5 ) Against borers
Neem cake For controlling nematodes
Dried neem leaves Against stored grain pests
Sour butter milk (10 ) Against sap sucking insects
Cow dung ash dusting
Water spray Against aphid
Trichogramma cards Against borers
Trixho- XP ( Trichoderma harzaianum) Against diseases
SudocelPseudomonas fluoresens (PSF) Larvocel
Against diseases
Bauvaria baviana Against diseases
Products for use in fertilization and soil conditioning in organic farming
Sr No
Items Conditions for use
Material produced on an organic farm unit
Matter produced on an organic farm unit
1 Farmyard and slurry urine Permitted
2 Crop residues and green manure Permitted
3 Straw and other mulches Permitted
4 Composts and vermicomposts Permitted
Matter produced outside the organic farm unit
1 Blood meal meat meal bone meal and feather meal without preservatives
Restricted
2 Compost made from plant residues and animal excrement Restricted
3 Farmyard manure slurry urine Restricted
4 Fish and fish products without preservatives Restricted
5 Guano Restricted
6 Human excreta Restricted
7 Wood bark sawdust wood ash wood charcoal Restricted
8 Straw animal charcoal compost and spent mushroom and vermiculture substances
Restricted
9 Compost from organic household Restricted
10 Compost from plant residues Restricted
11 Sea weed and sea weed products
By products from the industries
1 By- products from the food and textile industries of biodegradable material of microbial plant or animal origin without any systematic additives
Restricted
2 By products from oil palm coconut and cocoa (including fruit bunch palm oil mill effluent cocoa peat and empty coca pods
Restricted
3 By products of industries processing ingredients from organic agriculture Restricted
4 Extracts from mushroom chlorella fermented product from Aspergillus natural acids (vinegar)
Restricted
Mineral Origin
Basic slag Restricted
Calcareous and magnesium rock Restricted
Lime limestone gypsum Restricted
Calcified sea weed Restricted
Calcium chloride Restricted
Mineral potassium with low chlorine content (eg sulphate of potash kainite sylvinite patenkali)
Restricted
Natural phosphates (rock phosphate) Restricted
Trace elements Permitted
Sulphur Permitted
Clay (bentonite perlite zeolite) Permitted
Microbiological origin
Bacterial preparation (bio fertilizers) Permitted
Biodynamic preparations Permitted
Plant preparation and botanical extracts Permitted
Products for plant pest and disease controlItems Condition
for use
Material from plant and animal origin
Plant based repellents (Neem preparations from Azadirachta indica
Permitted
Algal preparations (gelatine) Permitted
Casein Permitted
Extracts from mushroom chlorella fermented products from Aspergillus
Permitted
Propolis Restricted
Beeswax natural acids (vinegar) plant oils Quassia Permitted
Rotenone from Derris elliptica Lonchocarpus Trphrosia spp
Restricted
Tobacco tea (pure nicotine prohibited Restricted
Preparation from Rryania species Restricted
Items Condition for use
Mineral Origin
Chloride of limesoda Restricted
Burgundy mixture Restricted
Clay (bentonite perlite ermiculite zeolite Permitted
Copper saltsinorganic salts (Bordeaux mix copper hydroxide copper oxychloride)
Not allowed
Quick lime Restricted
Mineral Origin
Diatomaceous earth Permitted
Light mineral oils Restricted
Permagnate of potash Restricted
Insect Origin
Release of parasites predators of insect pests Restricted
Sterilized insects Restricted
Sterlized insects males Not allowed
Items Condition for use
Microorganisms used for biological pest control
Viral fungal and bacterial preparations (biopesticides) Restricted
Others
Carbon dioxide and nitrogen gas Permitted
Soft soap soda sulphur dioxide Permitted
Homeopathic and ayurvedic preparations Permitted
Herbal and biodynamic preparations Permitted
Sea salt and salty water Permitted
Ethyl alcohol Not allowed
Traps barriers and repellants
Physical methods (eg chromatic traps mechanical traps)
Permitted
Mulches nets Permitted
Pheromones-in traps and dispensers only Permitted
Average nutrient content of organic manures
Source of Nutrition Percentage composition
Organic manure N P2O5 K2O
Farmyard Manure 05 02 05
Farm compost 05 015 05
Town compost 14 100 14
Night soil 55 40 20
Vermicompost 30 00 15
Crop residues -
Bio gas slurry 15-20 10 1
Rock phosphate - 25-30 -
Source of Nutrition
Percentage composition
Non edible oil cake
N P2O5 K2O
Castor cake 43 18 13
Cotton seed cake 39 18 16
Karanj or honge cake 39 09 12
Mahua cake 25 08 18
Neem cake 52 10 14
Safflower cake 49 14 12
Green Manure crops
San hamp (Crotolaria juncea) 23 05 180
Dhaincha ( Sesbnia aculeata) 35 06 120
Sesbania speciosa 271 053 221
Source of Nutrition Percentage composition
Green leaf manure N P2O5 K2O
Glycricidia (Gluicidia sepium) 276 028 46
Pongamia (Pongama glabra) 331 044 239
Gulmohur (Delonix glabra) 276 046 050
Neem (Azadirachta indica) 283 028 035
Animal based
Blood meal 10-12 1-2 100
Meat meal 105 25 05
Fish meal 4-10 3-9 03-15
Horn and hoof meal 13 - -
Raw bone meal 3-4 20-25 -
Steamed bone meal 1-2 25-30 -
bull Lack of technical know-howbull Lack of required amount BD preparations in marketbull Lack of awareness among people about hazards caused by use of agrochemicalsbull Bulky nature of BD preparations and compostbull In-situ production is not feasiblebull Lack of scientific data on the long-term benefits and limitations of biodynamic farmingbull Limited domestic market for bio-dynamically grown producebull Quality certification
Constraints
ConstraintsProducersrsquoDistributorsrsquoTradersrsquo point of view
bull Lack of proper infrastructure for distribution and conservation of bio-inputs is a major constraint that hinders the access of these inputs to farmers
bull Some climatic regions and soil conditions are not suitable for specific strains of organic production
bull Given the mandated period of around three years for a conventional farm to become an organic farm the benefits perceived by farmers tend to be limited as they have a short term orientation
bull As a result even if they are aware they are hesitant to switch over to organic (green) agricultural practices
Constraining factorsFarmersrsquo point of view
The government perspective bull Changing the cropping and cultivation
patterns is slow and time-consuming process
bull Given the high levels of illiteracy and large number of small and marginal farmers it makes the change process difficult
bull Subsidies on chemical fertilizers and pesticide impede the growth of organic agriculture
Major Limitations under Punjab conditions
bull Bulky nature of organic manurebull Divergent nutritional valuebull Small land holdingbull Lack of awareness among farmersbull Marketing of organic producebull Labour and cost intensivebull Low incentives from governmentbull Non availability of bio pesticides
Major Limitations------contd
bull Dramatic and large benefits in terms of yield and returns
bull Cultivation of high nutrient responsive cultivers
bull Promotion of biological agentsbull Urgency to meet food security
Why farmers are reluctant to adopt organic farming in Punjab
bull Perceived high costs of doing organic farming due to incomplete knowledge about principles and practices of organic agriculture among farmers They were arranging inputs from outside
bull Non-availability of adequate quantities of organic manures and other organic inputs in the local market
bull Knowledge of organic farming has not filtered down to actual users ie small farmers and the information reached to target groups is often not backed by scientifically proven results
bull Complex and costly procedures of certificationbull Risk involved in marketing of organic produce
Discussion points
bull What arguments are there in favour of organic agriculture in India
bull What vested interests would oppose the growth of organic agricultures and why
bull What strategies could be employed to further promote the greening of agriculture in India
Can India adopt organic farming in a big way
bull Is organic farming non-scientific and unproven bull Does practicing organic farming means reduced yield bull Why were crop yields low before invention of Agro-
chemicals bull How is organic farming different from conventional bull What are the strengths and weaknesses of organic
farming
bull Where is the large quantity of compost for OF bull Does the soil fertility decline when fertilizers are
not used bull Scientifically where crop nutrients come from in
organic farming bull How are crops protected in organic farming bull Why restricted when India is a low user bull Where are the evidences that high yields are
possible in organic farming bull Is organic farming labour intensive
Conclusion Sustainable economic and eco friendly approach
Minimum risk of residual toxicity
Improvement in soil fertility with high yield quality produce Maintenance of organic matter content of the soil
Reduced energy use
Increased yields without over reliance on costly inputs
SummaryOrganic agriculture is not for everyone Yet it is a viable approach that can be beneficial It canbull Be particularly useful in the more difficult environments where resources are scarce and cultivation problematicbull Potentially reduce risks bya) ldquolocalizingrdquo input productionb) fostering soil and water conservationc) encouraging diversification (food security)bull Improve ability to compete in todayrsquos fast globalizing standards-critical trade
Strategies needed to promote organic farming in India
bull Adequate research and extension support needs to be providedbull Research to quantify the role of organic farming in minimizing the
ill effects of modern agriculture and its effect on environment bull Helping farmers to promote organic farmingbull Government should recognize agriculture in Kyoto protocol
carbon credit mechanismbull Developing infrastructure for supply chain and ensuring
competitive price for organic productsbull Capacity building through on farm demonstrations and trainingsbull Government support in cheaper access to organic certificates
Thanks
Organic farming combats global warming
Some apprehensions about organic farming
Can organic farming produce enough food for every body Is it possible to meet the nutrient requirements of crops entirely from organic sourcesAre there any significant environmental benefits of organic farming Is the food produced by organic farming superior in quality Is organic agriculture economically feasible Is it possible to manage pests and diseases in organic farming
24
Comparative data of 3 years average production at Phanda farm
2000220095001500Wheat 3
1120108015001500Peas2
10181272900014000Gram1
Rabi
66379820003750Arhar4
1300145020008800Paddy3
75080010001000Maize2
Kharif
121612461400020000Soybean1
ControlOrganicControlOrganic
Production QntlHa
Sowing area (Ha)CropsSNo
Dr GS KaushalDirector AgricultureGovt of Madhya PradeshBHOPAL
Ram et al 2004
Improvement in soil composition under biodynamic practices
Treatment Fruit qualityTitrable acidity
(citrate )Ascorbic
acid (mg100
g)
Total solids()
pH
T1-control 043 183 36 36
T2-100 N as urea 052 207 44 38
T3-100N as fym 055 207 46 37
T4-100N as vermicompost 061 218 49 37
T5-100N as coirpith compost 056 208 45 36
T6-75N as FYM with Azospirillum 062 208 5O 37
T7-75N as vermicompost with Azospirllum 072 230 54 39
T8-75N as coirpith compost with Azospirillum
066 217 52 38
T9-50N asFYM with Azospirillum 048 191 41 35
T10-50N as vermicompost with Azospirllum 050 194 43 36
T11-50N as coirpith compost with Azospirillum
048 191 42 36
C D(P=005) 003 05 03 04Kannan et al 2006
Fruit quality of tomato influenced by organic farming
Treatment Fruit characters
Fruit height (cm)
Fruit girth (cm)
Fruit weight (g)
Yield (tha)
T1-Control 22 107 298 227
T2-100 N as urea 26 144 298 310
T3-100N as fym 26 143 397 309
T4-100N as vermicompost 27 147 403 312
T5-100N as coirpith compost 26 144 398 310
T6-75N as FYM with Azospirillum 28 147 405 313
T7-75N as vermicompost with Azospirllum
31 152 427 330
T8-75N as coirpith compost with Azospirillum
30 149 414 317
T9-50N asFYM with Azospirillum 24 127 385 306
T10-50N as vermicompost with Azospirllum
25 133 390 305
T11-50N as coirpith compost with Azospirillum
25 133 387 307
C D(P=005) 01 03 17 02
Kannan et al 2006
Effect of organic farming on fruit characteristics and yield of tomato
Rice equivalent yield (tha) of different systems under various management practices at PAU
Cropping System Productivity ( tha)Chemical Organic Integrated
GM-Basmati Rice- Wheat
126 130 136
Turmeric-Onion 192 369 366Summer Groundnut-Garlic
253 291 294
Maize-durum Wheat-Cowpea (F)
114 126 123
Rice-Garlic+Mentha 249 310 322
Management of soil fertility using on ndash farm inputs in maizebasmati rice ndashwheat cropping systems at PAU
Organic InputsGrain Yield (qha)
Maize Wheat
Farmyard Manure (FYM) 399 356Crop residues (CR) 337 324Vermicompost (VC) 419 33013 FYM + 13 CR + 13 VC 415 342Control 171 132
Basmati Rice Wheat
GM 308 293Control 172 137
Green fodder yield (tha) under different fodder production system at PAU
Treatment Green fodder yield (tha)Kharif Rabi Summer Total
Main Plots (Green fodder system)
Sorghum ndash Berseem - 337 672 - 1009Maize ndash Berseem- Bajra 132 677 608 1417Maize-Berseem-Maize+cowpea
142 679 419 1240
Sorghum + gurara - oats - cowpea
350 483 336 1169
Sub plots (Management sysem)Organic 259 712 472 1443Chemical 196 533 426 1155Integrated 264 637 465 1366CD (005) 095 17 20 23
Plant Nutrient Supply System in Organic Farming
1Organic amendments with organic manure vermi-compost and bio fertilizers
2Biodynamic Approach based on soil biotechnology and microbiology
3Homeopathic Approach
4Agnihotra Approach
5Panchgavya Approach
Nutrient Cycling Soil microorganisms mediate nutrient cycles through decomposition of organic residues- Microorganisms lsquofeedrsquo on the residues- Biochemical by-products are plant nutrients (NPS) and other beneficial compounds like humic acid
bull Mineralization- Microbial conversion of organic N P and S into ammonium phosphate and sulfate - Nutrients become available
bull Immobilization-Microbial assimilation of inorganic N P and S- Nutrients temporarily tied up in microbial biomass
Microbial Functional Groups1048698 Bacteria- decomposers primary players in NP and S cycling- Actinomycetes act on more complex compounds to form humus1048698 Fungi- Decomposers attack lignin- Nutrient acquisition (mycorrhiza)1048698 Protozoa and Nematodes- Consume bacteria and fungi releasing plant nutrients (N)- Activity increases decomposition rates
Factors Affecting Microbial Populations1048698 Moisture- Microorganisms need water to survive1048698 Oxygen- Bacteria both aerobic and anaerobic- Fungi protozoa and nematodes aerobic1048698 Temperature- Adaptable- Activity generally increases as temperature rises1048698 Soil pH- Bacteria sensitive to acidity- Fungi function at low pH1048698 Organic Matter- OM source of C and nutrients- OM additions stimulate microbial growth
Agricultural Practices Affecting Microbial Populations1048698 Tillage- Destroys fungi meso and macrofauna- Reduces OM- Reduces aggregation1048698 Fertilizers- N and P fertilizers create acid zones killing microorganisms1048698 Fumigation- Indiscriminant destruction of microbial community1048698 Monocropping- Reduces microbial diversity- Promotes pest build-up
What About the Soil Food Web
What About the Soil Food Web Important to recognize the role of each functional group and their interdependence
Remember that management practices affect microbial interactions
Soil tests to quantify soil food web are expensive and difficult to interpret
Hot area for research
Tools and Practices for organic farmingCrop Rotation Soil fertility- Legumes for N fixation- Diverse rooting habitsPest Management- Break pest cycles- Promote diversity Know the family of the cropsCrops rotated so that crops from different families follow each other Lettuce Beans Corn Tomatoes
Green Manures in the Crop Rotation1048698 Soil fertility- Legumes for N fixation- Grasses for OM accumulation- Diverse rooting habits1048698 Pest Management- Break pest cycles- Promote diversity attract beneficials- Biofumigants (brassicas sudan grass sunn hemp)1048698 Weed Management- Perennial rye- Oats
Composts and Manures Soil Conditioner- Feed the soil- Improve physical properties
Nutrient Availability- CN ratio- Total N content- 15 of total N in mature composts available in thefirst year (Bettina et al 2003)- Field trials estimate that composts alone can satisfycrop N demands after 40-80 years
Feather meal Dairy Manure CompostCN ratio 32 18 10-17Total N 12 20 10
Composts and Manures1048698 Timing-Continuous additions to build up SOM
- Mineralization potential of soil increases asOM inputs increase with time
- SOM acts as nutrient reserve continuouslyreleasing nutrients
- High N materials can be used as a rapidsource of N in the short term
Intercropping and Companion Planting1048698 Interplanting 2 or more mutually beneficial plants to increase biodiversity
Biological Pest Control1048698 Depends on managing beneficial insectpredatorsparasites1048698 Seen as default benefit of organic soilmanagement practices that promoteabove and below ground diversity1048698 Can include the release of control agents1048698 Farmscaping longshort term design tocreate habitats for beneficials
Tillage and Cultivation1048698 Tools for weed control residuemanagement manure incorporationhardpan destruction pest control1048698 Negative impacts- Costly- Destroy humus reserves and soil organisms- compaction1048698 Conservation and ridge tillage- Organic growers pioneers
Mulching1048698 Weed control moisture and temperature control soil organic matter
1048698 Large quantities of resistant organic materials (wood chips straw etchellip)
1048698 Not practical on a large scale
List of bio-pesticides available in marketName Purpose
Neemazal Against borers
Neem oil (5 ) Against borers
Neem seed extract (5 ) Against borers
Neem cake For controlling nematodes
Dried neem leaves Against stored grain pests
Sour butter milk (10 ) Against sap sucking insects
Cow dung ash dusting
Water spray Against aphid
Trichogramma cards Against borers
Trixho- XP ( Trichoderma harzaianum) Against diseases
SudocelPseudomonas fluoresens (PSF) Larvocel
Against diseases
Bauvaria baviana Against diseases
Products for use in fertilization and soil conditioning in organic farming
Sr No
Items Conditions for use
Material produced on an organic farm unit
Matter produced on an organic farm unit
1 Farmyard and slurry urine Permitted
2 Crop residues and green manure Permitted
3 Straw and other mulches Permitted
4 Composts and vermicomposts Permitted
Matter produced outside the organic farm unit
1 Blood meal meat meal bone meal and feather meal without preservatives
Restricted
2 Compost made from plant residues and animal excrement Restricted
3 Farmyard manure slurry urine Restricted
4 Fish and fish products without preservatives Restricted
5 Guano Restricted
6 Human excreta Restricted
7 Wood bark sawdust wood ash wood charcoal Restricted
8 Straw animal charcoal compost and spent mushroom and vermiculture substances
Restricted
9 Compost from organic household Restricted
10 Compost from plant residues Restricted
11 Sea weed and sea weed products
By products from the industries
1 By- products from the food and textile industries of biodegradable material of microbial plant or animal origin without any systematic additives
Restricted
2 By products from oil palm coconut and cocoa (including fruit bunch palm oil mill effluent cocoa peat and empty coca pods
Restricted
3 By products of industries processing ingredients from organic agriculture Restricted
4 Extracts from mushroom chlorella fermented product from Aspergillus natural acids (vinegar)
Restricted
Mineral Origin
Basic slag Restricted
Calcareous and magnesium rock Restricted
Lime limestone gypsum Restricted
Calcified sea weed Restricted
Calcium chloride Restricted
Mineral potassium with low chlorine content (eg sulphate of potash kainite sylvinite patenkali)
Restricted
Natural phosphates (rock phosphate) Restricted
Trace elements Permitted
Sulphur Permitted
Clay (bentonite perlite zeolite) Permitted
Microbiological origin
Bacterial preparation (bio fertilizers) Permitted
Biodynamic preparations Permitted
Plant preparation and botanical extracts Permitted
Products for plant pest and disease controlItems Condition
for use
Material from plant and animal origin
Plant based repellents (Neem preparations from Azadirachta indica
Permitted
Algal preparations (gelatine) Permitted
Casein Permitted
Extracts from mushroom chlorella fermented products from Aspergillus
Permitted
Propolis Restricted
Beeswax natural acids (vinegar) plant oils Quassia Permitted
Rotenone from Derris elliptica Lonchocarpus Trphrosia spp
Restricted
Tobacco tea (pure nicotine prohibited Restricted
Preparation from Rryania species Restricted
Items Condition for use
Mineral Origin
Chloride of limesoda Restricted
Burgundy mixture Restricted
Clay (bentonite perlite ermiculite zeolite Permitted
Copper saltsinorganic salts (Bordeaux mix copper hydroxide copper oxychloride)
Not allowed
Quick lime Restricted
Mineral Origin
Diatomaceous earth Permitted
Light mineral oils Restricted
Permagnate of potash Restricted
Insect Origin
Release of parasites predators of insect pests Restricted
Sterilized insects Restricted
Sterlized insects males Not allowed
Items Condition for use
Microorganisms used for biological pest control
Viral fungal and bacterial preparations (biopesticides) Restricted
Others
Carbon dioxide and nitrogen gas Permitted
Soft soap soda sulphur dioxide Permitted
Homeopathic and ayurvedic preparations Permitted
Herbal and biodynamic preparations Permitted
Sea salt and salty water Permitted
Ethyl alcohol Not allowed
Traps barriers and repellants
Physical methods (eg chromatic traps mechanical traps)
Permitted
Mulches nets Permitted
Pheromones-in traps and dispensers only Permitted
Average nutrient content of organic manures
Source of Nutrition Percentage composition
Organic manure N P2O5 K2O
Farmyard Manure 05 02 05
Farm compost 05 015 05
Town compost 14 100 14
Night soil 55 40 20
Vermicompost 30 00 15
Crop residues -
Bio gas slurry 15-20 10 1
Rock phosphate - 25-30 -
Source of Nutrition
Percentage composition
Non edible oil cake
N P2O5 K2O
Castor cake 43 18 13
Cotton seed cake 39 18 16
Karanj or honge cake 39 09 12
Mahua cake 25 08 18
Neem cake 52 10 14
Safflower cake 49 14 12
Green Manure crops
San hamp (Crotolaria juncea) 23 05 180
Dhaincha ( Sesbnia aculeata) 35 06 120
Sesbania speciosa 271 053 221
Source of Nutrition Percentage composition
Green leaf manure N P2O5 K2O
Glycricidia (Gluicidia sepium) 276 028 46
Pongamia (Pongama glabra) 331 044 239
Gulmohur (Delonix glabra) 276 046 050
Neem (Azadirachta indica) 283 028 035
Animal based
Blood meal 10-12 1-2 100
Meat meal 105 25 05
Fish meal 4-10 3-9 03-15
Horn and hoof meal 13 - -
Raw bone meal 3-4 20-25 -
Steamed bone meal 1-2 25-30 -
bull Lack of technical know-howbull Lack of required amount BD preparations in marketbull Lack of awareness among people about hazards caused by use of agrochemicalsbull Bulky nature of BD preparations and compostbull In-situ production is not feasiblebull Lack of scientific data on the long-term benefits and limitations of biodynamic farmingbull Limited domestic market for bio-dynamically grown producebull Quality certification
Constraints
ConstraintsProducersrsquoDistributorsrsquoTradersrsquo point of view
bull Lack of proper infrastructure for distribution and conservation of bio-inputs is a major constraint that hinders the access of these inputs to farmers
bull Some climatic regions and soil conditions are not suitable for specific strains of organic production
bull Given the mandated period of around three years for a conventional farm to become an organic farm the benefits perceived by farmers tend to be limited as they have a short term orientation
bull As a result even if they are aware they are hesitant to switch over to organic (green) agricultural practices
Constraining factorsFarmersrsquo point of view
The government perspective bull Changing the cropping and cultivation
patterns is slow and time-consuming process
bull Given the high levels of illiteracy and large number of small and marginal farmers it makes the change process difficult
bull Subsidies on chemical fertilizers and pesticide impede the growth of organic agriculture
Major Limitations under Punjab conditions
bull Bulky nature of organic manurebull Divergent nutritional valuebull Small land holdingbull Lack of awareness among farmersbull Marketing of organic producebull Labour and cost intensivebull Low incentives from governmentbull Non availability of bio pesticides
Major Limitations------contd
bull Dramatic and large benefits in terms of yield and returns
bull Cultivation of high nutrient responsive cultivers
bull Promotion of biological agentsbull Urgency to meet food security
Why farmers are reluctant to adopt organic farming in Punjab
bull Perceived high costs of doing organic farming due to incomplete knowledge about principles and practices of organic agriculture among farmers They were arranging inputs from outside
bull Non-availability of adequate quantities of organic manures and other organic inputs in the local market
bull Knowledge of organic farming has not filtered down to actual users ie small farmers and the information reached to target groups is often not backed by scientifically proven results
bull Complex and costly procedures of certificationbull Risk involved in marketing of organic produce
Discussion points
bull What arguments are there in favour of organic agriculture in India
bull What vested interests would oppose the growth of organic agricultures and why
bull What strategies could be employed to further promote the greening of agriculture in India
Can India adopt organic farming in a big way
bull Is organic farming non-scientific and unproven bull Does practicing organic farming means reduced yield bull Why were crop yields low before invention of Agro-
chemicals bull How is organic farming different from conventional bull What are the strengths and weaknesses of organic
farming
bull Where is the large quantity of compost for OF bull Does the soil fertility decline when fertilizers are
not used bull Scientifically where crop nutrients come from in
organic farming bull How are crops protected in organic farming bull Why restricted when India is a low user bull Where are the evidences that high yields are
possible in organic farming bull Is organic farming labour intensive
Conclusion Sustainable economic and eco friendly approach
Minimum risk of residual toxicity
Improvement in soil fertility with high yield quality produce Maintenance of organic matter content of the soil
Reduced energy use
Increased yields without over reliance on costly inputs
SummaryOrganic agriculture is not for everyone Yet it is a viable approach that can be beneficial It canbull Be particularly useful in the more difficult environments where resources are scarce and cultivation problematicbull Potentially reduce risks bya) ldquolocalizingrdquo input productionb) fostering soil and water conservationc) encouraging diversification (food security)bull Improve ability to compete in todayrsquos fast globalizing standards-critical trade
Strategies needed to promote organic farming in India
bull Adequate research and extension support needs to be providedbull Research to quantify the role of organic farming in minimizing the
ill effects of modern agriculture and its effect on environment bull Helping farmers to promote organic farmingbull Government should recognize agriculture in Kyoto protocol
carbon credit mechanismbull Developing infrastructure for supply chain and ensuring
competitive price for organic productsbull Capacity building through on farm demonstrations and trainingsbull Government support in cheaper access to organic certificates
Thanks
Some apprehensions about organic farming
Can organic farming produce enough food for every body Is it possible to meet the nutrient requirements of crops entirely from organic sourcesAre there any significant environmental benefits of organic farming Is the food produced by organic farming superior in quality Is organic agriculture economically feasible Is it possible to manage pests and diseases in organic farming
24
Comparative data of 3 years average production at Phanda farm
2000220095001500Wheat 3
1120108015001500Peas2
10181272900014000Gram1
Rabi
66379820003750Arhar4
1300145020008800Paddy3
75080010001000Maize2
Kharif
121612461400020000Soybean1
ControlOrganicControlOrganic
Production QntlHa
Sowing area (Ha)CropsSNo
Dr GS KaushalDirector AgricultureGovt of Madhya PradeshBHOPAL
Ram et al 2004
Improvement in soil composition under biodynamic practices
Treatment Fruit qualityTitrable acidity
(citrate )Ascorbic
acid (mg100
g)
Total solids()
pH
T1-control 043 183 36 36
T2-100 N as urea 052 207 44 38
T3-100N as fym 055 207 46 37
T4-100N as vermicompost 061 218 49 37
T5-100N as coirpith compost 056 208 45 36
T6-75N as FYM with Azospirillum 062 208 5O 37
T7-75N as vermicompost with Azospirllum 072 230 54 39
T8-75N as coirpith compost with Azospirillum
066 217 52 38
T9-50N asFYM with Azospirillum 048 191 41 35
T10-50N as vermicompost with Azospirllum 050 194 43 36
T11-50N as coirpith compost with Azospirillum
048 191 42 36
C D(P=005) 003 05 03 04Kannan et al 2006
Fruit quality of tomato influenced by organic farming
Treatment Fruit characters
Fruit height (cm)
Fruit girth (cm)
Fruit weight (g)
Yield (tha)
T1-Control 22 107 298 227
T2-100 N as urea 26 144 298 310
T3-100N as fym 26 143 397 309
T4-100N as vermicompost 27 147 403 312
T5-100N as coirpith compost 26 144 398 310
T6-75N as FYM with Azospirillum 28 147 405 313
T7-75N as vermicompost with Azospirllum
31 152 427 330
T8-75N as coirpith compost with Azospirillum
30 149 414 317
T9-50N asFYM with Azospirillum 24 127 385 306
T10-50N as vermicompost with Azospirllum
25 133 390 305
T11-50N as coirpith compost with Azospirillum
25 133 387 307
C D(P=005) 01 03 17 02
Kannan et al 2006
Effect of organic farming on fruit characteristics and yield of tomato
Rice equivalent yield (tha) of different systems under various management practices at PAU
Cropping System Productivity ( tha)Chemical Organic Integrated
GM-Basmati Rice- Wheat
126 130 136
Turmeric-Onion 192 369 366Summer Groundnut-Garlic
253 291 294
Maize-durum Wheat-Cowpea (F)
114 126 123
Rice-Garlic+Mentha 249 310 322
Management of soil fertility using on ndash farm inputs in maizebasmati rice ndashwheat cropping systems at PAU
Organic InputsGrain Yield (qha)
Maize Wheat
Farmyard Manure (FYM) 399 356Crop residues (CR) 337 324Vermicompost (VC) 419 33013 FYM + 13 CR + 13 VC 415 342Control 171 132
Basmati Rice Wheat
GM 308 293Control 172 137
Green fodder yield (tha) under different fodder production system at PAU
Treatment Green fodder yield (tha)Kharif Rabi Summer Total
Main Plots (Green fodder system)
Sorghum ndash Berseem - 337 672 - 1009Maize ndash Berseem- Bajra 132 677 608 1417Maize-Berseem-Maize+cowpea
142 679 419 1240
Sorghum + gurara - oats - cowpea
350 483 336 1169
Sub plots (Management sysem)Organic 259 712 472 1443Chemical 196 533 426 1155Integrated 264 637 465 1366CD (005) 095 17 20 23
Plant Nutrient Supply System in Organic Farming
1Organic amendments with organic manure vermi-compost and bio fertilizers
2Biodynamic Approach based on soil biotechnology and microbiology
3Homeopathic Approach
4Agnihotra Approach
5Panchgavya Approach
Nutrient Cycling Soil microorganisms mediate nutrient cycles through decomposition of organic residues- Microorganisms lsquofeedrsquo on the residues- Biochemical by-products are plant nutrients (NPS) and other beneficial compounds like humic acid
bull Mineralization- Microbial conversion of organic N P and S into ammonium phosphate and sulfate - Nutrients become available
bull Immobilization-Microbial assimilation of inorganic N P and S- Nutrients temporarily tied up in microbial biomass
Microbial Functional Groups1048698 Bacteria- decomposers primary players in NP and S cycling- Actinomycetes act on more complex compounds to form humus1048698 Fungi- Decomposers attack lignin- Nutrient acquisition (mycorrhiza)1048698 Protozoa and Nematodes- Consume bacteria and fungi releasing plant nutrients (N)- Activity increases decomposition rates
Factors Affecting Microbial Populations1048698 Moisture- Microorganisms need water to survive1048698 Oxygen- Bacteria both aerobic and anaerobic- Fungi protozoa and nematodes aerobic1048698 Temperature- Adaptable- Activity generally increases as temperature rises1048698 Soil pH- Bacteria sensitive to acidity- Fungi function at low pH1048698 Organic Matter- OM source of C and nutrients- OM additions stimulate microbial growth
Agricultural Practices Affecting Microbial Populations1048698 Tillage- Destroys fungi meso and macrofauna- Reduces OM- Reduces aggregation1048698 Fertilizers- N and P fertilizers create acid zones killing microorganisms1048698 Fumigation- Indiscriminant destruction of microbial community1048698 Monocropping- Reduces microbial diversity- Promotes pest build-up
What About the Soil Food Web
What About the Soil Food Web Important to recognize the role of each functional group and their interdependence
Remember that management practices affect microbial interactions
Soil tests to quantify soil food web are expensive and difficult to interpret
Hot area for research
Tools and Practices for organic farmingCrop Rotation Soil fertility- Legumes for N fixation- Diverse rooting habitsPest Management- Break pest cycles- Promote diversity Know the family of the cropsCrops rotated so that crops from different families follow each other Lettuce Beans Corn Tomatoes
Green Manures in the Crop Rotation1048698 Soil fertility- Legumes for N fixation- Grasses for OM accumulation- Diverse rooting habits1048698 Pest Management- Break pest cycles- Promote diversity attract beneficials- Biofumigants (brassicas sudan grass sunn hemp)1048698 Weed Management- Perennial rye- Oats
Composts and Manures Soil Conditioner- Feed the soil- Improve physical properties
Nutrient Availability- CN ratio- Total N content- 15 of total N in mature composts available in thefirst year (Bettina et al 2003)- Field trials estimate that composts alone can satisfycrop N demands after 40-80 years
Feather meal Dairy Manure CompostCN ratio 32 18 10-17Total N 12 20 10
Composts and Manures1048698 Timing-Continuous additions to build up SOM
- Mineralization potential of soil increases asOM inputs increase with time
- SOM acts as nutrient reserve continuouslyreleasing nutrients
- High N materials can be used as a rapidsource of N in the short term
Intercropping and Companion Planting1048698 Interplanting 2 or more mutually beneficial plants to increase biodiversity
Biological Pest Control1048698 Depends on managing beneficial insectpredatorsparasites1048698 Seen as default benefit of organic soilmanagement practices that promoteabove and below ground diversity1048698 Can include the release of control agents1048698 Farmscaping longshort term design tocreate habitats for beneficials
Tillage and Cultivation1048698 Tools for weed control residuemanagement manure incorporationhardpan destruction pest control1048698 Negative impacts- Costly- Destroy humus reserves and soil organisms- compaction1048698 Conservation and ridge tillage- Organic growers pioneers
Mulching1048698 Weed control moisture and temperature control soil organic matter
1048698 Large quantities of resistant organic materials (wood chips straw etchellip)
1048698 Not practical on a large scale
List of bio-pesticides available in marketName Purpose
Neemazal Against borers
Neem oil (5 ) Against borers
Neem seed extract (5 ) Against borers
Neem cake For controlling nematodes
Dried neem leaves Against stored grain pests
Sour butter milk (10 ) Against sap sucking insects
Cow dung ash dusting
Water spray Against aphid
Trichogramma cards Against borers
Trixho- XP ( Trichoderma harzaianum) Against diseases
SudocelPseudomonas fluoresens (PSF) Larvocel
Against diseases
Bauvaria baviana Against diseases
Products for use in fertilization and soil conditioning in organic farming
Sr No
Items Conditions for use
Material produced on an organic farm unit
Matter produced on an organic farm unit
1 Farmyard and slurry urine Permitted
2 Crop residues and green manure Permitted
3 Straw and other mulches Permitted
4 Composts and vermicomposts Permitted
Matter produced outside the organic farm unit
1 Blood meal meat meal bone meal and feather meal without preservatives
Restricted
2 Compost made from plant residues and animal excrement Restricted
3 Farmyard manure slurry urine Restricted
4 Fish and fish products without preservatives Restricted
5 Guano Restricted
6 Human excreta Restricted
7 Wood bark sawdust wood ash wood charcoal Restricted
8 Straw animal charcoal compost and spent mushroom and vermiculture substances
Restricted
9 Compost from organic household Restricted
10 Compost from plant residues Restricted
11 Sea weed and sea weed products
By products from the industries
1 By- products from the food and textile industries of biodegradable material of microbial plant or animal origin without any systematic additives
Restricted
2 By products from oil palm coconut and cocoa (including fruit bunch palm oil mill effluent cocoa peat and empty coca pods
Restricted
3 By products of industries processing ingredients from organic agriculture Restricted
4 Extracts from mushroom chlorella fermented product from Aspergillus natural acids (vinegar)
Restricted
Mineral Origin
Basic slag Restricted
Calcareous and magnesium rock Restricted
Lime limestone gypsum Restricted
Calcified sea weed Restricted
Calcium chloride Restricted
Mineral potassium with low chlorine content (eg sulphate of potash kainite sylvinite patenkali)
Restricted
Natural phosphates (rock phosphate) Restricted
Trace elements Permitted
Sulphur Permitted
Clay (bentonite perlite zeolite) Permitted
Microbiological origin
Bacterial preparation (bio fertilizers) Permitted
Biodynamic preparations Permitted
Plant preparation and botanical extracts Permitted
Products for plant pest and disease controlItems Condition
for use
Material from plant and animal origin
Plant based repellents (Neem preparations from Azadirachta indica
Permitted
Algal preparations (gelatine) Permitted
Casein Permitted
Extracts from mushroom chlorella fermented products from Aspergillus
Permitted
Propolis Restricted
Beeswax natural acids (vinegar) plant oils Quassia Permitted
Rotenone from Derris elliptica Lonchocarpus Trphrosia spp
Restricted
Tobacco tea (pure nicotine prohibited Restricted
Preparation from Rryania species Restricted
Items Condition for use
Mineral Origin
Chloride of limesoda Restricted
Burgundy mixture Restricted
Clay (bentonite perlite ermiculite zeolite Permitted
Copper saltsinorganic salts (Bordeaux mix copper hydroxide copper oxychloride)
Not allowed
Quick lime Restricted
Mineral Origin
Diatomaceous earth Permitted
Light mineral oils Restricted
Permagnate of potash Restricted
Insect Origin
Release of parasites predators of insect pests Restricted
Sterilized insects Restricted
Sterlized insects males Not allowed
Items Condition for use
Microorganisms used for biological pest control
Viral fungal and bacterial preparations (biopesticides) Restricted
Others
Carbon dioxide and nitrogen gas Permitted
Soft soap soda sulphur dioxide Permitted
Homeopathic and ayurvedic preparations Permitted
Herbal and biodynamic preparations Permitted
Sea salt and salty water Permitted
Ethyl alcohol Not allowed
Traps barriers and repellants
Physical methods (eg chromatic traps mechanical traps)
Permitted
Mulches nets Permitted
Pheromones-in traps and dispensers only Permitted
Average nutrient content of organic manures
Source of Nutrition Percentage composition
Organic manure N P2O5 K2O
Farmyard Manure 05 02 05
Farm compost 05 015 05
Town compost 14 100 14
Night soil 55 40 20
Vermicompost 30 00 15
Crop residues -
Bio gas slurry 15-20 10 1
Rock phosphate - 25-30 -
Source of Nutrition
Percentage composition
Non edible oil cake
N P2O5 K2O
Castor cake 43 18 13
Cotton seed cake 39 18 16
Karanj or honge cake 39 09 12
Mahua cake 25 08 18
Neem cake 52 10 14
Safflower cake 49 14 12
Green Manure crops
San hamp (Crotolaria juncea) 23 05 180
Dhaincha ( Sesbnia aculeata) 35 06 120
Sesbania speciosa 271 053 221
Source of Nutrition Percentage composition
Green leaf manure N P2O5 K2O
Glycricidia (Gluicidia sepium) 276 028 46
Pongamia (Pongama glabra) 331 044 239
Gulmohur (Delonix glabra) 276 046 050
Neem (Azadirachta indica) 283 028 035
Animal based
Blood meal 10-12 1-2 100
Meat meal 105 25 05
Fish meal 4-10 3-9 03-15
Horn and hoof meal 13 - -
Raw bone meal 3-4 20-25 -
Steamed bone meal 1-2 25-30 -
bull Lack of technical know-howbull Lack of required amount BD preparations in marketbull Lack of awareness among people about hazards caused by use of agrochemicalsbull Bulky nature of BD preparations and compostbull In-situ production is not feasiblebull Lack of scientific data on the long-term benefits and limitations of biodynamic farmingbull Limited domestic market for bio-dynamically grown producebull Quality certification
Constraints
ConstraintsProducersrsquoDistributorsrsquoTradersrsquo point of view
bull Lack of proper infrastructure for distribution and conservation of bio-inputs is a major constraint that hinders the access of these inputs to farmers
bull Some climatic regions and soil conditions are not suitable for specific strains of organic production
bull Given the mandated period of around three years for a conventional farm to become an organic farm the benefits perceived by farmers tend to be limited as they have a short term orientation
bull As a result even if they are aware they are hesitant to switch over to organic (green) agricultural practices
Constraining factorsFarmersrsquo point of view
The government perspective bull Changing the cropping and cultivation
patterns is slow and time-consuming process
bull Given the high levels of illiteracy and large number of small and marginal farmers it makes the change process difficult
bull Subsidies on chemical fertilizers and pesticide impede the growth of organic agriculture
Major Limitations under Punjab conditions
bull Bulky nature of organic manurebull Divergent nutritional valuebull Small land holdingbull Lack of awareness among farmersbull Marketing of organic producebull Labour and cost intensivebull Low incentives from governmentbull Non availability of bio pesticides
Major Limitations------contd
bull Dramatic and large benefits in terms of yield and returns
bull Cultivation of high nutrient responsive cultivers
bull Promotion of biological agentsbull Urgency to meet food security
Why farmers are reluctant to adopt organic farming in Punjab
bull Perceived high costs of doing organic farming due to incomplete knowledge about principles and practices of organic agriculture among farmers They were arranging inputs from outside
bull Non-availability of adequate quantities of organic manures and other organic inputs in the local market
bull Knowledge of organic farming has not filtered down to actual users ie small farmers and the information reached to target groups is often not backed by scientifically proven results
bull Complex and costly procedures of certificationbull Risk involved in marketing of organic produce
Discussion points
bull What arguments are there in favour of organic agriculture in India
bull What vested interests would oppose the growth of organic agricultures and why
bull What strategies could be employed to further promote the greening of agriculture in India
Can India adopt organic farming in a big way
bull Is organic farming non-scientific and unproven bull Does practicing organic farming means reduced yield bull Why were crop yields low before invention of Agro-
chemicals bull How is organic farming different from conventional bull What are the strengths and weaknesses of organic
farming
bull Where is the large quantity of compost for OF bull Does the soil fertility decline when fertilizers are
not used bull Scientifically where crop nutrients come from in
organic farming bull How are crops protected in organic farming bull Why restricted when India is a low user bull Where are the evidences that high yields are
possible in organic farming bull Is organic farming labour intensive
Conclusion Sustainable economic and eco friendly approach
Minimum risk of residual toxicity
Improvement in soil fertility with high yield quality produce Maintenance of organic matter content of the soil
Reduced energy use
Increased yields without over reliance on costly inputs
SummaryOrganic agriculture is not for everyone Yet it is a viable approach that can be beneficial It canbull Be particularly useful in the more difficult environments where resources are scarce and cultivation problematicbull Potentially reduce risks bya) ldquolocalizingrdquo input productionb) fostering soil and water conservationc) encouraging diversification (food security)bull Improve ability to compete in todayrsquos fast globalizing standards-critical trade
Strategies needed to promote organic farming in India
bull Adequate research and extension support needs to be providedbull Research to quantify the role of organic farming in minimizing the
ill effects of modern agriculture and its effect on environment bull Helping farmers to promote organic farmingbull Government should recognize agriculture in Kyoto protocol
carbon credit mechanismbull Developing infrastructure for supply chain and ensuring
competitive price for organic productsbull Capacity building through on farm demonstrations and trainingsbull Government support in cheaper access to organic certificates
Thanks
24
Comparative data of 3 years average production at Phanda farm
2000220095001500Wheat 3
1120108015001500Peas2
10181272900014000Gram1
Rabi
66379820003750Arhar4
1300145020008800Paddy3
75080010001000Maize2
Kharif
121612461400020000Soybean1
ControlOrganicControlOrganic
Production QntlHa
Sowing area (Ha)CropsSNo
Dr GS KaushalDirector AgricultureGovt of Madhya PradeshBHOPAL
Ram et al 2004
Improvement in soil composition under biodynamic practices
Treatment Fruit qualityTitrable acidity
(citrate )Ascorbic
acid (mg100
g)
Total solids()
pH
T1-control 043 183 36 36
T2-100 N as urea 052 207 44 38
T3-100N as fym 055 207 46 37
T4-100N as vermicompost 061 218 49 37
T5-100N as coirpith compost 056 208 45 36
T6-75N as FYM with Azospirillum 062 208 5O 37
T7-75N as vermicompost with Azospirllum 072 230 54 39
T8-75N as coirpith compost with Azospirillum
066 217 52 38
T9-50N asFYM with Azospirillum 048 191 41 35
T10-50N as vermicompost with Azospirllum 050 194 43 36
T11-50N as coirpith compost with Azospirillum
048 191 42 36
C D(P=005) 003 05 03 04Kannan et al 2006
Fruit quality of tomato influenced by organic farming
Treatment Fruit characters
Fruit height (cm)
Fruit girth (cm)
Fruit weight (g)
Yield (tha)
T1-Control 22 107 298 227
T2-100 N as urea 26 144 298 310
T3-100N as fym 26 143 397 309
T4-100N as vermicompost 27 147 403 312
T5-100N as coirpith compost 26 144 398 310
T6-75N as FYM with Azospirillum 28 147 405 313
T7-75N as vermicompost with Azospirllum
31 152 427 330
T8-75N as coirpith compost with Azospirillum
30 149 414 317
T9-50N asFYM with Azospirillum 24 127 385 306
T10-50N as vermicompost with Azospirllum
25 133 390 305
T11-50N as coirpith compost with Azospirillum
25 133 387 307
C D(P=005) 01 03 17 02
Kannan et al 2006
Effect of organic farming on fruit characteristics and yield of tomato
Rice equivalent yield (tha) of different systems under various management practices at PAU
Cropping System Productivity ( tha)Chemical Organic Integrated
GM-Basmati Rice- Wheat
126 130 136
Turmeric-Onion 192 369 366Summer Groundnut-Garlic
253 291 294
Maize-durum Wheat-Cowpea (F)
114 126 123
Rice-Garlic+Mentha 249 310 322
Management of soil fertility using on ndash farm inputs in maizebasmati rice ndashwheat cropping systems at PAU
Organic InputsGrain Yield (qha)
Maize Wheat
Farmyard Manure (FYM) 399 356Crop residues (CR) 337 324Vermicompost (VC) 419 33013 FYM + 13 CR + 13 VC 415 342Control 171 132
Basmati Rice Wheat
GM 308 293Control 172 137
Green fodder yield (tha) under different fodder production system at PAU
Treatment Green fodder yield (tha)Kharif Rabi Summer Total
Main Plots (Green fodder system)
Sorghum ndash Berseem - 337 672 - 1009Maize ndash Berseem- Bajra 132 677 608 1417Maize-Berseem-Maize+cowpea
142 679 419 1240
Sorghum + gurara - oats - cowpea
350 483 336 1169
Sub plots (Management sysem)Organic 259 712 472 1443Chemical 196 533 426 1155Integrated 264 637 465 1366CD (005) 095 17 20 23
Plant Nutrient Supply System in Organic Farming
1Organic amendments with organic manure vermi-compost and bio fertilizers
2Biodynamic Approach based on soil biotechnology and microbiology
3Homeopathic Approach
4Agnihotra Approach
5Panchgavya Approach
Nutrient Cycling Soil microorganisms mediate nutrient cycles through decomposition of organic residues- Microorganisms lsquofeedrsquo on the residues- Biochemical by-products are plant nutrients (NPS) and other beneficial compounds like humic acid
bull Mineralization- Microbial conversion of organic N P and S into ammonium phosphate and sulfate - Nutrients become available
bull Immobilization-Microbial assimilation of inorganic N P and S- Nutrients temporarily tied up in microbial biomass
Microbial Functional Groups1048698 Bacteria- decomposers primary players in NP and S cycling- Actinomycetes act on more complex compounds to form humus1048698 Fungi- Decomposers attack lignin- Nutrient acquisition (mycorrhiza)1048698 Protozoa and Nematodes- Consume bacteria and fungi releasing plant nutrients (N)- Activity increases decomposition rates
Factors Affecting Microbial Populations1048698 Moisture- Microorganisms need water to survive1048698 Oxygen- Bacteria both aerobic and anaerobic- Fungi protozoa and nematodes aerobic1048698 Temperature- Adaptable- Activity generally increases as temperature rises1048698 Soil pH- Bacteria sensitive to acidity- Fungi function at low pH1048698 Organic Matter- OM source of C and nutrients- OM additions stimulate microbial growth
Agricultural Practices Affecting Microbial Populations1048698 Tillage- Destroys fungi meso and macrofauna- Reduces OM- Reduces aggregation1048698 Fertilizers- N and P fertilizers create acid zones killing microorganisms1048698 Fumigation- Indiscriminant destruction of microbial community1048698 Monocropping- Reduces microbial diversity- Promotes pest build-up
What About the Soil Food Web
What About the Soil Food Web Important to recognize the role of each functional group and their interdependence
Remember that management practices affect microbial interactions
Soil tests to quantify soil food web are expensive and difficult to interpret
Hot area for research
Tools and Practices for organic farmingCrop Rotation Soil fertility- Legumes for N fixation- Diverse rooting habitsPest Management- Break pest cycles- Promote diversity Know the family of the cropsCrops rotated so that crops from different families follow each other Lettuce Beans Corn Tomatoes
Green Manures in the Crop Rotation1048698 Soil fertility- Legumes for N fixation- Grasses for OM accumulation- Diverse rooting habits1048698 Pest Management- Break pest cycles- Promote diversity attract beneficials- Biofumigants (brassicas sudan grass sunn hemp)1048698 Weed Management- Perennial rye- Oats
Composts and Manures Soil Conditioner- Feed the soil- Improve physical properties
Nutrient Availability- CN ratio- Total N content- 15 of total N in mature composts available in thefirst year (Bettina et al 2003)- Field trials estimate that composts alone can satisfycrop N demands after 40-80 years
Feather meal Dairy Manure CompostCN ratio 32 18 10-17Total N 12 20 10
Composts and Manures1048698 Timing-Continuous additions to build up SOM
- Mineralization potential of soil increases asOM inputs increase with time
- SOM acts as nutrient reserve continuouslyreleasing nutrients
- High N materials can be used as a rapidsource of N in the short term
Intercropping and Companion Planting1048698 Interplanting 2 or more mutually beneficial plants to increase biodiversity
Biological Pest Control1048698 Depends on managing beneficial insectpredatorsparasites1048698 Seen as default benefit of organic soilmanagement practices that promoteabove and below ground diversity1048698 Can include the release of control agents1048698 Farmscaping longshort term design tocreate habitats for beneficials
Tillage and Cultivation1048698 Tools for weed control residuemanagement manure incorporationhardpan destruction pest control1048698 Negative impacts- Costly- Destroy humus reserves and soil organisms- compaction1048698 Conservation and ridge tillage- Organic growers pioneers
Mulching1048698 Weed control moisture and temperature control soil organic matter
1048698 Large quantities of resistant organic materials (wood chips straw etchellip)
1048698 Not practical on a large scale
List of bio-pesticides available in marketName Purpose
Neemazal Against borers
Neem oil (5 ) Against borers
Neem seed extract (5 ) Against borers
Neem cake For controlling nematodes
Dried neem leaves Against stored grain pests
Sour butter milk (10 ) Against sap sucking insects
Cow dung ash dusting
Water spray Against aphid
Trichogramma cards Against borers
Trixho- XP ( Trichoderma harzaianum) Against diseases
SudocelPseudomonas fluoresens (PSF) Larvocel
Against diseases
Bauvaria baviana Against diseases
Products for use in fertilization and soil conditioning in organic farming
Sr No
Items Conditions for use
Material produced on an organic farm unit
Matter produced on an organic farm unit
1 Farmyard and slurry urine Permitted
2 Crop residues and green manure Permitted
3 Straw and other mulches Permitted
4 Composts and vermicomposts Permitted
Matter produced outside the organic farm unit
1 Blood meal meat meal bone meal and feather meal without preservatives
Restricted
2 Compost made from plant residues and animal excrement Restricted
3 Farmyard manure slurry urine Restricted
4 Fish and fish products without preservatives Restricted
5 Guano Restricted
6 Human excreta Restricted
7 Wood bark sawdust wood ash wood charcoal Restricted
8 Straw animal charcoal compost and spent mushroom and vermiculture substances
Restricted
9 Compost from organic household Restricted
10 Compost from plant residues Restricted
11 Sea weed and sea weed products
By products from the industries
1 By- products from the food and textile industries of biodegradable material of microbial plant or animal origin without any systematic additives
Restricted
2 By products from oil palm coconut and cocoa (including fruit bunch palm oil mill effluent cocoa peat and empty coca pods
Restricted
3 By products of industries processing ingredients from organic agriculture Restricted
4 Extracts from mushroom chlorella fermented product from Aspergillus natural acids (vinegar)
Restricted
Mineral Origin
Basic slag Restricted
Calcareous and magnesium rock Restricted
Lime limestone gypsum Restricted
Calcified sea weed Restricted
Calcium chloride Restricted
Mineral potassium with low chlorine content (eg sulphate of potash kainite sylvinite patenkali)
Restricted
Natural phosphates (rock phosphate) Restricted
Trace elements Permitted
Sulphur Permitted
Clay (bentonite perlite zeolite) Permitted
Microbiological origin
Bacterial preparation (bio fertilizers) Permitted
Biodynamic preparations Permitted
Plant preparation and botanical extracts Permitted
Products for plant pest and disease controlItems Condition
for use
Material from plant and animal origin
Plant based repellents (Neem preparations from Azadirachta indica
Permitted
Algal preparations (gelatine) Permitted
Casein Permitted
Extracts from mushroom chlorella fermented products from Aspergillus
Permitted
Propolis Restricted
Beeswax natural acids (vinegar) plant oils Quassia Permitted
Rotenone from Derris elliptica Lonchocarpus Trphrosia spp
Restricted
Tobacco tea (pure nicotine prohibited Restricted
Preparation from Rryania species Restricted
Items Condition for use
Mineral Origin
Chloride of limesoda Restricted
Burgundy mixture Restricted
Clay (bentonite perlite ermiculite zeolite Permitted
Copper saltsinorganic salts (Bordeaux mix copper hydroxide copper oxychloride)
Not allowed
Quick lime Restricted
Mineral Origin
Diatomaceous earth Permitted
Light mineral oils Restricted
Permagnate of potash Restricted
Insect Origin
Release of parasites predators of insect pests Restricted
Sterilized insects Restricted
Sterlized insects males Not allowed
Items Condition for use
Microorganisms used for biological pest control
Viral fungal and bacterial preparations (biopesticides) Restricted
Others
Carbon dioxide and nitrogen gas Permitted
Soft soap soda sulphur dioxide Permitted
Homeopathic and ayurvedic preparations Permitted
Herbal and biodynamic preparations Permitted
Sea salt and salty water Permitted
Ethyl alcohol Not allowed
Traps barriers and repellants
Physical methods (eg chromatic traps mechanical traps)
Permitted
Mulches nets Permitted
Pheromones-in traps and dispensers only Permitted
Average nutrient content of organic manures
Source of Nutrition Percentage composition
Organic manure N P2O5 K2O
Farmyard Manure 05 02 05
Farm compost 05 015 05
Town compost 14 100 14
Night soil 55 40 20
Vermicompost 30 00 15
Crop residues -
Bio gas slurry 15-20 10 1
Rock phosphate - 25-30 -
Source of Nutrition
Percentage composition
Non edible oil cake
N P2O5 K2O
Castor cake 43 18 13
Cotton seed cake 39 18 16
Karanj or honge cake 39 09 12
Mahua cake 25 08 18
Neem cake 52 10 14
Safflower cake 49 14 12
Green Manure crops
San hamp (Crotolaria juncea) 23 05 180
Dhaincha ( Sesbnia aculeata) 35 06 120
Sesbania speciosa 271 053 221
Source of Nutrition Percentage composition
Green leaf manure N P2O5 K2O
Glycricidia (Gluicidia sepium) 276 028 46
Pongamia (Pongama glabra) 331 044 239
Gulmohur (Delonix glabra) 276 046 050
Neem (Azadirachta indica) 283 028 035
Animal based
Blood meal 10-12 1-2 100
Meat meal 105 25 05
Fish meal 4-10 3-9 03-15
Horn and hoof meal 13 - -
Raw bone meal 3-4 20-25 -
Steamed bone meal 1-2 25-30 -
bull Lack of technical know-howbull Lack of required amount BD preparations in marketbull Lack of awareness among people about hazards caused by use of agrochemicalsbull Bulky nature of BD preparations and compostbull In-situ production is not feasiblebull Lack of scientific data on the long-term benefits and limitations of biodynamic farmingbull Limited domestic market for bio-dynamically grown producebull Quality certification
Constraints
ConstraintsProducersrsquoDistributorsrsquoTradersrsquo point of view
bull Lack of proper infrastructure for distribution and conservation of bio-inputs is a major constraint that hinders the access of these inputs to farmers
bull Some climatic regions and soil conditions are not suitable for specific strains of organic production
bull Given the mandated period of around three years for a conventional farm to become an organic farm the benefits perceived by farmers tend to be limited as they have a short term orientation
bull As a result even if they are aware they are hesitant to switch over to organic (green) agricultural practices
Constraining factorsFarmersrsquo point of view
The government perspective bull Changing the cropping and cultivation
patterns is slow and time-consuming process
bull Given the high levels of illiteracy and large number of small and marginal farmers it makes the change process difficult
bull Subsidies on chemical fertilizers and pesticide impede the growth of organic agriculture
Major Limitations under Punjab conditions
bull Bulky nature of organic manurebull Divergent nutritional valuebull Small land holdingbull Lack of awareness among farmersbull Marketing of organic producebull Labour and cost intensivebull Low incentives from governmentbull Non availability of bio pesticides
Major Limitations------contd
bull Dramatic and large benefits in terms of yield and returns
bull Cultivation of high nutrient responsive cultivers
bull Promotion of biological agentsbull Urgency to meet food security
Why farmers are reluctant to adopt organic farming in Punjab
bull Perceived high costs of doing organic farming due to incomplete knowledge about principles and practices of organic agriculture among farmers They were arranging inputs from outside
bull Non-availability of adequate quantities of organic manures and other organic inputs in the local market
bull Knowledge of organic farming has not filtered down to actual users ie small farmers and the information reached to target groups is often not backed by scientifically proven results
bull Complex and costly procedures of certificationbull Risk involved in marketing of organic produce
Discussion points
bull What arguments are there in favour of organic agriculture in India
bull What vested interests would oppose the growth of organic agricultures and why
bull What strategies could be employed to further promote the greening of agriculture in India
Can India adopt organic farming in a big way
bull Is organic farming non-scientific and unproven bull Does practicing organic farming means reduced yield bull Why were crop yields low before invention of Agro-
chemicals bull How is organic farming different from conventional bull What are the strengths and weaknesses of organic
farming
bull Where is the large quantity of compost for OF bull Does the soil fertility decline when fertilizers are
not used bull Scientifically where crop nutrients come from in
organic farming bull How are crops protected in organic farming bull Why restricted when India is a low user bull Where are the evidences that high yields are
possible in organic farming bull Is organic farming labour intensive
Conclusion Sustainable economic and eco friendly approach
Minimum risk of residual toxicity
Improvement in soil fertility with high yield quality produce Maintenance of organic matter content of the soil
Reduced energy use
Increased yields without over reliance on costly inputs
SummaryOrganic agriculture is not for everyone Yet it is a viable approach that can be beneficial It canbull Be particularly useful in the more difficult environments where resources are scarce and cultivation problematicbull Potentially reduce risks bya) ldquolocalizingrdquo input productionb) fostering soil and water conservationc) encouraging diversification (food security)bull Improve ability to compete in todayrsquos fast globalizing standards-critical trade
Strategies needed to promote organic farming in India
bull Adequate research and extension support needs to be providedbull Research to quantify the role of organic farming in minimizing the
ill effects of modern agriculture and its effect on environment bull Helping farmers to promote organic farmingbull Government should recognize agriculture in Kyoto protocol
carbon credit mechanismbull Developing infrastructure for supply chain and ensuring
competitive price for organic productsbull Capacity building through on farm demonstrations and trainingsbull Government support in cheaper access to organic certificates
Thanks
Ram et al 2004
Improvement in soil composition under biodynamic practices
Treatment Fruit qualityTitrable acidity
(citrate )Ascorbic
acid (mg100
g)
Total solids()
pH
T1-control 043 183 36 36
T2-100 N as urea 052 207 44 38
T3-100N as fym 055 207 46 37
T4-100N as vermicompost 061 218 49 37
T5-100N as coirpith compost 056 208 45 36
T6-75N as FYM with Azospirillum 062 208 5O 37
T7-75N as vermicompost with Azospirllum 072 230 54 39
T8-75N as coirpith compost with Azospirillum
066 217 52 38
T9-50N asFYM with Azospirillum 048 191 41 35
T10-50N as vermicompost with Azospirllum 050 194 43 36
T11-50N as coirpith compost with Azospirillum
048 191 42 36
C D(P=005) 003 05 03 04Kannan et al 2006
Fruit quality of tomato influenced by organic farming
Treatment Fruit characters
Fruit height (cm)
Fruit girth (cm)
Fruit weight (g)
Yield (tha)
T1-Control 22 107 298 227
T2-100 N as urea 26 144 298 310
T3-100N as fym 26 143 397 309
T4-100N as vermicompost 27 147 403 312
T5-100N as coirpith compost 26 144 398 310
T6-75N as FYM with Azospirillum 28 147 405 313
T7-75N as vermicompost with Azospirllum
31 152 427 330
T8-75N as coirpith compost with Azospirillum
30 149 414 317
T9-50N asFYM with Azospirillum 24 127 385 306
T10-50N as vermicompost with Azospirllum
25 133 390 305
T11-50N as coirpith compost with Azospirillum
25 133 387 307
C D(P=005) 01 03 17 02
Kannan et al 2006
Effect of organic farming on fruit characteristics and yield of tomato
Rice equivalent yield (tha) of different systems under various management practices at PAU
Cropping System Productivity ( tha)Chemical Organic Integrated
GM-Basmati Rice- Wheat
126 130 136
Turmeric-Onion 192 369 366Summer Groundnut-Garlic
253 291 294
Maize-durum Wheat-Cowpea (F)
114 126 123
Rice-Garlic+Mentha 249 310 322
Management of soil fertility using on ndash farm inputs in maizebasmati rice ndashwheat cropping systems at PAU
Organic InputsGrain Yield (qha)
Maize Wheat
Farmyard Manure (FYM) 399 356Crop residues (CR) 337 324Vermicompost (VC) 419 33013 FYM + 13 CR + 13 VC 415 342Control 171 132
Basmati Rice Wheat
GM 308 293Control 172 137
Green fodder yield (tha) under different fodder production system at PAU
Treatment Green fodder yield (tha)Kharif Rabi Summer Total
Main Plots (Green fodder system)
Sorghum ndash Berseem - 337 672 - 1009Maize ndash Berseem- Bajra 132 677 608 1417Maize-Berseem-Maize+cowpea
142 679 419 1240
Sorghum + gurara - oats - cowpea
350 483 336 1169
Sub plots (Management sysem)Organic 259 712 472 1443Chemical 196 533 426 1155Integrated 264 637 465 1366CD (005) 095 17 20 23
Plant Nutrient Supply System in Organic Farming
1Organic amendments with organic manure vermi-compost and bio fertilizers
2Biodynamic Approach based on soil biotechnology and microbiology
3Homeopathic Approach
4Agnihotra Approach
5Panchgavya Approach
Nutrient Cycling Soil microorganisms mediate nutrient cycles through decomposition of organic residues- Microorganisms lsquofeedrsquo on the residues- Biochemical by-products are plant nutrients (NPS) and other beneficial compounds like humic acid
bull Mineralization- Microbial conversion of organic N P and S into ammonium phosphate and sulfate - Nutrients become available
bull Immobilization-Microbial assimilation of inorganic N P and S- Nutrients temporarily tied up in microbial biomass
Microbial Functional Groups1048698 Bacteria- decomposers primary players in NP and S cycling- Actinomycetes act on more complex compounds to form humus1048698 Fungi- Decomposers attack lignin- Nutrient acquisition (mycorrhiza)1048698 Protozoa and Nematodes- Consume bacteria and fungi releasing plant nutrients (N)- Activity increases decomposition rates
Factors Affecting Microbial Populations1048698 Moisture- Microorganisms need water to survive1048698 Oxygen- Bacteria both aerobic and anaerobic- Fungi protozoa and nematodes aerobic1048698 Temperature- Adaptable- Activity generally increases as temperature rises1048698 Soil pH- Bacteria sensitive to acidity- Fungi function at low pH1048698 Organic Matter- OM source of C and nutrients- OM additions stimulate microbial growth
Agricultural Practices Affecting Microbial Populations1048698 Tillage- Destroys fungi meso and macrofauna- Reduces OM- Reduces aggregation1048698 Fertilizers- N and P fertilizers create acid zones killing microorganisms1048698 Fumigation- Indiscriminant destruction of microbial community1048698 Monocropping- Reduces microbial diversity- Promotes pest build-up
What About the Soil Food Web
What About the Soil Food Web Important to recognize the role of each functional group and their interdependence
Remember that management practices affect microbial interactions
Soil tests to quantify soil food web are expensive and difficult to interpret
Hot area for research
Tools and Practices for organic farmingCrop Rotation Soil fertility- Legumes for N fixation- Diverse rooting habitsPest Management- Break pest cycles- Promote diversity Know the family of the cropsCrops rotated so that crops from different families follow each other Lettuce Beans Corn Tomatoes
Green Manures in the Crop Rotation1048698 Soil fertility- Legumes for N fixation- Grasses for OM accumulation- Diverse rooting habits1048698 Pest Management- Break pest cycles- Promote diversity attract beneficials- Biofumigants (brassicas sudan grass sunn hemp)1048698 Weed Management- Perennial rye- Oats
Composts and Manures Soil Conditioner- Feed the soil- Improve physical properties
Nutrient Availability- CN ratio- Total N content- 15 of total N in mature composts available in thefirst year (Bettina et al 2003)- Field trials estimate that composts alone can satisfycrop N demands after 40-80 years
Feather meal Dairy Manure CompostCN ratio 32 18 10-17Total N 12 20 10
Composts and Manures1048698 Timing-Continuous additions to build up SOM
- Mineralization potential of soil increases asOM inputs increase with time
- SOM acts as nutrient reserve continuouslyreleasing nutrients
- High N materials can be used as a rapidsource of N in the short term
Intercropping and Companion Planting1048698 Interplanting 2 or more mutually beneficial plants to increase biodiversity
Biological Pest Control1048698 Depends on managing beneficial insectpredatorsparasites1048698 Seen as default benefit of organic soilmanagement practices that promoteabove and below ground diversity1048698 Can include the release of control agents1048698 Farmscaping longshort term design tocreate habitats for beneficials
Tillage and Cultivation1048698 Tools for weed control residuemanagement manure incorporationhardpan destruction pest control1048698 Negative impacts- Costly- Destroy humus reserves and soil organisms- compaction1048698 Conservation and ridge tillage- Organic growers pioneers
Mulching1048698 Weed control moisture and temperature control soil organic matter
1048698 Large quantities of resistant organic materials (wood chips straw etchellip)
1048698 Not practical on a large scale
List of bio-pesticides available in marketName Purpose
Neemazal Against borers
Neem oil (5 ) Against borers
Neem seed extract (5 ) Against borers
Neem cake For controlling nematodes
Dried neem leaves Against stored grain pests
Sour butter milk (10 ) Against sap sucking insects
Cow dung ash dusting
Water spray Against aphid
Trichogramma cards Against borers
Trixho- XP ( Trichoderma harzaianum) Against diseases
SudocelPseudomonas fluoresens (PSF) Larvocel
Against diseases
Bauvaria baviana Against diseases
Products for use in fertilization and soil conditioning in organic farming
Sr No
Items Conditions for use
Material produced on an organic farm unit
Matter produced on an organic farm unit
1 Farmyard and slurry urine Permitted
2 Crop residues and green manure Permitted
3 Straw and other mulches Permitted
4 Composts and vermicomposts Permitted
Matter produced outside the organic farm unit
1 Blood meal meat meal bone meal and feather meal without preservatives
Restricted
2 Compost made from plant residues and animal excrement Restricted
3 Farmyard manure slurry urine Restricted
4 Fish and fish products without preservatives Restricted
5 Guano Restricted
6 Human excreta Restricted
7 Wood bark sawdust wood ash wood charcoal Restricted
8 Straw animal charcoal compost and spent mushroom and vermiculture substances
Restricted
9 Compost from organic household Restricted
10 Compost from plant residues Restricted
11 Sea weed and sea weed products
By products from the industries
1 By- products from the food and textile industries of biodegradable material of microbial plant or animal origin without any systematic additives
Restricted
2 By products from oil palm coconut and cocoa (including fruit bunch palm oil mill effluent cocoa peat and empty coca pods
Restricted
3 By products of industries processing ingredients from organic agriculture Restricted
4 Extracts from mushroom chlorella fermented product from Aspergillus natural acids (vinegar)
Restricted
Mineral Origin
Basic slag Restricted
Calcareous and magnesium rock Restricted
Lime limestone gypsum Restricted
Calcified sea weed Restricted
Calcium chloride Restricted
Mineral potassium with low chlorine content (eg sulphate of potash kainite sylvinite patenkali)
Restricted
Natural phosphates (rock phosphate) Restricted
Trace elements Permitted
Sulphur Permitted
Clay (bentonite perlite zeolite) Permitted
Microbiological origin
Bacterial preparation (bio fertilizers) Permitted
Biodynamic preparations Permitted
Plant preparation and botanical extracts Permitted
Products for plant pest and disease controlItems Condition
for use
Material from plant and animal origin
Plant based repellents (Neem preparations from Azadirachta indica
Permitted
Algal preparations (gelatine) Permitted
Casein Permitted
Extracts from mushroom chlorella fermented products from Aspergillus
Permitted
Propolis Restricted
Beeswax natural acids (vinegar) plant oils Quassia Permitted
Rotenone from Derris elliptica Lonchocarpus Trphrosia spp
Restricted
Tobacco tea (pure nicotine prohibited Restricted
Preparation from Rryania species Restricted
Items Condition for use
Mineral Origin
Chloride of limesoda Restricted
Burgundy mixture Restricted
Clay (bentonite perlite ermiculite zeolite Permitted
Copper saltsinorganic salts (Bordeaux mix copper hydroxide copper oxychloride)
Not allowed
Quick lime Restricted
Mineral Origin
Diatomaceous earth Permitted
Light mineral oils Restricted
Permagnate of potash Restricted
Insect Origin
Release of parasites predators of insect pests Restricted
Sterilized insects Restricted
Sterlized insects males Not allowed
Items Condition for use
Microorganisms used for biological pest control
Viral fungal and bacterial preparations (biopesticides) Restricted
Others
Carbon dioxide and nitrogen gas Permitted
Soft soap soda sulphur dioxide Permitted
Homeopathic and ayurvedic preparations Permitted
Herbal and biodynamic preparations Permitted
Sea salt and salty water Permitted
Ethyl alcohol Not allowed
Traps barriers and repellants
Physical methods (eg chromatic traps mechanical traps)
Permitted
Mulches nets Permitted
Pheromones-in traps and dispensers only Permitted
Average nutrient content of organic manures
Source of Nutrition Percentage composition
Organic manure N P2O5 K2O
Farmyard Manure 05 02 05
Farm compost 05 015 05
Town compost 14 100 14
Night soil 55 40 20
Vermicompost 30 00 15
Crop residues -
Bio gas slurry 15-20 10 1
Rock phosphate - 25-30 -
Source of Nutrition
Percentage composition
Non edible oil cake
N P2O5 K2O
Castor cake 43 18 13
Cotton seed cake 39 18 16
Karanj or honge cake 39 09 12
Mahua cake 25 08 18
Neem cake 52 10 14
Safflower cake 49 14 12
Green Manure crops
San hamp (Crotolaria juncea) 23 05 180
Dhaincha ( Sesbnia aculeata) 35 06 120
Sesbania speciosa 271 053 221
Source of Nutrition Percentage composition
Green leaf manure N P2O5 K2O
Glycricidia (Gluicidia sepium) 276 028 46
Pongamia (Pongama glabra) 331 044 239
Gulmohur (Delonix glabra) 276 046 050
Neem (Azadirachta indica) 283 028 035
Animal based
Blood meal 10-12 1-2 100
Meat meal 105 25 05
Fish meal 4-10 3-9 03-15
Horn and hoof meal 13 - -
Raw bone meal 3-4 20-25 -
Steamed bone meal 1-2 25-30 -
bull Lack of technical know-howbull Lack of required amount BD preparations in marketbull Lack of awareness among people about hazards caused by use of agrochemicalsbull Bulky nature of BD preparations and compostbull In-situ production is not feasiblebull Lack of scientific data on the long-term benefits and limitations of biodynamic farmingbull Limited domestic market for bio-dynamically grown producebull Quality certification
Constraints
ConstraintsProducersrsquoDistributorsrsquoTradersrsquo point of view
bull Lack of proper infrastructure for distribution and conservation of bio-inputs is a major constraint that hinders the access of these inputs to farmers
bull Some climatic regions and soil conditions are not suitable for specific strains of organic production
bull Given the mandated period of around three years for a conventional farm to become an organic farm the benefits perceived by farmers tend to be limited as they have a short term orientation
bull As a result even if they are aware they are hesitant to switch over to organic (green) agricultural practices
Constraining factorsFarmersrsquo point of view
The government perspective bull Changing the cropping and cultivation
patterns is slow and time-consuming process
bull Given the high levels of illiteracy and large number of small and marginal farmers it makes the change process difficult
bull Subsidies on chemical fertilizers and pesticide impede the growth of organic agriculture
Major Limitations under Punjab conditions
bull Bulky nature of organic manurebull Divergent nutritional valuebull Small land holdingbull Lack of awareness among farmersbull Marketing of organic producebull Labour and cost intensivebull Low incentives from governmentbull Non availability of bio pesticides
Major Limitations------contd
bull Dramatic and large benefits in terms of yield and returns
bull Cultivation of high nutrient responsive cultivers
bull Promotion of biological agentsbull Urgency to meet food security
Why farmers are reluctant to adopt organic farming in Punjab
bull Perceived high costs of doing organic farming due to incomplete knowledge about principles and practices of organic agriculture among farmers They were arranging inputs from outside
bull Non-availability of adequate quantities of organic manures and other organic inputs in the local market
bull Knowledge of organic farming has not filtered down to actual users ie small farmers and the information reached to target groups is often not backed by scientifically proven results
bull Complex and costly procedures of certificationbull Risk involved in marketing of organic produce
Discussion points
bull What arguments are there in favour of organic agriculture in India
bull What vested interests would oppose the growth of organic agricultures and why
bull What strategies could be employed to further promote the greening of agriculture in India
Can India adopt organic farming in a big way
bull Is organic farming non-scientific and unproven bull Does practicing organic farming means reduced yield bull Why were crop yields low before invention of Agro-
chemicals bull How is organic farming different from conventional bull What are the strengths and weaknesses of organic
farming
bull Where is the large quantity of compost for OF bull Does the soil fertility decline when fertilizers are
not used bull Scientifically where crop nutrients come from in
organic farming bull How are crops protected in organic farming bull Why restricted when India is a low user bull Where are the evidences that high yields are
possible in organic farming bull Is organic farming labour intensive
Conclusion Sustainable economic and eco friendly approach
Minimum risk of residual toxicity
Improvement in soil fertility with high yield quality produce Maintenance of organic matter content of the soil
Reduced energy use
Increased yields without over reliance on costly inputs
SummaryOrganic agriculture is not for everyone Yet it is a viable approach that can be beneficial It canbull Be particularly useful in the more difficult environments where resources are scarce and cultivation problematicbull Potentially reduce risks bya) ldquolocalizingrdquo input productionb) fostering soil and water conservationc) encouraging diversification (food security)bull Improve ability to compete in todayrsquos fast globalizing standards-critical trade
Strategies needed to promote organic farming in India
bull Adequate research and extension support needs to be providedbull Research to quantify the role of organic farming in minimizing the
ill effects of modern agriculture and its effect on environment bull Helping farmers to promote organic farmingbull Government should recognize agriculture in Kyoto protocol
carbon credit mechanismbull Developing infrastructure for supply chain and ensuring
competitive price for organic productsbull Capacity building through on farm demonstrations and trainingsbull Government support in cheaper access to organic certificates
Thanks
Treatment Fruit qualityTitrable acidity
(citrate )Ascorbic
acid (mg100
g)
Total solids()
pH
T1-control 043 183 36 36
T2-100 N as urea 052 207 44 38
T3-100N as fym 055 207 46 37
T4-100N as vermicompost 061 218 49 37
T5-100N as coirpith compost 056 208 45 36
T6-75N as FYM with Azospirillum 062 208 5O 37
T7-75N as vermicompost with Azospirllum 072 230 54 39
T8-75N as coirpith compost with Azospirillum
066 217 52 38
T9-50N asFYM with Azospirillum 048 191 41 35
T10-50N as vermicompost with Azospirllum 050 194 43 36
T11-50N as coirpith compost with Azospirillum
048 191 42 36
C D(P=005) 003 05 03 04Kannan et al 2006
Fruit quality of tomato influenced by organic farming
Treatment Fruit characters
Fruit height (cm)
Fruit girth (cm)
Fruit weight (g)
Yield (tha)
T1-Control 22 107 298 227
T2-100 N as urea 26 144 298 310
T3-100N as fym 26 143 397 309
T4-100N as vermicompost 27 147 403 312
T5-100N as coirpith compost 26 144 398 310
T6-75N as FYM with Azospirillum 28 147 405 313
T7-75N as vermicompost with Azospirllum
31 152 427 330
T8-75N as coirpith compost with Azospirillum
30 149 414 317
T9-50N asFYM with Azospirillum 24 127 385 306
T10-50N as vermicompost with Azospirllum
25 133 390 305
T11-50N as coirpith compost with Azospirillum
25 133 387 307
C D(P=005) 01 03 17 02
Kannan et al 2006
Effect of organic farming on fruit characteristics and yield of tomato
Rice equivalent yield (tha) of different systems under various management practices at PAU
Cropping System Productivity ( tha)Chemical Organic Integrated
GM-Basmati Rice- Wheat
126 130 136
Turmeric-Onion 192 369 366Summer Groundnut-Garlic
253 291 294
Maize-durum Wheat-Cowpea (F)
114 126 123
Rice-Garlic+Mentha 249 310 322
Management of soil fertility using on ndash farm inputs in maizebasmati rice ndashwheat cropping systems at PAU
Organic InputsGrain Yield (qha)
Maize Wheat
Farmyard Manure (FYM) 399 356Crop residues (CR) 337 324Vermicompost (VC) 419 33013 FYM + 13 CR + 13 VC 415 342Control 171 132
Basmati Rice Wheat
GM 308 293Control 172 137
Green fodder yield (tha) under different fodder production system at PAU
Treatment Green fodder yield (tha)Kharif Rabi Summer Total
Main Plots (Green fodder system)
Sorghum ndash Berseem - 337 672 - 1009Maize ndash Berseem- Bajra 132 677 608 1417Maize-Berseem-Maize+cowpea
142 679 419 1240
Sorghum + gurara - oats - cowpea
350 483 336 1169
Sub plots (Management sysem)Organic 259 712 472 1443Chemical 196 533 426 1155Integrated 264 637 465 1366CD (005) 095 17 20 23
Plant Nutrient Supply System in Organic Farming
1Organic amendments with organic manure vermi-compost and bio fertilizers
2Biodynamic Approach based on soil biotechnology and microbiology
3Homeopathic Approach
4Agnihotra Approach
5Panchgavya Approach
Nutrient Cycling Soil microorganisms mediate nutrient cycles through decomposition of organic residues- Microorganisms lsquofeedrsquo on the residues- Biochemical by-products are plant nutrients (NPS) and other beneficial compounds like humic acid
bull Mineralization- Microbial conversion of organic N P and S into ammonium phosphate and sulfate - Nutrients become available
bull Immobilization-Microbial assimilation of inorganic N P and S- Nutrients temporarily tied up in microbial biomass
Microbial Functional Groups1048698 Bacteria- decomposers primary players in NP and S cycling- Actinomycetes act on more complex compounds to form humus1048698 Fungi- Decomposers attack lignin- Nutrient acquisition (mycorrhiza)1048698 Protozoa and Nematodes- Consume bacteria and fungi releasing plant nutrients (N)- Activity increases decomposition rates
Factors Affecting Microbial Populations1048698 Moisture- Microorganisms need water to survive1048698 Oxygen- Bacteria both aerobic and anaerobic- Fungi protozoa and nematodes aerobic1048698 Temperature- Adaptable- Activity generally increases as temperature rises1048698 Soil pH- Bacteria sensitive to acidity- Fungi function at low pH1048698 Organic Matter- OM source of C and nutrients- OM additions stimulate microbial growth
Agricultural Practices Affecting Microbial Populations1048698 Tillage- Destroys fungi meso and macrofauna- Reduces OM- Reduces aggregation1048698 Fertilizers- N and P fertilizers create acid zones killing microorganisms1048698 Fumigation- Indiscriminant destruction of microbial community1048698 Monocropping- Reduces microbial diversity- Promotes pest build-up
What About the Soil Food Web
What About the Soil Food Web Important to recognize the role of each functional group and their interdependence
Remember that management practices affect microbial interactions
Soil tests to quantify soil food web are expensive and difficult to interpret
Hot area for research
Tools and Practices for organic farmingCrop Rotation Soil fertility- Legumes for N fixation- Diverse rooting habitsPest Management- Break pest cycles- Promote diversity Know the family of the cropsCrops rotated so that crops from different families follow each other Lettuce Beans Corn Tomatoes
Green Manures in the Crop Rotation1048698 Soil fertility- Legumes for N fixation- Grasses for OM accumulation- Diverse rooting habits1048698 Pest Management- Break pest cycles- Promote diversity attract beneficials- Biofumigants (brassicas sudan grass sunn hemp)1048698 Weed Management- Perennial rye- Oats
Composts and Manures Soil Conditioner- Feed the soil- Improve physical properties
Nutrient Availability- CN ratio- Total N content- 15 of total N in mature composts available in thefirst year (Bettina et al 2003)- Field trials estimate that composts alone can satisfycrop N demands after 40-80 years
Feather meal Dairy Manure CompostCN ratio 32 18 10-17Total N 12 20 10
Composts and Manures1048698 Timing-Continuous additions to build up SOM
- Mineralization potential of soil increases asOM inputs increase with time
- SOM acts as nutrient reserve continuouslyreleasing nutrients
- High N materials can be used as a rapidsource of N in the short term
Intercropping and Companion Planting1048698 Interplanting 2 or more mutually beneficial plants to increase biodiversity
Biological Pest Control1048698 Depends on managing beneficial insectpredatorsparasites1048698 Seen as default benefit of organic soilmanagement practices that promoteabove and below ground diversity1048698 Can include the release of control agents1048698 Farmscaping longshort term design tocreate habitats for beneficials
Tillage and Cultivation1048698 Tools for weed control residuemanagement manure incorporationhardpan destruction pest control1048698 Negative impacts- Costly- Destroy humus reserves and soil organisms- compaction1048698 Conservation and ridge tillage- Organic growers pioneers
Mulching1048698 Weed control moisture and temperature control soil organic matter
1048698 Large quantities of resistant organic materials (wood chips straw etchellip)
1048698 Not practical on a large scale
List of bio-pesticides available in marketName Purpose
Neemazal Against borers
Neem oil (5 ) Against borers
Neem seed extract (5 ) Against borers
Neem cake For controlling nematodes
Dried neem leaves Against stored grain pests
Sour butter milk (10 ) Against sap sucking insects
Cow dung ash dusting
Water spray Against aphid
Trichogramma cards Against borers
Trixho- XP ( Trichoderma harzaianum) Against diseases
SudocelPseudomonas fluoresens (PSF) Larvocel
Against diseases
Bauvaria baviana Against diseases
Products for use in fertilization and soil conditioning in organic farming
Sr No
Items Conditions for use
Material produced on an organic farm unit
Matter produced on an organic farm unit
1 Farmyard and slurry urine Permitted
2 Crop residues and green manure Permitted
3 Straw and other mulches Permitted
4 Composts and vermicomposts Permitted
Matter produced outside the organic farm unit
1 Blood meal meat meal bone meal and feather meal without preservatives
Restricted
2 Compost made from plant residues and animal excrement Restricted
3 Farmyard manure slurry urine Restricted
4 Fish and fish products without preservatives Restricted
5 Guano Restricted
6 Human excreta Restricted
7 Wood bark sawdust wood ash wood charcoal Restricted
8 Straw animal charcoal compost and spent mushroom and vermiculture substances
Restricted
9 Compost from organic household Restricted
10 Compost from plant residues Restricted
11 Sea weed and sea weed products
By products from the industries
1 By- products from the food and textile industries of biodegradable material of microbial plant or animal origin without any systematic additives
Restricted
2 By products from oil palm coconut and cocoa (including fruit bunch palm oil mill effluent cocoa peat and empty coca pods
Restricted
3 By products of industries processing ingredients from organic agriculture Restricted
4 Extracts from mushroom chlorella fermented product from Aspergillus natural acids (vinegar)
Restricted
Mineral Origin
Basic slag Restricted
Calcareous and magnesium rock Restricted
Lime limestone gypsum Restricted
Calcified sea weed Restricted
Calcium chloride Restricted
Mineral potassium with low chlorine content (eg sulphate of potash kainite sylvinite patenkali)
Restricted
Natural phosphates (rock phosphate) Restricted
Trace elements Permitted
Sulphur Permitted
Clay (bentonite perlite zeolite) Permitted
Microbiological origin
Bacterial preparation (bio fertilizers) Permitted
Biodynamic preparations Permitted
Plant preparation and botanical extracts Permitted
Products for plant pest and disease controlItems Condition
for use
Material from plant and animal origin
Plant based repellents (Neem preparations from Azadirachta indica
Permitted
Algal preparations (gelatine) Permitted
Casein Permitted
Extracts from mushroom chlorella fermented products from Aspergillus
Permitted
Propolis Restricted
Beeswax natural acids (vinegar) plant oils Quassia Permitted
Rotenone from Derris elliptica Lonchocarpus Trphrosia spp
Restricted
Tobacco tea (pure nicotine prohibited Restricted
Preparation from Rryania species Restricted
Items Condition for use
Mineral Origin
Chloride of limesoda Restricted
Burgundy mixture Restricted
Clay (bentonite perlite ermiculite zeolite Permitted
Copper saltsinorganic salts (Bordeaux mix copper hydroxide copper oxychloride)
Not allowed
Quick lime Restricted
Mineral Origin
Diatomaceous earth Permitted
Light mineral oils Restricted
Permagnate of potash Restricted
Insect Origin
Release of parasites predators of insect pests Restricted
Sterilized insects Restricted
Sterlized insects males Not allowed
Items Condition for use
Microorganisms used for biological pest control
Viral fungal and bacterial preparations (biopesticides) Restricted
Others
Carbon dioxide and nitrogen gas Permitted
Soft soap soda sulphur dioxide Permitted
Homeopathic and ayurvedic preparations Permitted
Herbal and biodynamic preparations Permitted
Sea salt and salty water Permitted
Ethyl alcohol Not allowed
Traps barriers and repellants
Physical methods (eg chromatic traps mechanical traps)
Permitted
Mulches nets Permitted
Pheromones-in traps and dispensers only Permitted
Average nutrient content of organic manures
Source of Nutrition Percentage composition
Organic manure N P2O5 K2O
Farmyard Manure 05 02 05
Farm compost 05 015 05
Town compost 14 100 14
Night soil 55 40 20
Vermicompost 30 00 15
Crop residues -
Bio gas slurry 15-20 10 1
Rock phosphate - 25-30 -
Source of Nutrition
Percentage composition
Non edible oil cake
N P2O5 K2O
Castor cake 43 18 13
Cotton seed cake 39 18 16
Karanj or honge cake 39 09 12
Mahua cake 25 08 18
Neem cake 52 10 14
Safflower cake 49 14 12
Green Manure crops
San hamp (Crotolaria juncea) 23 05 180
Dhaincha ( Sesbnia aculeata) 35 06 120
Sesbania speciosa 271 053 221
Source of Nutrition Percentage composition
Green leaf manure N P2O5 K2O
Glycricidia (Gluicidia sepium) 276 028 46
Pongamia (Pongama glabra) 331 044 239
Gulmohur (Delonix glabra) 276 046 050
Neem (Azadirachta indica) 283 028 035
Animal based
Blood meal 10-12 1-2 100
Meat meal 105 25 05
Fish meal 4-10 3-9 03-15
Horn and hoof meal 13 - -
Raw bone meal 3-4 20-25 -
Steamed bone meal 1-2 25-30 -
bull Lack of technical know-howbull Lack of required amount BD preparations in marketbull Lack of awareness among people about hazards caused by use of agrochemicalsbull Bulky nature of BD preparations and compostbull In-situ production is not feasiblebull Lack of scientific data on the long-term benefits and limitations of biodynamic farmingbull Limited domestic market for bio-dynamically grown producebull Quality certification
Constraints
ConstraintsProducersrsquoDistributorsrsquoTradersrsquo point of view
bull Lack of proper infrastructure for distribution and conservation of bio-inputs is a major constraint that hinders the access of these inputs to farmers
bull Some climatic regions and soil conditions are not suitable for specific strains of organic production
bull Given the mandated period of around three years for a conventional farm to become an organic farm the benefits perceived by farmers tend to be limited as they have a short term orientation
bull As a result even if they are aware they are hesitant to switch over to organic (green) agricultural practices
Constraining factorsFarmersrsquo point of view
The government perspective bull Changing the cropping and cultivation
patterns is slow and time-consuming process
bull Given the high levels of illiteracy and large number of small and marginal farmers it makes the change process difficult
bull Subsidies on chemical fertilizers and pesticide impede the growth of organic agriculture
Major Limitations under Punjab conditions
bull Bulky nature of organic manurebull Divergent nutritional valuebull Small land holdingbull Lack of awareness among farmersbull Marketing of organic producebull Labour and cost intensivebull Low incentives from governmentbull Non availability of bio pesticides
Major Limitations------contd
bull Dramatic and large benefits in terms of yield and returns
bull Cultivation of high nutrient responsive cultivers
bull Promotion of biological agentsbull Urgency to meet food security
Why farmers are reluctant to adopt organic farming in Punjab
bull Perceived high costs of doing organic farming due to incomplete knowledge about principles and practices of organic agriculture among farmers They were arranging inputs from outside
bull Non-availability of adequate quantities of organic manures and other organic inputs in the local market
bull Knowledge of organic farming has not filtered down to actual users ie small farmers and the information reached to target groups is often not backed by scientifically proven results
bull Complex and costly procedures of certificationbull Risk involved in marketing of organic produce
Discussion points
bull What arguments are there in favour of organic agriculture in India
bull What vested interests would oppose the growth of organic agricultures and why
bull What strategies could be employed to further promote the greening of agriculture in India
Can India adopt organic farming in a big way
bull Is organic farming non-scientific and unproven bull Does practicing organic farming means reduced yield bull Why were crop yields low before invention of Agro-
chemicals bull How is organic farming different from conventional bull What are the strengths and weaknesses of organic
farming
bull Where is the large quantity of compost for OF bull Does the soil fertility decline when fertilizers are
not used bull Scientifically where crop nutrients come from in
organic farming bull How are crops protected in organic farming bull Why restricted when India is a low user bull Where are the evidences that high yields are
possible in organic farming bull Is organic farming labour intensive
Conclusion Sustainable economic and eco friendly approach
Minimum risk of residual toxicity
Improvement in soil fertility with high yield quality produce Maintenance of organic matter content of the soil
Reduced energy use
Increased yields without over reliance on costly inputs
SummaryOrganic agriculture is not for everyone Yet it is a viable approach that can be beneficial It canbull Be particularly useful in the more difficult environments where resources are scarce and cultivation problematicbull Potentially reduce risks bya) ldquolocalizingrdquo input productionb) fostering soil and water conservationc) encouraging diversification (food security)bull Improve ability to compete in todayrsquos fast globalizing standards-critical trade
Strategies needed to promote organic farming in India
bull Adequate research and extension support needs to be providedbull Research to quantify the role of organic farming in minimizing the
ill effects of modern agriculture and its effect on environment bull Helping farmers to promote organic farmingbull Government should recognize agriculture in Kyoto protocol
carbon credit mechanismbull Developing infrastructure for supply chain and ensuring
competitive price for organic productsbull Capacity building through on farm demonstrations and trainingsbull Government support in cheaper access to organic certificates
Thanks
Treatment Fruit characters
Fruit height (cm)
Fruit girth (cm)
Fruit weight (g)
Yield (tha)
T1-Control 22 107 298 227
T2-100 N as urea 26 144 298 310
T3-100N as fym 26 143 397 309
T4-100N as vermicompost 27 147 403 312
T5-100N as coirpith compost 26 144 398 310
T6-75N as FYM with Azospirillum 28 147 405 313
T7-75N as vermicompost with Azospirllum
31 152 427 330
T8-75N as coirpith compost with Azospirillum
30 149 414 317
T9-50N asFYM with Azospirillum 24 127 385 306
T10-50N as vermicompost with Azospirllum
25 133 390 305
T11-50N as coirpith compost with Azospirillum
25 133 387 307
C D(P=005) 01 03 17 02
Kannan et al 2006
Effect of organic farming on fruit characteristics and yield of tomato
Rice equivalent yield (tha) of different systems under various management practices at PAU
Cropping System Productivity ( tha)Chemical Organic Integrated
GM-Basmati Rice- Wheat
126 130 136
Turmeric-Onion 192 369 366Summer Groundnut-Garlic
253 291 294
Maize-durum Wheat-Cowpea (F)
114 126 123
Rice-Garlic+Mentha 249 310 322
Management of soil fertility using on ndash farm inputs in maizebasmati rice ndashwheat cropping systems at PAU
Organic InputsGrain Yield (qha)
Maize Wheat
Farmyard Manure (FYM) 399 356Crop residues (CR) 337 324Vermicompost (VC) 419 33013 FYM + 13 CR + 13 VC 415 342Control 171 132
Basmati Rice Wheat
GM 308 293Control 172 137
Green fodder yield (tha) under different fodder production system at PAU
Treatment Green fodder yield (tha)Kharif Rabi Summer Total
Main Plots (Green fodder system)
Sorghum ndash Berseem - 337 672 - 1009Maize ndash Berseem- Bajra 132 677 608 1417Maize-Berseem-Maize+cowpea
142 679 419 1240
Sorghum + gurara - oats - cowpea
350 483 336 1169
Sub plots (Management sysem)Organic 259 712 472 1443Chemical 196 533 426 1155Integrated 264 637 465 1366CD (005) 095 17 20 23
Plant Nutrient Supply System in Organic Farming
1Organic amendments with organic manure vermi-compost and bio fertilizers
2Biodynamic Approach based on soil biotechnology and microbiology
3Homeopathic Approach
4Agnihotra Approach
5Panchgavya Approach
Nutrient Cycling Soil microorganisms mediate nutrient cycles through decomposition of organic residues- Microorganisms lsquofeedrsquo on the residues- Biochemical by-products are plant nutrients (NPS) and other beneficial compounds like humic acid
bull Mineralization- Microbial conversion of organic N P and S into ammonium phosphate and sulfate - Nutrients become available
bull Immobilization-Microbial assimilation of inorganic N P and S- Nutrients temporarily tied up in microbial biomass
Microbial Functional Groups1048698 Bacteria- decomposers primary players in NP and S cycling- Actinomycetes act on more complex compounds to form humus1048698 Fungi- Decomposers attack lignin- Nutrient acquisition (mycorrhiza)1048698 Protozoa and Nematodes- Consume bacteria and fungi releasing plant nutrients (N)- Activity increases decomposition rates
Factors Affecting Microbial Populations1048698 Moisture- Microorganisms need water to survive1048698 Oxygen- Bacteria both aerobic and anaerobic- Fungi protozoa and nematodes aerobic1048698 Temperature- Adaptable- Activity generally increases as temperature rises1048698 Soil pH- Bacteria sensitive to acidity- Fungi function at low pH1048698 Organic Matter- OM source of C and nutrients- OM additions stimulate microbial growth
Agricultural Practices Affecting Microbial Populations1048698 Tillage- Destroys fungi meso and macrofauna- Reduces OM- Reduces aggregation1048698 Fertilizers- N and P fertilizers create acid zones killing microorganisms1048698 Fumigation- Indiscriminant destruction of microbial community1048698 Monocropping- Reduces microbial diversity- Promotes pest build-up
What About the Soil Food Web
What About the Soil Food Web Important to recognize the role of each functional group and their interdependence
Remember that management practices affect microbial interactions
Soil tests to quantify soil food web are expensive and difficult to interpret
Hot area for research
Tools and Practices for organic farmingCrop Rotation Soil fertility- Legumes for N fixation- Diverse rooting habitsPest Management- Break pest cycles- Promote diversity Know the family of the cropsCrops rotated so that crops from different families follow each other Lettuce Beans Corn Tomatoes
Green Manures in the Crop Rotation1048698 Soil fertility- Legumes for N fixation- Grasses for OM accumulation- Diverse rooting habits1048698 Pest Management- Break pest cycles- Promote diversity attract beneficials- Biofumigants (brassicas sudan grass sunn hemp)1048698 Weed Management- Perennial rye- Oats
Composts and Manures Soil Conditioner- Feed the soil- Improve physical properties
Nutrient Availability- CN ratio- Total N content- 15 of total N in mature composts available in thefirst year (Bettina et al 2003)- Field trials estimate that composts alone can satisfycrop N demands after 40-80 years
Feather meal Dairy Manure CompostCN ratio 32 18 10-17Total N 12 20 10
Composts and Manures1048698 Timing-Continuous additions to build up SOM
- Mineralization potential of soil increases asOM inputs increase with time
- SOM acts as nutrient reserve continuouslyreleasing nutrients
- High N materials can be used as a rapidsource of N in the short term
Intercropping and Companion Planting1048698 Interplanting 2 or more mutually beneficial plants to increase biodiversity
Biological Pest Control1048698 Depends on managing beneficial insectpredatorsparasites1048698 Seen as default benefit of organic soilmanagement practices that promoteabove and below ground diversity1048698 Can include the release of control agents1048698 Farmscaping longshort term design tocreate habitats for beneficials
Tillage and Cultivation1048698 Tools for weed control residuemanagement manure incorporationhardpan destruction pest control1048698 Negative impacts- Costly- Destroy humus reserves and soil organisms- compaction1048698 Conservation and ridge tillage- Organic growers pioneers
Mulching1048698 Weed control moisture and temperature control soil organic matter
1048698 Large quantities of resistant organic materials (wood chips straw etchellip)
1048698 Not practical on a large scale
List of bio-pesticides available in marketName Purpose
Neemazal Against borers
Neem oil (5 ) Against borers
Neem seed extract (5 ) Against borers
Neem cake For controlling nematodes
Dried neem leaves Against stored grain pests
Sour butter milk (10 ) Against sap sucking insects
Cow dung ash dusting
Water spray Against aphid
Trichogramma cards Against borers
Trixho- XP ( Trichoderma harzaianum) Against diseases
SudocelPseudomonas fluoresens (PSF) Larvocel
Against diseases
Bauvaria baviana Against diseases
Products for use in fertilization and soil conditioning in organic farming
Sr No
Items Conditions for use
Material produced on an organic farm unit
Matter produced on an organic farm unit
1 Farmyard and slurry urine Permitted
2 Crop residues and green manure Permitted
3 Straw and other mulches Permitted
4 Composts and vermicomposts Permitted
Matter produced outside the organic farm unit
1 Blood meal meat meal bone meal and feather meal without preservatives
Restricted
2 Compost made from plant residues and animal excrement Restricted
3 Farmyard manure slurry urine Restricted
4 Fish and fish products without preservatives Restricted
5 Guano Restricted
6 Human excreta Restricted
7 Wood bark sawdust wood ash wood charcoal Restricted
8 Straw animal charcoal compost and spent mushroom and vermiculture substances
Restricted
9 Compost from organic household Restricted
10 Compost from plant residues Restricted
11 Sea weed and sea weed products
By products from the industries
1 By- products from the food and textile industries of biodegradable material of microbial plant or animal origin without any systematic additives
Restricted
2 By products from oil palm coconut and cocoa (including fruit bunch palm oil mill effluent cocoa peat and empty coca pods
Restricted
3 By products of industries processing ingredients from organic agriculture Restricted
4 Extracts from mushroom chlorella fermented product from Aspergillus natural acids (vinegar)
Restricted
Mineral Origin
Basic slag Restricted
Calcareous and magnesium rock Restricted
Lime limestone gypsum Restricted
Calcified sea weed Restricted
Calcium chloride Restricted
Mineral potassium with low chlorine content (eg sulphate of potash kainite sylvinite patenkali)
Restricted
Natural phosphates (rock phosphate) Restricted
Trace elements Permitted
Sulphur Permitted
Clay (bentonite perlite zeolite) Permitted
Microbiological origin
Bacterial preparation (bio fertilizers) Permitted
Biodynamic preparations Permitted
Plant preparation and botanical extracts Permitted
Products for plant pest and disease controlItems Condition
for use
Material from plant and animal origin
Plant based repellents (Neem preparations from Azadirachta indica
Permitted
Algal preparations (gelatine) Permitted
Casein Permitted
Extracts from mushroom chlorella fermented products from Aspergillus
Permitted
Propolis Restricted
Beeswax natural acids (vinegar) plant oils Quassia Permitted
Rotenone from Derris elliptica Lonchocarpus Trphrosia spp
Restricted
Tobacco tea (pure nicotine prohibited Restricted
Preparation from Rryania species Restricted
Items Condition for use
Mineral Origin
Chloride of limesoda Restricted
Burgundy mixture Restricted
Clay (bentonite perlite ermiculite zeolite Permitted
Copper saltsinorganic salts (Bordeaux mix copper hydroxide copper oxychloride)
Not allowed
Quick lime Restricted
Mineral Origin
Diatomaceous earth Permitted
Light mineral oils Restricted
Permagnate of potash Restricted
Insect Origin
Release of parasites predators of insect pests Restricted
Sterilized insects Restricted
Sterlized insects males Not allowed
Items Condition for use
Microorganisms used for biological pest control
Viral fungal and bacterial preparations (biopesticides) Restricted
Others
Carbon dioxide and nitrogen gas Permitted
Soft soap soda sulphur dioxide Permitted
Homeopathic and ayurvedic preparations Permitted
Herbal and biodynamic preparations Permitted
Sea salt and salty water Permitted
Ethyl alcohol Not allowed
Traps barriers and repellants
Physical methods (eg chromatic traps mechanical traps)
Permitted
Mulches nets Permitted
Pheromones-in traps and dispensers only Permitted
Average nutrient content of organic manures
Source of Nutrition Percentage composition
Organic manure N P2O5 K2O
Farmyard Manure 05 02 05
Farm compost 05 015 05
Town compost 14 100 14
Night soil 55 40 20
Vermicompost 30 00 15
Crop residues -
Bio gas slurry 15-20 10 1
Rock phosphate - 25-30 -
Source of Nutrition
Percentage composition
Non edible oil cake
N P2O5 K2O
Castor cake 43 18 13
Cotton seed cake 39 18 16
Karanj or honge cake 39 09 12
Mahua cake 25 08 18
Neem cake 52 10 14
Safflower cake 49 14 12
Green Manure crops
San hamp (Crotolaria juncea) 23 05 180
Dhaincha ( Sesbnia aculeata) 35 06 120
Sesbania speciosa 271 053 221
Source of Nutrition Percentage composition
Green leaf manure N P2O5 K2O
Glycricidia (Gluicidia sepium) 276 028 46
Pongamia (Pongama glabra) 331 044 239
Gulmohur (Delonix glabra) 276 046 050
Neem (Azadirachta indica) 283 028 035
Animal based
Blood meal 10-12 1-2 100
Meat meal 105 25 05
Fish meal 4-10 3-9 03-15
Horn and hoof meal 13 - -
Raw bone meal 3-4 20-25 -
Steamed bone meal 1-2 25-30 -
bull Lack of technical know-howbull Lack of required amount BD preparations in marketbull Lack of awareness among people about hazards caused by use of agrochemicalsbull Bulky nature of BD preparations and compostbull In-situ production is not feasiblebull Lack of scientific data on the long-term benefits and limitations of biodynamic farmingbull Limited domestic market for bio-dynamically grown producebull Quality certification
Constraints
ConstraintsProducersrsquoDistributorsrsquoTradersrsquo point of view
bull Lack of proper infrastructure for distribution and conservation of bio-inputs is a major constraint that hinders the access of these inputs to farmers
bull Some climatic regions and soil conditions are not suitable for specific strains of organic production
bull Given the mandated period of around three years for a conventional farm to become an organic farm the benefits perceived by farmers tend to be limited as they have a short term orientation
bull As a result even if they are aware they are hesitant to switch over to organic (green) agricultural practices
Constraining factorsFarmersrsquo point of view
The government perspective bull Changing the cropping and cultivation
patterns is slow and time-consuming process
bull Given the high levels of illiteracy and large number of small and marginal farmers it makes the change process difficult
bull Subsidies on chemical fertilizers and pesticide impede the growth of organic agriculture
Major Limitations under Punjab conditions
bull Bulky nature of organic manurebull Divergent nutritional valuebull Small land holdingbull Lack of awareness among farmersbull Marketing of organic producebull Labour and cost intensivebull Low incentives from governmentbull Non availability of bio pesticides
Major Limitations------contd
bull Dramatic and large benefits in terms of yield and returns
bull Cultivation of high nutrient responsive cultivers
bull Promotion of biological agentsbull Urgency to meet food security
Why farmers are reluctant to adopt organic farming in Punjab
bull Perceived high costs of doing organic farming due to incomplete knowledge about principles and practices of organic agriculture among farmers They were arranging inputs from outside
bull Non-availability of adequate quantities of organic manures and other organic inputs in the local market
bull Knowledge of organic farming has not filtered down to actual users ie small farmers and the information reached to target groups is often not backed by scientifically proven results
bull Complex and costly procedures of certificationbull Risk involved in marketing of organic produce
Discussion points
bull What arguments are there in favour of organic agriculture in India
bull What vested interests would oppose the growth of organic agricultures and why
bull What strategies could be employed to further promote the greening of agriculture in India
Can India adopt organic farming in a big way
bull Is organic farming non-scientific and unproven bull Does practicing organic farming means reduced yield bull Why were crop yields low before invention of Agro-
chemicals bull How is organic farming different from conventional bull What are the strengths and weaknesses of organic
farming
bull Where is the large quantity of compost for OF bull Does the soil fertility decline when fertilizers are
not used bull Scientifically where crop nutrients come from in
organic farming bull How are crops protected in organic farming bull Why restricted when India is a low user bull Where are the evidences that high yields are
possible in organic farming bull Is organic farming labour intensive
Conclusion Sustainable economic and eco friendly approach
Minimum risk of residual toxicity
Improvement in soil fertility with high yield quality produce Maintenance of organic matter content of the soil
Reduced energy use
Increased yields without over reliance on costly inputs
SummaryOrganic agriculture is not for everyone Yet it is a viable approach that can be beneficial It canbull Be particularly useful in the more difficult environments where resources are scarce and cultivation problematicbull Potentially reduce risks bya) ldquolocalizingrdquo input productionb) fostering soil and water conservationc) encouraging diversification (food security)bull Improve ability to compete in todayrsquos fast globalizing standards-critical trade
Strategies needed to promote organic farming in India
bull Adequate research and extension support needs to be providedbull Research to quantify the role of organic farming in minimizing the
ill effects of modern agriculture and its effect on environment bull Helping farmers to promote organic farmingbull Government should recognize agriculture in Kyoto protocol
carbon credit mechanismbull Developing infrastructure for supply chain and ensuring
competitive price for organic productsbull Capacity building through on farm demonstrations and trainingsbull Government support in cheaper access to organic certificates
Thanks
Rice equivalent yield (tha) of different systems under various management practices at PAU
Cropping System Productivity ( tha)Chemical Organic Integrated
GM-Basmati Rice- Wheat
126 130 136
Turmeric-Onion 192 369 366Summer Groundnut-Garlic
253 291 294
Maize-durum Wheat-Cowpea (F)
114 126 123
Rice-Garlic+Mentha 249 310 322
Management of soil fertility using on ndash farm inputs in maizebasmati rice ndashwheat cropping systems at PAU
Organic InputsGrain Yield (qha)
Maize Wheat
Farmyard Manure (FYM) 399 356Crop residues (CR) 337 324Vermicompost (VC) 419 33013 FYM + 13 CR + 13 VC 415 342Control 171 132
Basmati Rice Wheat
GM 308 293Control 172 137
Green fodder yield (tha) under different fodder production system at PAU
Treatment Green fodder yield (tha)Kharif Rabi Summer Total
Main Plots (Green fodder system)
Sorghum ndash Berseem - 337 672 - 1009Maize ndash Berseem- Bajra 132 677 608 1417Maize-Berseem-Maize+cowpea
142 679 419 1240
Sorghum + gurara - oats - cowpea
350 483 336 1169
Sub plots (Management sysem)Organic 259 712 472 1443Chemical 196 533 426 1155Integrated 264 637 465 1366CD (005) 095 17 20 23
Plant Nutrient Supply System in Organic Farming
1Organic amendments with organic manure vermi-compost and bio fertilizers
2Biodynamic Approach based on soil biotechnology and microbiology
3Homeopathic Approach
4Agnihotra Approach
5Panchgavya Approach
Nutrient Cycling Soil microorganisms mediate nutrient cycles through decomposition of organic residues- Microorganisms lsquofeedrsquo on the residues- Biochemical by-products are plant nutrients (NPS) and other beneficial compounds like humic acid
bull Mineralization- Microbial conversion of organic N P and S into ammonium phosphate and sulfate - Nutrients become available
bull Immobilization-Microbial assimilation of inorganic N P and S- Nutrients temporarily tied up in microbial biomass
Microbial Functional Groups1048698 Bacteria- decomposers primary players in NP and S cycling- Actinomycetes act on more complex compounds to form humus1048698 Fungi- Decomposers attack lignin- Nutrient acquisition (mycorrhiza)1048698 Protozoa and Nematodes- Consume bacteria and fungi releasing plant nutrients (N)- Activity increases decomposition rates
Factors Affecting Microbial Populations1048698 Moisture- Microorganisms need water to survive1048698 Oxygen- Bacteria both aerobic and anaerobic- Fungi protozoa and nematodes aerobic1048698 Temperature- Adaptable- Activity generally increases as temperature rises1048698 Soil pH- Bacteria sensitive to acidity- Fungi function at low pH1048698 Organic Matter- OM source of C and nutrients- OM additions stimulate microbial growth
Agricultural Practices Affecting Microbial Populations1048698 Tillage- Destroys fungi meso and macrofauna- Reduces OM- Reduces aggregation1048698 Fertilizers- N and P fertilizers create acid zones killing microorganisms1048698 Fumigation- Indiscriminant destruction of microbial community1048698 Monocropping- Reduces microbial diversity- Promotes pest build-up
What About the Soil Food Web
What About the Soil Food Web Important to recognize the role of each functional group and their interdependence
Remember that management practices affect microbial interactions
Soil tests to quantify soil food web are expensive and difficult to interpret
Hot area for research
Tools and Practices for organic farmingCrop Rotation Soil fertility- Legumes for N fixation- Diverse rooting habitsPest Management- Break pest cycles- Promote diversity Know the family of the cropsCrops rotated so that crops from different families follow each other Lettuce Beans Corn Tomatoes
Green Manures in the Crop Rotation1048698 Soil fertility- Legumes for N fixation- Grasses for OM accumulation- Diverse rooting habits1048698 Pest Management- Break pest cycles- Promote diversity attract beneficials- Biofumigants (brassicas sudan grass sunn hemp)1048698 Weed Management- Perennial rye- Oats
Composts and Manures Soil Conditioner- Feed the soil- Improve physical properties
Nutrient Availability- CN ratio- Total N content- 15 of total N in mature composts available in thefirst year (Bettina et al 2003)- Field trials estimate that composts alone can satisfycrop N demands after 40-80 years
Feather meal Dairy Manure CompostCN ratio 32 18 10-17Total N 12 20 10
Composts and Manures1048698 Timing-Continuous additions to build up SOM
- Mineralization potential of soil increases asOM inputs increase with time
- SOM acts as nutrient reserve continuouslyreleasing nutrients
- High N materials can be used as a rapidsource of N in the short term
Intercropping and Companion Planting1048698 Interplanting 2 or more mutually beneficial plants to increase biodiversity
Biological Pest Control1048698 Depends on managing beneficial insectpredatorsparasites1048698 Seen as default benefit of organic soilmanagement practices that promoteabove and below ground diversity1048698 Can include the release of control agents1048698 Farmscaping longshort term design tocreate habitats for beneficials
Tillage and Cultivation1048698 Tools for weed control residuemanagement manure incorporationhardpan destruction pest control1048698 Negative impacts- Costly- Destroy humus reserves and soil organisms- compaction1048698 Conservation and ridge tillage- Organic growers pioneers
Mulching1048698 Weed control moisture and temperature control soil organic matter
1048698 Large quantities of resistant organic materials (wood chips straw etchellip)
1048698 Not practical on a large scale
List of bio-pesticides available in marketName Purpose
Neemazal Against borers
Neem oil (5 ) Against borers
Neem seed extract (5 ) Against borers
Neem cake For controlling nematodes
Dried neem leaves Against stored grain pests
Sour butter milk (10 ) Against sap sucking insects
Cow dung ash dusting
Water spray Against aphid
Trichogramma cards Against borers
Trixho- XP ( Trichoderma harzaianum) Against diseases
SudocelPseudomonas fluoresens (PSF) Larvocel
Against diseases
Bauvaria baviana Against diseases
Products for use in fertilization and soil conditioning in organic farming
Sr No
Items Conditions for use
Material produced on an organic farm unit
Matter produced on an organic farm unit
1 Farmyard and slurry urine Permitted
2 Crop residues and green manure Permitted
3 Straw and other mulches Permitted
4 Composts and vermicomposts Permitted
Matter produced outside the organic farm unit
1 Blood meal meat meal bone meal and feather meal without preservatives
Restricted
2 Compost made from plant residues and animal excrement Restricted
3 Farmyard manure slurry urine Restricted
4 Fish and fish products without preservatives Restricted
5 Guano Restricted
6 Human excreta Restricted
7 Wood bark sawdust wood ash wood charcoal Restricted
8 Straw animal charcoal compost and spent mushroom and vermiculture substances
Restricted
9 Compost from organic household Restricted
10 Compost from plant residues Restricted
11 Sea weed and sea weed products
By products from the industries
1 By- products from the food and textile industries of biodegradable material of microbial plant or animal origin without any systematic additives
Restricted
2 By products from oil palm coconut and cocoa (including fruit bunch palm oil mill effluent cocoa peat and empty coca pods
Restricted
3 By products of industries processing ingredients from organic agriculture Restricted
4 Extracts from mushroom chlorella fermented product from Aspergillus natural acids (vinegar)
Restricted
Mineral Origin
Basic slag Restricted
Calcareous and magnesium rock Restricted
Lime limestone gypsum Restricted
Calcified sea weed Restricted
Calcium chloride Restricted
Mineral potassium with low chlorine content (eg sulphate of potash kainite sylvinite patenkali)
Restricted
Natural phosphates (rock phosphate) Restricted
Trace elements Permitted
Sulphur Permitted
Clay (bentonite perlite zeolite) Permitted
Microbiological origin
Bacterial preparation (bio fertilizers) Permitted
Biodynamic preparations Permitted
Plant preparation and botanical extracts Permitted
Products for plant pest and disease controlItems Condition
for use
Material from plant and animal origin
Plant based repellents (Neem preparations from Azadirachta indica
Permitted
Algal preparations (gelatine) Permitted
Casein Permitted
Extracts from mushroom chlorella fermented products from Aspergillus
Permitted
Propolis Restricted
Beeswax natural acids (vinegar) plant oils Quassia Permitted
Rotenone from Derris elliptica Lonchocarpus Trphrosia spp
Restricted
Tobacco tea (pure nicotine prohibited Restricted
Preparation from Rryania species Restricted
Items Condition for use
Mineral Origin
Chloride of limesoda Restricted
Burgundy mixture Restricted
Clay (bentonite perlite ermiculite zeolite Permitted
Copper saltsinorganic salts (Bordeaux mix copper hydroxide copper oxychloride)
Not allowed
Quick lime Restricted
Mineral Origin
Diatomaceous earth Permitted
Light mineral oils Restricted
Permagnate of potash Restricted
Insect Origin
Release of parasites predators of insect pests Restricted
Sterilized insects Restricted
Sterlized insects males Not allowed
Items Condition for use
Microorganisms used for biological pest control
Viral fungal and bacterial preparations (biopesticides) Restricted
Others
Carbon dioxide and nitrogen gas Permitted
Soft soap soda sulphur dioxide Permitted
Homeopathic and ayurvedic preparations Permitted
Herbal and biodynamic preparations Permitted
Sea salt and salty water Permitted
Ethyl alcohol Not allowed
Traps barriers and repellants
Physical methods (eg chromatic traps mechanical traps)
Permitted
Mulches nets Permitted
Pheromones-in traps and dispensers only Permitted
Average nutrient content of organic manures
Source of Nutrition Percentage composition
Organic manure N P2O5 K2O
Farmyard Manure 05 02 05
Farm compost 05 015 05
Town compost 14 100 14
Night soil 55 40 20
Vermicompost 30 00 15
Crop residues -
Bio gas slurry 15-20 10 1
Rock phosphate - 25-30 -
Source of Nutrition
Percentage composition
Non edible oil cake
N P2O5 K2O
Castor cake 43 18 13
Cotton seed cake 39 18 16
Karanj or honge cake 39 09 12
Mahua cake 25 08 18
Neem cake 52 10 14
Safflower cake 49 14 12
Green Manure crops
San hamp (Crotolaria juncea) 23 05 180
Dhaincha ( Sesbnia aculeata) 35 06 120
Sesbania speciosa 271 053 221
Source of Nutrition Percentage composition
Green leaf manure N P2O5 K2O
Glycricidia (Gluicidia sepium) 276 028 46
Pongamia (Pongama glabra) 331 044 239
Gulmohur (Delonix glabra) 276 046 050
Neem (Azadirachta indica) 283 028 035
Animal based
Blood meal 10-12 1-2 100
Meat meal 105 25 05
Fish meal 4-10 3-9 03-15
Horn and hoof meal 13 - -
Raw bone meal 3-4 20-25 -
Steamed bone meal 1-2 25-30 -
bull Lack of technical know-howbull Lack of required amount BD preparations in marketbull Lack of awareness among people about hazards caused by use of agrochemicalsbull Bulky nature of BD preparations and compostbull In-situ production is not feasiblebull Lack of scientific data on the long-term benefits and limitations of biodynamic farmingbull Limited domestic market for bio-dynamically grown producebull Quality certification
Constraints
ConstraintsProducersrsquoDistributorsrsquoTradersrsquo point of view
bull Lack of proper infrastructure for distribution and conservation of bio-inputs is a major constraint that hinders the access of these inputs to farmers
bull Some climatic regions and soil conditions are not suitable for specific strains of organic production
bull Given the mandated period of around three years for a conventional farm to become an organic farm the benefits perceived by farmers tend to be limited as they have a short term orientation
bull As a result even if they are aware they are hesitant to switch over to organic (green) agricultural practices
Constraining factorsFarmersrsquo point of view
The government perspective bull Changing the cropping and cultivation
patterns is slow and time-consuming process
bull Given the high levels of illiteracy and large number of small and marginal farmers it makes the change process difficult
bull Subsidies on chemical fertilizers and pesticide impede the growth of organic agriculture
Major Limitations under Punjab conditions
bull Bulky nature of organic manurebull Divergent nutritional valuebull Small land holdingbull Lack of awareness among farmersbull Marketing of organic producebull Labour and cost intensivebull Low incentives from governmentbull Non availability of bio pesticides
Major Limitations------contd
bull Dramatic and large benefits in terms of yield and returns
bull Cultivation of high nutrient responsive cultivers
bull Promotion of biological agentsbull Urgency to meet food security
Why farmers are reluctant to adopt organic farming in Punjab
bull Perceived high costs of doing organic farming due to incomplete knowledge about principles and practices of organic agriculture among farmers They were arranging inputs from outside
bull Non-availability of adequate quantities of organic manures and other organic inputs in the local market
bull Knowledge of organic farming has not filtered down to actual users ie small farmers and the information reached to target groups is often not backed by scientifically proven results
bull Complex and costly procedures of certificationbull Risk involved in marketing of organic produce
Discussion points
bull What arguments are there in favour of organic agriculture in India
bull What vested interests would oppose the growth of organic agricultures and why
bull What strategies could be employed to further promote the greening of agriculture in India
Can India adopt organic farming in a big way
bull Is organic farming non-scientific and unproven bull Does practicing organic farming means reduced yield bull Why were crop yields low before invention of Agro-
chemicals bull How is organic farming different from conventional bull What are the strengths and weaknesses of organic
farming
bull Where is the large quantity of compost for OF bull Does the soil fertility decline when fertilizers are
not used bull Scientifically where crop nutrients come from in
organic farming bull How are crops protected in organic farming bull Why restricted when India is a low user bull Where are the evidences that high yields are
possible in organic farming bull Is organic farming labour intensive
Conclusion Sustainable economic and eco friendly approach
Minimum risk of residual toxicity
Improvement in soil fertility with high yield quality produce Maintenance of organic matter content of the soil
Reduced energy use
Increased yields without over reliance on costly inputs
SummaryOrganic agriculture is not for everyone Yet it is a viable approach that can be beneficial It canbull Be particularly useful in the more difficult environments where resources are scarce and cultivation problematicbull Potentially reduce risks bya) ldquolocalizingrdquo input productionb) fostering soil and water conservationc) encouraging diversification (food security)bull Improve ability to compete in todayrsquos fast globalizing standards-critical trade
Strategies needed to promote organic farming in India
bull Adequate research and extension support needs to be providedbull Research to quantify the role of organic farming in minimizing the
ill effects of modern agriculture and its effect on environment bull Helping farmers to promote organic farmingbull Government should recognize agriculture in Kyoto protocol
carbon credit mechanismbull Developing infrastructure for supply chain and ensuring
competitive price for organic productsbull Capacity building through on farm demonstrations and trainingsbull Government support in cheaper access to organic certificates
Thanks
Management of soil fertility using on ndash farm inputs in maizebasmati rice ndashwheat cropping systems at PAU
Organic InputsGrain Yield (qha)
Maize Wheat
Farmyard Manure (FYM) 399 356Crop residues (CR) 337 324Vermicompost (VC) 419 33013 FYM + 13 CR + 13 VC 415 342Control 171 132
Basmati Rice Wheat
GM 308 293Control 172 137
Green fodder yield (tha) under different fodder production system at PAU
Treatment Green fodder yield (tha)Kharif Rabi Summer Total
Main Plots (Green fodder system)
Sorghum ndash Berseem - 337 672 - 1009Maize ndash Berseem- Bajra 132 677 608 1417Maize-Berseem-Maize+cowpea
142 679 419 1240
Sorghum + gurara - oats - cowpea
350 483 336 1169
Sub plots (Management sysem)Organic 259 712 472 1443Chemical 196 533 426 1155Integrated 264 637 465 1366CD (005) 095 17 20 23
Plant Nutrient Supply System in Organic Farming
1Organic amendments with organic manure vermi-compost and bio fertilizers
2Biodynamic Approach based on soil biotechnology and microbiology
3Homeopathic Approach
4Agnihotra Approach
5Panchgavya Approach
Nutrient Cycling Soil microorganisms mediate nutrient cycles through decomposition of organic residues- Microorganisms lsquofeedrsquo on the residues- Biochemical by-products are plant nutrients (NPS) and other beneficial compounds like humic acid
bull Mineralization- Microbial conversion of organic N P and S into ammonium phosphate and sulfate - Nutrients become available
bull Immobilization-Microbial assimilation of inorganic N P and S- Nutrients temporarily tied up in microbial biomass
Microbial Functional Groups1048698 Bacteria- decomposers primary players in NP and S cycling- Actinomycetes act on more complex compounds to form humus1048698 Fungi- Decomposers attack lignin- Nutrient acquisition (mycorrhiza)1048698 Protozoa and Nematodes- Consume bacteria and fungi releasing plant nutrients (N)- Activity increases decomposition rates
Factors Affecting Microbial Populations1048698 Moisture- Microorganisms need water to survive1048698 Oxygen- Bacteria both aerobic and anaerobic- Fungi protozoa and nematodes aerobic1048698 Temperature- Adaptable- Activity generally increases as temperature rises1048698 Soil pH- Bacteria sensitive to acidity- Fungi function at low pH1048698 Organic Matter- OM source of C and nutrients- OM additions stimulate microbial growth
Agricultural Practices Affecting Microbial Populations1048698 Tillage- Destroys fungi meso and macrofauna- Reduces OM- Reduces aggregation1048698 Fertilizers- N and P fertilizers create acid zones killing microorganisms1048698 Fumigation- Indiscriminant destruction of microbial community1048698 Monocropping- Reduces microbial diversity- Promotes pest build-up
What About the Soil Food Web
What About the Soil Food Web Important to recognize the role of each functional group and their interdependence
Remember that management practices affect microbial interactions
Soil tests to quantify soil food web are expensive and difficult to interpret
Hot area for research
Tools and Practices for organic farmingCrop Rotation Soil fertility- Legumes for N fixation- Diverse rooting habitsPest Management- Break pest cycles- Promote diversity Know the family of the cropsCrops rotated so that crops from different families follow each other Lettuce Beans Corn Tomatoes
Green Manures in the Crop Rotation1048698 Soil fertility- Legumes for N fixation- Grasses for OM accumulation- Diverse rooting habits1048698 Pest Management- Break pest cycles- Promote diversity attract beneficials- Biofumigants (brassicas sudan grass sunn hemp)1048698 Weed Management- Perennial rye- Oats
Composts and Manures Soil Conditioner- Feed the soil- Improve physical properties
Nutrient Availability- CN ratio- Total N content- 15 of total N in mature composts available in thefirst year (Bettina et al 2003)- Field trials estimate that composts alone can satisfycrop N demands after 40-80 years
Feather meal Dairy Manure CompostCN ratio 32 18 10-17Total N 12 20 10
Composts and Manures1048698 Timing-Continuous additions to build up SOM
- Mineralization potential of soil increases asOM inputs increase with time
- SOM acts as nutrient reserve continuouslyreleasing nutrients
- High N materials can be used as a rapidsource of N in the short term
Intercropping and Companion Planting1048698 Interplanting 2 or more mutually beneficial plants to increase biodiversity
Biological Pest Control1048698 Depends on managing beneficial insectpredatorsparasites1048698 Seen as default benefit of organic soilmanagement practices that promoteabove and below ground diversity1048698 Can include the release of control agents1048698 Farmscaping longshort term design tocreate habitats for beneficials
Tillage and Cultivation1048698 Tools for weed control residuemanagement manure incorporationhardpan destruction pest control1048698 Negative impacts- Costly- Destroy humus reserves and soil organisms- compaction1048698 Conservation and ridge tillage- Organic growers pioneers
Mulching1048698 Weed control moisture and temperature control soil organic matter
1048698 Large quantities of resistant organic materials (wood chips straw etchellip)
1048698 Not practical on a large scale
List of bio-pesticides available in marketName Purpose
Neemazal Against borers
Neem oil (5 ) Against borers
Neem seed extract (5 ) Against borers
Neem cake For controlling nematodes
Dried neem leaves Against stored grain pests
Sour butter milk (10 ) Against sap sucking insects
Cow dung ash dusting
Water spray Against aphid
Trichogramma cards Against borers
Trixho- XP ( Trichoderma harzaianum) Against diseases
SudocelPseudomonas fluoresens (PSF) Larvocel
Against diseases
Bauvaria baviana Against diseases
Products for use in fertilization and soil conditioning in organic farming
Sr No
Items Conditions for use
Material produced on an organic farm unit
Matter produced on an organic farm unit
1 Farmyard and slurry urine Permitted
2 Crop residues and green manure Permitted
3 Straw and other mulches Permitted
4 Composts and vermicomposts Permitted
Matter produced outside the organic farm unit
1 Blood meal meat meal bone meal and feather meal without preservatives
Restricted
2 Compost made from plant residues and animal excrement Restricted
3 Farmyard manure slurry urine Restricted
4 Fish and fish products without preservatives Restricted
5 Guano Restricted
6 Human excreta Restricted
7 Wood bark sawdust wood ash wood charcoal Restricted
8 Straw animal charcoal compost and spent mushroom and vermiculture substances
Restricted
9 Compost from organic household Restricted
10 Compost from plant residues Restricted
11 Sea weed and sea weed products
By products from the industries
1 By- products from the food and textile industries of biodegradable material of microbial plant or animal origin without any systematic additives
Restricted
2 By products from oil palm coconut and cocoa (including fruit bunch palm oil mill effluent cocoa peat and empty coca pods
Restricted
3 By products of industries processing ingredients from organic agriculture Restricted
4 Extracts from mushroom chlorella fermented product from Aspergillus natural acids (vinegar)
Restricted
Mineral Origin
Basic slag Restricted
Calcareous and magnesium rock Restricted
Lime limestone gypsum Restricted
Calcified sea weed Restricted
Calcium chloride Restricted
Mineral potassium with low chlorine content (eg sulphate of potash kainite sylvinite patenkali)
Restricted
Natural phosphates (rock phosphate) Restricted
Trace elements Permitted
Sulphur Permitted
Clay (bentonite perlite zeolite) Permitted
Microbiological origin
Bacterial preparation (bio fertilizers) Permitted
Biodynamic preparations Permitted
Plant preparation and botanical extracts Permitted
Products for plant pest and disease controlItems Condition
for use
Material from plant and animal origin
Plant based repellents (Neem preparations from Azadirachta indica
Permitted
Algal preparations (gelatine) Permitted
Casein Permitted
Extracts from mushroom chlorella fermented products from Aspergillus
Permitted
Propolis Restricted
Beeswax natural acids (vinegar) plant oils Quassia Permitted
Rotenone from Derris elliptica Lonchocarpus Trphrosia spp
Restricted
Tobacco tea (pure nicotine prohibited Restricted
Preparation from Rryania species Restricted
Items Condition for use
Mineral Origin
Chloride of limesoda Restricted
Burgundy mixture Restricted
Clay (bentonite perlite ermiculite zeolite Permitted
Copper saltsinorganic salts (Bordeaux mix copper hydroxide copper oxychloride)
Not allowed
Quick lime Restricted
Mineral Origin
Diatomaceous earth Permitted
Light mineral oils Restricted
Permagnate of potash Restricted
Insect Origin
Release of parasites predators of insect pests Restricted
Sterilized insects Restricted
Sterlized insects males Not allowed
Items Condition for use
Microorganisms used for biological pest control
Viral fungal and bacterial preparations (biopesticides) Restricted
Others
Carbon dioxide and nitrogen gas Permitted
Soft soap soda sulphur dioxide Permitted
Homeopathic and ayurvedic preparations Permitted
Herbal and biodynamic preparations Permitted
Sea salt and salty water Permitted
Ethyl alcohol Not allowed
Traps barriers and repellants
Physical methods (eg chromatic traps mechanical traps)
Permitted
Mulches nets Permitted
Pheromones-in traps and dispensers only Permitted
Average nutrient content of organic manures
Source of Nutrition Percentage composition
Organic manure N P2O5 K2O
Farmyard Manure 05 02 05
Farm compost 05 015 05
Town compost 14 100 14
Night soil 55 40 20
Vermicompost 30 00 15
Crop residues -
Bio gas slurry 15-20 10 1
Rock phosphate - 25-30 -
Source of Nutrition
Percentage composition
Non edible oil cake
N P2O5 K2O
Castor cake 43 18 13
Cotton seed cake 39 18 16
Karanj or honge cake 39 09 12
Mahua cake 25 08 18
Neem cake 52 10 14
Safflower cake 49 14 12
Green Manure crops
San hamp (Crotolaria juncea) 23 05 180
Dhaincha ( Sesbnia aculeata) 35 06 120
Sesbania speciosa 271 053 221
Source of Nutrition Percentage composition
Green leaf manure N P2O5 K2O
Glycricidia (Gluicidia sepium) 276 028 46
Pongamia (Pongama glabra) 331 044 239
Gulmohur (Delonix glabra) 276 046 050
Neem (Azadirachta indica) 283 028 035
Animal based
Blood meal 10-12 1-2 100
Meat meal 105 25 05
Fish meal 4-10 3-9 03-15
Horn and hoof meal 13 - -
Raw bone meal 3-4 20-25 -
Steamed bone meal 1-2 25-30 -
bull Lack of technical know-howbull Lack of required amount BD preparations in marketbull Lack of awareness among people about hazards caused by use of agrochemicalsbull Bulky nature of BD preparations and compostbull In-situ production is not feasiblebull Lack of scientific data on the long-term benefits and limitations of biodynamic farmingbull Limited domestic market for bio-dynamically grown producebull Quality certification
Constraints
ConstraintsProducersrsquoDistributorsrsquoTradersrsquo point of view
bull Lack of proper infrastructure for distribution and conservation of bio-inputs is a major constraint that hinders the access of these inputs to farmers
bull Some climatic regions and soil conditions are not suitable for specific strains of organic production
bull Given the mandated period of around three years for a conventional farm to become an organic farm the benefits perceived by farmers tend to be limited as they have a short term orientation
bull As a result even if they are aware they are hesitant to switch over to organic (green) agricultural practices
Constraining factorsFarmersrsquo point of view
The government perspective bull Changing the cropping and cultivation
patterns is slow and time-consuming process
bull Given the high levels of illiteracy and large number of small and marginal farmers it makes the change process difficult
bull Subsidies on chemical fertilizers and pesticide impede the growth of organic agriculture
Major Limitations under Punjab conditions
bull Bulky nature of organic manurebull Divergent nutritional valuebull Small land holdingbull Lack of awareness among farmersbull Marketing of organic producebull Labour and cost intensivebull Low incentives from governmentbull Non availability of bio pesticides
Major Limitations------contd
bull Dramatic and large benefits in terms of yield and returns
bull Cultivation of high nutrient responsive cultivers
bull Promotion of biological agentsbull Urgency to meet food security
Why farmers are reluctant to adopt organic farming in Punjab
bull Perceived high costs of doing organic farming due to incomplete knowledge about principles and practices of organic agriculture among farmers They were arranging inputs from outside
bull Non-availability of adequate quantities of organic manures and other organic inputs in the local market
bull Knowledge of organic farming has not filtered down to actual users ie small farmers and the information reached to target groups is often not backed by scientifically proven results
bull Complex and costly procedures of certificationbull Risk involved in marketing of organic produce
Discussion points
bull What arguments are there in favour of organic agriculture in India
bull What vested interests would oppose the growth of organic agricultures and why
bull What strategies could be employed to further promote the greening of agriculture in India
Can India adopt organic farming in a big way
bull Is organic farming non-scientific and unproven bull Does practicing organic farming means reduced yield bull Why were crop yields low before invention of Agro-
chemicals bull How is organic farming different from conventional bull What are the strengths and weaknesses of organic
farming
bull Where is the large quantity of compost for OF bull Does the soil fertility decline when fertilizers are
not used bull Scientifically where crop nutrients come from in
organic farming bull How are crops protected in organic farming bull Why restricted when India is a low user bull Where are the evidences that high yields are
possible in organic farming bull Is organic farming labour intensive
Conclusion Sustainable economic and eco friendly approach
Minimum risk of residual toxicity
Improvement in soil fertility with high yield quality produce Maintenance of organic matter content of the soil
Reduced energy use
Increased yields without over reliance on costly inputs
SummaryOrganic agriculture is not for everyone Yet it is a viable approach that can be beneficial It canbull Be particularly useful in the more difficult environments where resources are scarce and cultivation problematicbull Potentially reduce risks bya) ldquolocalizingrdquo input productionb) fostering soil and water conservationc) encouraging diversification (food security)bull Improve ability to compete in todayrsquos fast globalizing standards-critical trade
Strategies needed to promote organic farming in India
bull Adequate research and extension support needs to be providedbull Research to quantify the role of organic farming in minimizing the
ill effects of modern agriculture and its effect on environment bull Helping farmers to promote organic farmingbull Government should recognize agriculture in Kyoto protocol
carbon credit mechanismbull Developing infrastructure for supply chain and ensuring
competitive price for organic productsbull Capacity building through on farm demonstrations and trainingsbull Government support in cheaper access to organic certificates
Thanks
Green fodder yield (tha) under different fodder production system at PAU
Treatment Green fodder yield (tha)Kharif Rabi Summer Total
Main Plots (Green fodder system)
Sorghum ndash Berseem - 337 672 - 1009Maize ndash Berseem- Bajra 132 677 608 1417Maize-Berseem-Maize+cowpea
142 679 419 1240
Sorghum + gurara - oats - cowpea
350 483 336 1169
Sub plots (Management sysem)Organic 259 712 472 1443Chemical 196 533 426 1155Integrated 264 637 465 1366CD (005) 095 17 20 23
Plant Nutrient Supply System in Organic Farming
1Organic amendments with organic manure vermi-compost and bio fertilizers
2Biodynamic Approach based on soil biotechnology and microbiology
3Homeopathic Approach
4Agnihotra Approach
5Panchgavya Approach
Nutrient Cycling Soil microorganisms mediate nutrient cycles through decomposition of organic residues- Microorganisms lsquofeedrsquo on the residues- Biochemical by-products are plant nutrients (NPS) and other beneficial compounds like humic acid
bull Mineralization- Microbial conversion of organic N P and S into ammonium phosphate and sulfate - Nutrients become available
bull Immobilization-Microbial assimilation of inorganic N P and S- Nutrients temporarily tied up in microbial biomass
Microbial Functional Groups1048698 Bacteria- decomposers primary players in NP and S cycling- Actinomycetes act on more complex compounds to form humus1048698 Fungi- Decomposers attack lignin- Nutrient acquisition (mycorrhiza)1048698 Protozoa and Nematodes- Consume bacteria and fungi releasing plant nutrients (N)- Activity increases decomposition rates
Factors Affecting Microbial Populations1048698 Moisture- Microorganisms need water to survive1048698 Oxygen- Bacteria both aerobic and anaerobic- Fungi protozoa and nematodes aerobic1048698 Temperature- Adaptable- Activity generally increases as temperature rises1048698 Soil pH- Bacteria sensitive to acidity- Fungi function at low pH1048698 Organic Matter- OM source of C and nutrients- OM additions stimulate microbial growth
Agricultural Practices Affecting Microbial Populations1048698 Tillage- Destroys fungi meso and macrofauna- Reduces OM- Reduces aggregation1048698 Fertilizers- N and P fertilizers create acid zones killing microorganisms1048698 Fumigation- Indiscriminant destruction of microbial community1048698 Monocropping- Reduces microbial diversity- Promotes pest build-up
What About the Soil Food Web
What About the Soil Food Web Important to recognize the role of each functional group and their interdependence
Remember that management practices affect microbial interactions
Soil tests to quantify soil food web are expensive and difficult to interpret
Hot area for research
Tools and Practices for organic farmingCrop Rotation Soil fertility- Legumes for N fixation- Diverse rooting habitsPest Management- Break pest cycles- Promote diversity Know the family of the cropsCrops rotated so that crops from different families follow each other Lettuce Beans Corn Tomatoes
Green Manures in the Crop Rotation1048698 Soil fertility- Legumes for N fixation- Grasses for OM accumulation- Diverse rooting habits1048698 Pest Management- Break pest cycles- Promote diversity attract beneficials- Biofumigants (brassicas sudan grass sunn hemp)1048698 Weed Management- Perennial rye- Oats
Composts and Manures Soil Conditioner- Feed the soil- Improve physical properties
Nutrient Availability- CN ratio- Total N content- 15 of total N in mature composts available in thefirst year (Bettina et al 2003)- Field trials estimate that composts alone can satisfycrop N demands after 40-80 years
Feather meal Dairy Manure CompostCN ratio 32 18 10-17Total N 12 20 10
Composts and Manures1048698 Timing-Continuous additions to build up SOM
- Mineralization potential of soil increases asOM inputs increase with time
- SOM acts as nutrient reserve continuouslyreleasing nutrients
- High N materials can be used as a rapidsource of N in the short term
Intercropping and Companion Planting1048698 Interplanting 2 or more mutually beneficial plants to increase biodiversity
Biological Pest Control1048698 Depends on managing beneficial insectpredatorsparasites1048698 Seen as default benefit of organic soilmanagement practices that promoteabove and below ground diversity1048698 Can include the release of control agents1048698 Farmscaping longshort term design tocreate habitats for beneficials
Tillage and Cultivation1048698 Tools for weed control residuemanagement manure incorporationhardpan destruction pest control1048698 Negative impacts- Costly- Destroy humus reserves and soil organisms- compaction1048698 Conservation and ridge tillage- Organic growers pioneers
Mulching1048698 Weed control moisture and temperature control soil organic matter
1048698 Large quantities of resistant organic materials (wood chips straw etchellip)
1048698 Not practical on a large scale
List of bio-pesticides available in marketName Purpose
Neemazal Against borers
Neem oil (5 ) Against borers
Neem seed extract (5 ) Against borers
Neem cake For controlling nematodes
Dried neem leaves Against stored grain pests
Sour butter milk (10 ) Against sap sucking insects
Cow dung ash dusting
Water spray Against aphid
Trichogramma cards Against borers
Trixho- XP ( Trichoderma harzaianum) Against diseases
SudocelPseudomonas fluoresens (PSF) Larvocel
Against diseases
Bauvaria baviana Against diseases
Products for use in fertilization and soil conditioning in organic farming
Sr No
Items Conditions for use
Material produced on an organic farm unit
Matter produced on an organic farm unit
1 Farmyard and slurry urine Permitted
2 Crop residues and green manure Permitted
3 Straw and other mulches Permitted
4 Composts and vermicomposts Permitted
Matter produced outside the organic farm unit
1 Blood meal meat meal bone meal and feather meal without preservatives
Restricted
2 Compost made from plant residues and animal excrement Restricted
3 Farmyard manure slurry urine Restricted
4 Fish and fish products without preservatives Restricted
5 Guano Restricted
6 Human excreta Restricted
7 Wood bark sawdust wood ash wood charcoal Restricted
8 Straw animal charcoal compost and spent mushroom and vermiculture substances
Restricted
9 Compost from organic household Restricted
10 Compost from plant residues Restricted
11 Sea weed and sea weed products
By products from the industries
1 By- products from the food and textile industries of biodegradable material of microbial plant or animal origin without any systematic additives
Restricted
2 By products from oil palm coconut and cocoa (including fruit bunch palm oil mill effluent cocoa peat and empty coca pods
Restricted
3 By products of industries processing ingredients from organic agriculture Restricted
4 Extracts from mushroom chlorella fermented product from Aspergillus natural acids (vinegar)
Restricted
Mineral Origin
Basic slag Restricted
Calcareous and magnesium rock Restricted
Lime limestone gypsum Restricted
Calcified sea weed Restricted
Calcium chloride Restricted
Mineral potassium with low chlorine content (eg sulphate of potash kainite sylvinite patenkali)
Restricted
Natural phosphates (rock phosphate) Restricted
Trace elements Permitted
Sulphur Permitted
Clay (bentonite perlite zeolite) Permitted
Microbiological origin
Bacterial preparation (bio fertilizers) Permitted
Biodynamic preparations Permitted
Plant preparation and botanical extracts Permitted
Products for plant pest and disease controlItems Condition
for use
Material from plant and animal origin
Plant based repellents (Neem preparations from Azadirachta indica
Permitted
Algal preparations (gelatine) Permitted
Casein Permitted
Extracts from mushroom chlorella fermented products from Aspergillus
Permitted
Propolis Restricted
Beeswax natural acids (vinegar) plant oils Quassia Permitted
Rotenone from Derris elliptica Lonchocarpus Trphrosia spp
Restricted
Tobacco tea (pure nicotine prohibited Restricted
Preparation from Rryania species Restricted
Items Condition for use
Mineral Origin
Chloride of limesoda Restricted
Burgundy mixture Restricted
Clay (bentonite perlite ermiculite zeolite Permitted
Copper saltsinorganic salts (Bordeaux mix copper hydroxide copper oxychloride)
Not allowed
Quick lime Restricted
Mineral Origin
Diatomaceous earth Permitted
Light mineral oils Restricted
Permagnate of potash Restricted
Insect Origin
Release of parasites predators of insect pests Restricted
Sterilized insects Restricted
Sterlized insects males Not allowed
Items Condition for use
Microorganisms used for biological pest control
Viral fungal and bacterial preparations (biopesticides) Restricted
Others
Carbon dioxide and nitrogen gas Permitted
Soft soap soda sulphur dioxide Permitted
Homeopathic and ayurvedic preparations Permitted
Herbal and biodynamic preparations Permitted
Sea salt and salty water Permitted
Ethyl alcohol Not allowed
Traps barriers and repellants
Physical methods (eg chromatic traps mechanical traps)
Permitted
Mulches nets Permitted
Pheromones-in traps and dispensers only Permitted
Average nutrient content of organic manures
Source of Nutrition Percentage composition
Organic manure N P2O5 K2O
Farmyard Manure 05 02 05
Farm compost 05 015 05
Town compost 14 100 14
Night soil 55 40 20
Vermicompost 30 00 15
Crop residues -
Bio gas slurry 15-20 10 1
Rock phosphate - 25-30 -
Source of Nutrition
Percentage composition
Non edible oil cake
N P2O5 K2O
Castor cake 43 18 13
Cotton seed cake 39 18 16
Karanj or honge cake 39 09 12
Mahua cake 25 08 18
Neem cake 52 10 14
Safflower cake 49 14 12
Green Manure crops
San hamp (Crotolaria juncea) 23 05 180
Dhaincha ( Sesbnia aculeata) 35 06 120
Sesbania speciosa 271 053 221
Source of Nutrition Percentage composition
Green leaf manure N P2O5 K2O
Glycricidia (Gluicidia sepium) 276 028 46
Pongamia (Pongama glabra) 331 044 239
Gulmohur (Delonix glabra) 276 046 050
Neem (Azadirachta indica) 283 028 035
Animal based
Blood meal 10-12 1-2 100
Meat meal 105 25 05
Fish meal 4-10 3-9 03-15
Horn and hoof meal 13 - -
Raw bone meal 3-4 20-25 -
Steamed bone meal 1-2 25-30 -
bull Lack of technical know-howbull Lack of required amount BD preparations in marketbull Lack of awareness among people about hazards caused by use of agrochemicalsbull Bulky nature of BD preparations and compostbull In-situ production is not feasiblebull Lack of scientific data on the long-term benefits and limitations of biodynamic farmingbull Limited domestic market for bio-dynamically grown producebull Quality certification
Constraints
ConstraintsProducersrsquoDistributorsrsquoTradersrsquo point of view
bull Lack of proper infrastructure for distribution and conservation of bio-inputs is a major constraint that hinders the access of these inputs to farmers
bull Some climatic regions and soil conditions are not suitable for specific strains of organic production
bull Given the mandated period of around three years for a conventional farm to become an organic farm the benefits perceived by farmers tend to be limited as they have a short term orientation
bull As a result even if they are aware they are hesitant to switch over to organic (green) agricultural practices
Constraining factorsFarmersrsquo point of view
The government perspective bull Changing the cropping and cultivation
patterns is slow and time-consuming process
bull Given the high levels of illiteracy and large number of small and marginal farmers it makes the change process difficult
bull Subsidies on chemical fertilizers and pesticide impede the growth of organic agriculture
Major Limitations under Punjab conditions
bull Bulky nature of organic manurebull Divergent nutritional valuebull Small land holdingbull Lack of awareness among farmersbull Marketing of organic producebull Labour and cost intensivebull Low incentives from governmentbull Non availability of bio pesticides
Major Limitations------contd
bull Dramatic and large benefits in terms of yield and returns
bull Cultivation of high nutrient responsive cultivers
bull Promotion of biological agentsbull Urgency to meet food security
Why farmers are reluctant to adopt organic farming in Punjab
bull Perceived high costs of doing organic farming due to incomplete knowledge about principles and practices of organic agriculture among farmers They were arranging inputs from outside
bull Non-availability of adequate quantities of organic manures and other organic inputs in the local market
bull Knowledge of organic farming has not filtered down to actual users ie small farmers and the information reached to target groups is often not backed by scientifically proven results
bull Complex and costly procedures of certificationbull Risk involved in marketing of organic produce
Discussion points
bull What arguments are there in favour of organic agriculture in India
bull What vested interests would oppose the growth of organic agricultures and why
bull What strategies could be employed to further promote the greening of agriculture in India
Can India adopt organic farming in a big way
bull Is organic farming non-scientific and unproven bull Does practicing organic farming means reduced yield bull Why were crop yields low before invention of Agro-
chemicals bull How is organic farming different from conventional bull What are the strengths and weaknesses of organic
farming
bull Where is the large quantity of compost for OF bull Does the soil fertility decline when fertilizers are
not used bull Scientifically where crop nutrients come from in
organic farming bull How are crops protected in organic farming bull Why restricted when India is a low user bull Where are the evidences that high yields are
possible in organic farming bull Is organic farming labour intensive
Conclusion Sustainable economic and eco friendly approach
Minimum risk of residual toxicity
Improvement in soil fertility with high yield quality produce Maintenance of organic matter content of the soil
Reduced energy use
Increased yields without over reliance on costly inputs
SummaryOrganic agriculture is not for everyone Yet it is a viable approach that can be beneficial It canbull Be particularly useful in the more difficult environments where resources are scarce and cultivation problematicbull Potentially reduce risks bya) ldquolocalizingrdquo input productionb) fostering soil and water conservationc) encouraging diversification (food security)bull Improve ability to compete in todayrsquos fast globalizing standards-critical trade
Strategies needed to promote organic farming in India
bull Adequate research and extension support needs to be providedbull Research to quantify the role of organic farming in minimizing the
ill effects of modern agriculture and its effect on environment bull Helping farmers to promote organic farmingbull Government should recognize agriculture in Kyoto protocol
carbon credit mechanismbull Developing infrastructure for supply chain and ensuring
competitive price for organic productsbull Capacity building through on farm demonstrations and trainingsbull Government support in cheaper access to organic certificates
Thanks
Plant Nutrient Supply System in Organic Farming
1Organic amendments with organic manure vermi-compost and bio fertilizers
2Biodynamic Approach based on soil biotechnology and microbiology
3Homeopathic Approach
4Agnihotra Approach
5Panchgavya Approach
Nutrient Cycling Soil microorganisms mediate nutrient cycles through decomposition of organic residues- Microorganisms lsquofeedrsquo on the residues- Biochemical by-products are plant nutrients (NPS) and other beneficial compounds like humic acid
bull Mineralization- Microbial conversion of organic N P and S into ammonium phosphate and sulfate - Nutrients become available
bull Immobilization-Microbial assimilation of inorganic N P and S- Nutrients temporarily tied up in microbial biomass
Microbial Functional Groups1048698 Bacteria- decomposers primary players in NP and S cycling- Actinomycetes act on more complex compounds to form humus1048698 Fungi- Decomposers attack lignin- Nutrient acquisition (mycorrhiza)1048698 Protozoa and Nematodes- Consume bacteria and fungi releasing plant nutrients (N)- Activity increases decomposition rates
Factors Affecting Microbial Populations1048698 Moisture- Microorganisms need water to survive1048698 Oxygen- Bacteria both aerobic and anaerobic- Fungi protozoa and nematodes aerobic1048698 Temperature- Adaptable- Activity generally increases as temperature rises1048698 Soil pH- Bacteria sensitive to acidity- Fungi function at low pH1048698 Organic Matter- OM source of C and nutrients- OM additions stimulate microbial growth
Agricultural Practices Affecting Microbial Populations1048698 Tillage- Destroys fungi meso and macrofauna- Reduces OM- Reduces aggregation1048698 Fertilizers- N and P fertilizers create acid zones killing microorganisms1048698 Fumigation- Indiscriminant destruction of microbial community1048698 Monocropping- Reduces microbial diversity- Promotes pest build-up
What About the Soil Food Web
What About the Soil Food Web Important to recognize the role of each functional group and their interdependence
Remember that management practices affect microbial interactions
Soil tests to quantify soil food web are expensive and difficult to interpret
Hot area for research
Tools and Practices for organic farmingCrop Rotation Soil fertility- Legumes for N fixation- Diverse rooting habitsPest Management- Break pest cycles- Promote diversity Know the family of the cropsCrops rotated so that crops from different families follow each other Lettuce Beans Corn Tomatoes
Green Manures in the Crop Rotation1048698 Soil fertility- Legumes for N fixation- Grasses for OM accumulation- Diverse rooting habits1048698 Pest Management- Break pest cycles- Promote diversity attract beneficials- Biofumigants (brassicas sudan grass sunn hemp)1048698 Weed Management- Perennial rye- Oats
Composts and Manures Soil Conditioner- Feed the soil- Improve physical properties
Nutrient Availability- CN ratio- Total N content- 15 of total N in mature composts available in thefirst year (Bettina et al 2003)- Field trials estimate that composts alone can satisfycrop N demands after 40-80 years
Feather meal Dairy Manure CompostCN ratio 32 18 10-17Total N 12 20 10
Composts and Manures1048698 Timing-Continuous additions to build up SOM
- Mineralization potential of soil increases asOM inputs increase with time
- SOM acts as nutrient reserve continuouslyreleasing nutrients
- High N materials can be used as a rapidsource of N in the short term
Intercropping and Companion Planting1048698 Interplanting 2 or more mutually beneficial plants to increase biodiversity
Biological Pest Control1048698 Depends on managing beneficial insectpredatorsparasites1048698 Seen as default benefit of organic soilmanagement practices that promoteabove and below ground diversity1048698 Can include the release of control agents1048698 Farmscaping longshort term design tocreate habitats for beneficials
Tillage and Cultivation1048698 Tools for weed control residuemanagement manure incorporationhardpan destruction pest control1048698 Negative impacts- Costly- Destroy humus reserves and soil organisms- compaction1048698 Conservation and ridge tillage- Organic growers pioneers
Mulching1048698 Weed control moisture and temperature control soil organic matter
1048698 Large quantities of resistant organic materials (wood chips straw etchellip)
1048698 Not practical on a large scale
List of bio-pesticides available in marketName Purpose
Neemazal Against borers
Neem oil (5 ) Against borers
Neem seed extract (5 ) Against borers
Neem cake For controlling nematodes
Dried neem leaves Against stored grain pests
Sour butter milk (10 ) Against sap sucking insects
Cow dung ash dusting
Water spray Against aphid
Trichogramma cards Against borers
Trixho- XP ( Trichoderma harzaianum) Against diseases
SudocelPseudomonas fluoresens (PSF) Larvocel
Against diseases
Bauvaria baviana Against diseases
Products for use in fertilization and soil conditioning in organic farming
Sr No
Items Conditions for use
Material produced on an organic farm unit
Matter produced on an organic farm unit
1 Farmyard and slurry urine Permitted
2 Crop residues and green manure Permitted
3 Straw and other mulches Permitted
4 Composts and vermicomposts Permitted
Matter produced outside the organic farm unit
1 Blood meal meat meal bone meal and feather meal without preservatives
Restricted
2 Compost made from plant residues and animal excrement Restricted
3 Farmyard manure slurry urine Restricted
4 Fish and fish products without preservatives Restricted
5 Guano Restricted
6 Human excreta Restricted
7 Wood bark sawdust wood ash wood charcoal Restricted
8 Straw animal charcoal compost and spent mushroom and vermiculture substances
Restricted
9 Compost from organic household Restricted
10 Compost from plant residues Restricted
11 Sea weed and sea weed products
By products from the industries
1 By- products from the food and textile industries of biodegradable material of microbial plant or animal origin without any systematic additives
Restricted
2 By products from oil palm coconut and cocoa (including fruit bunch palm oil mill effluent cocoa peat and empty coca pods
Restricted
3 By products of industries processing ingredients from organic agriculture Restricted
4 Extracts from mushroom chlorella fermented product from Aspergillus natural acids (vinegar)
Restricted
Mineral Origin
Basic slag Restricted
Calcareous and magnesium rock Restricted
Lime limestone gypsum Restricted
Calcified sea weed Restricted
Calcium chloride Restricted
Mineral potassium with low chlorine content (eg sulphate of potash kainite sylvinite patenkali)
Restricted
Natural phosphates (rock phosphate) Restricted
Trace elements Permitted
Sulphur Permitted
Clay (bentonite perlite zeolite) Permitted
Microbiological origin
Bacterial preparation (bio fertilizers) Permitted
Biodynamic preparations Permitted
Plant preparation and botanical extracts Permitted
Products for plant pest and disease controlItems Condition
for use
Material from plant and animal origin
Plant based repellents (Neem preparations from Azadirachta indica
Permitted
Algal preparations (gelatine) Permitted
Casein Permitted
Extracts from mushroom chlorella fermented products from Aspergillus
Permitted
Propolis Restricted
Beeswax natural acids (vinegar) plant oils Quassia Permitted
Rotenone from Derris elliptica Lonchocarpus Trphrosia spp
Restricted
Tobacco tea (pure nicotine prohibited Restricted
Preparation from Rryania species Restricted
Items Condition for use
Mineral Origin
Chloride of limesoda Restricted
Burgundy mixture Restricted
Clay (bentonite perlite ermiculite zeolite Permitted
Copper saltsinorganic salts (Bordeaux mix copper hydroxide copper oxychloride)
Not allowed
Quick lime Restricted
Mineral Origin
Diatomaceous earth Permitted
Light mineral oils Restricted
Permagnate of potash Restricted
Insect Origin
Release of parasites predators of insect pests Restricted
Sterilized insects Restricted
Sterlized insects males Not allowed
Items Condition for use
Microorganisms used for biological pest control
Viral fungal and bacterial preparations (biopesticides) Restricted
Others
Carbon dioxide and nitrogen gas Permitted
Soft soap soda sulphur dioxide Permitted
Homeopathic and ayurvedic preparations Permitted
Herbal and biodynamic preparations Permitted
Sea salt and salty water Permitted
Ethyl alcohol Not allowed
Traps barriers and repellants
Physical methods (eg chromatic traps mechanical traps)
Permitted
Mulches nets Permitted
Pheromones-in traps and dispensers only Permitted
Average nutrient content of organic manures
Source of Nutrition Percentage composition
Organic manure N P2O5 K2O
Farmyard Manure 05 02 05
Farm compost 05 015 05
Town compost 14 100 14
Night soil 55 40 20
Vermicompost 30 00 15
Crop residues -
Bio gas slurry 15-20 10 1
Rock phosphate - 25-30 -
Source of Nutrition
Percentage composition
Non edible oil cake
N P2O5 K2O
Castor cake 43 18 13
Cotton seed cake 39 18 16
Karanj or honge cake 39 09 12
Mahua cake 25 08 18
Neem cake 52 10 14
Safflower cake 49 14 12
Green Manure crops
San hamp (Crotolaria juncea) 23 05 180
Dhaincha ( Sesbnia aculeata) 35 06 120
Sesbania speciosa 271 053 221
Source of Nutrition Percentage composition
Green leaf manure N P2O5 K2O
Glycricidia (Gluicidia sepium) 276 028 46
Pongamia (Pongama glabra) 331 044 239
Gulmohur (Delonix glabra) 276 046 050
Neem (Azadirachta indica) 283 028 035
Animal based
Blood meal 10-12 1-2 100
Meat meal 105 25 05
Fish meal 4-10 3-9 03-15
Horn and hoof meal 13 - -
Raw bone meal 3-4 20-25 -
Steamed bone meal 1-2 25-30 -
bull Lack of technical know-howbull Lack of required amount BD preparations in marketbull Lack of awareness among people about hazards caused by use of agrochemicalsbull Bulky nature of BD preparations and compostbull In-situ production is not feasiblebull Lack of scientific data on the long-term benefits and limitations of biodynamic farmingbull Limited domestic market for bio-dynamically grown producebull Quality certification
Constraints
ConstraintsProducersrsquoDistributorsrsquoTradersrsquo point of view
bull Lack of proper infrastructure for distribution and conservation of bio-inputs is a major constraint that hinders the access of these inputs to farmers
bull Some climatic regions and soil conditions are not suitable for specific strains of organic production
bull Given the mandated period of around three years for a conventional farm to become an organic farm the benefits perceived by farmers tend to be limited as they have a short term orientation
bull As a result even if they are aware they are hesitant to switch over to organic (green) agricultural practices
Constraining factorsFarmersrsquo point of view
The government perspective bull Changing the cropping and cultivation
patterns is slow and time-consuming process
bull Given the high levels of illiteracy and large number of small and marginal farmers it makes the change process difficult
bull Subsidies on chemical fertilizers and pesticide impede the growth of organic agriculture
Major Limitations under Punjab conditions
bull Bulky nature of organic manurebull Divergent nutritional valuebull Small land holdingbull Lack of awareness among farmersbull Marketing of organic producebull Labour and cost intensivebull Low incentives from governmentbull Non availability of bio pesticides
Major Limitations------contd
bull Dramatic and large benefits in terms of yield and returns
bull Cultivation of high nutrient responsive cultivers
bull Promotion of biological agentsbull Urgency to meet food security
Why farmers are reluctant to adopt organic farming in Punjab
bull Perceived high costs of doing organic farming due to incomplete knowledge about principles and practices of organic agriculture among farmers They were arranging inputs from outside
bull Non-availability of adequate quantities of organic manures and other organic inputs in the local market
bull Knowledge of organic farming has not filtered down to actual users ie small farmers and the information reached to target groups is often not backed by scientifically proven results
bull Complex and costly procedures of certificationbull Risk involved in marketing of organic produce
Discussion points
bull What arguments are there in favour of organic agriculture in India
bull What vested interests would oppose the growth of organic agricultures and why
bull What strategies could be employed to further promote the greening of agriculture in India
Can India adopt organic farming in a big way
bull Is organic farming non-scientific and unproven bull Does practicing organic farming means reduced yield bull Why were crop yields low before invention of Agro-
chemicals bull How is organic farming different from conventional bull What are the strengths and weaknesses of organic
farming
bull Where is the large quantity of compost for OF bull Does the soil fertility decline when fertilizers are
not used bull Scientifically where crop nutrients come from in
organic farming bull How are crops protected in organic farming bull Why restricted when India is a low user bull Where are the evidences that high yields are
possible in organic farming bull Is organic farming labour intensive
Conclusion Sustainable economic and eco friendly approach
Minimum risk of residual toxicity
Improvement in soil fertility with high yield quality produce Maintenance of organic matter content of the soil
Reduced energy use
Increased yields without over reliance on costly inputs
SummaryOrganic agriculture is not for everyone Yet it is a viable approach that can be beneficial It canbull Be particularly useful in the more difficult environments where resources are scarce and cultivation problematicbull Potentially reduce risks bya) ldquolocalizingrdquo input productionb) fostering soil and water conservationc) encouraging diversification (food security)bull Improve ability to compete in todayrsquos fast globalizing standards-critical trade
Strategies needed to promote organic farming in India
bull Adequate research and extension support needs to be providedbull Research to quantify the role of organic farming in minimizing the
ill effects of modern agriculture and its effect on environment bull Helping farmers to promote organic farmingbull Government should recognize agriculture in Kyoto protocol
carbon credit mechanismbull Developing infrastructure for supply chain and ensuring
competitive price for organic productsbull Capacity building through on farm demonstrations and trainingsbull Government support in cheaper access to organic certificates
Thanks
Nutrient Cycling Soil microorganisms mediate nutrient cycles through decomposition of organic residues- Microorganisms lsquofeedrsquo on the residues- Biochemical by-products are plant nutrients (NPS) and other beneficial compounds like humic acid
bull Mineralization- Microbial conversion of organic N P and S into ammonium phosphate and sulfate - Nutrients become available
bull Immobilization-Microbial assimilation of inorganic N P and S- Nutrients temporarily tied up in microbial biomass
Microbial Functional Groups1048698 Bacteria- decomposers primary players in NP and S cycling- Actinomycetes act on more complex compounds to form humus1048698 Fungi- Decomposers attack lignin- Nutrient acquisition (mycorrhiza)1048698 Protozoa and Nematodes- Consume bacteria and fungi releasing plant nutrients (N)- Activity increases decomposition rates
Factors Affecting Microbial Populations1048698 Moisture- Microorganisms need water to survive1048698 Oxygen- Bacteria both aerobic and anaerobic- Fungi protozoa and nematodes aerobic1048698 Temperature- Adaptable- Activity generally increases as temperature rises1048698 Soil pH- Bacteria sensitive to acidity- Fungi function at low pH1048698 Organic Matter- OM source of C and nutrients- OM additions stimulate microbial growth
Agricultural Practices Affecting Microbial Populations1048698 Tillage- Destroys fungi meso and macrofauna- Reduces OM- Reduces aggregation1048698 Fertilizers- N and P fertilizers create acid zones killing microorganisms1048698 Fumigation- Indiscriminant destruction of microbial community1048698 Monocropping- Reduces microbial diversity- Promotes pest build-up
What About the Soil Food Web
What About the Soil Food Web Important to recognize the role of each functional group and their interdependence
Remember that management practices affect microbial interactions
Soil tests to quantify soil food web are expensive and difficult to interpret
Hot area for research
Tools and Practices for organic farmingCrop Rotation Soil fertility- Legumes for N fixation- Diverse rooting habitsPest Management- Break pest cycles- Promote diversity Know the family of the cropsCrops rotated so that crops from different families follow each other Lettuce Beans Corn Tomatoes
Green Manures in the Crop Rotation1048698 Soil fertility- Legumes for N fixation- Grasses for OM accumulation- Diverse rooting habits1048698 Pest Management- Break pest cycles- Promote diversity attract beneficials- Biofumigants (brassicas sudan grass sunn hemp)1048698 Weed Management- Perennial rye- Oats
Composts and Manures Soil Conditioner- Feed the soil- Improve physical properties
Nutrient Availability- CN ratio- Total N content- 15 of total N in mature composts available in thefirst year (Bettina et al 2003)- Field trials estimate that composts alone can satisfycrop N demands after 40-80 years
Feather meal Dairy Manure CompostCN ratio 32 18 10-17Total N 12 20 10
Composts and Manures1048698 Timing-Continuous additions to build up SOM
- Mineralization potential of soil increases asOM inputs increase with time
- SOM acts as nutrient reserve continuouslyreleasing nutrients
- High N materials can be used as a rapidsource of N in the short term
Intercropping and Companion Planting1048698 Interplanting 2 or more mutually beneficial plants to increase biodiversity
Biological Pest Control1048698 Depends on managing beneficial insectpredatorsparasites1048698 Seen as default benefit of organic soilmanagement practices that promoteabove and below ground diversity1048698 Can include the release of control agents1048698 Farmscaping longshort term design tocreate habitats for beneficials
Tillage and Cultivation1048698 Tools for weed control residuemanagement manure incorporationhardpan destruction pest control1048698 Negative impacts- Costly- Destroy humus reserves and soil organisms- compaction1048698 Conservation and ridge tillage- Organic growers pioneers
Mulching1048698 Weed control moisture and temperature control soil organic matter
1048698 Large quantities of resistant organic materials (wood chips straw etchellip)
1048698 Not practical on a large scale
List of bio-pesticides available in marketName Purpose
Neemazal Against borers
Neem oil (5 ) Against borers
Neem seed extract (5 ) Against borers
Neem cake For controlling nematodes
Dried neem leaves Against stored grain pests
Sour butter milk (10 ) Against sap sucking insects
Cow dung ash dusting
Water spray Against aphid
Trichogramma cards Against borers
Trixho- XP ( Trichoderma harzaianum) Against diseases
SudocelPseudomonas fluoresens (PSF) Larvocel
Against diseases
Bauvaria baviana Against diseases
Products for use in fertilization and soil conditioning in organic farming
Sr No
Items Conditions for use
Material produced on an organic farm unit
Matter produced on an organic farm unit
1 Farmyard and slurry urine Permitted
2 Crop residues and green manure Permitted
3 Straw and other mulches Permitted
4 Composts and vermicomposts Permitted
Matter produced outside the organic farm unit
1 Blood meal meat meal bone meal and feather meal without preservatives
Restricted
2 Compost made from plant residues and animal excrement Restricted
3 Farmyard manure slurry urine Restricted
4 Fish and fish products without preservatives Restricted
5 Guano Restricted
6 Human excreta Restricted
7 Wood bark sawdust wood ash wood charcoal Restricted
8 Straw animal charcoal compost and spent mushroom and vermiculture substances
Restricted
9 Compost from organic household Restricted
10 Compost from plant residues Restricted
11 Sea weed and sea weed products
By products from the industries
1 By- products from the food and textile industries of biodegradable material of microbial plant or animal origin without any systematic additives
Restricted
2 By products from oil palm coconut and cocoa (including fruit bunch palm oil mill effluent cocoa peat and empty coca pods
Restricted
3 By products of industries processing ingredients from organic agriculture Restricted
4 Extracts from mushroom chlorella fermented product from Aspergillus natural acids (vinegar)
Restricted
Mineral Origin
Basic slag Restricted
Calcareous and magnesium rock Restricted
Lime limestone gypsum Restricted
Calcified sea weed Restricted
Calcium chloride Restricted
Mineral potassium with low chlorine content (eg sulphate of potash kainite sylvinite patenkali)
Restricted
Natural phosphates (rock phosphate) Restricted
Trace elements Permitted
Sulphur Permitted
Clay (bentonite perlite zeolite) Permitted
Microbiological origin
Bacterial preparation (bio fertilizers) Permitted
Biodynamic preparations Permitted
Plant preparation and botanical extracts Permitted
Products for plant pest and disease controlItems Condition
for use
Material from plant and animal origin
Plant based repellents (Neem preparations from Azadirachta indica
Permitted
Algal preparations (gelatine) Permitted
Casein Permitted
Extracts from mushroom chlorella fermented products from Aspergillus
Permitted
Propolis Restricted
Beeswax natural acids (vinegar) plant oils Quassia Permitted
Rotenone from Derris elliptica Lonchocarpus Trphrosia spp
Restricted
Tobacco tea (pure nicotine prohibited Restricted
Preparation from Rryania species Restricted
Items Condition for use
Mineral Origin
Chloride of limesoda Restricted
Burgundy mixture Restricted
Clay (bentonite perlite ermiculite zeolite Permitted
Copper saltsinorganic salts (Bordeaux mix copper hydroxide copper oxychloride)
Not allowed
Quick lime Restricted
Mineral Origin
Diatomaceous earth Permitted
Light mineral oils Restricted
Permagnate of potash Restricted
Insect Origin
Release of parasites predators of insect pests Restricted
Sterilized insects Restricted
Sterlized insects males Not allowed
Items Condition for use
Microorganisms used for biological pest control
Viral fungal and bacterial preparations (biopesticides) Restricted
Others
Carbon dioxide and nitrogen gas Permitted
Soft soap soda sulphur dioxide Permitted
Homeopathic and ayurvedic preparations Permitted
Herbal and biodynamic preparations Permitted
Sea salt and salty water Permitted
Ethyl alcohol Not allowed
Traps barriers and repellants
Physical methods (eg chromatic traps mechanical traps)
Permitted
Mulches nets Permitted
Pheromones-in traps and dispensers only Permitted
Average nutrient content of organic manures
Source of Nutrition Percentage composition
Organic manure N P2O5 K2O
Farmyard Manure 05 02 05
Farm compost 05 015 05
Town compost 14 100 14
Night soil 55 40 20
Vermicompost 30 00 15
Crop residues -
Bio gas slurry 15-20 10 1
Rock phosphate - 25-30 -
Source of Nutrition
Percentage composition
Non edible oil cake
N P2O5 K2O
Castor cake 43 18 13
Cotton seed cake 39 18 16
Karanj or honge cake 39 09 12
Mahua cake 25 08 18
Neem cake 52 10 14
Safflower cake 49 14 12
Green Manure crops
San hamp (Crotolaria juncea) 23 05 180
Dhaincha ( Sesbnia aculeata) 35 06 120
Sesbania speciosa 271 053 221
Source of Nutrition Percentage composition
Green leaf manure N P2O5 K2O
Glycricidia (Gluicidia sepium) 276 028 46
Pongamia (Pongama glabra) 331 044 239
Gulmohur (Delonix glabra) 276 046 050
Neem (Azadirachta indica) 283 028 035
Animal based
Blood meal 10-12 1-2 100
Meat meal 105 25 05
Fish meal 4-10 3-9 03-15
Horn and hoof meal 13 - -
Raw bone meal 3-4 20-25 -
Steamed bone meal 1-2 25-30 -
bull Lack of technical know-howbull Lack of required amount BD preparations in marketbull Lack of awareness among people about hazards caused by use of agrochemicalsbull Bulky nature of BD preparations and compostbull In-situ production is not feasiblebull Lack of scientific data on the long-term benefits and limitations of biodynamic farmingbull Limited domestic market for bio-dynamically grown producebull Quality certification
Constraints
ConstraintsProducersrsquoDistributorsrsquoTradersrsquo point of view
bull Lack of proper infrastructure for distribution and conservation of bio-inputs is a major constraint that hinders the access of these inputs to farmers
bull Some climatic regions and soil conditions are not suitable for specific strains of organic production
bull Given the mandated period of around three years for a conventional farm to become an organic farm the benefits perceived by farmers tend to be limited as they have a short term orientation
bull As a result even if they are aware they are hesitant to switch over to organic (green) agricultural practices
Constraining factorsFarmersrsquo point of view
The government perspective bull Changing the cropping and cultivation
patterns is slow and time-consuming process
bull Given the high levels of illiteracy and large number of small and marginal farmers it makes the change process difficult
bull Subsidies on chemical fertilizers and pesticide impede the growth of organic agriculture
Major Limitations under Punjab conditions
bull Bulky nature of organic manurebull Divergent nutritional valuebull Small land holdingbull Lack of awareness among farmersbull Marketing of organic producebull Labour and cost intensivebull Low incentives from governmentbull Non availability of bio pesticides
Major Limitations------contd
bull Dramatic and large benefits in terms of yield and returns
bull Cultivation of high nutrient responsive cultivers
bull Promotion of biological agentsbull Urgency to meet food security
Why farmers are reluctant to adopt organic farming in Punjab
bull Perceived high costs of doing organic farming due to incomplete knowledge about principles and practices of organic agriculture among farmers They were arranging inputs from outside
bull Non-availability of adequate quantities of organic manures and other organic inputs in the local market
bull Knowledge of organic farming has not filtered down to actual users ie small farmers and the information reached to target groups is often not backed by scientifically proven results
bull Complex and costly procedures of certificationbull Risk involved in marketing of organic produce
Discussion points
bull What arguments are there in favour of organic agriculture in India
bull What vested interests would oppose the growth of organic agricultures and why
bull What strategies could be employed to further promote the greening of agriculture in India
Can India adopt organic farming in a big way
bull Is organic farming non-scientific and unproven bull Does practicing organic farming means reduced yield bull Why were crop yields low before invention of Agro-
chemicals bull How is organic farming different from conventional bull What are the strengths and weaknesses of organic
farming
bull Where is the large quantity of compost for OF bull Does the soil fertility decline when fertilizers are
not used bull Scientifically where crop nutrients come from in
organic farming bull How are crops protected in organic farming bull Why restricted when India is a low user bull Where are the evidences that high yields are
possible in organic farming bull Is organic farming labour intensive
Conclusion Sustainable economic and eco friendly approach
Minimum risk of residual toxicity
Improvement in soil fertility with high yield quality produce Maintenance of organic matter content of the soil
Reduced energy use
Increased yields without over reliance on costly inputs
SummaryOrganic agriculture is not for everyone Yet it is a viable approach that can be beneficial It canbull Be particularly useful in the more difficult environments where resources are scarce and cultivation problematicbull Potentially reduce risks bya) ldquolocalizingrdquo input productionb) fostering soil and water conservationc) encouraging diversification (food security)bull Improve ability to compete in todayrsquos fast globalizing standards-critical trade
Strategies needed to promote organic farming in India
bull Adequate research and extension support needs to be providedbull Research to quantify the role of organic farming in minimizing the
ill effects of modern agriculture and its effect on environment bull Helping farmers to promote organic farmingbull Government should recognize agriculture in Kyoto protocol
carbon credit mechanismbull Developing infrastructure for supply chain and ensuring
competitive price for organic productsbull Capacity building through on farm demonstrations and trainingsbull Government support in cheaper access to organic certificates
Thanks
Microbial Functional Groups1048698 Bacteria- decomposers primary players in NP and S cycling- Actinomycetes act on more complex compounds to form humus1048698 Fungi- Decomposers attack lignin- Nutrient acquisition (mycorrhiza)1048698 Protozoa and Nematodes- Consume bacteria and fungi releasing plant nutrients (N)- Activity increases decomposition rates
Factors Affecting Microbial Populations1048698 Moisture- Microorganisms need water to survive1048698 Oxygen- Bacteria both aerobic and anaerobic- Fungi protozoa and nematodes aerobic1048698 Temperature- Adaptable- Activity generally increases as temperature rises1048698 Soil pH- Bacteria sensitive to acidity- Fungi function at low pH1048698 Organic Matter- OM source of C and nutrients- OM additions stimulate microbial growth
Agricultural Practices Affecting Microbial Populations1048698 Tillage- Destroys fungi meso and macrofauna- Reduces OM- Reduces aggregation1048698 Fertilizers- N and P fertilizers create acid zones killing microorganisms1048698 Fumigation- Indiscriminant destruction of microbial community1048698 Monocropping- Reduces microbial diversity- Promotes pest build-up
What About the Soil Food Web
What About the Soil Food Web Important to recognize the role of each functional group and their interdependence
Remember that management practices affect microbial interactions
Soil tests to quantify soil food web are expensive and difficult to interpret
Hot area for research
Tools and Practices for organic farmingCrop Rotation Soil fertility- Legumes for N fixation- Diverse rooting habitsPest Management- Break pest cycles- Promote diversity Know the family of the cropsCrops rotated so that crops from different families follow each other Lettuce Beans Corn Tomatoes
Green Manures in the Crop Rotation1048698 Soil fertility- Legumes for N fixation- Grasses for OM accumulation- Diverse rooting habits1048698 Pest Management- Break pest cycles- Promote diversity attract beneficials- Biofumigants (brassicas sudan grass sunn hemp)1048698 Weed Management- Perennial rye- Oats
Composts and Manures Soil Conditioner- Feed the soil- Improve physical properties
Nutrient Availability- CN ratio- Total N content- 15 of total N in mature composts available in thefirst year (Bettina et al 2003)- Field trials estimate that composts alone can satisfycrop N demands after 40-80 years
Feather meal Dairy Manure CompostCN ratio 32 18 10-17Total N 12 20 10
Composts and Manures1048698 Timing-Continuous additions to build up SOM
- Mineralization potential of soil increases asOM inputs increase with time
- SOM acts as nutrient reserve continuouslyreleasing nutrients
- High N materials can be used as a rapidsource of N in the short term
Intercropping and Companion Planting1048698 Interplanting 2 or more mutually beneficial plants to increase biodiversity
Biological Pest Control1048698 Depends on managing beneficial insectpredatorsparasites1048698 Seen as default benefit of organic soilmanagement practices that promoteabove and below ground diversity1048698 Can include the release of control agents1048698 Farmscaping longshort term design tocreate habitats for beneficials
Tillage and Cultivation1048698 Tools for weed control residuemanagement manure incorporationhardpan destruction pest control1048698 Negative impacts- Costly- Destroy humus reserves and soil organisms- compaction1048698 Conservation and ridge tillage- Organic growers pioneers
Mulching1048698 Weed control moisture and temperature control soil organic matter
1048698 Large quantities of resistant organic materials (wood chips straw etchellip)
1048698 Not practical on a large scale
List of bio-pesticides available in marketName Purpose
Neemazal Against borers
Neem oil (5 ) Against borers
Neem seed extract (5 ) Against borers
Neem cake For controlling nematodes
Dried neem leaves Against stored grain pests
Sour butter milk (10 ) Against sap sucking insects
Cow dung ash dusting
Water spray Against aphid
Trichogramma cards Against borers
Trixho- XP ( Trichoderma harzaianum) Against diseases
SudocelPseudomonas fluoresens (PSF) Larvocel
Against diseases
Bauvaria baviana Against diseases
Products for use in fertilization and soil conditioning in organic farming
Sr No
Items Conditions for use
Material produced on an organic farm unit
Matter produced on an organic farm unit
1 Farmyard and slurry urine Permitted
2 Crop residues and green manure Permitted
3 Straw and other mulches Permitted
4 Composts and vermicomposts Permitted
Matter produced outside the organic farm unit
1 Blood meal meat meal bone meal and feather meal without preservatives
Restricted
2 Compost made from plant residues and animal excrement Restricted
3 Farmyard manure slurry urine Restricted
4 Fish and fish products without preservatives Restricted
5 Guano Restricted
6 Human excreta Restricted
7 Wood bark sawdust wood ash wood charcoal Restricted
8 Straw animal charcoal compost and spent mushroom and vermiculture substances
Restricted
9 Compost from organic household Restricted
10 Compost from plant residues Restricted
11 Sea weed and sea weed products
By products from the industries
1 By- products from the food and textile industries of biodegradable material of microbial plant or animal origin without any systematic additives
Restricted
2 By products from oil palm coconut and cocoa (including fruit bunch palm oil mill effluent cocoa peat and empty coca pods
Restricted
3 By products of industries processing ingredients from organic agriculture Restricted
4 Extracts from mushroom chlorella fermented product from Aspergillus natural acids (vinegar)
Restricted
Mineral Origin
Basic slag Restricted
Calcareous and magnesium rock Restricted
Lime limestone gypsum Restricted
Calcified sea weed Restricted
Calcium chloride Restricted
Mineral potassium with low chlorine content (eg sulphate of potash kainite sylvinite patenkali)
Restricted
Natural phosphates (rock phosphate) Restricted
Trace elements Permitted
Sulphur Permitted
Clay (bentonite perlite zeolite) Permitted
Microbiological origin
Bacterial preparation (bio fertilizers) Permitted
Biodynamic preparations Permitted
Plant preparation and botanical extracts Permitted
Products for plant pest and disease controlItems Condition
for use
Material from plant and animal origin
Plant based repellents (Neem preparations from Azadirachta indica
Permitted
Algal preparations (gelatine) Permitted
Casein Permitted
Extracts from mushroom chlorella fermented products from Aspergillus
Permitted
Propolis Restricted
Beeswax natural acids (vinegar) plant oils Quassia Permitted
Rotenone from Derris elliptica Lonchocarpus Trphrosia spp
Restricted
Tobacco tea (pure nicotine prohibited Restricted
Preparation from Rryania species Restricted
Items Condition for use
Mineral Origin
Chloride of limesoda Restricted
Burgundy mixture Restricted
Clay (bentonite perlite ermiculite zeolite Permitted
Copper saltsinorganic salts (Bordeaux mix copper hydroxide copper oxychloride)
Not allowed
Quick lime Restricted
Mineral Origin
Diatomaceous earth Permitted
Light mineral oils Restricted
Permagnate of potash Restricted
Insect Origin
Release of parasites predators of insect pests Restricted
Sterilized insects Restricted
Sterlized insects males Not allowed
Items Condition for use
Microorganisms used for biological pest control
Viral fungal and bacterial preparations (biopesticides) Restricted
Others
Carbon dioxide and nitrogen gas Permitted
Soft soap soda sulphur dioxide Permitted
Homeopathic and ayurvedic preparations Permitted
Herbal and biodynamic preparations Permitted
Sea salt and salty water Permitted
Ethyl alcohol Not allowed
Traps barriers and repellants
Physical methods (eg chromatic traps mechanical traps)
Permitted
Mulches nets Permitted
Pheromones-in traps and dispensers only Permitted
Average nutrient content of organic manures
Source of Nutrition Percentage composition
Organic manure N P2O5 K2O
Farmyard Manure 05 02 05
Farm compost 05 015 05
Town compost 14 100 14
Night soil 55 40 20
Vermicompost 30 00 15
Crop residues -
Bio gas slurry 15-20 10 1
Rock phosphate - 25-30 -
Source of Nutrition
Percentage composition
Non edible oil cake
N P2O5 K2O
Castor cake 43 18 13
Cotton seed cake 39 18 16
Karanj or honge cake 39 09 12
Mahua cake 25 08 18
Neem cake 52 10 14
Safflower cake 49 14 12
Green Manure crops
San hamp (Crotolaria juncea) 23 05 180
Dhaincha ( Sesbnia aculeata) 35 06 120
Sesbania speciosa 271 053 221
Source of Nutrition Percentage composition
Green leaf manure N P2O5 K2O
Glycricidia (Gluicidia sepium) 276 028 46
Pongamia (Pongama glabra) 331 044 239
Gulmohur (Delonix glabra) 276 046 050
Neem (Azadirachta indica) 283 028 035
Animal based
Blood meal 10-12 1-2 100
Meat meal 105 25 05
Fish meal 4-10 3-9 03-15
Horn and hoof meal 13 - -
Raw bone meal 3-4 20-25 -
Steamed bone meal 1-2 25-30 -
bull Lack of technical know-howbull Lack of required amount BD preparations in marketbull Lack of awareness among people about hazards caused by use of agrochemicalsbull Bulky nature of BD preparations and compostbull In-situ production is not feasiblebull Lack of scientific data on the long-term benefits and limitations of biodynamic farmingbull Limited domestic market for bio-dynamically grown producebull Quality certification
Constraints
ConstraintsProducersrsquoDistributorsrsquoTradersrsquo point of view
bull Lack of proper infrastructure for distribution and conservation of bio-inputs is a major constraint that hinders the access of these inputs to farmers
bull Some climatic regions and soil conditions are not suitable for specific strains of organic production
bull Given the mandated period of around three years for a conventional farm to become an organic farm the benefits perceived by farmers tend to be limited as they have a short term orientation
bull As a result even if they are aware they are hesitant to switch over to organic (green) agricultural practices
Constraining factorsFarmersrsquo point of view
The government perspective bull Changing the cropping and cultivation
patterns is slow and time-consuming process
bull Given the high levels of illiteracy and large number of small and marginal farmers it makes the change process difficult
bull Subsidies on chemical fertilizers and pesticide impede the growth of organic agriculture
Major Limitations under Punjab conditions
bull Bulky nature of organic manurebull Divergent nutritional valuebull Small land holdingbull Lack of awareness among farmersbull Marketing of organic producebull Labour and cost intensivebull Low incentives from governmentbull Non availability of bio pesticides
Major Limitations------contd
bull Dramatic and large benefits in terms of yield and returns
bull Cultivation of high nutrient responsive cultivers
bull Promotion of biological agentsbull Urgency to meet food security
Why farmers are reluctant to adopt organic farming in Punjab
bull Perceived high costs of doing organic farming due to incomplete knowledge about principles and practices of organic agriculture among farmers They were arranging inputs from outside
bull Non-availability of adequate quantities of organic manures and other organic inputs in the local market
bull Knowledge of organic farming has not filtered down to actual users ie small farmers and the information reached to target groups is often not backed by scientifically proven results
bull Complex and costly procedures of certificationbull Risk involved in marketing of organic produce
Discussion points
bull What arguments are there in favour of organic agriculture in India
bull What vested interests would oppose the growth of organic agricultures and why
bull What strategies could be employed to further promote the greening of agriculture in India
Can India adopt organic farming in a big way
bull Is organic farming non-scientific and unproven bull Does practicing organic farming means reduced yield bull Why were crop yields low before invention of Agro-
chemicals bull How is organic farming different from conventional bull What are the strengths and weaknesses of organic
farming
bull Where is the large quantity of compost for OF bull Does the soil fertility decline when fertilizers are
not used bull Scientifically where crop nutrients come from in
organic farming bull How are crops protected in organic farming bull Why restricted when India is a low user bull Where are the evidences that high yields are
possible in organic farming bull Is organic farming labour intensive
Conclusion Sustainable economic and eco friendly approach
Minimum risk of residual toxicity
Improvement in soil fertility with high yield quality produce Maintenance of organic matter content of the soil
Reduced energy use
Increased yields without over reliance on costly inputs
SummaryOrganic agriculture is not for everyone Yet it is a viable approach that can be beneficial It canbull Be particularly useful in the more difficult environments where resources are scarce and cultivation problematicbull Potentially reduce risks bya) ldquolocalizingrdquo input productionb) fostering soil and water conservationc) encouraging diversification (food security)bull Improve ability to compete in todayrsquos fast globalizing standards-critical trade
Strategies needed to promote organic farming in India
bull Adequate research and extension support needs to be providedbull Research to quantify the role of organic farming in minimizing the
ill effects of modern agriculture and its effect on environment bull Helping farmers to promote organic farmingbull Government should recognize agriculture in Kyoto protocol
carbon credit mechanismbull Developing infrastructure for supply chain and ensuring
competitive price for organic productsbull Capacity building through on farm demonstrations and trainingsbull Government support in cheaper access to organic certificates
Thanks
Factors Affecting Microbial Populations1048698 Moisture- Microorganisms need water to survive1048698 Oxygen- Bacteria both aerobic and anaerobic- Fungi protozoa and nematodes aerobic1048698 Temperature- Adaptable- Activity generally increases as temperature rises1048698 Soil pH- Bacteria sensitive to acidity- Fungi function at low pH1048698 Organic Matter- OM source of C and nutrients- OM additions stimulate microbial growth
Agricultural Practices Affecting Microbial Populations1048698 Tillage- Destroys fungi meso and macrofauna- Reduces OM- Reduces aggregation1048698 Fertilizers- N and P fertilizers create acid zones killing microorganisms1048698 Fumigation- Indiscriminant destruction of microbial community1048698 Monocropping- Reduces microbial diversity- Promotes pest build-up
What About the Soil Food Web
What About the Soil Food Web Important to recognize the role of each functional group and their interdependence
Remember that management practices affect microbial interactions
Soil tests to quantify soil food web are expensive and difficult to interpret
Hot area for research
Tools and Practices for organic farmingCrop Rotation Soil fertility- Legumes for N fixation- Diverse rooting habitsPest Management- Break pest cycles- Promote diversity Know the family of the cropsCrops rotated so that crops from different families follow each other Lettuce Beans Corn Tomatoes
Green Manures in the Crop Rotation1048698 Soil fertility- Legumes for N fixation- Grasses for OM accumulation- Diverse rooting habits1048698 Pest Management- Break pest cycles- Promote diversity attract beneficials- Biofumigants (brassicas sudan grass sunn hemp)1048698 Weed Management- Perennial rye- Oats
Composts and Manures Soil Conditioner- Feed the soil- Improve physical properties
Nutrient Availability- CN ratio- Total N content- 15 of total N in mature composts available in thefirst year (Bettina et al 2003)- Field trials estimate that composts alone can satisfycrop N demands after 40-80 years
Feather meal Dairy Manure CompostCN ratio 32 18 10-17Total N 12 20 10
Composts and Manures1048698 Timing-Continuous additions to build up SOM
- Mineralization potential of soil increases asOM inputs increase with time
- SOM acts as nutrient reserve continuouslyreleasing nutrients
- High N materials can be used as a rapidsource of N in the short term
Intercropping and Companion Planting1048698 Interplanting 2 or more mutually beneficial plants to increase biodiversity
Biological Pest Control1048698 Depends on managing beneficial insectpredatorsparasites1048698 Seen as default benefit of organic soilmanagement practices that promoteabove and below ground diversity1048698 Can include the release of control agents1048698 Farmscaping longshort term design tocreate habitats for beneficials
Tillage and Cultivation1048698 Tools for weed control residuemanagement manure incorporationhardpan destruction pest control1048698 Negative impacts- Costly- Destroy humus reserves and soil organisms- compaction1048698 Conservation and ridge tillage- Organic growers pioneers
Mulching1048698 Weed control moisture and temperature control soil organic matter
1048698 Large quantities of resistant organic materials (wood chips straw etchellip)
1048698 Not practical on a large scale
List of bio-pesticides available in marketName Purpose
Neemazal Against borers
Neem oil (5 ) Against borers
Neem seed extract (5 ) Against borers
Neem cake For controlling nematodes
Dried neem leaves Against stored grain pests
Sour butter milk (10 ) Against sap sucking insects
Cow dung ash dusting
Water spray Against aphid
Trichogramma cards Against borers
Trixho- XP ( Trichoderma harzaianum) Against diseases
SudocelPseudomonas fluoresens (PSF) Larvocel
Against diseases
Bauvaria baviana Against diseases
Products for use in fertilization and soil conditioning in organic farming
Sr No
Items Conditions for use
Material produced on an organic farm unit
Matter produced on an organic farm unit
1 Farmyard and slurry urine Permitted
2 Crop residues and green manure Permitted
3 Straw and other mulches Permitted
4 Composts and vermicomposts Permitted
Matter produced outside the organic farm unit
1 Blood meal meat meal bone meal and feather meal without preservatives
Restricted
2 Compost made from plant residues and animal excrement Restricted
3 Farmyard manure slurry urine Restricted
4 Fish and fish products without preservatives Restricted
5 Guano Restricted
6 Human excreta Restricted
7 Wood bark sawdust wood ash wood charcoal Restricted
8 Straw animal charcoal compost and spent mushroom and vermiculture substances
Restricted
9 Compost from organic household Restricted
10 Compost from plant residues Restricted
11 Sea weed and sea weed products
By products from the industries
1 By- products from the food and textile industries of biodegradable material of microbial plant or animal origin without any systematic additives
Restricted
2 By products from oil palm coconut and cocoa (including fruit bunch palm oil mill effluent cocoa peat and empty coca pods
Restricted
3 By products of industries processing ingredients from organic agriculture Restricted
4 Extracts from mushroom chlorella fermented product from Aspergillus natural acids (vinegar)
Restricted
Mineral Origin
Basic slag Restricted
Calcareous and magnesium rock Restricted
Lime limestone gypsum Restricted
Calcified sea weed Restricted
Calcium chloride Restricted
Mineral potassium with low chlorine content (eg sulphate of potash kainite sylvinite patenkali)
Restricted
Natural phosphates (rock phosphate) Restricted
Trace elements Permitted
Sulphur Permitted
Clay (bentonite perlite zeolite) Permitted
Microbiological origin
Bacterial preparation (bio fertilizers) Permitted
Biodynamic preparations Permitted
Plant preparation and botanical extracts Permitted
Products for plant pest and disease controlItems Condition
for use
Material from plant and animal origin
Plant based repellents (Neem preparations from Azadirachta indica
Permitted
Algal preparations (gelatine) Permitted
Casein Permitted
Extracts from mushroom chlorella fermented products from Aspergillus
Permitted
Propolis Restricted
Beeswax natural acids (vinegar) plant oils Quassia Permitted
Rotenone from Derris elliptica Lonchocarpus Trphrosia spp
Restricted
Tobacco tea (pure nicotine prohibited Restricted
Preparation from Rryania species Restricted
Items Condition for use
Mineral Origin
Chloride of limesoda Restricted
Burgundy mixture Restricted
Clay (bentonite perlite ermiculite zeolite Permitted
Copper saltsinorganic salts (Bordeaux mix copper hydroxide copper oxychloride)
Not allowed
Quick lime Restricted
Mineral Origin
Diatomaceous earth Permitted
Light mineral oils Restricted
Permagnate of potash Restricted
Insect Origin
Release of parasites predators of insect pests Restricted
Sterilized insects Restricted
Sterlized insects males Not allowed
Items Condition for use
Microorganisms used for biological pest control
Viral fungal and bacterial preparations (biopesticides) Restricted
Others
Carbon dioxide and nitrogen gas Permitted
Soft soap soda sulphur dioxide Permitted
Homeopathic and ayurvedic preparations Permitted
Herbal and biodynamic preparations Permitted
Sea salt and salty water Permitted
Ethyl alcohol Not allowed
Traps barriers and repellants
Physical methods (eg chromatic traps mechanical traps)
Permitted
Mulches nets Permitted
Pheromones-in traps and dispensers only Permitted
Average nutrient content of organic manures
Source of Nutrition Percentage composition
Organic manure N P2O5 K2O
Farmyard Manure 05 02 05
Farm compost 05 015 05
Town compost 14 100 14
Night soil 55 40 20
Vermicompost 30 00 15
Crop residues -
Bio gas slurry 15-20 10 1
Rock phosphate - 25-30 -
Source of Nutrition
Percentage composition
Non edible oil cake
N P2O5 K2O
Castor cake 43 18 13
Cotton seed cake 39 18 16
Karanj or honge cake 39 09 12
Mahua cake 25 08 18
Neem cake 52 10 14
Safflower cake 49 14 12
Green Manure crops
San hamp (Crotolaria juncea) 23 05 180
Dhaincha ( Sesbnia aculeata) 35 06 120
Sesbania speciosa 271 053 221
Source of Nutrition Percentage composition
Green leaf manure N P2O5 K2O
Glycricidia (Gluicidia sepium) 276 028 46
Pongamia (Pongama glabra) 331 044 239
Gulmohur (Delonix glabra) 276 046 050
Neem (Azadirachta indica) 283 028 035
Animal based
Blood meal 10-12 1-2 100
Meat meal 105 25 05
Fish meal 4-10 3-9 03-15
Horn and hoof meal 13 - -
Raw bone meal 3-4 20-25 -
Steamed bone meal 1-2 25-30 -
bull Lack of technical know-howbull Lack of required amount BD preparations in marketbull Lack of awareness among people about hazards caused by use of agrochemicalsbull Bulky nature of BD preparations and compostbull In-situ production is not feasiblebull Lack of scientific data on the long-term benefits and limitations of biodynamic farmingbull Limited domestic market for bio-dynamically grown producebull Quality certification
Constraints
ConstraintsProducersrsquoDistributorsrsquoTradersrsquo point of view
bull Lack of proper infrastructure for distribution and conservation of bio-inputs is a major constraint that hinders the access of these inputs to farmers
bull Some climatic regions and soil conditions are not suitable for specific strains of organic production
bull Given the mandated period of around three years for a conventional farm to become an organic farm the benefits perceived by farmers tend to be limited as they have a short term orientation
bull As a result even if they are aware they are hesitant to switch over to organic (green) agricultural practices
Constraining factorsFarmersrsquo point of view
The government perspective bull Changing the cropping and cultivation
patterns is slow and time-consuming process
bull Given the high levels of illiteracy and large number of small and marginal farmers it makes the change process difficult
bull Subsidies on chemical fertilizers and pesticide impede the growth of organic agriculture
Major Limitations under Punjab conditions
bull Bulky nature of organic manurebull Divergent nutritional valuebull Small land holdingbull Lack of awareness among farmersbull Marketing of organic producebull Labour and cost intensivebull Low incentives from governmentbull Non availability of bio pesticides
Major Limitations------contd
bull Dramatic and large benefits in terms of yield and returns
bull Cultivation of high nutrient responsive cultivers
bull Promotion of biological agentsbull Urgency to meet food security
Why farmers are reluctant to adopt organic farming in Punjab
bull Perceived high costs of doing organic farming due to incomplete knowledge about principles and practices of organic agriculture among farmers They were arranging inputs from outside
bull Non-availability of adequate quantities of organic manures and other organic inputs in the local market
bull Knowledge of organic farming has not filtered down to actual users ie small farmers and the information reached to target groups is often not backed by scientifically proven results
bull Complex and costly procedures of certificationbull Risk involved in marketing of organic produce
Discussion points
bull What arguments are there in favour of organic agriculture in India
bull What vested interests would oppose the growth of organic agricultures and why
bull What strategies could be employed to further promote the greening of agriculture in India
Can India adopt organic farming in a big way
bull Is organic farming non-scientific and unproven bull Does practicing organic farming means reduced yield bull Why were crop yields low before invention of Agro-
chemicals bull How is organic farming different from conventional bull What are the strengths and weaknesses of organic
farming
bull Where is the large quantity of compost for OF bull Does the soil fertility decline when fertilizers are
not used bull Scientifically where crop nutrients come from in
organic farming bull How are crops protected in organic farming bull Why restricted when India is a low user bull Where are the evidences that high yields are
possible in organic farming bull Is organic farming labour intensive
Conclusion Sustainable economic and eco friendly approach
Minimum risk of residual toxicity
Improvement in soil fertility with high yield quality produce Maintenance of organic matter content of the soil
Reduced energy use
Increased yields without over reliance on costly inputs
SummaryOrganic agriculture is not for everyone Yet it is a viable approach that can be beneficial It canbull Be particularly useful in the more difficult environments where resources are scarce and cultivation problematicbull Potentially reduce risks bya) ldquolocalizingrdquo input productionb) fostering soil and water conservationc) encouraging diversification (food security)bull Improve ability to compete in todayrsquos fast globalizing standards-critical trade
Strategies needed to promote organic farming in India
bull Adequate research and extension support needs to be providedbull Research to quantify the role of organic farming in minimizing the
ill effects of modern agriculture and its effect on environment bull Helping farmers to promote organic farmingbull Government should recognize agriculture in Kyoto protocol
carbon credit mechanismbull Developing infrastructure for supply chain and ensuring
competitive price for organic productsbull Capacity building through on farm demonstrations and trainingsbull Government support in cheaper access to organic certificates
Thanks
Agricultural Practices Affecting Microbial Populations1048698 Tillage- Destroys fungi meso and macrofauna- Reduces OM- Reduces aggregation1048698 Fertilizers- N and P fertilizers create acid zones killing microorganisms1048698 Fumigation- Indiscriminant destruction of microbial community1048698 Monocropping- Reduces microbial diversity- Promotes pest build-up
What About the Soil Food Web
What About the Soil Food Web Important to recognize the role of each functional group and their interdependence
Remember that management practices affect microbial interactions
Soil tests to quantify soil food web are expensive and difficult to interpret
Hot area for research
Tools and Practices for organic farmingCrop Rotation Soil fertility- Legumes for N fixation- Diverse rooting habitsPest Management- Break pest cycles- Promote diversity Know the family of the cropsCrops rotated so that crops from different families follow each other Lettuce Beans Corn Tomatoes
Green Manures in the Crop Rotation1048698 Soil fertility- Legumes for N fixation- Grasses for OM accumulation- Diverse rooting habits1048698 Pest Management- Break pest cycles- Promote diversity attract beneficials- Biofumigants (brassicas sudan grass sunn hemp)1048698 Weed Management- Perennial rye- Oats
Composts and Manures Soil Conditioner- Feed the soil- Improve physical properties
Nutrient Availability- CN ratio- Total N content- 15 of total N in mature composts available in thefirst year (Bettina et al 2003)- Field trials estimate that composts alone can satisfycrop N demands after 40-80 years
Feather meal Dairy Manure CompostCN ratio 32 18 10-17Total N 12 20 10
Composts and Manures1048698 Timing-Continuous additions to build up SOM
- Mineralization potential of soil increases asOM inputs increase with time
- SOM acts as nutrient reserve continuouslyreleasing nutrients
- High N materials can be used as a rapidsource of N in the short term
Intercropping and Companion Planting1048698 Interplanting 2 or more mutually beneficial plants to increase biodiversity
Biological Pest Control1048698 Depends on managing beneficial insectpredatorsparasites1048698 Seen as default benefit of organic soilmanagement practices that promoteabove and below ground diversity1048698 Can include the release of control agents1048698 Farmscaping longshort term design tocreate habitats for beneficials
Tillage and Cultivation1048698 Tools for weed control residuemanagement manure incorporationhardpan destruction pest control1048698 Negative impacts- Costly- Destroy humus reserves and soil organisms- compaction1048698 Conservation and ridge tillage- Organic growers pioneers
Mulching1048698 Weed control moisture and temperature control soil organic matter
1048698 Large quantities of resistant organic materials (wood chips straw etchellip)
1048698 Not practical on a large scale
List of bio-pesticides available in marketName Purpose
Neemazal Against borers
Neem oil (5 ) Against borers
Neem seed extract (5 ) Against borers
Neem cake For controlling nematodes
Dried neem leaves Against stored grain pests
Sour butter milk (10 ) Against sap sucking insects
Cow dung ash dusting
Water spray Against aphid
Trichogramma cards Against borers
Trixho- XP ( Trichoderma harzaianum) Against diseases
SudocelPseudomonas fluoresens (PSF) Larvocel
Against diseases
Bauvaria baviana Against diseases
Products for use in fertilization and soil conditioning in organic farming
Sr No
Items Conditions for use
Material produced on an organic farm unit
Matter produced on an organic farm unit
1 Farmyard and slurry urine Permitted
2 Crop residues and green manure Permitted
3 Straw and other mulches Permitted
4 Composts and vermicomposts Permitted
Matter produced outside the organic farm unit
1 Blood meal meat meal bone meal and feather meal without preservatives
Restricted
2 Compost made from plant residues and animal excrement Restricted
3 Farmyard manure slurry urine Restricted
4 Fish and fish products without preservatives Restricted
5 Guano Restricted
6 Human excreta Restricted
7 Wood bark sawdust wood ash wood charcoal Restricted
8 Straw animal charcoal compost and spent mushroom and vermiculture substances
Restricted
9 Compost from organic household Restricted
10 Compost from plant residues Restricted
11 Sea weed and sea weed products
By products from the industries
1 By- products from the food and textile industries of biodegradable material of microbial plant or animal origin without any systematic additives
Restricted
2 By products from oil palm coconut and cocoa (including fruit bunch palm oil mill effluent cocoa peat and empty coca pods
Restricted
3 By products of industries processing ingredients from organic agriculture Restricted
4 Extracts from mushroom chlorella fermented product from Aspergillus natural acids (vinegar)
Restricted
Mineral Origin
Basic slag Restricted
Calcareous and magnesium rock Restricted
Lime limestone gypsum Restricted
Calcified sea weed Restricted
Calcium chloride Restricted
Mineral potassium with low chlorine content (eg sulphate of potash kainite sylvinite patenkali)
Restricted
Natural phosphates (rock phosphate) Restricted
Trace elements Permitted
Sulphur Permitted
Clay (bentonite perlite zeolite) Permitted
Microbiological origin
Bacterial preparation (bio fertilizers) Permitted
Biodynamic preparations Permitted
Plant preparation and botanical extracts Permitted
Products for plant pest and disease controlItems Condition
for use
Material from plant and animal origin
Plant based repellents (Neem preparations from Azadirachta indica
Permitted
Algal preparations (gelatine) Permitted
Casein Permitted
Extracts from mushroom chlorella fermented products from Aspergillus
Permitted
Propolis Restricted
Beeswax natural acids (vinegar) plant oils Quassia Permitted
Rotenone from Derris elliptica Lonchocarpus Trphrosia spp
Restricted
Tobacco tea (pure nicotine prohibited Restricted
Preparation from Rryania species Restricted
Items Condition for use
Mineral Origin
Chloride of limesoda Restricted
Burgundy mixture Restricted
Clay (bentonite perlite ermiculite zeolite Permitted
Copper saltsinorganic salts (Bordeaux mix copper hydroxide copper oxychloride)
Not allowed
Quick lime Restricted
Mineral Origin
Diatomaceous earth Permitted
Light mineral oils Restricted
Permagnate of potash Restricted
Insect Origin
Release of parasites predators of insect pests Restricted
Sterilized insects Restricted
Sterlized insects males Not allowed
Items Condition for use
Microorganisms used for biological pest control
Viral fungal and bacterial preparations (biopesticides) Restricted
Others
Carbon dioxide and nitrogen gas Permitted
Soft soap soda sulphur dioxide Permitted
Homeopathic and ayurvedic preparations Permitted
Herbal and biodynamic preparations Permitted
Sea salt and salty water Permitted
Ethyl alcohol Not allowed
Traps barriers and repellants
Physical methods (eg chromatic traps mechanical traps)
Permitted
Mulches nets Permitted
Pheromones-in traps and dispensers only Permitted
Average nutrient content of organic manures
Source of Nutrition Percentage composition
Organic manure N P2O5 K2O
Farmyard Manure 05 02 05
Farm compost 05 015 05
Town compost 14 100 14
Night soil 55 40 20
Vermicompost 30 00 15
Crop residues -
Bio gas slurry 15-20 10 1
Rock phosphate - 25-30 -
Source of Nutrition
Percentage composition
Non edible oil cake
N P2O5 K2O
Castor cake 43 18 13
Cotton seed cake 39 18 16
Karanj or honge cake 39 09 12
Mahua cake 25 08 18
Neem cake 52 10 14
Safflower cake 49 14 12
Green Manure crops
San hamp (Crotolaria juncea) 23 05 180
Dhaincha ( Sesbnia aculeata) 35 06 120
Sesbania speciosa 271 053 221
Source of Nutrition Percentage composition
Green leaf manure N P2O5 K2O
Glycricidia (Gluicidia sepium) 276 028 46
Pongamia (Pongama glabra) 331 044 239
Gulmohur (Delonix glabra) 276 046 050
Neem (Azadirachta indica) 283 028 035
Animal based
Blood meal 10-12 1-2 100
Meat meal 105 25 05
Fish meal 4-10 3-9 03-15
Horn and hoof meal 13 - -
Raw bone meal 3-4 20-25 -
Steamed bone meal 1-2 25-30 -
bull Lack of technical know-howbull Lack of required amount BD preparations in marketbull Lack of awareness among people about hazards caused by use of agrochemicalsbull Bulky nature of BD preparations and compostbull In-situ production is not feasiblebull Lack of scientific data on the long-term benefits and limitations of biodynamic farmingbull Limited domestic market for bio-dynamically grown producebull Quality certification
Constraints
ConstraintsProducersrsquoDistributorsrsquoTradersrsquo point of view
bull Lack of proper infrastructure for distribution and conservation of bio-inputs is a major constraint that hinders the access of these inputs to farmers
bull Some climatic regions and soil conditions are not suitable for specific strains of organic production
bull Given the mandated period of around three years for a conventional farm to become an organic farm the benefits perceived by farmers tend to be limited as they have a short term orientation
bull As a result even if they are aware they are hesitant to switch over to organic (green) agricultural practices
Constraining factorsFarmersrsquo point of view
The government perspective bull Changing the cropping and cultivation
patterns is slow and time-consuming process
bull Given the high levels of illiteracy and large number of small and marginal farmers it makes the change process difficult
bull Subsidies on chemical fertilizers and pesticide impede the growth of organic agriculture
Major Limitations under Punjab conditions
bull Bulky nature of organic manurebull Divergent nutritional valuebull Small land holdingbull Lack of awareness among farmersbull Marketing of organic producebull Labour and cost intensivebull Low incentives from governmentbull Non availability of bio pesticides
Major Limitations------contd
bull Dramatic and large benefits in terms of yield and returns
bull Cultivation of high nutrient responsive cultivers
bull Promotion of biological agentsbull Urgency to meet food security
Why farmers are reluctant to adopt organic farming in Punjab
bull Perceived high costs of doing organic farming due to incomplete knowledge about principles and practices of organic agriculture among farmers They were arranging inputs from outside
bull Non-availability of adequate quantities of organic manures and other organic inputs in the local market
bull Knowledge of organic farming has not filtered down to actual users ie small farmers and the information reached to target groups is often not backed by scientifically proven results
bull Complex and costly procedures of certificationbull Risk involved in marketing of organic produce
Discussion points
bull What arguments are there in favour of organic agriculture in India
bull What vested interests would oppose the growth of organic agricultures and why
bull What strategies could be employed to further promote the greening of agriculture in India
Can India adopt organic farming in a big way
bull Is organic farming non-scientific and unproven bull Does practicing organic farming means reduced yield bull Why were crop yields low before invention of Agro-
chemicals bull How is organic farming different from conventional bull What are the strengths and weaknesses of organic
farming
bull Where is the large quantity of compost for OF bull Does the soil fertility decline when fertilizers are
not used bull Scientifically where crop nutrients come from in
organic farming bull How are crops protected in organic farming bull Why restricted when India is a low user bull Where are the evidences that high yields are
possible in organic farming bull Is organic farming labour intensive
Conclusion Sustainable economic and eco friendly approach
Minimum risk of residual toxicity
Improvement in soil fertility with high yield quality produce Maintenance of organic matter content of the soil
Reduced energy use
Increased yields without over reliance on costly inputs
SummaryOrganic agriculture is not for everyone Yet it is a viable approach that can be beneficial It canbull Be particularly useful in the more difficult environments where resources are scarce and cultivation problematicbull Potentially reduce risks bya) ldquolocalizingrdquo input productionb) fostering soil and water conservationc) encouraging diversification (food security)bull Improve ability to compete in todayrsquos fast globalizing standards-critical trade
Strategies needed to promote organic farming in India
bull Adequate research and extension support needs to be providedbull Research to quantify the role of organic farming in minimizing the
ill effects of modern agriculture and its effect on environment bull Helping farmers to promote organic farmingbull Government should recognize agriculture in Kyoto protocol
carbon credit mechanismbull Developing infrastructure for supply chain and ensuring
competitive price for organic productsbull Capacity building through on farm demonstrations and trainingsbull Government support in cheaper access to organic certificates
Thanks
What About the Soil Food Web
What About the Soil Food Web Important to recognize the role of each functional group and their interdependence
Remember that management practices affect microbial interactions
Soil tests to quantify soil food web are expensive and difficult to interpret
Hot area for research
Tools and Practices for organic farmingCrop Rotation Soil fertility- Legumes for N fixation- Diverse rooting habitsPest Management- Break pest cycles- Promote diversity Know the family of the cropsCrops rotated so that crops from different families follow each other Lettuce Beans Corn Tomatoes
Green Manures in the Crop Rotation1048698 Soil fertility- Legumes for N fixation- Grasses for OM accumulation- Diverse rooting habits1048698 Pest Management- Break pest cycles- Promote diversity attract beneficials- Biofumigants (brassicas sudan grass sunn hemp)1048698 Weed Management- Perennial rye- Oats
Composts and Manures Soil Conditioner- Feed the soil- Improve physical properties
Nutrient Availability- CN ratio- Total N content- 15 of total N in mature composts available in thefirst year (Bettina et al 2003)- Field trials estimate that composts alone can satisfycrop N demands after 40-80 years
Feather meal Dairy Manure CompostCN ratio 32 18 10-17Total N 12 20 10
Composts and Manures1048698 Timing-Continuous additions to build up SOM
- Mineralization potential of soil increases asOM inputs increase with time
- SOM acts as nutrient reserve continuouslyreleasing nutrients
- High N materials can be used as a rapidsource of N in the short term
Intercropping and Companion Planting1048698 Interplanting 2 or more mutually beneficial plants to increase biodiversity
Biological Pest Control1048698 Depends on managing beneficial insectpredatorsparasites1048698 Seen as default benefit of organic soilmanagement practices that promoteabove and below ground diversity1048698 Can include the release of control agents1048698 Farmscaping longshort term design tocreate habitats for beneficials
Tillage and Cultivation1048698 Tools for weed control residuemanagement manure incorporationhardpan destruction pest control1048698 Negative impacts- Costly- Destroy humus reserves and soil organisms- compaction1048698 Conservation and ridge tillage- Organic growers pioneers
Mulching1048698 Weed control moisture and temperature control soil organic matter
1048698 Large quantities of resistant organic materials (wood chips straw etchellip)
1048698 Not practical on a large scale
List of bio-pesticides available in marketName Purpose
Neemazal Against borers
Neem oil (5 ) Against borers
Neem seed extract (5 ) Against borers
Neem cake For controlling nematodes
Dried neem leaves Against stored grain pests
Sour butter milk (10 ) Against sap sucking insects
Cow dung ash dusting
Water spray Against aphid
Trichogramma cards Against borers
Trixho- XP ( Trichoderma harzaianum) Against diseases
SudocelPseudomonas fluoresens (PSF) Larvocel
Against diseases
Bauvaria baviana Against diseases
Products for use in fertilization and soil conditioning in organic farming
Sr No
Items Conditions for use
Material produced on an organic farm unit
Matter produced on an organic farm unit
1 Farmyard and slurry urine Permitted
2 Crop residues and green manure Permitted
3 Straw and other mulches Permitted
4 Composts and vermicomposts Permitted
Matter produced outside the organic farm unit
1 Blood meal meat meal bone meal and feather meal without preservatives
Restricted
2 Compost made from plant residues and animal excrement Restricted
3 Farmyard manure slurry urine Restricted
4 Fish and fish products without preservatives Restricted
5 Guano Restricted
6 Human excreta Restricted
7 Wood bark sawdust wood ash wood charcoal Restricted
8 Straw animal charcoal compost and spent mushroom and vermiculture substances
Restricted
9 Compost from organic household Restricted
10 Compost from plant residues Restricted
11 Sea weed and sea weed products
By products from the industries
1 By- products from the food and textile industries of biodegradable material of microbial plant or animal origin without any systematic additives
Restricted
2 By products from oil palm coconut and cocoa (including fruit bunch palm oil mill effluent cocoa peat and empty coca pods
Restricted
3 By products of industries processing ingredients from organic agriculture Restricted
4 Extracts from mushroom chlorella fermented product from Aspergillus natural acids (vinegar)
Restricted
Mineral Origin
Basic slag Restricted
Calcareous and magnesium rock Restricted
Lime limestone gypsum Restricted
Calcified sea weed Restricted
Calcium chloride Restricted
Mineral potassium with low chlorine content (eg sulphate of potash kainite sylvinite patenkali)
Restricted
Natural phosphates (rock phosphate) Restricted
Trace elements Permitted
Sulphur Permitted
Clay (bentonite perlite zeolite) Permitted
Microbiological origin
Bacterial preparation (bio fertilizers) Permitted
Biodynamic preparations Permitted
Plant preparation and botanical extracts Permitted
Products for plant pest and disease controlItems Condition
for use
Material from plant and animal origin
Plant based repellents (Neem preparations from Azadirachta indica
Permitted
Algal preparations (gelatine) Permitted
Casein Permitted
Extracts from mushroom chlorella fermented products from Aspergillus
Permitted
Propolis Restricted
Beeswax natural acids (vinegar) plant oils Quassia Permitted
Rotenone from Derris elliptica Lonchocarpus Trphrosia spp
Restricted
Tobacco tea (pure nicotine prohibited Restricted
Preparation from Rryania species Restricted
Items Condition for use
Mineral Origin
Chloride of limesoda Restricted
Burgundy mixture Restricted
Clay (bentonite perlite ermiculite zeolite Permitted
Copper saltsinorganic salts (Bordeaux mix copper hydroxide copper oxychloride)
Not allowed
Quick lime Restricted
Mineral Origin
Diatomaceous earth Permitted
Light mineral oils Restricted
Permagnate of potash Restricted
Insect Origin
Release of parasites predators of insect pests Restricted
Sterilized insects Restricted
Sterlized insects males Not allowed
Items Condition for use
Microorganisms used for biological pest control
Viral fungal and bacterial preparations (biopesticides) Restricted
Others
Carbon dioxide and nitrogen gas Permitted
Soft soap soda sulphur dioxide Permitted
Homeopathic and ayurvedic preparations Permitted
Herbal and biodynamic preparations Permitted
Sea salt and salty water Permitted
Ethyl alcohol Not allowed
Traps barriers and repellants
Physical methods (eg chromatic traps mechanical traps)
Permitted
Mulches nets Permitted
Pheromones-in traps and dispensers only Permitted
Average nutrient content of organic manures
Source of Nutrition Percentage composition
Organic manure N P2O5 K2O
Farmyard Manure 05 02 05
Farm compost 05 015 05
Town compost 14 100 14
Night soil 55 40 20
Vermicompost 30 00 15
Crop residues -
Bio gas slurry 15-20 10 1
Rock phosphate - 25-30 -
Source of Nutrition
Percentage composition
Non edible oil cake
N P2O5 K2O
Castor cake 43 18 13
Cotton seed cake 39 18 16
Karanj or honge cake 39 09 12
Mahua cake 25 08 18
Neem cake 52 10 14
Safflower cake 49 14 12
Green Manure crops
San hamp (Crotolaria juncea) 23 05 180
Dhaincha ( Sesbnia aculeata) 35 06 120
Sesbania speciosa 271 053 221
Source of Nutrition Percentage composition
Green leaf manure N P2O5 K2O
Glycricidia (Gluicidia sepium) 276 028 46
Pongamia (Pongama glabra) 331 044 239
Gulmohur (Delonix glabra) 276 046 050
Neem (Azadirachta indica) 283 028 035
Animal based
Blood meal 10-12 1-2 100
Meat meal 105 25 05
Fish meal 4-10 3-9 03-15
Horn and hoof meal 13 - -
Raw bone meal 3-4 20-25 -
Steamed bone meal 1-2 25-30 -
bull Lack of technical know-howbull Lack of required amount BD preparations in marketbull Lack of awareness among people about hazards caused by use of agrochemicalsbull Bulky nature of BD preparations and compostbull In-situ production is not feasiblebull Lack of scientific data on the long-term benefits and limitations of biodynamic farmingbull Limited domestic market for bio-dynamically grown producebull Quality certification
Constraints
ConstraintsProducersrsquoDistributorsrsquoTradersrsquo point of view
bull Lack of proper infrastructure for distribution and conservation of bio-inputs is a major constraint that hinders the access of these inputs to farmers
bull Some climatic regions and soil conditions are not suitable for specific strains of organic production
bull Given the mandated period of around three years for a conventional farm to become an organic farm the benefits perceived by farmers tend to be limited as they have a short term orientation
bull As a result even if they are aware they are hesitant to switch over to organic (green) agricultural practices
Constraining factorsFarmersrsquo point of view
The government perspective bull Changing the cropping and cultivation
patterns is slow and time-consuming process
bull Given the high levels of illiteracy and large number of small and marginal farmers it makes the change process difficult
bull Subsidies on chemical fertilizers and pesticide impede the growth of organic agriculture
Major Limitations under Punjab conditions
bull Bulky nature of organic manurebull Divergent nutritional valuebull Small land holdingbull Lack of awareness among farmersbull Marketing of organic producebull Labour and cost intensivebull Low incentives from governmentbull Non availability of bio pesticides
Major Limitations------contd
bull Dramatic and large benefits in terms of yield and returns
bull Cultivation of high nutrient responsive cultivers
bull Promotion of biological agentsbull Urgency to meet food security
Why farmers are reluctant to adopt organic farming in Punjab
bull Perceived high costs of doing organic farming due to incomplete knowledge about principles and practices of organic agriculture among farmers They were arranging inputs from outside
bull Non-availability of adequate quantities of organic manures and other organic inputs in the local market
bull Knowledge of organic farming has not filtered down to actual users ie small farmers and the information reached to target groups is often not backed by scientifically proven results
bull Complex and costly procedures of certificationbull Risk involved in marketing of organic produce
Discussion points
bull What arguments are there in favour of organic agriculture in India
bull What vested interests would oppose the growth of organic agricultures and why
bull What strategies could be employed to further promote the greening of agriculture in India
Can India adopt organic farming in a big way
bull Is organic farming non-scientific and unproven bull Does practicing organic farming means reduced yield bull Why were crop yields low before invention of Agro-
chemicals bull How is organic farming different from conventional bull What are the strengths and weaknesses of organic
farming
bull Where is the large quantity of compost for OF bull Does the soil fertility decline when fertilizers are
not used bull Scientifically where crop nutrients come from in
organic farming bull How are crops protected in organic farming bull Why restricted when India is a low user bull Where are the evidences that high yields are
possible in organic farming bull Is organic farming labour intensive
Conclusion Sustainable economic and eco friendly approach
Minimum risk of residual toxicity
Improvement in soil fertility with high yield quality produce Maintenance of organic matter content of the soil
Reduced energy use
Increased yields without over reliance on costly inputs
SummaryOrganic agriculture is not for everyone Yet it is a viable approach that can be beneficial It canbull Be particularly useful in the more difficult environments where resources are scarce and cultivation problematicbull Potentially reduce risks bya) ldquolocalizingrdquo input productionb) fostering soil and water conservationc) encouraging diversification (food security)bull Improve ability to compete in todayrsquos fast globalizing standards-critical trade
Strategies needed to promote organic farming in India
bull Adequate research and extension support needs to be providedbull Research to quantify the role of organic farming in minimizing the
ill effects of modern agriculture and its effect on environment bull Helping farmers to promote organic farmingbull Government should recognize agriculture in Kyoto protocol
carbon credit mechanismbull Developing infrastructure for supply chain and ensuring
competitive price for organic productsbull Capacity building through on farm demonstrations and trainingsbull Government support in cheaper access to organic certificates
Thanks
What About the Soil Food Web Important to recognize the role of each functional group and their interdependence
Remember that management practices affect microbial interactions
Soil tests to quantify soil food web are expensive and difficult to interpret
Hot area for research
Tools and Practices for organic farmingCrop Rotation Soil fertility- Legumes for N fixation- Diverse rooting habitsPest Management- Break pest cycles- Promote diversity Know the family of the cropsCrops rotated so that crops from different families follow each other Lettuce Beans Corn Tomatoes
Green Manures in the Crop Rotation1048698 Soil fertility- Legumes for N fixation- Grasses for OM accumulation- Diverse rooting habits1048698 Pest Management- Break pest cycles- Promote diversity attract beneficials- Biofumigants (brassicas sudan grass sunn hemp)1048698 Weed Management- Perennial rye- Oats
Composts and Manures Soil Conditioner- Feed the soil- Improve physical properties
Nutrient Availability- CN ratio- Total N content- 15 of total N in mature composts available in thefirst year (Bettina et al 2003)- Field trials estimate that composts alone can satisfycrop N demands after 40-80 years
Feather meal Dairy Manure CompostCN ratio 32 18 10-17Total N 12 20 10
Composts and Manures1048698 Timing-Continuous additions to build up SOM
- Mineralization potential of soil increases asOM inputs increase with time
- SOM acts as nutrient reserve continuouslyreleasing nutrients
- High N materials can be used as a rapidsource of N in the short term
Intercropping and Companion Planting1048698 Interplanting 2 or more mutually beneficial plants to increase biodiversity
Biological Pest Control1048698 Depends on managing beneficial insectpredatorsparasites1048698 Seen as default benefit of organic soilmanagement practices that promoteabove and below ground diversity1048698 Can include the release of control agents1048698 Farmscaping longshort term design tocreate habitats for beneficials
Tillage and Cultivation1048698 Tools for weed control residuemanagement manure incorporationhardpan destruction pest control1048698 Negative impacts- Costly- Destroy humus reserves and soil organisms- compaction1048698 Conservation and ridge tillage- Organic growers pioneers
Mulching1048698 Weed control moisture and temperature control soil organic matter
1048698 Large quantities of resistant organic materials (wood chips straw etchellip)
1048698 Not practical on a large scale
List of bio-pesticides available in marketName Purpose
Neemazal Against borers
Neem oil (5 ) Against borers
Neem seed extract (5 ) Against borers
Neem cake For controlling nematodes
Dried neem leaves Against stored grain pests
Sour butter milk (10 ) Against sap sucking insects
Cow dung ash dusting
Water spray Against aphid
Trichogramma cards Against borers
Trixho- XP ( Trichoderma harzaianum) Against diseases
SudocelPseudomonas fluoresens (PSF) Larvocel
Against diseases
Bauvaria baviana Against diseases
Products for use in fertilization and soil conditioning in organic farming
Sr No
Items Conditions for use
Material produced on an organic farm unit
Matter produced on an organic farm unit
1 Farmyard and slurry urine Permitted
2 Crop residues and green manure Permitted
3 Straw and other mulches Permitted
4 Composts and vermicomposts Permitted
Matter produced outside the organic farm unit
1 Blood meal meat meal bone meal and feather meal without preservatives
Restricted
2 Compost made from plant residues and animal excrement Restricted
3 Farmyard manure slurry urine Restricted
4 Fish and fish products without preservatives Restricted
5 Guano Restricted
6 Human excreta Restricted
7 Wood bark sawdust wood ash wood charcoal Restricted
8 Straw animal charcoal compost and spent mushroom and vermiculture substances
Restricted
9 Compost from organic household Restricted
10 Compost from plant residues Restricted
11 Sea weed and sea weed products
By products from the industries
1 By- products from the food and textile industries of biodegradable material of microbial plant or animal origin without any systematic additives
Restricted
2 By products from oil palm coconut and cocoa (including fruit bunch palm oil mill effluent cocoa peat and empty coca pods
Restricted
3 By products of industries processing ingredients from organic agriculture Restricted
4 Extracts from mushroom chlorella fermented product from Aspergillus natural acids (vinegar)
Restricted
Mineral Origin
Basic slag Restricted
Calcareous and magnesium rock Restricted
Lime limestone gypsum Restricted
Calcified sea weed Restricted
Calcium chloride Restricted
Mineral potassium with low chlorine content (eg sulphate of potash kainite sylvinite patenkali)
Restricted
Natural phosphates (rock phosphate) Restricted
Trace elements Permitted
Sulphur Permitted
Clay (bentonite perlite zeolite) Permitted
Microbiological origin
Bacterial preparation (bio fertilizers) Permitted
Biodynamic preparations Permitted
Plant preparation and botanical extracts Permitted
Products for plant pest and disease controlItems Condition
for use
Material from plant and animal origin
Plant based repellents (Neem preparations from Azadirachta indica
Permitted
Algal preparations (gelatine) Permitted
Casein Permitted
Extracts from mushroom chlorella fermented products from Aspergillus
Permitted
Propolis Restricted
Beeswax natural acids (vinegar) plant oils Quassia Permitted
Rotenone from Derris elliptica Lonchocarpus Trphrosia spp
Restricted
Tobacco tea (pure nicotine prohibited Restricted
Preparation from Rryania species Restricted
Items Condition for use
Mineral Origin
Chloride of limesoda Restricted
Burgundy mixture Restricted
Clay (bentonite perlite ermiculite zeolite Permitted
Copper saltsinorganic salts (Bordeaux mix copper hydroxide copper oxychloride)
Not allowed
Quick lime Restricted
Mineral Origin
Diatomaceous earth Permitted
Light mineral oils Restricted
Permagnate of potash Restricted
Insect Origin
Release of parasites predators of insect pests Restricted
Sterilized insects Restricted
Sterlized insects males Not allowed
Items Condition for use
Microorganisms used for biological pest control
Viral fungal and bacterial preparations (biopesticides) Restricted
Others
Carbon dioxide and nitrogen gas Permitted
Soft soap soda sulphur dioxide Permitted
Homeopathic and ayurvedic preparations Permitted
Herbal and biodynamic preparations Permitted
Sea salt and salty water Permitted
Ethyl alcohol Not allowed
Traps barriers and repellants
Physical methods (eg chromatic traps mechanical traps)
Permitted
Mulches nets Permitted
Pheromones-in traps and dispensers only Permitted
Average nutrient content of organic manures
Source of Nutrition Percentage composition
Organic manure N P2O5 K2O
Farmyard Manure 05 02 05
Farm compost 05 015 05
Town compost 14 100 14
Night soil 55 40 20
Vermicompost 30 00 15
Crop residues -
Bio gas slurry 15-20 10 1
Rock phosphate - 25-30 -
Source of Nutrition
Percentage composition
Non edible oil cake
N P2O5 K2O
Castor cake 43 18 13
Cotton seed cake 39 18 16
Karanj or honge cake 39 09 12
Mahua cake 25 08 18
Neem cake 52 10 14
Safflower cake 49 14 12
Green Manure crops
San hamp (Crotolaria juncea) 23 05 180
Dhaincha ( Sesbnia aculeata) 35 06 120
Sesbania speciosa 271 053 221
Source of Nutrition Percentage composition
Green leaf manure N P2O5 K2O
Glycricidia (Gluicidia sepium) 276 028 46
Pongamia (Pongama glabra) 331 044 239
Gulmohur (Delonix glabra) 276 046 050
Neem (Azadirachta indica) 283 028 035
Animal based
Blood meal 10-12 1-2 100
Meat meal 105 25 05
Fish meal 4-10 3-9 03-15
Horn and hoof meal 13 - -
Raw bone meal 3-4 20-25 -
Steamed bone meal 1-2 25-30 -
bull Lack of technical know-howbull Lack of required amount BD preparations in marketbull Lack of awareness among people about hazards caused by use of agrochemicalsbull Bulky nature of BD preparations and compostbull In-situ production is not feasiblebull Lack of scientific data on the long-term benefits and limitations of biodynamic farmingbull Limited domestic market for bio-dynamically grown producebull Quality certification
Constraints
ConstraintsProducersrsquoDistributorsrsquoTradersrsquo point of view
bull Lack of proper infrastructure for distribution and conservation of bio-inputs is a major constraint that hinders the access of these inputs to farmers
bull Some climatic regions and soil conditions are not suitable for specific strains of organic production
bull Given the mandated period of around three years for a conventional farm to become an organic farm the benefits perceived by farmers tend to be limited as they have a short term orientation
bull As a result even if they are aware they are hesitant to switch over to organic (green) agricultural practices
Constraining factorsFarmersrsquo point of view
The government perspective bull Changing the cropping and cultivation
patterns is slow and time-consuming process
bull Given the high levels of illiteracy and large number of small and marginal farmers it makes the change process difficult
bull Subsidies on chemical fertilizers and pesticide impede the growth of organic agriculture
Major Limitations under Punjab conditions
bull Bulky nature of organic manurebull Divergent nutritional valuebull Small land holdingbull Lack of awareness among farmersbull Marketing of organic producebull Labour and cost intensivebull Low incentives from governmentbull Non availability of bio pesticides
Major Limitations------contd
bull Dramatic and large benefits in terms of yield and returns
bull Cultivation of high nutrient responsive cultivers
bull Promotion of biological agentsbull Urgency to meet food security
Why farmers are reluctant to adopt organic farming in Punjab
bull Perceived high costs of doing organic farming due to incomplete knowledge about principles and practices of organic agriculture among farmers They were arranging inputs from outside
bull Non-availability of adequate quantities of organic manures and other organic inputs in the local market
bull Knowledge of organic farming has not filtered down to actual users ie small farmers and the information reached to target groups is often not backed by scientifically proven results
bull Complex and costly procedures of certificationbull Risk involved in marketing of organic produce
Discussion points
bull What arguments are there in favour of organic agriculture in India
bull What vested interests would oppose the growth of organic agricultures and why
bull What strategies could be employed to further promote the greening of agriculture in India
Can India adopt organic farming in a big way
bull Is organic farming non-scientific and unproven bull Does practicing organic farming means reduced yield bull Why were crop yields low before invention of Agro-
chemicals bull How is organic farming different from conventional bull What are the strengths and weaknesses of organic
farming
bull Where is the large quantity of compost for OF bull Does the soil fertility decline when fertilizers are
not used bull Scientifically where crop nutrients come from in
organic farming bull How are crops protected in organic farming bull Why restricted when India is a low user bull Where are the evidences that high yields are
possible in organic farming bull Is organic farming labour intensive
Conclusion Sustainable economic and eco friendly approach
Minimum risk of residual toxicity
Improvement in soil fertility with high yield quality produce Maintenance of organic matter content of the soil
Reduced energy use
Increased yields without over reliance on costly inputs
SummaryOrganic agriculture is not for everyone Yet it is a viable approach that can be beneficial It canbull Be particularly useful in the more difficult environments where resources are scarce and cultivation problematicbull Potentially reduce risks bya) ldquolocalizingrdquo input productionb) fostering soil and water conservationc) encouraging diversification (food security)bull Improve ability to compete in todayrsquos fast globalizing standards-critical trade
Strategies needed to promote organic farming in India
bull Adequate research and extension support needs to be providedbull Research to quantify the role of organic farming in minimizing the
ill effects of modern agriculture and its effect on environment bull Helping farmers to promote organic farmingbull Government should recognize agriculture in Kyoto protocol
carbon credit mechanismbull Developing infrastructure for supply chain and ensuring
competitive price for organic productsbull Capacity building through on farm demonstrations and trainingsbull Government support in cheaper access to organic certificates
Thanks
Tools and Practices for organic farmingCrop Rotation Soil fertility- Legumes for N fixation- Diverse rooting habitsPest Management- Break pest cycles- Promote diversity Know the family of the cropsCrops rotated so that crops from different families follow each other Lettuce Beans Corn Tomatoes
Green Manures in the Crop Rotation1048698 Soil fertility- Legumes for N fixation- Grasses for OM accumulation- Diverse rooting habits1048698 Pest Management- Break pest cycles- Promote diversity attract beneficials- Biofumigants (brassicas sudan grass sunn hemp)1048698 Weed Management- Perennial rye- Oats
Composts and Manures Soil Conditioner- Feed the soil- Improve physical properties
Nutrient Availability- CN ratio- Total N content- 15 of total N in mature composts available in thefirst year (Bettina et al 2003)- Field trials estimate that composts alone can satisfycrop N demands after 40-80 years
Feather meal Dairy Manure CompostCN ratio 32 18 10-17Total N 12 20 10
Composts and Manures1048698 Timing-Continuous additions to build up SOM
- Mineralization potential of soil increases asOM inputs increase with time
- SOM acts as nutrient reserve continuouslyreleasing nutrients
- High N materials can be used as a rapidsource of N in the short term
Intercropping and Companion Planting1048698 Interplanting 2 or more mutually beneficial plants to increase biodiversity
Biological Pest Control1048698 Depends on managing beneficial insectpredatorsparasites1048698 Seen as default benefit of organic soilmanagement practices that promoteabove and below ground diversity1048698 Can include the release of control agents1048698 Farmscaping longshort term design tocreate habitats for beneficials
Tillage and Cultivation1048698 Tools for weed control residuemanagement manure incorporationhardpan destruction pest control1048698 Negative impacts- Costly- Destroy humus reserves and soil organisms- compaction1048698 Conservation and ridge tillage- Organic growers pioneers
Mulching1048698 Weed control moisture and temperature control soil organic matter
1048698 Large quantities of resistant organic materials (wood chips straw etchellip)
1048698 Not practical on a large scale
List of bio-pesticides available in marketName Purpose
Neemazal Against borers
Neem oil (5 ) Against borers
Neem seed extract (5 ) Against borers
Neem cake For controlling nematodes
Dried neem leaves Against stored grain pests
Sour butter milk (10 ) Against sap sucking insects
Cow dung ash dusting
Water spray Against aphid
Trichogramma cards Against borers
Trixho- XP ( Trichoderma harzaianum) Against diseases
SudocelPseudomonas fluoresens (PSF) Larvocel
Against diseases
Bauvaria baviana Against diseases
Products for use in fertilization and soil conditioning in organic farming
Sr No
Items Conditions for use
Material produced on an organic farm unit
Matter produced on an organic farm unit
1 Farmyard and slurry urine Permitted
2 Crop residues and green manure Permitted
3 Straw and other mulches Permitted
4 Composts and vermicomposts Permitted
Matter produced outside the organic farm unit
1 Blood meal meat meal bone meal and feather meal without preservatives
Restricted
2 Compost made from plant residues and animal excrement Restricted
3 Farmyard manure slurry urine Restricted
4 Fish and fish products without preservatives Restricted
5 Guano Restricted
6 Human excreta Restricted
7 Wood bark sawdust wood ash wood charcoal Restricted
8 Straw animal charcoal compost and spent mushroom and vermiculture substances
Restricted
9 Compost from organic household Restricted
10 Compost from plant residues Restricted
11 Sea weed and sea weed products
By products from the industries
1 By- products from the food and textile industries of biodegradable material of microbial plant or animal origin without any systematic additives
Restricted
2 By products from oil palm coconut and cocoa (including fruit bunch palm oil mill effluent cocoa peat and empty coca pods
Restricted
3 By products of industries processing ingredients from organic agriculture Restricted
4 Extracts from mushroom chlorella fermented product from Aspergillus natural acids (vinegar)
Restricted
Mineral Origin
Basic slag Restricted
Calcareous and magnesium rock Restricted
Lime limestone gypsum Restricted
Calcified sea weed Restricted
Calcium chloride Restricted
Mineral potassium with low chlorine content (eg sulphate of potash kainite sylvinite patenkali)
Restricted
Natural phosphates (rock phosphate) Restricted
Trace elements Permitted
Sulphur Permitted
Clay (bentonite perlite zeolite) Permitted
Microbiological origin
Bacterial preparation (bio fertilizers) Permitted
Biodynamic preparations Permitted
Plant preparation and botanical extracts Permitted
Products for plant pest and disease controlItems Condition
for use
Material from plant and animal origin
Plant based repellents (Neem preparations from Azadirachta indica
Permitted
Algal preparations (gelatine) Permitted
Casein Permitted
Extracts from mushroom chlorella fermented products from Aspergillus
Permitted
Propolis Restricted
Beeswax natural acids (vinegar) plant oils Quassia Permitted
Rotenone from Derris elliptica Lonchocarpus Trphrosia spp
Restricted
Tobacco tea (pure nicotine prohibited Restricted
Preparation from Rryania species Restricted
Items Condition for use
Mineral Origin
Chloride of limesoda Restricted
Burgundy mixture Restricted
Clay (bentonite perlite ermiculite zeolite Permitted
Copper saltsinorganic salts (Bordeaux mix copper hydroxide copper oxychloride)
Not allowed
Quick lime Restricted
Mineral Origin
Diatomaceous earth Permitted
Light mineral oils Restricted
Permagnate of potash Restricted
Insect Origin
Release of parasites predators of insect pests Restricted
Sterilized insects Restricted
Sterlized insects males Not allowed
Items Condition for use
Microorganisms used for biological pest control
Viral fungal and bacterial preparations (biopesticides) Restricted
Others
Carbon dioxide and nitrogen gas Permitted
Soft soap soda sulphur dioxide Permitted
Homeopathic and ayurvedic preparations Permitted
Herbal and biodynamic preparations Permitted
Sea salt and salty water Permitted
Ethyl alcohol Not allowed
Traps barriers and repellants
Physical methods (eg chromatic traps mechanical traps)
Permitted
Mulches nets Permitted
Pheromones-in traps and dispensers only Permitted
Average nutrient content of organic manures
Source of Nutrition Percentage composition
Organic manure N P2O5 K2O
Farmyard Manure 05 02 05
Farm compost 05 015 05
Town compost 14 100 14
Night soil 55 40 20
Vermicompost 30 00 15
Crop residues -
Bio gas slurry 15-20 10 1
Rock phosphate - 25-30 -
Source of Nutrition
Percentage composition
Non edible oil cake
N P2O5 K2O
Castor cake 43 18 13
Cotton seed cake 39 18 16
Karanj or honge cake 39 09 12
Mahua cake 25 08 18
Neem cake 52 10 14
Safflower cake 49 14 12
Green Manure crops
San hamp (Crotolaria juncea) 23 05 180
Dhaincha ( Sesbnia aculeata) 35 06 120
Sesbania speciosa 271 053 221
Source of Nutrition Percentage composition
Green leaf manure N P2O5 K2O
Glycricidia (Gluicidia sepium) 276 028 46
Pongamia (Pongama glabra) 331 044 239
Gulmohur (Delonix glabra) 276 046 050
Neem (Azadirachta indica) 283 028 035
Animal based
Blood meal 10-12 1-2 100
Meat meal 105 25 05
Fish meal 4-10 3-9 03-15
Horn and hoof meal 13 - -
Raw bone meal 3-4 20-25 -
Steamed bone meal 1-2 25-30 -
bull Lack of technical know-howbull Lack of required amount BD preparations in marketbull Lack of awareness among people about hazards caused by use of agrochemicalsbull Bulky nature of BD preparations and compostbull In-situ production is not feasiblebull Lack of scientific data on the long-term benefits and limitations of biodynamic farmingbull Limited domestic market for bio-dynamically grown producebull Quality certification
Constraints
ConstraintsProducersrsquoDistributorsrsquoTradersrsquo point of view
bull Lack of proper infrastructure for distribution and conservation of bio-inputs is a major constraint that hinders the access of these inputs to farmers
bull Some climatic regions and soil conditions are not suitable for specific strains of organic production
bull Given the mandated period of around three years for a conventional farm to become an organic farm the benefits perceived by farmers tend to be limited as they have a short term orientation
bull As a result even if they are aware they are hesitant to switch over to organic (green) agricultural practices
Constraining factorsFarmersrsquo point of view
The government perspective bull Changing the cropping and cultivation
patterns is slow and time-consuming process
bull Given the high levels of illiteracy and large number of small and marginal farmers it makes the change process difficult
bull Subsidies on chemical fertilizers and pesticide impede the growth of organic agriculture
Major Limitations under Punjab conditions
bull Bulky nature of organic manurebull Divergent nutritional valuebull Small land holdingbull Lack of awareness among farmersbull Marketing of organic producebull Labour and cost intensivebull Low incentives from governmentbull Non availability of bio pesticides
Major Limitations------contd
bull Dramatic and large benefits in terms of yield and returns
bull Cultivation of high nutrient responsive cultivers
bull Promotion of biological agentsbull Urgency to meet food security
Why farmers are reluctant to adopt organic farming in Punjab
bull Perceived high costs of doing organic farming due to incomplete knowledge about principles and practices of organic agriculture among farmers They were arranging inputs from outside
bull Non-availability of adequate quantities of organic manures and other organic inputs in the local market
bull Knowledge of organic farming has not filtered down to actual users ie small farmers and the information reached to target groups is often not backed by scientifically proven results
bull Complex and costly procedures of certificationbull Risk involved in marketing of organic produce
Discussion points
bull What arguments are there in favour of organic agriculture in India
bull What vested interests would oppose the growth of organic agricultures and why
bull What strategies could be employed to further promote the greening of agriculture in India
Can India adopt organic farming in a big way
bull Is organic farming non-scientific and unproven bull Does practicing organic farming means reduced yield bull Why were crop yields low before invention of Agro-
chemicals bull How is organic farming different from conventional bull What are the strengths and weaknesses of organic
farming
bull Where is the large quantity of compost for OF bull Does the soil fertility decline when fertilizers are
not used bull Scientifically where crop nutrients come from in
organic farming bull How are crops protected in organic farming bull Why restricted when India is a low user bull Where are the evidences that high yields are
possible in organic farming bull Is organic farming labour intensive
Conclusion Sustainable economic and eco friendly approach
Minimum risk of residual toxicity
Improvement in soil fertility with high yield quality produce Maintenance of organic matter content of the soil
Reduced energy use
Increased yields without over reliance on costly inputs
SummaryOrganic agriculture is not for everyone Yet it is a viable approach that can be beneficial It canbull Be particularly useful in the more difficult environments where resources are scarce and cultivation problematicbull Potentially reduce risks bya) ldquolocalizingrdquo input productionb) fostering soil and water conservationc) encouraging diversification (food security)bull Improve ability to compete in todayrsquos fast globalizing standards-critical trade
Strategies needed to promote organic farming in India
bull Adequate research and extension support needs to be providedbull Research to quantify the role of organic farming in minimizing the
ill effects of modern agriculture and its effect on environment bull Helping farmers to promote organic farmingbull Government should recognize agriculture in Kyoto protocol
carbon credit mechanismbull Developing infrastructure for supply chain and ensuring
competitive price for organic productsbull Capacity building through on farm demonstrations and trainingsbull Government support in cheaper access to organic certificates
Thanks
Green Manures in the Crop Rotation1048698 Soil fertility- Legumes for N fixation- Grasses for OM accumulation- Diverse rooting habits1048698 Pest Management- Break pest cycles- Promote diversity attract beneficials- Biofumigants (brassicas sudan grass sunn hemp)1048698 Weed Management- Perennial rye- Oats
Composts and Manures Soil Conditioner- Feed the soil- Improve physical properties
Nutrient Availability- CN ratio- Total N content- 15 of total N in mature composts available in thefirst year (Bettina et al 2003)- Field trials estimate that composts alone can satisfycrop N demands after 40-80 years
Feather meal Dairy Manure CompostCN ratio 32 18 10-17Total N 12 20 10
Composts and Manures1048698 Timing-Continuous additions to build up SOM
- Mineralization potential of soil increases asOM inputs increase with time
- SOM acts as nutrient reserve continuouslyreleasing nutrients
- High N materials can be used as a rapidsource of N in the short term
Intercropping and Companion Planting1048698 Interplanting 2 or more mutually beneficial plants to increase biodiversity
Biological Pest Control1048698 Depends on managing beneficial insectpredatorsparasites1048698 Seen as default benefit of organic soilmanagement practices that promoteabove and below ground diversity1048698 Can include the release of control agents1048698 Farmscaping longshort term design tocreate habitats for beneficials
Tillage and Cultivation1048698 Tools for weed control residuemanagement manure incorporationhardpan destruction pest control1048698 Negative impacts- Costly- Destroy humus reserves and soil organisms- compaction1048698 Conservation and ridge tillage- Organic growers pioneers
Mulching1048698 Weed control moisture and temperature control soil organic matter
1048698 Large quantities of resistant organic materials (wood chips straw etchellip)
1048698 Not practical on a large scale
List of bio-pesticides available in marketName Purpose
Neemazal Against borers
Neem oil (5 ) Against borers
Neem seed extract (5 ) Against borers
Neem cake For controlling nematodes
Dried neem leaves Against stored grain pests
Sour butter milk (10 ) Against sap sucking insects
Cow dung ash dusting
Water spray Against aphid
Trichogramma cards Against borers
Trixho- XP ( Trichoderma harzaianum) Against diseases
SudocelPseudomonas fluoresens (PSF) Larvocel
Against diseases
Bauvaria baviana Against diseases
Products for use in fertilization and soil conditioning in organic farming
Sr No
Items Conditions for use
Material produced on an organic farm unit
Matter produced on an organic farm unit
1 Farmyard and slurry urine Permitted
2 Crop residues and green manure Permitted
3 Straw and other mulches Permitted
4 Composts and vermicomposts Permitted
Matter produced outside the organic farm unit
1 Blood meal meat meal bone meal and feather meal without preservatives
Restricted
2 Compost made from plant residues and animal excrement Restricted
3 Farmyard manure slurry urine Restricted
4 Fish and fish products without preservatives Restricted
5 Guano Restricted
6 Human excreta Restricted
7 Wood bark sawdust wood ash wood charcoal Restricted
8 Straw animal charcoal compost and spent mushroom and vermiculture substances
Restricted
9 Compost from organic household Restricted
10 Compost from plant residues Restricted
11 Sea weed and sea weed products
By products from the industries
1 By- products from the food and textile industries of biodegradable material of microbial plant or animal origin without any systematic additives
Restricted
2 By products from oil palm coconut and cocoa (including fruit bunch palm oil mill effluent cocoa peat and empty coca pods
Restricted
3 By products of industries processing ingredients from organic agriculture Restricted
4 Extracts from mushroom chlorella fermented product from Aspergillus natural acids (vinegar)
Restricted
Mineral Origin
Basic slag Restricted
Calcareous and magnesium rock Restricted
Lime limestone gypsum Restricted
Calcified sea weed Restricted
Calcium chloride Restricted
Mineral potassium with low chlorine content (eg sulphate of potash kainite sylvinite patenkali)
Restricted
Natural phosphates (rock phosphate) Restricted
Trace elements Permitted
Sulphur Permitted
Clay (bentonite perlite zeolite) Permitted
Microbiological origin
Bacterial preparation (bio fertilizers) Permitted
Biodynamic preparations Permitted
Plant preparation and botanical extracts Permitted
Products for plant pest and disease controlItems Condition
for use
Material from plant and animal origin
Plant based repellents (Neem preparations from Azadirachta indica
Permitted
Algal preparations (gelatine) Permitted
Casein Permitted
Extracts from mushroom chlorella fermented products from Aspergillus
Permitted
Propolis Restricted
Beeswax natural acids (vinegar) plant oils Quassia Permitted
Rotenone from Derris elliptica Lonchocarpus Trphrosia spp
Restricted
Tobacco tea (pure nicotine prohibited Restricted
Preparation from Rryania species Restricted
Items Condition for use
Mineral Origin
Chloride of limesoda Restricted
Burgundy mixture Restricted
Clay (bentonite perlite ermiculite zeolite Permitted
Copper saltsinorganic salts (Bordeaux mix copper hydroxide copper oxychloride)
Not allowed
Quick lime Restricted
Mineral Origin
Diatomaceous earth Permitted
Light mineral oils Restricted
Permagnate of potash Restricted
Insect Origin
Release of parasites predators of insect pests Restricted
Sterilized insects Restricted
Sterlized insects males Not allowed
Items Condition for use
Microorganisms used for biological pest control
Viral fungal and bacterial preparations (biopesticides) Restricted
Others
Carbon dioxide and nitrogen gas Permitted
Soft soap soda sulphur dioxide Permitted
Homeopathic and ayurvedic preparations Permitted
Herbal and biodynamic preparations Permitted
Sea salt and salty water Permitted
Ethyl alcohol Not allowed
Traps barriers and repellants
Physical methods (eg chromatic traps mechanical traps)
Permitted
Mulches nets Permitted
Pheromones-in traps and dispensers only Permitted
Average nutrient content of organic manures
Source of Nutrition Percentage composition
Organic manure N P2O5 K2O
Farmyard Manure 05 02 05
Farm compost 05 015 05
Town compost 14 100 14
Night soil 55 40 20
Vermicompost 30 00 15
Crop residues -
Bio gas slurry 15-20 10 1
Rock phosphate - 25-30 -
Source of Nutrition
Percentage composition
Non edible oil cake
N P2O5 K2O
Castor cake 43 18 13
Cotton seed cake 39 18 16
Karanj or honge cake 39 09 12
Mahua cake 25 08 18
Neem cake 52 10 14
Safflower cake 49 14 12
Green Manure crops
San hamp (Crotolaria juncea) 23 05 180
Dhaincha ( Sesbnia aculeata) 35 06 120
Sesbania speciosa 271 053 221
Source of Nutrition Percentage composition
Green leaf manure N P2O5 K2O
Glycricidia (Gluicidia sepium) 276 028 46
Pongamia (Pongama glabra) 331 044 239
Gulmohur (Delonix glabra) 276 046 050
Neem (Azadirachta indica) 283 028 035
Animal based
Blood meal 10-12 1-2 100
Meat meal 105 25 05
Fish meal 4-10 3-9 03-15
Horn and hoof meal 13 - -
Raw bone meal 3-4 20-25 -
Steamed bone meal 1-2 25-30 -
bull Lack of technical know-howbull Lack of required amount BD preparations in marketbull Lack of awareness among people about hazards caused by use of agrochemicalsbull Bulky nature of BD preparations and compostbull In-situ production is not feasiblebull Lack of scientific data on the long-term benefits and limitations of biodynamic farmingbull Limited domestic market for bio-dynamically grown producebull Quality certification
Constraints
ConstraintsProducersrsquoDistributorsrsquoTradersrsquo point of view
bull Lack of proper infrastructure for distribution and conservation of bio-inputs is a major constraint that hinders the access of these inputs to farmers
bull Some climatic regions and soil conditions are not suitable for specific strains of organic production
bull Given the mandated period of around three years for a conventional farm to become an organic farm the benefits perceived by farmers tend to be limited as they have a short term orientation
bull As a result even if they are aware they are hesitant to switch over to organic (green) agricultural practices
Constraining factorsFarmersrsquo point of view
The government perspective bull Changing the cropping and cultivation
patterns is slow and time-consuming process
bull Given the high levels of illiteracy and large number of small and marginal farmers it makes the change process difficult
bull Subsidies on chemical fertilizers and pesticide impede the growth of organic agriculture
Major Limitations under Punjab conditions
bull Bulky nature of organic manurebull Divergent nutritional valuebull Small land holdingbull Lack of awareness among farmersbull Marketing of organic producebull Labour and cost intensivebull Low incentives from governmentbull Non availability of bio pesticides
Major Limitations------contd
bull Dramatic and large benefits in terms of yield and returns
bull Cultivation of high nutrient responsive cultivers
bull Promotion of biological agentsbull Urgency to meet food security
Why farmers are reluctant to adopt organic farming in Punjab
bull Perceived high costs of doing organic farming due to incomplete knowledge about principles and practices of organic agriculture among farmers They were arranging inputs from outside
bull Non-availability of adequate quantities of organic manures and other organic inputs in the local market
bull Knowledge of organic farming has not filtered down to actual users ie small farmers and the information reached to target groups is often not backed by scientifically proven results
bull Complex and costly procedures of certificationbull Risk involved in marketing of organic produce
Discussion points
bull What arguments are there in favour of organic agriculture in India
bull What vested interests would oppose the growth of organic agricultures and why
bull What strategies could be employed to further promote the greening of agriculture in India
Can India adopt organic farming in a big way
bull Is organic farming non-scientific and unproven bull Does practicing organic farming means reduced yield bull Why were crop yields low before invention of Agro-
chemicals bull How is organic farming different from conventional bull What are the strengths and weaknesses of organic
farming
bull Where is the large quantity of compost for OF bull Does the soil fertility decline when fertilizers are
not used bull Scientifically where crop nutrients come from in
organic farming bull How are crops protected in organic farming bull Why restricted when India is a low user bull Where are the evidences that high yields are
possible in organic farming bull Is organic farming labour intensive
Conclusion Sustainable economic and eco friendly approach
Minimum risk of residual toxicity
Improvement in soil fertility with high yield quality produce Maintenance of organic matter content of the soil
Reduced energy use
Increased yields without over reliance on costly inputs
SummaryOrganic agriculture is not for everyone Yet it is a viable approach that can be beneficial It canbull Be particularly useful in the more difficult environments where resources are scarce and cultivation problematicbull Potentially reduce risks bya) ldquolocalizingrdquo input productionb) fostering soil and water conservationc) encouraging diversification (food security)bull Improve ability to compete in todayrsquos fast globalizing standards-critical trade
Strategies needed to promote organic farming in India
bull Adequate research and extension support needs to be providedbull Research to quantify the role of organic farming in minimizing the
ill effects of modern agriculture and its effect on environment bull Helping farmers to promote organic farmingbull Government should recognize agriculture in Kyoto protocol
carbon credit mechanismbull Developing infrastructure for supply chain and ensuring
competitive price for organic productsbull Capacity building through on farm demonstrations and trainingsbull Government support in cheaper access to organic certificates
Thanks
Composts and Manures Soil Conditioner- Feed the soil- Improve physical properties
Nutrient Availability- CN ratio- Total N content- 15 of total N in mature composts available in thefirst year (Bettina et al 2003)- Field trials estimate that composts alone can satisfycrop N demands after 40-80 years
Feather meal Dairy Manure CompostCN ratio 32 18 10-17Total N 12 20 10
Composts and Manures1048698 Timing-Continuous additions to build up SOM
- Mineralization potential of soil increases asOM inputs increase with time
- SOM acts as nutrient reserve continuouslyreleasing nutrients
- High N materials can be used as a rapidsource of N in the short term
Intercropping and Companion Planting1048698 Interplanting 2 or more mutually beneficial plants to increase biodiversity
Biological Pest Control1048698 Depends on managing beneficial insectpredatorsparasites1048698 Seen as default benefit of organic soilmanagement practices that promoteabove and below ground diversity1048698 Can include the release of control agents1048698 Farmscaping longshort term design tocreate habitats for beneficials
Tillage and Cultivation1048698 Tools for weed control residuemanagement manure incorporationhardpan destruction pest control1048698 Negative impacts- Costly- Destroy humus reserves and soil organisms- compaction1048698 Conservation and ridge tillage- Organic growers pioneers
Mulching1048698 Weed control moisture and temperature control soil organic matter
1048698 Large quantities of resistant organic materials (wood chips straw etchellip)
1048698 Not practical on a large scale
List of bio-pesticides available in marketName Purpose
Neemazal Against borers
Neem oil (5 ) Against borers
Neem seed extract (5 ) Against borers
Neem cake For controlling nematodes
Dried neem leaves Against stored grain pests
Sour butter milk (10 ) Against sap sucking insects
Cow dung ash dusting
Water spray Against aphid
Trichogramma cards Against borers
Trixho- XP ( Trichoderma harzaianum) Against diseases
SudocelPseudomonas fluoresens (PSF) Larvocel
Against diseases
Bauvaria baviana Against diseases
Products for use in fertilization and soil conditioning in organic farming
Sr No
Items Conditions for use
Material produced on an organic farm unit
Matter produced on an organic farm unit
1 Farmyard and slurry urine Permitted
2 Crop residues and green manure Permitted
3 Straw and other mulches Permitted
4 Composts and vermicomposts Permitted
Matter produced outside the organic farm unit
1 Blood meal meat meal bone meal and feather meal without preservatives
Restricted
2 Compost made from plant residues and animal excrement Restricted
3 Farmyard manure slurry urine Restricted
4 Fish and fish products without preservatives Restricted
5 Guano Restricted
6 Human excreta Restricted
7 Wood bark sawdust wood ash wood charcoal Restricted
8 Straw animal charcoal compost and spent mushroom and vermiculture substances
Restricted
9 Compost from organic household Restricted
10 Compost from plant residues Restricted
11 Sea weed and sea weed products
By products from the industries
1 By- products from the food and textile industries of biodegradable material of microbial plant or animal origin without any systematic additives
Restricted
2 By products from oil palm coconut and cocoa (including fruit bunch palm oil mill effluent cocoa peat and empty coca pods
Restricted
3 By products of industries processing ingredients from organic agriculture Restricted
4 Extracts from mushroom chlorella fermented product from Aspergillus natural acids (vinegar)
Restricted
Mineral Origin
Basic slag Restricted
Calcareous and magnesium rock Restricted
Lime limestone gypsum Restricted
Calcified sea weed Restricted
Calcium chloride Restricted
Mineral potassium with low chlorine content (eg sulphate of potash kainite sylvinite patenkali)
Restricted
Natural phosphates (rock phosphate) Restricted
Trace elements Permitted
Sulphur Permitted
Clay (bentonite perlite zeolite) Permitted
Microbiological origin
Bacterial preparation (bio fertilizers) Permitted
Biodynamic preparations Permitted
Plant preparation and botanical extracts Permitted
Products for plant pest and disease controlItems Condition
for use
Material from plant and animal origin
Plant based repellents (Neem preparations from Azadirachta indica
Permitted
Algal preparations (gelatine) Permitted
Casein Permitted
Extracts from mushroom chlorella fermented products from Aspergillus
Permitted
Propolis Restricted
Beeswax natural acids (vinegar) plant oils Quassia Permitted
Rotenone from Derris elliptica Lonchocarpus Trphrosia spp
Restricted
Tobacco tea (pure nicotine prohibited Restricted
Preparation from Rryania species Restricted
Items Condition for use
Mineral Origin
Chloride of limesoda Restricted
Burgundy mixture Restricted
Clay (bentonite perlite ermiculite zeolite Permitted
Copper saltsinorganic salts (Bordeaux mix copper hydroxide copper oxychloride)
Not allowed
Quick lime Restricted
Mineral Origin
Diatomaceous earth Permitted
Light mineral oils Restricted
Permagnate of potash Restricted
Insect Origin
Release of parasites predators of insect pests Restricted
Sterilized insects Restricted
Sterlized insects males Not allowed
Items Condition for use
Microorganisms used for biological pest control
Viral fungal and bacterial preparations (biopesticides) Restricted
Others
Carbon dioxide and nitrogen gas Permitted
Soft soap soda sulphur dioxide Permitted
Homeopathic and ayurvedic preparations Permitted
Herbal and biodynamic preparations Permitted
Sea salt and salty water Permitted
Ethyl alcohol Not allowed
Traps barriers and repellants
Physical methods (eg chromatic traps mechanical traps)
Permitted
Mulches nets Permitted
Pheromones-in traps and dispensers only Permitted
Average nutrient content of organic manures
Source of Nutrition Percentage composition
Organic manure N P2O5 K2O
Farmyard Manure 05 02 05
Farm compost 05 015 05
Town compost 14 100 14
Night soil 55 40 20
Vermicompost 30 00 15
Crop residues -
Bio gas slurry 15-20 10 1
Rock phosphate - 25-30 -
Source of Nutrition
Percentage composition
Non edible oil cake
N P2O5 K2O
Castor cake 43 18 13
Cotton seed cake 39 18 16
Karanj or honge cake 39 09 12
Mahua cake 25 08 18
Neem cake 52 10 14
Safflower cake 49 14 12
Green Manure crops
San hamp (Crotolaria juncea) 23 05 180
Dhaincha ( Sesbnia aculeata) 35 06 120
Sesbania speciosa 271 053 221
Source of Nutrition Percentage composition
Green leaf manure N P2O5 K2O
Glycricidia (Gluicidia sepium) 276 028 46
Pongamia (Pongama glabra) 331 044 239
Gulmohur (Delonix glabra) 276 046 050
Neem (Azadirachta indica) 283 028 035
Animal based
Blood meal 10-12 1-2 100
Meat meal 105 25 05
Fish meal 4-10 3-9 03-15
Horn and hoof meal 13 - -
Raw bone meal 3-4 20-25 -
Steamed bone meal 1-2 25-30 -
bull Lack of technical know-howbull Lack of required amount BD preparations in marketbull Lack of awareness among people about hazards caused by use of agrochemicalsbull Bulky nature of BD preparations and compostbull In-situ production is not feasiblebull Lack of scientific data on the long-term benefits and limitations of biodynamic farmingbull Limited domestic market for bio-dynamically grown producebull Quality certification
Constraints
ConstraintsProducersrsquoDistributorsrsquoTradersrsquo point of view
bull Lack of proper infrastructure for distribution and conservation of bio-inputs is a major constraint that hinders the access of these inputs to farmers
bull Some climatic regions and soil conditions are not suitable for specific strains of organic production
bull Given the mandated period of around three years for a conventional farm to become an organic farm the benefits perceived by farmers tend to be limited as they have a short term orientation
bull As a result even if they are aware they are hesitant to switch over to organic (green) agricultural practices
Constraining factorsFarmersrsquo point of view
The government perspective bull Changing the cropping and cultivation
patterns is slow and time-consuming process
bull Given the high levels of illiteracy and large number of small and marginal farmers it makes the change process difficult
bull Subsidies on chemical fertilizers and pesticide impede the growth of organic agriculture
Major Limitations under Punjab conditions
bull Bulky nature of organic manurebull Divergent nutritional valuebull Small land holdingbull Lack of awareness among farmersbull Marketing of organic producebull Labour and cost intensivebull Low incentives from governmentbull Non availability of bio pesticides
Major Limitations------contd
bull Dramatic and large benefits in terms of yield and returns
bull Cultivation of high nutrient responsive cultivers
bull Promotion of biological agentsbull Urgency to meet food security
Why farmers are reluctant to adopt organic farming in Punjab
bull Perceived high costs of doing organic farming due to incomplete knowledge about principles and practices of organic agriculture among farmers They were arranging inputs from outside
bull Non-availability of adequate quantities of organic manures and other organic inputs in the local market
bull Knowledge of organic farming has not filtered down to actual users ie small farmers and the information reached to target groups is often not backed by scientifically proven results
bull Complex and costly procedures of certificationbull Risk involved in marketing of organic produce
Discussion points
bull What arguments are there in favour of organic agriculture in India
bull What vested interests would oppose the growth of organic agricultures and why
bull What strategies could be employed to further promote the greening of agriculture in India
Can India adopt organic farming in a big way
bull Is organic farming non-scientific and unproven bull Does practicing organic farming means reduced yield bull Why were crop yields low before invention of Agro-
chemicals bull How is organic farming different from conventional bull What are the strengths and weaknesses of organic
farming
bull Where is the large quantity of compost for OF bull Does the soil fertility decline when fertilizers are
not used bull Scientifically where crop nutrients come from in
organic farming bull How are crops protected in organic farming bull Why restricted when India is a low user bull Where are the evidences that high yields are
possible in organic farming bull Is organic farming labour intensive
Conclusion Sustainable economic and eco friendly approach
Minimum risk of residual toxicity
Improvement in soil fertility with high yield quality produce Maintenance of organic matter content of the soil
Reduced energy use
Increased yields without over reliance on costly inputs
SummaryOrganic agriculture is not for everyone Yet it is a viable approach that can be beneficial It canbull Be particularly useful in the more difficult environments where resources are scarce and cultivation problematicbull Potentially reduce risks bya) ldquolocalizingrdquo input productionb) fostering soil and water conservationc) encouraging diversification (food security)bull Improve ability to compete in todayrsquos fast globalizing standards-critical trade
Strategies needed to promote organic farming in India
bull Adequate research and extension support needs to be providedbull Research to quantify the role of organic farming in minimizing the
ill effects of modern agriculture and its effect on environment bull Helping farmers to promote organic farmingbull Government should recognize agriculture in Kyoto protocol
carbon credit mechanismbull Developing infrastructure for supply chain and ensuring
competitive price for organic productsbull Capacity building through on farm demonstrations and trainingsbull Government support in cheaper access to organic certificates
Thanks
Composts and Manures1048698 Timing-Continuous additions to build up SOM
- Mineralization potential of soil increases asOM inputs increase with time
- SOM acts as nutrient reserve continuouslyreleasing nutrients
- High N materials can be used as a rapidsource of N in the short term
Intercropping and Companion Planting1048698 Interplanting 2 or more mutually beneficial plants to increase biodiversity
Biological Pest Control1048698 Depends on managing beneficial insectpredatorsparasites1048698 Seen as default benefit of organic soilmanagement practices that promoteabove and below ground diversity1048698 Can include the release of control agents1048698 Farmscaping longshort term design tocreate habitats for beneficials
Tillage and Cultivation1048698 Tools for weed control residuemanagement manure incorporationhardpan destruction pest control1048698 Negative impacts- Costly- Destroy humus reserves and soil organisms- compaction1048698 Conservation and ridge tillage- Organic growers pioneers
Mulching1048698 Weed control moisture and temperature control soil organic matter
1048698 Large quantities of resistant organic materials (wood chips straw etchellip)
1048698 Not practical on a large scale
List of bio-pesticides available in marketName Purpose
Neemazal Against borers
Neem oil (5 ) Against borers
Neem seed extract (5 ) Against borers
Neem cake For controlling nematodes
Dried neem leaves Against stored grain pests
Sour butter milk (10 ) Against sap sucking insects
Cow dung ash dusting
Water spray Against aphid
Trichogramma cards Against borers
Trixho- XP ( Trichoderma harzaianum) Against diseases
SudocelPseudomonas fluoresens (PSF) Larvocel
Against diseases
Bauvaria baviana Against diseases
Products for use in fertilization and soil conditioning in organic farming
Sr No
Items Conditions for use
Material produced on an organic farm unit
Matter produced on an organic farm unit
1 Farmyard and slurry urine Permitted
2 Crop residues and green manure Permitted
3 Straw and other mulches Permitted
4 Composts and vermicomposts Permitted
Matter produced outside the organic farm unit
1 Blood meal meat meal bone meal and feather meal without preservatives
Restricted
2 Compost made from plant residues and animal excrement Restricted
3 Farmyard manure slurry urine Restricted
4 Fish and fish products without preservatives Restricted
5 Guano Restricted
6 Human excreta Restricted
7 Wood bark sawdust wood ash wood charcoal Restricted
8 Straw animal charcoal compost and spent mushroom and vermiculture substances
Restricted
9 Compost from organic household Restricted
10 Compost from plant residues Restricted
11 Sea weed and sea weed products
By products from the industries
1 By- products from the food and textile industries of biodegradable material of microbial plant or animal origin without any systematic additives
Restricted
2 By products from oil palm coconut and cocoa (including fruit bunch palm oil mill effluent cocoa peat and empty coca pods
Restricted
3 By products of industries processing ingredients from organic agriculture Restricted
4 Extracts from mushroom chlorella fermented product from Aspergillus natural acids (vinegar)
Restricted
Mineral Origin
Basic slag Restricted
Calcareous and magnesium rock Restricted
Lime limestone gypsum Restricted
Calcified sea weed Restricted
Calcium chloride Restricted
Mineral potassium with low chlorine content (eg sulphate of potash kainite sylvinite patenkali)
Restricted
Natural phosphates (rock phosphate) Restricted
Trace elements Permitted
Sulphur Permitted
Clay (bentonite perlite zeolite) Permitted
Microbiological origin
Bacterial preparation (bio fertilizers) Permitted
Biodynamic preparations Permitted
Plant preparation and botanical extracts Permitted
Products for plant pest and disease controlItems Condition
for use
Material from plant and animal origin
Plant based repellents (Neem preparations from Azadirachta indica
Permitted
Algal preparations (gelatine) Permitted
Casein Permitted
Extracts from mushroom chlorella fermented products from Aspergillus
Permitted
Propolis Restricted
Beeswax natural acids (vinegar) plant oils Quassia Permitted
Rotenone from Derris elliptica Lonchocarpus Trphrosia spp
Restricted
Tobacco tea (pure nicotine prohibited Restricted
Preparation from Rryania species Restricted
Items Condition for use
Mineral Origin
Chloride of limesoda Restricted
Burgundy mixture Restricted
Clay (bentonite perlite ermiculite zeolite Permitted
Copper saltsinorganic salts (Bordeaux mix copper hydroxide copper oxychloride)
Not allowed
Quick lime Restricted
Mineral Origin
Diatomaceous earth Permitted
Light mineral oils Restricted
Permagnate of potash Restricted
Insect Origin
Release of parasites predators of insect pests Restricted
Sterilized insects Restricted
Sterlized insects males Not allowed
Items Condition for use
Microorganisms used for biological pest control
Viral fungal and bacterial preparations (biopesticides) Restricted
Others
Carbon dioxide and nitrogen gas Permitted
Soft soap soda sulphur dioxide Permitted
Homeopathic and ayurvedic preparations Permitted
Herbal and biodynamic preparations Permitted
Sea salt and salty water Permitted
Ethyl alcohol Not allowed
Traps barriers and repellants
Physical methods (eg chromatic traps mechanical traps)
Permitted
Mulches nets Permitted
Pheromones-in traps and dispensers only Permitted
Average nutrient content of organic manures
Source of Nutrition Percentage composition
Organic manure N P2O5 K2O
Farmyard Manure 05 02 05
Farm compost 05 015 05
Town compost 14 100 14
Night soil 55 40 20
Vermicompost 30 00 15
Crop residues -
Bio gas slurry 15-20 10 1
Rock phosphate - 25-30 -
Source of Nutrition
Percentage composition
Non edible oil cake
N P2O5 K2O
Castor cake 43 18 13
Cotton seed cake 39 18 16
Karanj or honge cake 39 09 12
Mahua cake 25 08 18
Neem cake 52 10 14
Safflower cake 49 14 12
Green Manure crops
San hamp (Crotolaria juncea) 23 05 180
Dhaincha ( Sesbnia aculeata) 35 06 120
Sesbania speciosa 271 053 221
Source of Nutrition Percentage composition
Green leaf manure N P2O5 K2O
Glycricidia (Gluicidia sepium) 276 028 46
Pongamia (Pongama glabra) 331 044 239
Gulmohur (Delonix glabra) 276 046 050
Neem (Azadirachta indica) 283 028 035
Animal based
Blood meal 10-12 1-2 100
Meat meal 105 25 05
Fish meal 4-10 3-9 03-15
Horn and hoof meal 13 - -
Raw bone meal 3-4 20-25 -
Steamed bone meal 1-2 25-30 -
bull Lack of technical know-howbull Lack of required amount BD preparations in marketbull Lack of awareness among people about hazards caused by use of agrochemicalsbull Bulky nature of BD preparations and compostbull In-situ production is not feasiblebull Lack of scientific data on the long-term benefits and limitations of biodynamic farmingbull Limited domestic market for bio-dynamically grown producebull Quality certification
Constraints
ConstraintsProducersrsquoDistributorsrsquoTradersrsquo point of view
bull Lack of proper infrastructure for distribution and conservation of bio-inputs is a major constraint that hinders the access of these inputs to farmers
bull Some climatic regions and soil conditions are not suitable for specific strains of organic production
bull Given the mandated period of around three years for a conventional farm to become an organic farm the benefits perceived by farmers tend to be limited as they have a short term orientation
bull As a result even if they are aware they are hesitant to switch over to organic (green) agricultural practices
Constraining factorsFarmersrsquo point of view
The government perspective bull Changing the cropping and cultivation
patterns is slow and time-consuming process
bull Given the high levels of illiteracy and large number of small and marginal farmers it makes the change process difficult
bull Subsidies on chemical fertilizers and pesticide impede the growth of organic agriculture
Major Limitations under Punjab conditions
bull Bulky nature of organic manurebull Divergent nutritional valuebull Small land holdingbull Lack of awareness among farmersbull Marketing of organic producebull Labour and cost intensivebull Low incentives from governmentbull Non availability of bio pesticides
Major Limitations------contd
bull Dramatic and large benefits in terms of yield and returns
bull Cultivation of high nutrient responsive cultivers
bull Promotion of biological agentsbull Urgency to meet food security
Why farmers are reluctant to adopt organic farming in Punjab
bull Perceived high costs of doing organic farming due to incomplete knowledge about principles and practices of organic agriculture among farmers They were arranging inputs from outside
bull Non-availability of adequate quantities of organic manures and other organic inputs in the local market
bull Knowledge of organic farming has not filtered down to actual users ie small farmers and the information reached to target groups is often not backed by scientifically proven results
bull Complex and costly procedures of certificationbull Risk involved in marketing of organic produce
Discussion points
bull What arguments are there in favour of organic agriculture in India
bull What vested interests would oppose the growth of organic agricultures and why
bull What strategies could be employed to further promote the greening of agriculture in India
Can India adopt organic farming in a big way
bull Is organic farming non-scientific and unproven bull Does practicing organic farming means reduced yield bull Why were crop yields low before invention of Agro-
chemicals bull How is organic farming different from conventional bull What are the strengths and weaknesses of organic
farming
bull Where is the large quantity of compost for OF bull Does the soil fertility decline when fertilizers are
not used bull Scientifically where crop nutrients come from in
organic farming bull How are crops protected in organic farming bull Why restricted when India is a low user bull Where are the evidences that high yields are
possible in organic farming bull Is organic farming labour intensive
Conclusion Sustainable economic and eco friendly approach
Minimum risk of residual toxicity
Improvement in soil fertility with high yield quality produce Maintenance of organic matter content of the soil
Reduced energy use
Increased yields without over reliance on costly inputs
SummaryOrganic agriculture is not for everyone Yet it is a viable approach that can be beneficial It canbull Be particularly useful in the more difficult environments where resources are scarce and cultivation problematicbull Potentially reduce risks bya) ldquolocalizingrdquo input productionb) fostering soil and water conservationc) encouraging diversification (food security)bull Improve ability to compete in todayrsquos fast globalizing standards-critical trade
Strategies needed to promote organic farming in India
bull Adequate research and extension support needs to be providedbull Research to quantify the role of organic farming in minimizing the
ill effects of modern agriculture and its effect on environment bull Helping farmers to promote organic farmingbull Government should recognize agriculture in Kyoto protocol
carbon credit mechanismbull Developing infrastructure for supply chain and ensuring
competitive price for organic productsbull Capacity building through on farm demonstrations and trainingsbull Government support in cheaper access to organic certificates
Thanks
Intercropping and Companion Planting1048698 Interplanting 2 or more mutually beneficial plants to increase biodiversity
Biological Pest Control1048698 Depends on managing beneficial insectpredatorsparasites1048698 Seen as default benefit of organic soilmanagement practices that promoteabove and below ground diversity1048698 Can include the release of control agents1048698 Farmscaping longshort term design tocreate habitats for beneficials
Tillage and Cultivation1048698 Tools for weed control residuemanagement manure incorporationhardpan destruction pest control1048698 Negative impacts- Costly- Destroy humus reserves and soil organisms- compaction1048698 Conservation and ridge tillage- Organic growers pioneers
Mulching1048698 Weed control moisture and temperature control soil organic matter
1048698 Large quantities of resistant organic materials (wood chips straw etchellip)
1048698 Not practical on a large scale
List of bio-pesticides available in marketName Purpose
Neemazal Against borers
Neem oil (5 ) Against borers
Neem seed extract (5 ) Against borers
Neem cake For controlling nematodes
Dried neem leaves Against stored grain pests
Sour butter milk (10 ) Against sap sucking insects
Cow dung ash dusting
Water spray Against aphid
Trichogramma cards Against borers
Trixho- XP ( Trichoderma harzaianum) Against diseases
SudocelPseudomonas fluoresens (PSF) Larvocel
Against diseases
Bauvaria baviana Against diseases
Products for use in fertilization and soil conditioning in organic farming
Sr No
Items Conditions for use
Material produced on an organic farm unit
Matter produced on an organic farm unit
1 Farmyard and slurry urine Permitted
2 Crop residues and green manure Permitted
3 Straw and other mulches Permitted
4 Composts and vermicomposts Permitted
Matter produced outside the organic farm unit
1 Blood meal meat meal bone meal and feather meal without preservatives
Restricted
2 Compost made from plant residues and animal excrement Restricted
3 Farmyard manure slurry urine Restricted
4 Fish and fish products without preservatives Restricted
5 Guano Restricted
6 Human excreta Restricted
7 Wood bark sawdust wood ash wood charcoal Restricted
8 Straw animal charcoal compost and spent mushroom and vermiculture substances
Restricted
9 Compost from organic household Restricted
10 Compost from plant residues Restricted
11 Sea weed and sea weed products
By products from the industries
1 By- products from the food and textile industries of biodegradable material of microbial plant or animal origin without any systematic additives
Restricted
2 By products from oil palm coconut and cocoa (including fruit bunch palm oil mill effluent cocoa peat and empty coca pods
Restricted
3 By products of industries processing ingredients from organic agriculture Restricted
4 Extracts from mushroom chlorella fermented product from Aspergillus natural acids (vinegar)
Restricted
Mineral Origin
Basic slag Restricted
Calcareous and magnesium rock Restricted
Lime limestone gypsum Restricted
Calcified sea weed Restricted
Calcium chloride Restricted
Mineral potassium with low chlorine content (eg sulphate of potash kainite sylvinite patenkali)
Restricted
Natural phosphates (rock phosphate) Restricted
Trace elements Permitted
Sulphur Permitted
Clay (bentonite perlite zeolite) Permitted
Microbiological origin
Bacterial preparation (bio fertilizers) Permitted
Biodynamic preparations Permitted
Plant preparation and botanical extracts Permitted
Products for plant pest and disease controlItems Condition
for use
Material from plant and animal origin
Plant based repellents (Neem preparations from Azadirachta indica
Permitted
Algal preparations (gelatine) Permitted
Casein Permitted
Extracts from mushroom chlorella fermented products from Aspergillus
Permitted
Propolis Restricted
Beeswax natural acids (vinegar) plant oils Quassia Permitted
Rotenone from Derris elliptica Lonchocarpus Trphrosia spp
Restricted
Tobacco tea (pure nicotine prohibited Restricted
Preparation from Rryania species Restricted
Items Condition for use
Mineral Origin
Chloride of limesoda Restricted
Burgundy mixture Restricted
Clay (bentonite perlite ermiculite zeolite Permitted
Copper saltsinorganic salts (Bordeaux mix copper hydroxide copper oxychloride)
Not allowed
Quick lime Restricted
Mineral Origin
Diatomaceous earth Permitted
Light mineral oils Restricted
Permagnate of potash Restricted
Insect Origin
Release of parasites predators of insect pests Restricted
Sterilized insects Restricted
Sterlized insects males Not allowed
Items Condition for use
Microorganisms used for biological pest control
Viral fungal and bacterial preparations (biopesticides) Restricted
Others
Carbon dioxide and nitrogen gas Permitted
Soft soap soda sulphur dioxide Permitted
Homeopathic and ayurvedic preparations Permitted
Herbal and biodynamic preparations Permitted
Sea salt and salty water Permitted
Ethyl alcohol Not allowed
Traps barriers and repellants
Physical methods (eg chromatic traps mechanical traps)
Permitted
Mulches nets Permitted
Pheromones-in traps and dispensers only Permitted
Average nutrient content of organic manures
Source of Nutrition Percentage composition
Organic manure N P2O5 K2O
Farmyard Manure 05 02 05
Farm compost 05 015 05
Town compost 14 100 14
Night soil 55 40 20
Vermicompost 30 00 15
Crop residues -
Bio gas slurry 15-20 10 1
Rock phosphate - 25-30 -
Source of Nutrition
Percentage composition
Non edible oil cake
N P2O5 K2O
Castor cake 43 18 13
Cotton seed cake 39 18 16
Karanj or honge cake 39 09 12
Mahua cake 25 08 18
Neem cake 52 10 14
Safflower cake 49 14 12
Green Manure crops
San hamp (Crotolaria juncea) 23 05 180
Dhaincha ( Sesbnia aculeata) 35 06 120
Sesbania speciosa 271 053 221
Source of Nutrition Percentage composition
Green leaf manure N P2O5 K2O
Glycricidia (Gluicidia sepium) 276 028 46
Pongamia (Pongama glabra) 331 044 239
Gulmohur (Delonix glabra) 276 046 050
Neem (Azadirachta indica) 283 028 035
Animal based
Blood meal 10-12 1-2 100
Meat meal 105 25 05
Fish meal 4-10 3-9 03-15
Horn and hoof meal 13 - -
Raw bone meal 3-4 20-25 -
Steamed bone meal 1-2 25-30 -
bull Lack of technical know-howbull Lack of required amount BD preparations in marketbull Lack of awareness among people about hazards caused by use of agrochemicalsbull Bulky nature of BD preparations and compostbull In-situ production is not feasiblebull Lack of scientific data on the long-term benefits and limitations of biodynamic farmingbull Limited domestic market for bio-dynamically grown producebull Quality certification
Constraints
ConstraintsProducersrsquoDistributorsrsquoTradersrsquo point of view
bull Lack of proper infrastructure for distribution and conservation of bio-inputs is a major constraint that hinders the access of these inputs to farmers
bull Some climatic regions and soil conditions are not suitable for specific strains of organic production
bull Given the mandated period of around three years for a conventional farm to become an organic farm the benefits perceived by farmers tend to be limited as they have a short term orientation
bull As a result even if they are aware they are hesitant to switch over to organic (green) agricultural practices
Constraining factorsFarmersrsquo point of view
The government perspective bull Changing the cropping and cultivation
patterns is slow and time-consuming process
bull Given the high levels of illiteracy and large number of small and marginal farmers it makes the change process difficult
bull Subsidies on chemical fertilizers and pesticide impede the growth of organic agriculture
Major Limitations under Punjab conditions
bull Bulky nature of organic manurebull Divergent nutritional valuebull Small land holdingbull Lack of awareness among farmersbull Marketing of organic producebull Labour and cost intensivebull Low incentives from governmentbull Non availability of bio pesticides
Major Limitations------contd
bull Dramatic and large benefits in terms of yield and returns
bull Cultivation of high nutrient responsive cultivers
bull Promotion of biological agentsbull Urgency to meet food security
Why farmers are reluctant to adopt organic farming in Punjab
bull Perceived high costs of doing organic farming due to incomplete knowledge about principles and practices of organic agriculture among farmers They were arranging inputs from outside
bull Non-availability of adequate quantities of organic manures and other organic inputs in the local market
bull Knowledge of organic farming has not filtered down to actual users ie small farmers and the information reached to target groups is often not backed by scientifically proven results
bull Complex and costly procedures of certificationbull Risk involved in marketing of organic produce
Discussion points
bull What arguments are there in favour of organic agriculture in India
bull What vested interests would oppose the growth of organic agricultures and why
bull What strategies could be employed to further promote the greening of agriculture in India
Can India adopt organic farming in a big way
bull Is organic farming non-scientific and unproven bull Does practicing organic farming means reduced yield bull Why were crop yields low before invention of Agro-
chemicals bull How is organic farming different from conventional bull What are the strengths and weaknesses of organic
farming
bull Where is the large quantity of compost for OF bull Does the soil fertility decline when fertilizers are
not used bull Scientifically where crop nutrients come from in
organic farming bull How are crops protected in organic farming bull Why restricted when India is a low user bull Where are the evidences that high yields are
possible in organic farming bull Is organic farming labour intensive
Conclusion Sustainable economic and eco friendly approach
Minimum risk of residual toxicity
Improvement in soil fertility with high yield quality produce Maintenance of organic matter content of the soil
Reduced energy use
Increased yields without over reliance on costly inputs
SummaryOrganic agriculture is not for everyone Yet it is a viable approach that can be beneficial It canbull Be particularly useful in the more difficult environments where resources are scarce and cultivation problematicbull Potentially reduce risks bya) ldquolocalizingrdquo input productionb) fostering soil and water conservationc) encouraging diversification (food security)bull Improve ability to compete in todayrsquos fast globalizing standards-critical trade
Strategies needed to promote organic farming in India
bull Adequate research and extension support needs to be providedbull Research to quantify the role of organic farming in minimizing the
ill effects of modern agriculture and its effect on environment bull Helping farmers to promote organic farmingbull Government should recognize agriculture in Kyoto protocol
carbon credit mechanismbull Developing infrastructure for supply chain and ensuring
competitive price for organic productsbull Capacity building through on farm demonstrations and trainingsbull Government support in cheaper access to organic certificates
Thanks
Biological Pest Control1048698 Depends on managing beneficial insectpredatorsparasites1048698 Seen as default benefit of organic soilmanagement practices that promoteabove and below ground diversity1048698 Can include the release of control agents1048698 Farmscaping longshort term design tocreate habitats for beneficials
Tillage and Cultivation1048698 Tools for weed control residuemanagement manure incorporationhardpan destruction pest control1048698 Negative impacts- Costly- Destroy humus reserves and soil organisms- compaction1048698 Conservation and ridge tillage- Organic growers pioneers
Mulching1048698 Weed control moisture and temperature control soil organic matter
1048698 Large quantities of resistant organic materials (wood chips straw etchellip)
1048698 Not practical on a large scale
List of bio-pesticides available in marketName Purpose
Neemazal Against borers
Neem oil (5 ) Against borers
Neem seed extract (5 ) Against borers
Neem cake For controlling nematodes
Dried neem leaves Against stored grain pests
Sour butter milk (10 ) Against sap sucking insects
Cow dung ash dusting
Water spray Against aphid
Trichogramma cards Against borers
Trixho- XP ( Trichoderma harzaianum) Against diseases
SudocelPseudomonas fluoresens (PSF) Larvocel
Against diseases
Bauvaria baviana Against diseases
Products for use in fertilization and soil conditioning in organic farming
Sr No
Items Conditions for use
Material produced on an organic farm unit
Matter produced on an organic farm unit
1 Farmyard and slurry urine Permitted
2 Crop residues and green manure Permitted
3 Straw and other mulches Permitted
4 Composts and vermicomposts Permitted
Matter produced outside the organic farm unit
1 Blood meal meat meal bone meal and feather meal without preservatives
Restricted
2 Compost made from plant residues and animal excrement Restricted
3 Farmyard manure slurry urine Restricted
4 Fish and fish products without preservatives Restricted
5 Guano Restricted
6 Human excreta Restricted
7 Wood bark sawdust wood ash wood charcoal Restricted
8 Straw animal charcoal compost and spent mushroom and vermiculture substances
Restricted
9 Compost from organic household Restricted
10 Compost from plant residues Restricted
11 Sea weed and sea weed products
By products from the industries
1 By- products from the food and textile industries of biodegradable material of microbial plant or animal origin without any systematic additives
Restricted
2 By products from oil palm coconut and cocoa (including fruit bunch palm oil mill effluent cocoa peat and empty coca pods
Restricted
3 By products of industries processing ingredients from organic agriculture Restricted
4 Extracts from mushroom chlorella fermented product from Aspergillus natural acids (vinegar)
Restricted
Mineral Origin
Basic slag Restricted
Calcareous and magnesium rock Restricted
Lime limestone gypsum Restricted
Calcified sea weed Restricted
Calcium chloride Restricted
Mineral potassium with low chlorine content (eg sulphate of potash kainite sylvinite patenkali)
Restricted
Natural phosphates (rock phosphate) Restricted
Trace elements Permitted
Sulphur Permitted
Clay (bentonite perlite zeolite) Permitted
Microbiological origin
Bacterial preparation (bio fertilizers) Permitted
Biodynamic preparations Permitted
Plant preparation and botanical extracts Permitted
Products for plant pest and disease controlItems Condition
for use
Material from plant and animal origin
Plant based repellents (Neem preparations from Azadirachta indica
Permitted
Algal preparations (gelatine) Permitted
Casein Permitted
Extracts from mushroom chlorella fermented products from Aspergillus
Permitted
Propolis Restricted
Beeswax natural acids (vinegar) plant oils Quassia Permitted
Rotenone from Derris elliptica Lonchocarpus Trphrosia spp
Restricted
Tobacco tea (pure nicotine prohibited Restricted
Preparation from Rryania species Restricted
Items Condition for use
Mineral Origin
Chloride of limesoda Restricted
Burgundy mixture Restricted
Clay (bentonite perlite ermiculite zeolite Permitted
Copper saltsinorganic salts (Bordeaux mix copper hydroxide copper oxychloride)
Not allowed
Quick lime Restricted
Mineral Origin
Diatomaceous earth Permitted
Light mineral oils Restricted
Permagnate of potash Restricted
Insect Origin
Release of parasites predators of insect pests Restricted
Sterilized insects Restricted
Sterlized insects males Not allowed
Items Condition for use
Microorganisms used for biological pest control
Viral fungal and bacterial preparations (biopesticides) Restricted
Others
Carbon dioxide and nitrogen gas Permitted
Soft soap soda sulphur dioxide Permitted
Homeopathic and ayurvedic preparations Permitted
Herbal and biodynamic preparations Permitted
Sea salt and salty water Permitted
Ethyl alcohol Not allowed
Traps barriers and repellants
Physical methods (eg chromatic traps mechanical traps)
Permitted
Mulches nets Permitted
Pheromones-in traps and dispensers only Permitted
Average nutrient content of organic manures
Source of Nutrition Percentage composition
Organic manure N P2O5 K2O
Farmyard Manure 05 02 05
Farm compost 05 015 05
Town compost 14 100 14
Night soil 55 40 20
Vermicompost 30 00 15
Crop residues -
Bio gas slurry 15-20 10 1
Rock phosphate - 25-30 -
Source of Nutrition
Percentage composition
Non edible oil cake
N P2O5 K2O
Castor cake 43 18 13
Cotton seed cake 39 18 16
Karanj or honge cake 39 09 12
Mahua cake 25 08 18
Neem cake 52 10 14
Safflower cake 49 14 12
Green Manure crops
San hamp (Crotolaria juncea) 23 05 180
Dhaincha ( Sesbnia aculeata) 35 06 120
Sesbania speciosa 271 053 221
Source of Nutrition Percentage composition
Green leaf manure N P2O5 K2O
Glycricidia (Gluicidia sepium) 276 028 46
Pongamia (Pongama glabra) 331 044 239
Gulmohur (Delonix glabra) 276 046 050
Neem (Azadirachta indica) 283 028 035
Animal based
Blood meal 10-12 1-2 100
Meat meal 105 25 05
Fish meal 4-10 3-9 03-15
Horn and hoof meal 13 - -
Raw bone meal 3-4 20-25 -
Steamed bone meal 1-2 25-30 -
bull Lack of technical know-howbull Lack of required amount BD preparations in marketbull Lack of awareness among people about hazards caused by use of agrochemicalsbull Bulky nature of BD preparations and compostbull In-situ production is not feasiblebull Lack of scientific data on the long-term benefits and limitations of biodynamic farmingbull Limited domestic market for bio-dynamically grown producebull Quality certification
Constraints
ConstraintsProducersrsquoDistributorsrsquoTradersrsquo point of view
bull Lack of proper infrastructure for distribution and conservation of bio-inputs is a major constraint that hinders the access of these inputs to farmers
bull Some climatic regions and soil conditions are not suitable for specific strains of organic production
bull Given the mandated period of around three years for a conventional farm to become an organic farm the benefits perceived by farmers tend to be limited as they have a short term orientation
bull As a result even if they are aware they are hesitant to switch over to organic (green) agricultural practices
Constraining factorsFarmersrsquo point of view
The government perspective bull Changing the cropping and cultivation
patterns is slow and time-consuming process
bull Given the high levels of illiteracy and large number of small and marginal farmers it makes the change process difficult
bull Subsidies on chemical fertilizers and pesticide impede the growth of organic agriculture
Major Limitations under Punjab conditions
bull Bulky nature of organic manurebull Divergent nutritional valuebull Small land holdingbull Lack of awareness among farmersbull Marketing of organic producebull Labour and cost intensivebull Low incentives from governmentbull Non availability of bio pesticides
Major Limitations------contd
bull Dramatic and large benefits in terms of yield and returns
bull Cultivation of high nutrient responsive cultivers
bull Promotion of biological agentsbull Urgency to meet food security
Why farmers are reluctant to adopt organic farming in Punjab
bull Perceived high costs of doing organic farming due to incomplete knowledge about principles and practices of organic agriculture among farmers They were arranging inputs from outside
bull Non-availability of adequate quantities of organic manures and other organic inputs in the local market
bull Knowledge of organic farming has not filtered down to actual users ie small farmers and the information reached to target groups is often not backed by scientifically proven results
bull Complex and costly procedures of certificationbull Risk involved in marketing of organic produce
Discussion points
bull What arguments are there in favour of organic agriculture in India
bull What vested interests would oppose the growth of organic agricultures and why
bull What strategies could be employed to further promote the greening of agriculture in India
Can India adopt organic farming in a big way
bull Is organic farming non-scientific and unproven bull Does practicing organic farming means reduced yield bull Why were crop yields low before invention of Agro-
chemicals bull How is organic farming different from conventional bull What are the strengths and weaknesses of organic
farming
bull Where is the large quantity of compost for OF bull Does the soil fertility decline when fertilizers are
not used bull Scientifically where crop nutrients come from in
organic farming bull How are crops protected in organic farming bull Why restricted when India is a low user bull Where are the evidences that high yields are
possible in organic farming bull Is organic farming labour intensive
Conclusion Sustainable economic and eco friendly approach
Minimum risk of residual toxicity
Improvement in soil fertility with high yield quality produce Maintenance of organic matter content of the soil
Reduced energy use
Increased yields without over reliance on costly inputs
SummaryOrganic agriculture is not for everyone Yet it is a viable approach that can be beneficial It canbull Be particularly useful in the more difficult environments where resources are scarce and cultivation problematicbull Potentially reduce risks bya) ldquolocalizingrdquo input productionb) fostering soil and water conservationc) encouraging diversification (food security)bull Improve ability to compete in todayrsquos fast globalizing standards-critical trade
Strategies needed to promote organic farming in India
bull Adequate research and extension support needs to be providedbull Research to quantify the role of organic farming in minimizing the
ill effects of modern agriculture and its effect on environment bull Helping farmers to promote organic farmingbull Government should recognize agriculture in Kyoto protocol
carbon credit mechanismbull Developing infrastructure for supply chain and ensuring
competitive price for organic productsbull Capacity building through on farm demonstrations and trainingsbull Government support in cheaper access to organic certificates
Thanks
Tillage and Cultivation1048698 Tools for weed control residuemanagement manure incorporationhardpan destruction pest control1048698 Negative impacts- Costly- Destroy humus reserves and soil organisms- compaction1048698 Conservation and ridge tillage- Organic growers pioneers
Mulching1048698 Weed control moisture and temperature control soil organic matter
1048698 Large quantities of resistant organic materials (wood chips straw etchellip)
1048698 Not practical on a large scale
List of bio-pesticides available in marketName Purpose
Neemazal Against borers
Neem oil (5 ) Against borers
Neem seed extract (5 ) Against borers
Neem cake For controlling nematodes
Dried neem leaves Against stored grain pests
Sour butter milk (10 ) Against sap sucking insects
Cow dung ash dusting
Water spray Against aphid
Trichogramma cards Against borers
Trixho- XP ( Trichoderma harzaianum) Against diseases
SudocelPseudomonas fluoresens (PSF) Larvocel
Against diseases
Bauvaria baviana Against diseases
Products for use in fertilization and soil conditioning in organic farming
Sr No
Items Conditions for use
Material produced on an organic farm unit
Matter produced on an organic farm unit
1 Farmyard and slurry urine Permitted
2 Crop residues and green manure Permitted
3 Straw and other mulches Permitted
4 Composts and vermicomposts Permitted
Matter produced outside the organic farm unit
1 Blood meal meat meal bone meal and feather meal without preservatives
Restricted
2 Compost made from plant residues and animal excrement Restricted
3 Farmyard manure slurry urine Restricted
4 Fish and fish products without preservatives Restricted
5 Guano Restricted
6 Human excreta Restricted
7 Wood bark sawdust wood ash wood charcoal Restricted
8 Straw animal charcoal compost and spent mushroom and vermiculture substances
Restricted
9 Compost from organic household Restricted
10 Compost from plant residues Restricted
11 Sea weed and sea weed products
By products from the industries
1 By- products from the food and textile industries of biodegradable material of microbial plant or animal origin without any systematic additives
Restricted
2 By products from oil palm coconut and cocoa (including fruit bunch palm oil mill effluent cocoa peat and empty coca pods
Restricted
3 By products of industries processing ingredients from organic agriculture Restricted
4 Extracts from mushroom chlorella fermented product from Aspergillus natural acids (vinegar)
Restricted
Mineral Origin
Basic slag Restricted
Calcareous and magnesium rock Restricted
Lime limestone gypsum Restricted
Calcified sea weed Restricted
Calcium chloride Restricted
Mineral potassium with low chlorine content (eg sulphate of potash kainite sylvinite patenkali)
Restricted
Natural phosphates (rock phosphate) Restricted
Trace elements Permitted
Sulphur Permitted
Clay (bentonite perlite zeolite) Permitted
Microbiological origin
Bacterial preparation (bio fertilizers) Permitted
Biodynamic preparations Permitted
Plant preparation and botanical extracts Permitted
Products for plant pest and disease controlItems Condition
for use
Material from plant and animal origin
Plant based repellents (Neem preparations from Azadirachta indica
Permitted
Algal preparations (gelatine) Permitted
Casein Permitted
Extracts from mushroom chlorella fermented products from Aspergillus
Permitted
Propolis Restricted
Beeswax natural acids (vinegar) plant oils Quassia Permitted
Rotenone from Derris elliptica Lonchocarpus Trphrosia spp
Restricted
Tobacco tea (pure nicotine prohibited Restricted
Preparation from Rryania species Restricted
Items Condition for use
Mineral Origin
Chloride of limesoda Restricted
Burgundy mixture Restricted
Clay (bentonite perlite ermiculite zeolite Permitted
Copper saltsinorganic salts (Bordeaux mix copper hydroxide copper oxychloride)
Not allowed
Quick lime Restricted
Mineral Origin
Diatomaceous earth Permitted
Light mineral oils Restricted
Permagnate of potash Restricted
Insect Origin
Release of parasites predators of insect pests Restricted
Sterilized insects Restricted
Sterlized insects males Not allowed
Items Condition for use
Microorganisms used for biological pest control
Viral fungal and bacterial preparations (biopesticides) Restricted
Others
Carbon dioxide and nitrogen gas Permitted
Soft soap soda sulphur dioxide Permitted
Homeopathic and ayurvedic preparations Permitted
Herbal and biodynamic preparations Permitted
Sea salt and salty water Permitted
Ethyl alcohol Not allowed
Traps barriers and repellants
Physical methods (eg chromatic traps mechanical traps)
Permitted
Mulches nets Permitted
Pheromones-in traps and dispensers only Permitted
Average nutrient content of organic manures
Source of Nutrition Percentage composition
Organic manure N P2O5 K2O
Farmyard Manure 05 02 05
Farm compost 05 015 05
Town compost 14 100 14
Night soil 55 40 20
Vermicompost 30 00 15
Crop residues -
Bio gas slurry 15-20 10 1
Rock phosphate - 25-30 -
Source of Nutrition
Percentage composition
Non edible oil cake
N P2O5 K2O
Castor cake 43 18 13
Cotton seed cake 39 18 16
Karanj or honge cake 39 09 12
Mahua cake 25 08 18
Neem cake 52 10 14
Safflower cake 49 14 12
Green Manure crops
San hamp (Crotolaria juncea) 23 05 180
Dhaincha ( Sesbnia aculeata) 35 06 120
Sesbania speciosa 271 053 221
Source of Nutrition Percentage composition
Green leaf manure N P2O5 K2O
Glycricidia (Gluicidia sepium) 276 028 46
Pongamia (Pongama glabra) 331 044 239
Gulmohur (Delonix glabra) 276 046 050
Neem (Azadirachta indica) 283 028 035
Animal based
Blood meal 10-12 1-2 100
Meat meal 105 25 05
Fish meal 4-10 3-9 03-15
Horn and hoof meal 13 - -
Raw bone meal 3-4 20-25 -
Steamed bone meal 1-2 25-30 -
bull Lack of technical know-howbull Lack of required amount BD preparations in marketbull Lack of awareness among people about hazards caused by use of agrochemicalsbull Bulky nature of BD preparations and compostbull In-situ production is not feasiblebull Lack of scientific data on the long-term benefits and limitations of biodynamic farmingbull Limited domestic market for bio-dynamically grown producebull Quality certification
Constraints
ConstraintsProducersrsquoDistributorsrsquoTradersrsquo point of view
bull Lack of proper infrastructure for distribution and conservation of bio-inputs is a major constraint that hinders the access of these inputs to farmers
bull Some climatic regions and soil conditions are not suitable for specific strains of organic production
bull Given the mandated period of around three years for a conventional farm to become an organic farm the benefits perceived by farmers tend to be limited as they have a short term orientation
bull As a result even if they are aware they are hesitant to switch over to organic (green) agricultural practices
Constraining factorsFarmersrsquo point of view
The government perspective bull Changing the cropping and cultivation
patterns is slow and time-consuming process
bull Given the high levels of illiteracy and large number of small and marginal farmers it makes the change process difficult
bull Subsidies on chemical fertilizers and pesticide impede the growth of organic agriculture
Major Limitations under Punjab conditions
bull Bulky nature of organic manurebull Divergent nutritional valuebull Small land holdingbull Lack of awareness among farmersbull Marketing of organic producebull Labour and cost intensivebull Low incentives from governmentbull Non availability of bio pesticides
Major Limitations------contd
bull Dramatic and large benefits in terms of yield and returns
bull Cultivation of high nutrient responsive cultivers
bull Promotion of biological agentsbull Urgency to meet food security
Why farmers are reluctant to adopt organic farming in Punjab
bull Perceived high costs of doing organic farming due to incomplete knowledge about principles and practices of organic agriculture among farmers They were arranging inputs from outside
bull Non-availability of adequate quantities of organic manures and other organic inputs in the local market
bull Knowledge of organic farming has not filtered down to actual users ie small farmers and the information reached to target groups is often not backed by scientifically proven results
bull Complex and costly procedures of certificationbull Risk involved in marketing of organic produce
Discussion points
bull What arguments are there in favour of organic agriculture in India
bull What vested interests would oppose the growth of organic agricultures and why
bull What strategies could be employed to further promote the greening of agriculture in India
Can India adopt organic farming in a big way
bull Is organic farming non-scientific and unproven bull Does practicing organic farming means reduced yield bull Why were crop yields low before invention of Agro-
chemicals bull How is organic farming different from conventional bull What are the strengths and weaknesses of organic
farming
bull Where is the large quantity of compost for OF bull Does the soil fertility decline when fertilizers are
not used bull Scientifically where crop nutrients come from in
organic farming bull How are crops protected in organic farming bull Why restricted when India is a low user bull Where are the evidences that high yields are
possible in organic farming bull Is organic farming labour intensive
Conclusion Sustainable economic and eco friendly approach
Minimum risk of residual toxicity
Improvement in soil fertility with high yield quality produce Maintenance of organic matter content of the soil
Reduced energy use
Increased yields without over reliance on costly inputs
SummaryOrganic agriculture is not for everyone Yet it is a viable approach that can be beneficial It canbull Be particularly useful in the more difficult environments where resources are scarce and cultivation problematicbull Potentially reduce risks bya) ldquolocalizingrdquo input productionb) fostering soil and water conservationc) encouraging diversification (food security)bull Improve ability to compete in todayrsquos fast globalizing standards-critical trade
Strategies needed to promote organic farming in India
bull Adequate research and extension support needs to be providedbull Research to quantify the role of organic farming in minimizing the
ill effects of modern agriculture and its effect on environment bull Helping farmers to promote organic farmingbull Government should recognize agriculture in Kyoto protocol
carbon credit mechanismbull Developing infrastructure for supply chain and ensuring
competitive price for organic productsbull Capacity building through on farm demonstrations and trainingsbull Government support in cheaper access to organic certificates
Thanks
Mulching1048698 Weed control moisture and temperature control soil organic matter
1048698 Large quantities of resistant organic materials (wood chips straw etchellip)
1048698 Not practical on a large scale
List of bio-pesticides available in marketName Purpose
Neemazal Against borers
Neem oil (5 ) Against borers
Neem seed extract (5 ) Against borers
Neem cake For controlling nematodes
Dried neem leaves Against stored grain pests
Sour butter milk (10 ) Against sap sucking insects
Cow dung ash dusting
Water spray Against aphid
Trichogramma cards Against borers
Trixho- XP ( Trichoderma harzaianum) Against diseases
SudocelPseudomonas fluoresens (PSF) Larvocel
Against diseases
Bauvaria baviana Against diseases
Products for use in fertilization and soil conditioning in organic farming
Sr No
Items Conditions for use
Material produced on an organic farm unit
Matter produced on an organic farm unit
1 Farmyard and slurry urine Permitted
2 Crop residues and green manure Permitted
3 Straw and other mulches Permitted
4 Composts and vermicomposts Permitted
Matter produced outside the organic farm unit
1 Blood meal meat meal bone meal and feather meal without preservatives
Restricted
2 Compost made from plant residues and animal excrement Restricted
3 Farmyard manure slurry urine Restricted
4 Fish and fish products without preservatives Restricted
5 Guano Restricted
6 Human excreta Restricted
7 Wood bark sawdust wood ash wood charcoal Restricted
8 Straw animal charcoal compost and spent mushroom and vermiculture substances
Restricted
9 Compost from organic household Restricted
10 Compost from plant residues Restricted
11 Sea weed and sea weed products
By products from the industries
1 By- products from the food and textile industries of biodegradable material of microbial plant or animal origin without any systematic additives
Restricted
2 By products from oil palm coconut and cocoa (including fruit bunch palm oil mill effluent cocoa peat and empty coca pods
Restricted
3 By products of industries processing ingredients from organic agriculture Restricted
4 Extracts from mushroom chlorella fermented product from Aspergillus natural acids (vinegar)
Restricted
Mineral Origin
Basic slag Restricted
Calcareous and magnesium rock Restricted
Lime limestone gypsum Restricted
Calcified sea weed Restricted
Calcium chloride Restricted
Mineral potassium with low chlorine content (eg sulphate of potash kainite sylvinite patenkali)
Restricted
Natural phosphates (rock phosphate) Restricted
Trace elements Permitted
Sulphur Permitted
Clay (bentonite perlite zeolite) Permitted
Microbiological origin
Bacterial preparation (bio fertilizers) Permitted
Biodynamic preparations Permitted
Plant preparation and botanical extracts Permitted
Products for plant pest and disease controlItems Condition
for use
Material from plant and animal origin
Plant based repellents (Neem preparations from Azadirachta indica
Permitted
Algal preparations (gelatine) Permitted
Casein Permitted
Extracts from mushroom chlorella fermented products from Aspergillus
Permitted
Propolis Restricted
Beeswax natural acids (vinegar) plant oils Quassia Permitted
Rotenone from Derris elliptica Lonchocarpus Trphrosia spp
Restricted
Tobacco tea (pure nicotine prohibited Restricted
Preparation from Rryania species Restricted
Items Condition for use
Mineral Origin
Chloride of limesoda Restricted
Burgundy mixture Restricted
Clay (bentonite perlite ermiculite zeolite Permitted
Copper saltsinorganic salts (Bordeaux mix copper hydroxide copper oxychloride)
Not allowed
Quick lime Restricted
Mineral Origin
Diatomaceous earth Permitted
Light mineral oils Restricted
Permagnate of potash Restricted
Insect Origin
Release of parasites predators of insect pests Restricted
Sterilized insects Restricted
Sterlized insects males Not allowed
Items Condition for use
Microorganisms used for biological pest control
Viral fungal and bacterial preparations (biopesticides) Restricted
Others
Carbon dioxide and nitrogen gas Permitted
Soft soap soda sulphur dioxide Permitted
Homeopathic and ayurvedic preparations Permitted
Herbal and biodynamic preparations Permitted
Sea salt and salty water Permitted
Ethyl alcohol Not allowed
Traps barriers and repellants
Physical methods (eg chromatic traps mechanical traps)
Permitted
Mulches nets Permitted
Pheromones-in traps and dispensers only Permitted
Average nutrient content of organic manures
Source of Nutrition Percentage composition
Organic manure N P2O5 K2O
Farmyard Manure 05 02 05
Farm compost 05 015 05
Town compost 14 100 14
Night soil 55 40 20
Vermicompost 30 00 15
Crop residues -
Bio gas slurry 15-20 10 1
Rock phosphate - 25-30 -
Source of Nutrition
Percentage composition
Non edible oil cake
N P2O5 K2O
Castor cake 43 18 13
Cotton seed cake 39 18 16
Karanj or honge cake 39 09 12
Mahua cake 25 08 18
Neem cake 52 10 14
Safflower cake 49 14 12
Green Manure crops
San hamp (Crotolaria juncea) 23 05 180
Dhaincha ( Sesbnia aculeata) 35 06 120
Sesbania speciosa 271 053 221
Source of Nutrition Percentage composition
Green leaf manure N P2O5 K2O
Glycricidia (Gluicidia sepium) 276 028 46
Pongamia (Pongama glabra) 331 044 239
Gulmohur (Delonix glabra) 276 046 050
Neem (Azadirachta indica) 283 028 035
Animal based
Blood meal 10-12 1-2 100
Meat meal 105 25 05
Fish meal 4-10 3-9 03-15
Horn and hoof meal 13 - -
Raw bone meal 3-4 20-25 -
Steamed bone meal 1-2 25-30 -
bull Lack of technical know-howbull Lack of required amount BD preparations in marketbull Lack of awareness among people about hazards caused by use of agrochemicalsbull Bulky nature of BD preparations and compostbull In-situ production is not feasiblebull Lack of scientific data on the long-term benefits and limitations of biodynamic farmingbull Limited domestic market for bio-dynamically grown producebull Quality certification
Constraints
ConstraintsProducersrsquoDistributorsrsquoTradersrsquo point of view
bull Lack of proper infrastructure for distribution and conservation of bio-inputs is a major constraint that hinders the access of these inputs to farmers
bull Some climatic regions and soil conditions are not suitable for specific strains of organic production
bull Given the mandated period of around three years for a conventional farm to become an organic farm the benefits perceived by farmers tend to be limited as they have a short term orientation
bull As a result even if they are aware they are hesitant to switch over to organic (green) agricultural practices
Constraining factorsFarmersrsquo point of view
The government perspective bull Changing the cropping and cultivation
patterns is slow and time-consuming process
bull Given the high levels of illiteracy and large number of small and marginal farmers it makes the change process difficult
bull Subsidies on chemical fertilizers and pesticide impede the growth of organic agriculture
Major Limitations under Punjab conditions
bull Bulky nature of organic manurebull Divergent nutritional valuebull Small land holdingbull Lack of awareness among farmersbull Marketing of organic producebull Labour and cost intensivebull Low incentives from governmentbull Non availability of bio pesticides
Major Limitations------contd
bull Dramatic and large benefits in terms of yield and returns
bull Cultivation of high nutrient responsive cultivers
bull Promotion of biological agentsbull Urgency to meet food security
Why farmers are reluctant to adopt organic farming in Punjab
bull Perceived high costs of doing organic farming due to incomplete knowledge about principles and practices of organic agriculture among farmers They were arranging inputs from outside
bull Non-availability of adequate quantities of organic manures and other organic inputs in the local market
bull Knowledge of organic farming has not filtered down to actual users ie small farmers and the information reached to target groups is often not backed by scientifically proven results
bull Complex and costly procedures of certificationbull Risk involved in marketing of organic produce
Discussion points
bull What arguments are there in favour of organic agriculture in India
bull What vested interests would oppose the growth of organic agricultures and why
bull What strategies could be employed to further promote the greening of agriculture in India
Can India adopt organic farming in a big way
bull Is organic farming non-scientific and unproven bull Does practicing organic farming means reduced yield bull Why were crop yields low before invention of Agro-
chemicals bull How is organic farming different from conventional bull What are the strengths and weaknesses of organic
farming
bull Where is the large quantity of compost for OF bull Does the soil fertility decline when fertilizers are
not used bull Scientifically where crop nutrients come from in
organic farming bull How are crops protected in organic farming bull Why restricted when India is a low user bull Where are the evidences that high yields are
possible in organic farming bull Is organic farming labour intensive
Conclusion Sustainable economic and eco friendly approach
Minimum risk of residual toxicity
Improvement in soil fertility with high yield quality produce Maintenance of organic matter content of the soil
Reduced energy use
Increased yields without over reliance on costly inputs
SummaryOrganic agriculture is not for everyone Yet it is a viable approach that can be beneficial It canbull Be particularly useful in the more difficult environments where resources are scarce and cultivation problematicbull Potentially reduce risks bya) ldquolocalizingrdquo input productionb) fostering soil and water conservationc) encouraging diversification (food security)bull Improve ability to compete in todayrsquos fast globalizing standards-critical trade
Strategies needed to promote organic farming in India
bull Adequate research and extension support needs to be providedbull Research to quantify the role of organic farming in minimizing the
ill effects of modern agriculture and its effect on environment bull Helping farmers to promote organic farmingbull Government should recognize agriculture in Kyoto protocol
carbon credit mechanismbull Developing infrastructure for supply chain and ensuring
competitive price for organic productsbull Capacity building through on farm demonstrations and trainingsbull Government support in cheaper access to organic certificates
Thanks
List of bio-pesticides available in marketName Purpose
Neemazal Against borers
Neem oil (5 ) Against borers
Neem seed extract (5 ) Against borers
Neem cake For controlling nematodes
Dried neem leaves Against stored grain pests
Sour butter milk (10 ) Against sap sucking insects
Cow dung ash dusting
Water spray Against aphid
Trichogramma cards Against borers
Trixho- XP ( Trichoderma harzaianum) Against diseases
SudocelPseudomonas fluoresens (PSF) Larvocel
Against diseases
Bauvaria baviana Against diseases
Products for use in fertilization and soil conditioning in organic farming
Sr No
Items Conditions for use
Material produced on an organic farm unit
Matter produced on an organic farm unit
1 Farmyard and slurry urine Permitted
2 Crop residues and green manure Permitted
3 Straw and other mulches Permitted
4 Composts and vermicomposts Permitted
Matter produced outside the organic farm unit
1 Blood meal meat meal bone meal and feather meal without preservatives
Restricted
2 Compost made from plant residues and animal excrement Restricted
3 Farmyard manure slurry urine Restricted
4 Fish and fish products without preservatives Restricted
5 Guano Restricted
6 Human excreta Restricted
7 Wood bark sawdust wood ash wood charcoal Restricted
8 Straw animal charcoal compost and spent mushroom and vermiculture substances
Restricted
9 Compost from organic household Restricted
10 Compost from plant residues Restricted
11 Sea weed and sea weed products
By products from the industries
1 By- products from the food and textile industries of biodegradable material of microbial plant or animal origin without any systematic additives
Restricted
2 By products from oil palm coconut and cocoa (including fruit bunch palm oil mill effluent cocoa peat and empty coca pods
Restricted
3 By products of industries processing ingredients from organic agriculture Restricted
4 Extracts from mushroom chlorella fermented product from Aspergillus natural acids (vinegar)
Restricted
Mineral Origin
Basic slag Restricted
Calcareous and magnesium rock Restricted
Lime limestone gypsum Restricted
Calcified sea weed Restricted
Calcium chloride Restricted
Mineral potassium with low chlorine content (eg sulphate of potash kainite sylvinite patenkali)
Restricted
Natural phosphates (rock phosphate) Restricted
Trace elements Permitted
Sulphur Permitted
Clay (bentonite perlite zeolite) Permitted
Microbiological origin
Bacterial preparation (bio fertilizers) Permitted
Biodynamic preparations Permitted
Plant preparation and botanical extracts Permitted
Products for plant pest and disease controlItems Condition
for use
Material from plant and animal origin
Plant based repellents (Neem preparations from Azadirachta indica
Permitted
Algal preparations (gelatine) Permitted
Casein Permitted
Extracts from mushroom chlorella fermented products from Aspergillus
Permitted
Propolis Restricted
Beeswax natural acids (vinegar) plant oils Quassia Permitted
Rotenone from Derris elliptica Lonchocarpus Trphrosia spp
Restricted
Tobacco tea (pure nicotine prohibited Restricted
Preparation from Rryania species Restricted
Items Condition for use
Mineral Origin
Chloride of limesoda Restricted
Burgundy mixture Restricted
Clay (bentonite perlite ermiculite zeolite Permitted
Copper saltsinorganic salts (Bordeaux mix copper hydroxide copper oxychloride)
Not allowed
Quick lime Restricted
Mineral Origin
Diatomaceous earth Permitted
Light mineral oils Restricted
Permagnate of potash Restricted
Insect Origin
Release of parasites predators of insect pests Restricted
Sterilized insects Restricted
Sterlized insects males Not allowed
Items Condition for use
Microorganisms used for biological pest control
Viral fungal and bacterial preparations (biopesticides) Restricted
Others
Carbon dioxide and nitrogen gas Permitted
Soft soap soda sulphur dioxide Permitted
Homeopathic and ayurvedic preparations Permitted
Herbal and biodynamic preparations Permitted
Sea salt and salty water Permitted
Ethyl alcohol Not allowed
Traps barriers and repellants
Physical methods (eg chromatic traps mechanical traps)
Permitted
Mulches nets Permitted
Pheromones-in traps and dispensers only Permitted
Average nutrient content of organic manures
Source of Nutrition Percentage composition
Organic manure N P2O5 K2O
Farmyard Manure 05 02 05
Farm compost 05 015 05
Town compost 14 100 14
Night soil 55 40 20
Vermicompost 30 00 15
Crop residues -
Bio gas slurry 15-20 10 1
Rock phosphate - 25-30 -
Source of Nutrition
Percentage composition
Non edible oil cake
N P2O5 K2O
Castor cake 43 18 13
Cotton seed cake 39 18 16
Karanj or honge cake 39 09 12
Mahua cake 25 08 18
Neem cake 52 10 14
Safflower cake 49 14 12
Green Manure crops
San hamp (Crotolaria juncea) 23 05 180
Dhaincha ( Sesbnia aculeata) 35 06 120
Sesbania speciosa 271 053 221
Source of Nutrition Percentage composition
Green leaf manure N P2O5 K2O
Glycricidia (Gluicidia sepium) 276 028 46
Pongamia (Pongama glabra) 331 044 239
Gulmohur (Delonix glabra) 276 046 050
Neem (Azadirachta indica) 283 028 035
Animal based
Blood meal 10-12 1-2 100
Meat meal 105 25 05
Fish meal 4-10 3-9 03-15
Horn and hoof meal 13 - -
Raw bone meal 3-4 20-25 -
Steamed bone meal 1-2 25-30 -
bull Lack of technical know-howbull Lack of required amount BD preparations in marketbull Lack of awareness among people about hazards caused by use of agrochemicalsbull Bulky nature of BD preparations and compostbull In-situ production is not feasiblebull Lack of scientific data on the long-term benefits and limitations of biodynamic farmingbull Limited domestic market for bio-dynamically grown producebull Quality certification
Constraints
ConstraintsProducersrsquoDistributorsrsquoTradersrsquo point of view
bull Lack of proper infrastructure for distribution and conservation of bio-inputs is a major constraint that hinders the access of these inputs to farmers
bull Some climatic regions and soil conditions are not suitable for specific strains of organic production
bull Given the mandated period of around three years for a conventional farm to become an organic farm the benefits perceived by farmers tend to be limited as they have a short term orientation
bull As a result even if they are aware they are hesitant to switch over to organic (green) agricultural practices
Constraining factorsFarmersrsquo point of view
The government perspective bull Changing the cropping and cultivation
patterns is slow and time-consuming process
bull Given the high levels of illiteracy and large number of small and marginal farmers it makes the change process difficult
bull Subsidies on chemical fertilizers and pesticide impede the growth of organic agriculture
Major Limitations under Punjab conditions
bull Bulky nature of organic manurebull Divergent nutritional valuebull Small land holdingbull Lack of awareness among farmersbull Marketing of organic producebull Labour and cost intensivebull Low incentives from governmentbull Non availability of bio pesticides
Major Limitations------contd
bull Dramatic and large benefits in terms of yield and returns
bull Cultivation of high nutrient responsive cultivers
bull Promotion of biological agentsbull Urgency to meet food security
Why farmers are reluctant to adopt organic farming in Punjab
bull Perceived high costs of doing organic farming due to incomplete knowledge about principles and practices of organic agriculture among farmers They were arranging inputs from outside
bull Non-availability of adequate quantities of organic manures and other organic inputs in the local market
bull Knowledge of organic farming has not filtered down to actual users ie small farmers and the information reached to target groups is often not backed by scientifically proven results
bull Complex and costly procedures of certificationbull Risk involved in marketing of organic produce
Discussion points
bull What arguments are there in favour of organic agriculture in India
bull What vested interests would oppose the growth of organic agricultures and why
bull What strategies could be employed to further promote the greening of agriculture in India
Can India adopt organic farming in a big way
bull Is organic farming non-scientific and unproven bull Does practicing organic farming means reduced yield bull Why were crop yields low before invention of Agro-
chemicals bull How is organic farming different from conventional bull What are the strengths and weaknesses of organic
farming
bull Where is the large quantity of compost for OF bull Does the soil fertility decline when fertilizers are
not used bull Scientifically where crop nutrients come from in
organic farming bull How are crops protected in organic farming bull Why restricted when India is a low user bull Where are the evidences that high yields are
possible in organic farming bull Is organic farming labour intensive
Conclusion Sustainable economic and eco friendly approach
Minimum risk of residual toxicity
Improvement in soil fertility with high yield quality produce Maintenance of organic matter content of the soil
Reduced energy use
Increased yields without over reliance on costly inputs
SummaryOrganic agriculture is not for everyone Yet it is a viable approach that can be beneficial It canbull Be particularly useful in the more difficult environments where resources are scarce and cultivation problematicbull Potentially reduce risks bya) ldquolocalizingrdquo input productionb) fostering soil and water conservationc) encouraging diversification (food security)bull Improve ability to compete in todayrsquos fast globalizing standards-critical trade
Strategies needed to promote organic farming in India
bull Adequate research and extension support needs to be providedbull Research to quantify the role of organic farming in minimizing the
ill effects of modern agriculture and its effect on environment bull Helping farmers to promote organic farmingbull Government should recognize agriculture in Kyoto protocol
carbon credit mechanismbull Developing infrastructure for supply chain and ensuring
competitive price for organic productsbull Capacity building through on farm demonstrations and trainingsbull Government support in cheaper access to organic certificates
Thanks
Products for use in fertilization and soil conditioning in organic farming
Sr No
Items Conditions for use
Material produced on an organic farm unit
Matter produced on an organic farm unit
1 Farmyard and slurry urine Permitted
2 Crop residues and green manure Permitted
3 Straw and other mulches Permitted
4 Composts and vermicomposts Permitted
Matter produced outside the organic farm unit
1 Blood meal meat meal bone meal and feather meal without preservatives
Restricted
2 Compost made from plant residues and animal excrement Restricted
3 Farmyard manure slurry urine Restricted
4 Fish and fish products without preservatives Restricted
5 Guano Restricted
6 Human excreta Restricted
7 Wood bark sawdust wood ash wood charcoal Restricted
8 Straw animal charcoal compost and spent mushroom and vermiculture substances
Restricted
9 Compost from organic household Restricted
10 Compost from plant residues Restricted
11 Sea weed and sea weed products
By products from the industries
1 By- products from the food and textile industries of biodegradable material of microbial plant or animal origin without any systematic additives
Restricted
2 By products from oil palm coconut and cocoa (including fruit bunch palm oil mill effluent cocoa peat and empty coca pods
Restricted
3 By products of industries processing ingredients from organic agriculture Restricted
4 Extracts from mushroom chlorella fermented product from Aspergillus natural acids (vinegar)
Restricted
Mineral Origin
Basic slag Restricted
Calcareous and magnesium rock Restricted
Lime limestone gypsum Restricted
Calcified sea weed Restricted
Calcium chloride Restricted
Mineral potassium with low chlorine content (eg sulphate of potash kainite sylvinite patenkali)
Restricted
Natural phosphates (rock phosphate) Restricted
Trace elements Permitted
Sulphur Permitted
Clay (bentonite perlite zeolite) Permitted
Microbiological origin
Bacterial preparation (bio fertilizers) Permitted
Biodynamic preparations Permitted
Plant preparation and botanical extracts Permitted
Products for plant pest and disease controlItems Condition
for use
Material from plant and animal origin
Plant based repellents (Neem preparations from Azadirachta indica
Permitted
Algal preparations (gelatine) Permitted
Casein Permitted
Extracts from mushroom chlorella fermented products from Aspergillus
Permitted
Propolis Restricted
Beeswax natural acids (vinegar) plant oils Quassia Permitted
Rotenone from Derris elliptica Lonchocarpus Trphrosia spp
Restricted
Tobacco tea (pure nicotine prohibited Restricted
Preparation from Rryania species Restricted
Items Condition for use
Mineral Origin
Chloride of limesoda Restricted
Burgundy mixture Restricted
Clay (bentonite perlite ermiculite zeolite Permitted
Copper saltsinorganic salts (Bordeaux mix copper hydroxide copper oxychloride)
Not allowed
Quick lime Restricted
Mineral Origin
Diatomaceous earth Permitted
Light mineral oils Restricted
Permagnate of potash Restricted
Insect Origin
Release of parasites predators of insect pests Restricted
Sterilized insects Restricted
Sterlized insects males Not allowed
Items Condition for use
Microorganisms used for biological pest control
Viral fungal and bacterial preparations (biopesticides) Restricted
Others
Carbon dioxide and nitrogen gas Permitted
Soft soap soda sulphur dioxide Permitted
Homeopathic and ayurvedic preparations Permitted
Herbal and biodynamic preparations Permitted
Sea salt and salty water Permitted
Ethyl alcohol Not allowed
Traps barriers and repellants
Physical methods (eg chromatic traps mechanical traps)
Permitted
Mulches nets Permitted
Pheromones-in traps and dispensers only Permitted
Average nutrient content of organic manures
Source of Nutrition Percentage composition
Organic manure N P2O5 K2O
Farmyard Manure 05 02 05
Farm compost 05 015 05
Town compost 14 100 14
Night soil 55 40 20
Vermicompost 30 00 15
Crop residues -
Bio gas slurry 15-20 10 1
Rock phosphate - 25-30 -
Source of Nutrition
Percentage composition
Non edible oil cake
N P2O5 K2O
Castor cake 43 18 13
Cotton seed cake 39 18 16
Karanj or honge cake 39 09 12
Mahua cake 25 08 18
Neem cake 52 10 14
Safflower cake 49 14 12
Green Manure crops
San hamp (Crotolaria juncea) 23 05 180
Dhaincha ( Sesbnia aculeata) 35 06 120
Sesbania speciosa 271 053 221
Source of Nutrition Percentage composition
Green leaf manure N P2O5 K2O
Glycricidia (Gluicidia sepium) 276 028 46
Pongamia (Pongama glabra) 331 044 239
Gulmohur (Delonix glabra) 276 046 050
Neem (Azadirachta indica) 283 028 035
Animal based
Blood meal 10-12 1-2 100
Meat meal 105 25 05
Fish meal 4-10 3-9 03-15
Horn and hoof meal 13 - -
Raw bone meal 3-4 20-25 -
Steamed bone meal 1-2 25-30 -
bull Lack of technical know-howbull Lack of required amount BD preparations in marketbull Lack of awareness among people about hazards caused by use of agrochemicalsbull Bulky nature of BD preparations and compostbull In-situ production is not feasiblebull Lack of scientific data on the long-term benefits and limitations of biodynamic farmingbull Limited domestic market for bio-dynamically grown producebull Quality certification
Constraints
ConstraintsProducersrsquoDistributorsrsquoTradersrsquo point of view
bull Lack of proper infrastructure for distribution and conservation of bio-inputs is a major constraint that hinders the access of these inputs to farmers
bull Some climatic regions and soil conditions are not suitable for specific strains of organic production
bull Given the mandated period of around three years for a conventional farm to become an organic farm the benefits perceived by farmers tend to be limited as they have a short term orientation
bull As a result even if they are aware they are hesitant to switch over to organic (green) agricultural practices
Constraining factorsFarmersrsquo point of view
The government perspective bull Changing the cropping and cultivation
patterns is slow and time-consuming process
bull Given the high levels of illiteracy and large number of small and marginal farmers it makes the change process difficult
bull Subsidies on chemical fertilizers and pesticide impede the growth of organic agriculture
Major Limitations under Punjab conditions
bull Bulky nature of organic manurebull Divergent nutritional valuebull Small land holdingbull Lack of awareness among farmersbull Marketing of organic producebull Labour and cost intensivebull Low incentives from governmentbull Non availability of bio pesticides
Major Limitations------contd
bull Dramatic and large benefits in terms of yield and returns
bull Cultivation of high nutrient responsive cultivers
bull Promotion of biological agentsbull Urgency to meet food security
Why farmers are reluctant to adopt organic farming in Punjab
bull Perceived high costs of doing organic farming due to incomplete knowledge about principles and practices of organic agriculture among farmers They were arranging inputs from outside
bull Non-availability of adequate quantities of organic manures and other organic inputs in the local market
bull Knowledge of organic farming has not filtered down to actual users ie small farmers and the information reached to target groups is often not backed by scientifically proven results
bull Complex and costly procedures of certificationbull Risk involved in marketing of organic produce
Discussion points
bull What arguments are there in favour of organic agriculture in India
bull What vested interests would oppose the growth of organic agricultures and why
bull What strategies could be employed to further promote the greening of agriculture in India
Can India adopt organic farming in a big way
bull Is organic farming non-scientific and unproven bull Does practicing organic farming means reduced yield bull Why were crop yields low before invention of Agro-
chemicals bull How is organic farming different from conventional bull What are the strengths and weaknesses of organic
farming
bull Where is the large quantity of compost for OF bull Does the soil fertility decline when fertilizers are
not used bull Scientifically where crop nutrients come from in
organic farming bull How are crops protected in organic farming bull Why restricted when India is a low user bull Where are the evidences that high yields are
possible in organic farming bull Is organic farming labour intensive
Conclusion Sustainable economic and eco friendly approach
Minimum risk of residual toxicity
Improvement in soil fertility with high yield quality produce Maintenance of organic matter content of the soil
Reduced energy use
Increased yields without over reliance on costly inputs
SummaryOrganic agriculture is not for everyone Yet it is a viable approach that can be beneficial It canbull Be particularly useful in the more difficult environments where resources are scarce and cultivation problematicbull Potentially reduce risks bya) ldquolocalizingrdquo input productionb) fostering soil and water conservationc) encouraging diversification (food security)bull Improve ability to compete in todayrsquos fast globalizing standards-critical trade
Strategies needed to promote organic farming in India
bull Adequate research and extension support needs to be providedbull Research to quantify the role of organic farming in minimizing the
ill effects of modern agriculture and its effect on environment bull Helping farmers to promote organic farmingbull Government should recognize agriculture in Kyoto protocol
carbon credit mechanismbull Developing infrastructure for supply chain and ensuring
competitive price for organic productsbull Capacity building through on farm demonstrations and trainingsbull Government support in cheaper access to organic certificates
Thanks
3 Farmyard manure slurry urine Restricted
4 Fish and fish products without preservatives Restricted
5 Guano Restricted
6 Human excreta Restricted
7 Wood bark sawdust wood ash wood charcoal Restricted
8 Straw animal charcoal compost and spent mushroom and vermiculture substances
Restricted
9 Compost from organic household Restricted
10 Compost from plant residues Restricted
11 Sea weed and sea weed products
By products from the industries
1 By- products from the food and textile industries of biodegradable material of microbial plant or animal origin without any systematic additives
Restricted
2 By products from oil palm coconut and cocoa (including fruit bunch palm oil mill effluent cocoa peat and empty coca pods
Restricted
3 By products of industries processing ingredients from organic agriculture Restricted
4 Extracts from mushroom chlorella fermented product from Aspergillus natural acids (vinegar)
Restricted
Mineral Origin
Basic slag Restricted
Calcareous and magnesium rock Restricted
Lime limestone gypsum Restricted
Calcified sea weed Restricted
Calcium chloride Restricted
Mineral potassium with low chlorine content (eg sulphate of potash kainite sylvinite patenkali)
Restricted
Natural phosphates (rock phosphate) Restricted
Trace elements Permitted
Sulphur Permitted
Clay (bentonite perlite zeolite) Permitted
Microbiological origin
Bacterial preparation (bio fertilizers) Permitted
Biodynamic preparations Permitted
Plant preparation and botanical extracts Permitted
Products for plant pest and disease controlItems Condition
for use
Material from plant and animal origin
Plant based repellents (Neem preparations from Azadirachta indica
Permitted
Algal preparations (gelatine) Permitted
Casein Permitted
Extracts from mushroom chlorella fermented products from Aspergillus
Permitted
Propolis Restricted
Beeswax natural acids (vinegar) plant oils Quassia Permitted
Rotenone from Derris elliptica Lonchocarpus Trphrosia spp
Restricted
Tobacco tea (pure nicotine prohibited Restricted
Preparation from Rryania species Restricted
Items Condition for use
Mineral Origin
Chloride of limesoda Restricted
Burgundy mixture Restricted
Clay (bentonite perlite ermiculite zeolite Permitted
Copper saltsinorganic salts (Bordeaux mix copper hydroxide copper oxychloride)
Not allowed
Quick lime Restricted
Mineral Origin
Diatomaceous earth Permitted
Light mineral oils Restricted
Permagnate of potash Restricted
Insect Origin
Release of parasites predators of insect pests Restricted
Sterilized insects Restricted
Sterlized insects males Not allowed
Items Condition for use
Microorganisms used for biological pest control
Viral fungal and bacterial preparations (biopesticides) Restricted
Others
Carbon dioxide and nitrogen gas Permitted
Soft soap soda sulphur dioxide Permitted
Homeopathic and ayurvedic preparations Permitted
Herbal and biodynamic preparations Permitted
Sea salt and salty water Permitted
Ethyl alcohol Not allowed
Traps barriers and repellants
Physical methods (eg chromatic traps mechanical traps)
Permitted
Mulches nets Permitted
Pheromones-in traps and dispensers only Permitted
Average nutrient content of organic manures
Source of Nutrition Percentage composition
Organic manure N P2O5 K2O
Farmyard Manure 05 02 05
Farm compost 05 015 05
Town compost 14 100 14
Night soil 55 40 20
Vermicompost 30 00 15
Crop residues -
Bio gas slurry 15-20 10 1
Rock phosphate - 25-30 -
Source of Nutrition
Percentage composition
Non edible oil cake
N P2O5 K2O
Castor cake 43 18 13
Cotton seed cake 39 18 16
Karanj or honge cake 39 09 12
Mahua cake 25 08 18
Neem cake 52 10 14
Safflower cake 49 14 12
Green Manure crops
San hamp (Crotolaria juncea) 23 05 180
Dhaincha ( Sesbnia aculeata) 35 06 120
Sesbania speciosa 271 053 221
Source of Nutrition Percentage composition
Green leaf manure N P2O5 K2O
Glycricidia (Gluicidia sepium) 276 028 46
Pongamia (Pongama glabra) 331 044 239
Gulmohur (Delonix glabra) 276 046 050
Neem (Azadirachta indica) 283 028 035
Animal based
Blood meal 10-12 1-2 100
Meat meal 105 25 05
Fish meal 4-10 3-9 03-15
Horn and hoof meal 13 - -
Raw bone meal 3-4 20-25 -
Steamed bone meal 1-2 25-30 -
bull Lack of technical know-howbull Lack of required amount BD preparations in marketbull Lack of awareness among people about hazards caused by use of agrochemicalsbull Bulky nature of BD preparations and compostbull In-situ production is not feasiblebull Lack of scientific data on the long-term benefits and limitations of biodynamic farmingbull Limited domestic market for bio-dynamically grown producebull Quality certification
Constraints
ConstraintsProducersrsquoDistributorsrsquoTradersrsquo point of view
bull Lack of proper infrastructure for distribution and conservation of bio-inputs is a major constraint that hinders the access of these inputs to farmers
bull Some climatic regions and soil conditions are not suitable for specific strains of organic production
bull Given the mandated period of around three years for a conventional farm to become an organic farm the benefits perceived by farmers tend to be limited as they have a short term orientation
bull As a result even if they are aware they are hesitant to switch over to organic (green) agricultural practices
Constraining factorsFarmersrsquo point of view
The government perspective bull Changing the cropping and cultivation
patterns is slow and time-consuming process
bull Given the high levels of illiteracy and large number of small and marginal farmers it makes the change process difficult
bull Subsidies on chemical fertilizers and pesticide impede the growth of organic agriculture
Major Limitations under Punjab conditions
bull Bulky nature of organic manurebull Divergent nutritional valuebull Small land holdingbull Lack of awareness among farmersbull Marketing of organic producebull Labour and cost intensivebull Low incentives from governmentbull Non availability of bio pesticides
Major Limitations------contd
bull Dramatic and large benefits in terms of yield and returns
bull Cultivation of high nutrient responsive cultivers
bull Promotion of biological agentsbull Urgency to meet food security
Why farmers are reluctant to adopt organic farming in Punjab
bull Perceived high costs of doing organic farming due to incomplete knowledge about principles and practices of organic agriculture among farmers They were arranging inputs from outside
bull Non-availability of adequate quantities of organic manures and other organic inputs in the local market
bull Knowledge of organic farming has not filtered down to actual users ie small farmers and the information reached to target groups is often not backed by scientifically proven results
bull Complex and costly procedures of certificationbull Risk involved in marketing of organic produce
Discussion points
bull What arguments are there in favour of organic agriculture in India
bull What vested interests would oppose the growth of organic agricultures and why
bull What strategies could be employed to further promote the greening of agriculture in India
Can India adopt organic farming in a big way
bull Is organic farming non-scientific and unproven bull Does practicing organic farming means reduced yield bull Why were crop yields low before invention of Agro-
chemicals bull How is organic farming different from conventional bull What are the strengths and weaknesses of organic
farming
bull Where is the large quantity of compost for OF bull Does the soil fertility decline when fertilizers are
not used bull Scientifically where crop nutrients come from in
organic farming bull How are crops protected in organic farming bull Why restricted when India is a low user bull Where are the evidences that high yields are
possible in organic farming bull Is organic farming labour intensive
Conclusion Sustainable economic and eco friendly approach
Minimum risk of residual toxicity
Improvement in soil fertility with high yield quality produce Maintenance of organic matter content of the soil
Reduced energy use
Increased yields without over reliance on costly inputs
SummaryOrganic agriculture is not for everyone Yet it is a viable approach that can be beneficial It canbull Be particularly useful in the more difficult environments where resources are scarce and cultivation problematicbull Potentially reduce risks bya) ldquolocalizingrdquo input productionb) fostering soil and water conservationc) encouraging diversification (food security)bull Improve ability to compete in todayrsquos fast globalizing standards-critical trade
Strategies needed to promote organic farming in India
bull Adequate research and extension support needs to be providedbull Research to quantify the role of organic farming in minimizing the
ill effects of modern agriculture and its effect on environment bull Helping farmers to promote organic farmingbull Government should recognize agriculture in Kyoto protocol
carbon credit mechanismbull Developing infrastructure for supply chain and ensuring
competitive price for organic productsbull Capacity building through on farm demonstrations and trainingsbull Government support in cheaper access to organic certificates
Thanks
Mineral Origin
Basic slag Restricted
Calcareous and magnesium rock Restricted
Lime limestone gypsum Restricted
Calcified sea weed Restricted
Calcium chloride Restricted
Mineral potassium with low chlorine content (eg sulphate of potash kainite sylvinite patenkali)
Restricted
Natural phosphates (rock phosphate) Restricted
Trace elements Permitted
Sulphur Permitted
Clay (bentonite perlite zeolite) Permitted
Microbiological origin
Bacterial preparation (bio fertilizers) Permitted
Biodynamic preparations Permitted
Plant preparation and botanical extracts Permitted
Products for plant pest and disease controlItems Condition
for use
Material from plant and animal origin
Plant based repellents (Neem preparations from Azadirachta indica
Permitted
Algal preparations (gelatine) Permitted
Casein Permitted
Extracts from mushroom chlorella fermented products from Aspergillus
Permitted
Propolis Restricted
Beeswax natural acids (vinegar) plant oils Quassia Permitted
Rotenone from Derris elliptica Lonchocarpus Trphrosia spp
Restricted
Tobacco tea (pure nicotine prohibited Restricted
Preparation from Rryania species Restricted
Items Condition for use
Mineral Origin
Chloride of limesoda Restricted
Burgundy mixture Restricted
Clay (bentonite perlite ermiculite zeolite Permitted
Copper saltsinorganic salts (Bordeaux mix copper hydroxide copper oxychloride)
Not allowed
Quick lime Restricted
Mineral Origin
Diatomaceous earth Permitted
Light mineral oils Restricted
Permagnate of potash Restricted
Insect Origin
Release of parasites predators of insect pests Restricted
Sterilized insects Restricted
Sterlized insects males Not allowed
Items Condition for use
Microorganisms used for biological pest control
Viral fungal and bacterial preparations (biopesticides) Restricted
Others
Carbon dioxide and nitrogen gas Permitted
Soft soap soda sulphur dioxide Permitted
Homeopathic and ayurvedic preparations Permitted
Herbal and biodynamic preparations Permitted
Sea salt and salty water Permitted
Ethyl alcohol Not allowed
Traps barriers and repellants
Physical methods (eg chromatic traps mechanical traps)
Permitted
Mulches nets Permitted
Pheromones-in traps and dispensers only Permitted
Average nutrient content of organic manures
Source of Nutrition Percentage composition
Organic manure N P2O5 K2O
Farmyard Manure 05 02 05
Farm compost 05 015 05
Town compost 14 100 14
Night soil 55 40 20
Vermicompost 30 00 15
Crop residues -
Bio gas slurry 15-20 10 1
Rock phosphate - 25-30 -
Source of Nutrition
Percentage composition
Non edible oil cake
N P2O5 K2O
Castor cake 43 18 13
Cotton seed cake 39 18 16
Karanj or honge cake 39 09 12
Mahua cake 25 08 18
Neem cake 52 10 14
Safflower cake 49 14 12
Green Manure crops
San hamp (Crotolaria juncea) 23 05 180
Dhaincha ( Sesbnia aculeata) 35 06 120
Sesbania speciosa 271 053 221
Source of Nutrition Percentage composition
Green leaf manure N P2O5 K2O
Glycricidia (Gluicidia sepium) 276 028 46
Pongamia (Pongama glabra) 331 044 239
Gulmohur (Delonix glabra) 276 046 050
Neem (Azadirachta indica) 283 028 035
Animal based
Blood meal 10-12 1-2 100
Meat meal 105 25 05
Fish meal 4-10 3-9 03-15
Horn and hoof meal 13 - -
Raw bone meal 3-4 20-25 -
Steamed bone meal 1-2 25-30 -
bull Lack of technical know-howbull Lack of required amount BD preparations in marketbull Lack of awareness among people about hazards caused by use of agrochemicalsbull Bulky nature of BD preparations and compostbull In-situ production is not feasiblebull Lack of scientific data on the long-term benefits and limitations of biodynamic farmingbull Limited domestic market for bio-dynamically grown producebull Quality certification
Constraints
ConstraintsProducersrsquoDistributorsrsquoTradersrsquo point of view
bull Lack of proper infrastructure for distribution and conservation of bio-inputs is a major constraint that hinders the access of these inputs to farmers
bull Some climatic regions and soil conditions are not suitable for specific strains of organic production
bull Given the mandated period of around three years for a conventional farm to become an organic farm the benefits perceived by farmers tend to be limited as they have a short term orientation
bull As a result even if they are aware they are hesitant to switch over to organic (green) agricultural practices
Constraining factorsFarmersrsquo point of view
The government perspective bull Changing the cropping and cultivation
patterns is slow and time-consuming process
bull Given the high levels of illiteracy and large number of small and marginal farmers it makes the change process difficult
bull Subsidies on chemical fertilizers and pesticide impede the growth of organic agriculture
Major Limitations under Punjab conditions
bull Bulky nature of organic manurebull Divergent nutritional valuebull Small land holdingbull Lack of awareness among farmersbull Marketing of organic producebull Labour and cost intensivebull Low incentives from governmentbull Non availability of bio pesticides
Major Limitations------contd
bull Dramatic and large benefits in terms of yield and returns
bull Cultivation of high nutrient responsive cultivers
bull Promotion of biological agentsbull Urgency to meet food security
Why farmers are reluctant to adopt organic farming in Punjab
bull Perceived high costs of doing organic farming due to incomplete knowledge about principles and practices of organic agriculture among farmers They were arranging inputs from outside
bull Non-availability of adequate quantities of organic manures and other organic inputs in the local market
bull Knowledge of organic farming has not filtered down to actual users ie small farmers and the information reached to target groups is often not backed by scientifically proven results
bull Complex and costly procedures of certificationbull Risk involved in marketing of organic produce
Discussion points
bull What arguments are there in favour of organic agriculture in India
bull What vested interests would oppose the growth of organic agricultures and why
bull What strategies could be employed to further promote the greening of agriculture in India
Can India adopt organic farming in a big way
bull Is organic farming non-scientific and unproven bull Does practicing organic farming means reduced yield bull Why were crop yields low before invention of Agro-
chemicals bull How is organic farming different from conventional bull What are the strengths and weaknesses of organic
farming
bull Where is the large quantity of compost for OF bull Does the soil fertility decline when fertilizers are
not used bull Scientifically where crop nutrients come from in
organic farming bull How are crops protected in organic farming bull Why restricted when India is a low user bull Where are the evidences that high yields are
possible in organic farming bull Is organic farming labour intensive
Conclusion Sustainable economic and eco friendly approach
Minimum risk of residual toxicity
Improvement in soil fertility with high yield quality produce Maintenance of organic matter content of the soil
Reduced energy use
Increased yields without over reliance on costly inputs
SummaryOrganic agriculture is not for everyone Yet it is a viable approach that can be beneficial It canbull Be particularly useful in the more difficult environments where resources are scarce and cultivation problematicbull Potentially reduce risks bya) ldquolocalizingrdquo input productionb) fostering soil and water conservationc) encouraging diversification (food security)bull Improve ability to compete in todayrsquos fast globalizing standards-critical trade
Strategies needed to promote organic farming in India
bull Adequate research and extension support needs to be providedbull Research to quantify the role of organic farming in minimizing the
ill effects of modern agriculture and its effect on environment bull Helping farmers to promote organic farmingbull Government should recognize agriculture in Kyoto protocol
carbon credit mechanismbull Developing infrastructure for supply chain and ensuring
competitive price for organic productsbull Capacity building through on farm demonstrations and trainingsbull Government support in cheaper access to organic certificates
Thanks
Products for plant pest and disease controlItems Condition
for use
Material from plant and animal origin
Plant based repellents (Neem preparations from Azadirachta indica
Permitted
Algal preparations (gelatine) Permitted
Casein Permitted
Extracts from mushroom chlorella fermented products from Aspergillus
Permitted
Propolis Restricted
Beeswax natural acids (vinegar) plant oils Quassia Permitted
Rotenone from Derris elliptica Lonchocarpus Trphrosia spp
Restricted
Tobacco tea (pure nicotine prohibited Restricted
Preparation from Rryania species Restricted
Items Condition for use
Mineral Origin
Chloride of limesoda Restricted
Burgundy mixture Restricted
Clay (bentonite perlite ermiculite zeolite Permitted
Copper saltsinorganic salts (Bordeaux mix copper hydroxide copper oxychloride)
Not allowed
Quick lime Restricted
Mineral Origin
Diatomaceous earth Permitted
Light mineral oils Restricted
Permagnate of potash Restricted
Insect Origin
Release of parasites predators of insect pests Restricted
Sterilized insects Restricted
Sterlized insects males Not allowed
Items Condition for use
Microorganisms used for biological pest control
Viral fungal and bacterial preparations (biopesticides) Restricted
Others
Carbon dioxide and nitrogen gas Permitted
Soft soap soda sulphur dioxide Permitted
Homeopathic and ayurvedic preparations Permitted
Herbal and biodynamic preparations Permitted
Sea salt and salty water Permitted
Ethyl alcohol Not allowed
Traps barriers and repellants
Physical methods (eg chromatic traps mechanical traps)
Permitted
Mulches nets Permitted
Pheromones-in traps and dispensers only Permitted
Average nutrient content of organic manures
Source of Nutrition Percentage composition
Organic manure N P2O5 K2O
Farmyard Manure 05 02 05
Farm compost 05 015 05
Town compost 14 100 14
Night soil 55 40 20
Vermicompost 30 00 15
Crop residues -
Bio gas slurry 15-20 10 1
Rock phosphate - 25-30 -
Source of Nutrition
Percentage composition
Non edible oil cake
N P2O5 K2O
Castor cake 43 18 13
Cotton seed cake 39 18 16
Karanj or honge cake 39 09 12
Mahua cake 25 08 18
Neem cake 52 10 14
Safflower cake 49 14 12
Green Manure crops
San hamp (Crotolaria juncea) 23 05 180
Dhaincha ( Sesbnia aculeata) 35 06 120
Sesbania speciosa 271 053 221
Source of Nutrition Percentage composition
Green leaf manure N P2O5 K2O
Glycricidia (Gluicidia sepium) 276 028 46
Pongamia (Pongama glabra) 331 044 239
Gulmohur (Delonix glabra) 276 046 050
Neem (Azadirachta indica) 283 028 035
Animal based
Blood meal 10-12 1-2 100
Meat meal 105 25 05
Fish meal 4-10 3-9 03-15
Horn and hoof meal 13 - -
Raw bone meal 3-4 20-25 -
Steamed bone meal 1-2 25-30 -
bull Lack of technical know-howbull Lack of required amount BD preparations in marketbull Lack of awareness among people about hazards caused by use of agrochemicalsbull Bulky nature of BD preparations and compostbull In-situ production is not feasiblebull Lack of scientific data on the long-term benefits and limitations of biodynamic farmingbull Limited domestic market for bio-dynamically grown producebull Quality certification
Constraints
ConstraintsProducersrsquoDistributorsrsquoTradersrsquo point of view
bull Lack of proper infrastructure for distribution and conservation of bio-inputs is a major constraint that hinders the access of these inputs to farmers
bull Some climatic regions and soil conditions are not suitable for specific strains of organic production
bull Given the mandated period of around three years for a conventional farm to become an organic farm the benefits perceived by farmers tend to be limited as they have a short term orientation
bull As a result even if they are aware they are hesitant to switch over to organic (green) agricultural practices
Constraining factorsFarmersrsquo point of view
The government perspective bull Changing the cropping and cultivation
patterns is slow and time-consuming process
bull Given the high levels of illiteracy and large number of small and marginal farmers it makes the change process difficult
bull Subsidies on chemical fertilizers and pesticide impede the growth of organic agriculture
Major Limitations under Punjab conditions
bull Bulky nature of organic manurebull Divergent nutritional valuebull Small land holdingbull Lack of awareness among farmersbull Marketing of organic producebull Labour and cost intensivebull Low incentives from governmentbull Non availability of bio pesticides
Major Limitations------contd
bull Dramatic and large benefits in terms of yield and returns
bull Cultivation of high nutrient responsive cultivers
bull Promotion of biological agentsbull Urgency to meet food security
Why farmers are reluctant to adopt organic farming in Punjab
bull Perceived high costs of doing organic farming due to incomplete knowledge about principles and practices of organic agriculture among farmers They were arranging inputs from outside
bull Non-availability of adequate quantities of organic manures and other organic inputs in the local market
bull Knowledge of organic farming has not filtered down to actual users ie small farmers and the information reached to target groups is often not backed by scientifically proven results
bull Complex and costly procedures of certificationbull Risk involved in marketing of organic produce
Discussion points
bull What arguments are there in favour of organic agriculture in India
bull What vested interests would oppose the growth of organic agricultures and why
bull What strategies could be employed to further promote the greening of agriculture in India
Can India adopt organic farming in a big way
bull Is organic farming non-scientific and unproven bull Does practicing organic farming means reduced yield bull Why were crop yields low before invention of Agro-
chemicals bull How is organic farming different from conventional bull What are the strengths and weaknesses of organic
farming
bull Where is the large quantity of compost for OF bull Does the soil fertility decline when fertilizers are
not used bull Scientifically where crop nutrients come from in
organic farming bull How are crops protected in organic farming bull Why restricted when India is a low user bull Where are the evidences that high yields are
possible in organic farming bull Is organic farming labour intensive
Conclusion Sustainable economic and eco friendly approach
Minimum risk of residual toxicity
Improvement in soil fertility with high yield quality produce Maintenance of organic matter content of the soil
Reduced energy use
Increased yields without over reliance on costly inputs
SummaryOrganic agriculture is not for everyone Yet it is a viable approach that can be beneficial It canbull Be particularly useful in the more difficult environments where resources are scarce and cultivation problematicbull Potentially reduce risks bya) ldquolocalizingrdquo input productionb) fostering soil and water conservationc) encouraging diversification (food security)bull Improve ability to compete in todayrsquos fast globalizing standards-critical trade
Strategies needed to promote organic farming in India
bull Adequate research and extension support needs to be providedbull Research to quantify the role of organic farming in minimizing the
ill effects of modern agriculture and its effect on environment bull Helping farmers to promote organic farmingbull Government should recognize agriculture in Kyoto protocol
carbon credit mechanismbull Developing infrastructure for supply chain and ensuring
competitive price for organic productsbull Capacity building through on farm demonstrations and trainingsbull Government support in cheaper access to organic certificates
Thanks
Items Condition for use
Mineral Origin
Chloride of limesoda Restricted
Burgundy mixture Restricted
Clay (bentonite perlite ermiculite zeolite Permitted
Copper saltsinorganic salts (Bordeaux mix copper hydroxide copper oxychloride)
Not allowed
Quick lime Restricted
Mineral Origin
Diatomaceous earth Permitted
Light mineral oils Restricted
Permagnate of potash Restricted
Insect Origin
Release of parasites predators of insect pests Restricted
Sterilized insects Restricted
Sterlized insects males Not allowed
Items Condition for use
Microorganisms used for biological pest control
Viral fungal and bacterial preparations (biopesticides) Restricted
Others
Carbon dioxide and nitrogen gas Permitted
Soft soap soda sulphur dioxide Permitted
Homeopathic and ayurvedic preparations Permitted
Herbal and biodynamic preparations Permitted
Sea salt and salty water Permitted
Ethyl alcohol Not allowed
Traps barriers and repellants
Physical methods (eg chromatic traps mechanical traps)
Permitted
Mulches nets Permitted
Pheromones-in traps and dispensers only Permitted
Average nutrient content of organic manures
Source of Nutrition Percentage composition
Organic manure N P2O5 K2O
Farmyard Manure 05 02 05
Farm compost 05 015 05
Town compost 14 100 14
Night soil 55 40 20
Vermicompost 30 00 15
Crop residues -
Bio gas slurry 15-20 10 1
Rock phosphate - 25-30 -
Source of Nutrition
Percentage composition
Non edible oil cake
N P2O5 K2O
Castor cake 43 18 13
Cotton seed cake 39 18 16
Karanj or honge cake 39 09 12
Mahua cake 25 08 18
Neem cake 52 10 14
Safflower cake 49 14 12
Green Manure crops
San hamp (Crotolaria juncea) 23 05 180
Dhaincha ( Sesbnia aculeata) 35 06 120
Sesbania speciosa 271 053 221
Source of Nutrition Percentage composition
Green leaf manure N P2O5 K2O
Glycricidia (Gluicidia sepium) 276 028 46
Pongamia (Pongama glabra) 331 044 239
Gulmohur (Delonix glabra) 276 046 050
Neem (Azadirachta indica) 283 028 035
Animal based
Blood meal 10-12 1-2 100
Meat meal 105 25 05
Fish meal 4-10 3-9 03-15
Horn and hoof meal 13 - -
Raw bone meal 3-4 20-25 -
Steamed bone meal 1-2 25-30 -
bull Lack of technical know-howbull Lack of required amount BD preparations in marketbull Lack of awareness among people about hazards caused by use of agrochemicalsbull Bulky nature of BD preparations and compostbull In-situ production is not feasiblebull Lack of scientific data on the long-term benefits and limitations of biodynamic farmingbull Limited domestic market for bio-dynamically grown producebull Quality certification
Constraints
ConstraintsProducersrsquoDistributorsrsquoTradersrsquo point of view
bull Lack of proper infrastructure for distribution and conservation of bio-inputs is a major constraint that hinders the access of these inputs to farmers
bull Some climatic regions and soil conditions are not suitable for specific strains of organic production
bull Given the mandated period of around three years for a conventional farm to become an organic farm the benefits perceived by farmers tend to be limited as they have a short term orientation
bull As a result even if they are aware they are hesitant to switch over to organic (green) agricultural practices
Constraining factorsFarmersrsquo point of view
The government perspective bull Changing the cropping and cultivation
patterns is slow and time-consuming process
bull Given the high levels of illiteracy and large number of small and marginal farmers it makes the change process difficult
bull Subsidies on chemical fertilizers and pesticide impede the growth of organic agriculture
Major Limitations under Punjab conditions
bull Bulky nature of organic manurebull Divergent nutritional valuebull Small land holdingbull Lack of awareness among farmersbull Marketing of organic producebull Labour and cost intensivebull Low incentives from governmentbull Non availability of bio pesticides
Major Limitations------contd
bull Dramatic and large benefits in terms of yield and returns
bull Cultivation of high nutrient responsive cultivers
bull Promotion of biological agentsbull Urgency to meet food security
Why farmers are reluctant to adopt organic farming in Punjab
bull Perceived high costs of doing organic farming due to incomplete knowledge about principles and practices of organic agriculture among farmers They were arranging inputs from outside
bull Non-availability of adequate quantities of organic manures and other organic inputs in the local market
bull Knowledge of organic farming has not filtered down to actual users ie small farmers and the information reached to target groups is often not backed by scientifically proven results
bull Complex and costly procedures of certificationbull Risk involved in marketing of organic produce
Discussion points
bull What arguments are there in favour of organic agriculture in India
bull What vested interests would oppose the growth of organic agricultures and why
bull What strategies could be employed to further promote the greening of agriculture in India
Can India adopt organic farming in a big way
bull Is organic farming non-scientific and unproven bull Does practicing organic farming means reduced yield bull Why were crop yields low before invention of Agro-
chemicals bull How is organic farming different from conventional bull What are the strengths and weaknesses of organic
farming
bull Where is the large quantity of compost for OF bull Does the soil fertility decline when fertilizers are
not used bull Scientifically where crop nutrients come from in
organic farming bull How are crops protected in organic farming bull Why restricted when India is a low user bull Where are the evidences that high yields are
possible in organic farming bull Is organic farming labour intensive
Conclusion Sustainable economic and eco friendly approach
Minimum risk of residual toxicity
Improvement in soil fertility with high yield quality produce Maintenance of organic matter content of the soil
Reduced energy use
Increased yields without over reliance on costly inputs
SummaryOrganic agriculture is not for everyone Yet it is a viable approach that can be beneficial It canbull Be particularly useful in the more difficult environments where resources are scarce and cultivation problematicbull Potentially reduce risks bya) ldquolocalizingrdquo input productionb) fostering soil and water conservationc) encouraging diversification (food security)bull Improve ability to compete in todayrsquos fast globalizing standards-critical trade
Strategies needed to promote organic farming in India
bull Adequate research and extension support needs to be providedbull Research to quantify the role of organic farming in minimizing the
ill effects of modern agriculture and its effect on environment bull Helping farmers to promote organic farmingbull Government should recognize agriculture in Kyoto protocol
carbon credit mechanismbull Developing infrastructure for supply chain and ensuring
competitive price for organic productsbull Capacity building through on farm demonstrations and trainingsbull Government support in cheaper access to organic certificates
Thanks
Items Condition for use
Microorganisms used for biological pest control
Viral fungal and bacterial preparations (biopesticides) Restricted
Others
Carbon dioxide and nitrogen gas Permitted
Soft soap soda sulphur dioxide Permitted
Homeopathic and ayurvedic preparations Permitted
Herbal and biodynamic preparations Permitted
Sea salt and salty water Permitted
Ethyl alcohol Not allowed
Traps barriers and repellants
Physical methods (eg chromatic traps mechanical traps)
Permitted
Mulches nets Permitted
Pheromones-in traps and dispensers only Permitted
Average nutrient content of organic manures
Source of Nutrition Percentage composition
Organic manure N P2O5 K2O
Farmyard Manure 05 02 05
Farm compost 05 015 05
Town compost 14 100 14
Night soil 55 40 20
Vermicompost 30 00 15
Crop residues -
Bio gas slurry 15-20 10 1
Rock phosphate - 25-30 -
Source of Nutrition
Percentage composition
Non edible oil cake
N P2O5 K2O
Castor cake 43 18 13
Cotton seed cake 39 18 16
Karanj or honge cake 39 09 12
Mahua cake 25 08 18
Neem cake 52 10 14
Safflower cake 49 14 12
Green Manure crops
San hamp (Crotolaria juncea) 23 05 180
Dhaincha ( Sesbnia aculeata) 35 06 120
Sesbania speciosa 271 053 221
Source of Nutrition Percentage composition
Green leaf manure N P2O5 K2O
Glycricidia (Gluicidia sepium) 276 028 46
Pongamia (Pongama glabra) 331 044 239
Gulmohur (Delonix glabra) 276 046 050
Neem (Azadirachta indica) 283 028 035
Animal based
Blood meal 10-12 1-2 100
Meat meal 105 25 05
Fish meal 4-10 3-9 03-15
Horn and hoof meal 13 - -
Raw bone meal 3-4 20-25 -
Steamed bone meal 1-2 25-30 -
bull Lack of technical know-howbull Lack of required amount BD preparations in marketbull Lack of awareness among people about hazards caused by use of agrochemicalsbull Bulky nature of BD preparations and compostbull In-situ production is not feasiblebull Lack of scientific data on the long-term benefits and limitations of biodynamic farmingbull Limited domestic market for bio-dynamically grown producebull Quality certification
Constraints
ConstraintsProducersrsquoDistributorsrsquoTradersrsquo point of view
bull Lack of proper infrastructure for distribution and conservation of bio-inputs is a major constraint that hinders the access of these inputs to farmers
bull Some climatic regions and soil conditions are not suitable for specific strains of organic production
bull Given the mandated period of around three years for a conventional farm to become an organic farm the benefits perceived by farmers tend to be limited as they have a short term orientation
bull As a result even if they are aware they are hesitant to switch over to organic (green) agricultural practices
Constraining factorsFarmersrsquo point of view
The government perspective bull Changing the cropping and cultivation
patterns is slow and time-consuming process
bull Given the high levels of illiteracy and large number of small and marginal farmers it makes the change process difficult
bull Subsidies on chemical fertilizers and pesticide impede the growth of organic agriculture
Major Limitations under Punjab conditions
bull Bulky nature of organic manurebull Divergent nutritional valuebull Small land holdingbull Lack of awareness among farmersbull Marketing of organic producebull Labour and cost intensivebull Low incentives from governmentbull Non availability of bio pesticides
Major Limitations------contd
bull Dramatic and large benefits in terms of yield and returns
bull Cultivation of high nutrient responsive cultivers
bull Promotion of biological agentsbull Urgency to meet food security
Why farmers are reluctant to adopt organic farming in Punjab
bull Perceived high costs of doing organic farming due to incomplete knowledge about principles and practices of organic agriculture among farmers They were arranging inputs from outside
bull Non-availability of adequate quantities of organic manures and other organic inputs in the local market
bull Knowledge of organic farming has not filtered down to actual users ie small farmers and the information reached to target groups is often not backed by scientifically proven results
bull Complex and costly procedures of certificationbull Risk involved in marketing of organic produce
Discussion points
bull What arguments are there in favour of organic agriculture in India
bull What vested interests would oppose the growth of organic agricultures and why
bull What strategies could be employed to further promote the greening of agriculture in India
Can India adopt organic farming in a big way
bull Is organic farming non-scientific and unproven bull Does practicing organic farming means reduced yield bull Why were crop yields low before invention of Agro-
chemicals bull How is organic farming different from conventional bull What are the strengths and weaknesses of organic
farming
bull Where is the large quantity of compost for OF bull Does the soil fertility decline when fertilizers are
not used bull Scientifically where crop nutrients come from in
organic farming bull How are crops protected in organic farming bull Why restricted when India is a low user bull Where are the evidences that high yields are
possible in organic farming bull Is organic farming labour intensive
Conclusion Sustainable economic and eco friendly approach
Minimum risk of residual toxicity
Improvement in soil fertility with high yield quality produce Maintenance of organic matter content of the soil
Reduced energy use
Increased yields without over reliance on costly inputs
SummaryOrganic agriculture is not for everyone Yet it is a viable approach that can be beneficial It canbull Be particularly useful in the more difficult environments where resources are scarce and cultivation problematicbull Potentially reduce risks bya) ldquolocalizingrdquo input productionb) fostering soil and water conservationc) encouraging diversification (food security)bull Improve ability to compete in todayrsquos fast globalizing standards-critical trade
Strategies needed to promote organic farming in India
bull Adequate research and extension support needs to be providedbull Research to quantify the role of organic farming in minimizing the
ill effects of modern agriculture and its effect on environment bull Helping farmers to promote organic farmingbull Government should recognize agriculture in Kyoto protocol
carbon credit mechanismbull Developing infrastructure for supply chain and ensuring
competitive price for organic productsbull Capacity building through on farm demonstrations and trainingsbull Government support in cheaper access to organic certificates
Thanks
Average nutrient content of organic manures
Source of Nutrition Percentage composition
Organic manure N P2O5 K2O
Farmyard Manure 05 02 05
Farm compost 05 015 05
Town compost 14 100 14
Night soil 55 40 20
Vermicompost 30 00 15
Crop residues -
Bio gas slurry 15-20 10 1
Rock phosphate - 25-30 -
Source of Nutrition
Percentage composition
Non edible oil cake
N P2O5 K2O
Castor cake 43 18 13
Cotton seed cake 39 18 16
Karanj or honge cake 39 09 12
Mahua cake 25 08 18
Neem cake 52 10 14
Safflower cake 49 14 12
Green Manure crops
San hamp (Crotolaria juncea) 23 05 180
Dhaincha ( Sesbnia aculeata) 35 06 120
Sesbania speciosa 271 053 221
Source of Nutrition Percentage composition
Green leaf manure N P2O5 K2O
Glycricidia (Gluicidia sepium) 276 028 46
Pongamia (Pongama glabra) 331 044 239
Gulmohur (Delonix glabra) 276 046 050
Neem (Azadirachta indica) 283 028 035
Animal based
Blood meal 10-12 1-2 100
Meat meal 105 25 05
Fish meal 4-10 3-9 03-15
Horn and hoof meal 13 - -
Raw bone meal 3-4 20-25 -
Steamed bone meal 1-2 25-30 -
bull Lack of technical know-howbull Lack of required amount BD preparations in marketbull Lack of awareness among people about hazards caused by use of agrochemicalsbull Bulky nature of BD preparations and compostbull In-situ production is not feasiblebull Lack of scientific data on the long-term benefits and limitations of biodynamic farmingbull Limited domestic market for bio-dynamically grown producebull Quality certification
Constraints
ConstraintsProducersrsquoDistributorsrsquoTradersrsquo point of view
bull Lack of proper infrastructure for distribution and conservation of bio-inputs is a major constraint that hinders the access of these inputs to farmers
bull Some climatic regions and soil conditions are not suitable for specific strains of organic production
bull Given the mandated period of around three years for a conventional farm to become an organic farm the benefits perceived by farmers tend to be limited as they have a short term orientation
bull As a result even if they are aware they are hesitant to switch over to organic (green) agricultural practices
Constraining factorsFarmersrsquo point of view
The government perspective bull Changing the cropping and cultivation
patterns is slow and time-consuming process
bull Given the high levels of illiteracy and large number of small and marginal farmers it makes the change process difficult
bull Subsidies on chemical fertilizers and pesticide impede the growth of organic agriculture
Major Limitations under Punjab conditions
bull Bulky nature of organic manurebull Divergent nutritional valuebull Small land holdingbull Lack of awareness among farmersbull Marketing of organic producebull Labour and cost intensivebull Low incentives from governmentbull Non availability of bio pesticides
Major Limitations------contd
bull Dramatic and large benefits in terms of yield and returns
bull Cultivation of high nutrient responsive cultivers
bull Promotion of biological agentsbull Urgency to meet food security
Why farmers are reluctant to adopt organic farming in Punjab
bull Perceived high costs of doing organic farming due to incomplete knowledge about principles and practices of organic agriculture among farmers They were arranging inputs from outside
bull Non-availability of adequate quantities of organic manures and other organic inputs in the local market
bull Knowledge of organic farming has not filtered down to actual users ie small farmers and the information reached to target groups is often not backed by scientifically proven results
bull Complex and costly procedures of certificationbull Risk involved in marketing of organic produce
Discussion points
bull What arguments are there in favour of organic agriculture in India
bull What vested interests would oppose the growth of organic agricultures and why
bull What strategies could be employed to further promote the greening of agriculture in India
Can India adopt organic farming in a big way
bull Is organic farming non-scientific and unproven bull Does practicing organic farming means reduced yield bull Why were crop yields low before invention of Agro-
chemicals bull How is organic farming different from conventional bull What are the strengths and weaknesses of organic
farming
bull Where is the large quantity of compost for OF bull Does the soil fertility decline when fertilizers are
not used bull Scientifically where crop nutrients come from in
organic farming bull How are crops protected in organic farming bull Why restricted when India is a low user bull Where are the evidences that high yields are
possible in organic farming bull Is organic farming labour intensive
Conclusion Sustainable economic and eco friendly approach
Minimum risk of residual toxicity
Improvement in soil fertility with high yield quality produce Maintenance of organic matter content of the soil
Reduced energy use
Increased yields without over reliance on costly inputs
SummaryOrganic agriculture is not for everyone Yet it is a viable approach that can be beneficial It canbull Be particularly useful in the more difficult environments where resources are scarce and cultivation problematicbull Potentially reduce risks bya) ldquolocalizingrdquo input productionb) fostering soil and water conservationc) encouraging diversification (food security)bull Improve ability to compete in todayrsquos fast globalizing standards-critical trade
Strategies needed to promote organic farming in India
bull Adequate research and extension support needs to be providedbull Research to quantify the role of organic farming in minimizing the
ill effects of modern agriculture and its effect on environment bull Helping farmers to promote organic farmingbull Government should recognize agriculture in Kyoto protocol
carbon credit mechanismbull Developing infrastructure for supply chain and ensuring
competitive price for organic productsbull Capacity building through on farm demonstrations and trainingsbull Government support in cheaper access to organic certificates
Thanks
Source of Nutrition
Percentage composition
Non edible oil cake
N P2O5 K2O
Castor cake 43 18 13
Cotton seed cake 39 18 16
Karanj or honge cake 39 09 12
Mahua cake 25 08 18
Neem cake 52 10 14
Safflower cake 49 14 12
Green Manure crops
San hamp (Crotolaria juncea) 23 05 180
Dhaincha ( Sesbnia aculeata) 35 06 120
Sesbania speciosa 271 053 221
Source of Nutrition Percentage composition
Green leaf manure N P2O5 K2O
Glycricidia (Gluicidia sepium) 276 028 46
Pongamia (Pongama glabra) 331 044 239
Gulmohur (Delonix glabra) 276 046 050
Neem (Azadirachta indica) 283 028 035
Animal based
Blood meal 10-12 1-2 100
Meat meal 105 25 05
Fish meal 4-10 3-9 03-15
Horn and hoof meal 13 - -
Raw bone meal 3-4 20-25 -
Steamed bone meal 1-2 25-30 -
bull Lack of technical know-howbull Lack of required amount BD preparations in marketbull Lack of awareness among people about hazards caused by use of agrochemicalsbull Bulky nature of BD preparations and compostbull In-situ production is not feasiblebull Lack of scientific data on the long-term benefits and limitations of biodynamic farmingbull Limited domestic market for bio-dynamically grown producebull Quality certification
Constraints
ConstraintsProducersrsquoDistributorsrsquoTradersrsquo point of view
bull Lack of proper infrastructure for distribution and conservation of bio-inputs is a major constraint that hinders the access of these inputs to farmers
bull Some climatic regions and soil conditions are not suitable for specific strains of organic production
bull Given the mandated period of around three years for a conventional farm to become an organic farm the benefits perceived by farmers tend to be limited as they have a short term orientation
bull As a result even if they are aware they are hesitant to switch over to organic (green) agricultural practices
Constraining factorsFarmersrsquo point of view
The government perspective bull Changing the cropping and cultivation
patterns is slow and time-consuming process
bull Given the high levels of illiteracy and large number of small and marginal farmers it makes the change process difficult
bull Subsidies on chemical fertilizers and pesticide impede the growth of organic agriculture
Major Limitations under Punjab conditions
bull Bulky nature of organic manurebull Divergent nutritional valuebull Small land holdingbull Lack of awareness among farmersbull Marketing of organic producebull Labour and cost intensivebull Low incentives from governmentbull Non availability of bio pesticides
Major Limitations------contd
bull Dramatic and large benefits in terms of yield and returns
bull Cultivation of high nutrient responsive cultivers
bull Promotion of biological agentsbull Urgency to meet food security
Why farmers are reluctant to adopt organic farming in Punjab
bull Perceived high costs of doing organic farming due to incomplete knowledge about principles and practices of organic agriculture among farmers They were arranging inputs from outside
bull Non-availability of adequate quantities of organic manures and other organic inputs in the local market
bull Knowledge of organic farming has not filtered down to actual users ie small farmers and the information reached to target groups is often not backed by scientifically proven results
bull Complex and costly procedures of certificationbull Risk involved in marketing of organic produce
Discussion points
bull What arguments are there in favour of organic agriculture in India
bull What vested interests would oppose the growth of organic agricultures and why
bull What strategies could be employed to further promote the greening of agriculture in India
Can India adopt organic farming in a big way
bull Is organic farming non-scientific and unproven bull Does practicing organic farming means reduced yield bull Why were crop yields low before invention of Agro-
chemicals bull How is organic farming different from conventional bull What are the strengths and weaknesses of organic
farming
bull Where is the large quantity of compost for OF bull Does the soil fertility decline when fertilizers are
not used bull Scientifically where crop nutrients come from in
organic farming bull How are crops protected in organic farming bull Why restricted when India is a low user bull Where are the evidences that high yields are
possible in organic farming bull Is organic farming labour intensive
Conclusion Sustainable economic and eco friendly approach
Minimum risk of residual toxicity
Improvement in soil fertility with high yield quality produce Maintenance of organic matter content of the soil
Reduced energy use
Increased yields without over reliance on costly inputs
SummaryOrganic agriculture is not for everyone Yet it is a viable approach that can be beneficial It canbull Be particularly useful in the more difficult environments where resources are scarce and cultivation problematicbull Potentially reduce risks bya) ldquolocalizingrdquo input productionb) fostering soil and water conservationc) encouraging diversification (food security)bull Improve ability to compete in todayrsquos fast globalizing standards-critical trade
Strategies needed to promote organic farming in India
bull Adequate research and extension support needs to be providedbull Research to quantify the role of organic farming in minimizing the
ill effects of modern agriculture and its effect on environment bull Helping farmers to promote organic farmingbull Government should recognize agriculture in Kyoto protocol
carbon credit mechanismbull Developing infrastructure for supply chain and ensuring
competitive price for organic productsbull Capacity building through on farm demonstrations and trainingsbull Government support in cheaper access to organic certificates
Thanks
Source of Nutrition Percentage composition
Green leaf manure N P2O5 K2O
Glycricidia (Gluicidia sepium) 276 028 46
Pongamia (Pongama glabra) 331 044 239
Gulmohur (Delonix glabra) 276 046 050
Neem (Azadirachta indica) 283 028 035
Animal based
Blood meal 10-12 1-2 100
Meat meal 105 25 05
Fish meal 4-10 3-9 03-15
Horn and hoof meal 13 - -
Raw bone meal 3-4 20-25 -
Steamed bone meal 1-2 25-30 -
bull Lack of technical know-howbull Lack of required amount BD preparations in marketbull Lack of awareness among people about hazards caused by use of agrochemicalsbull Bulky nature of BD preparations and compostbull In-situ production is not feasiblebull Lack of scientific data on the long-term benefits and limitations of biodynamic farmingbull Limited domestic market for bio-dynamically grown producebull Quality certification
Constraints
ConstraintsProducersrsquoDistributorsrsquoTradersrsquo point of view
bull Lack of proper infrastructure for distribution and conservation of bio-inputs is a major constraint that hinders the access of these inputs to farmers
bull Some climatic regions and soil conditions are not suitable for specific strains of organic production
bull Given the mandated period of around three years for a conventional farm to become an organic farm the benefits perceived by farmers tend to be limited as they have a short term orientation
bull As a result even if they are aware they are hesitant to switch over to organic (green) agricultural practices
Constraining factorsFarmersrsquo point of view
The government perspective bull Changing the cropping and cultivation
patterns is slow and time-consuming process
bull Given the high levels of illiteracy and large number of small and marginal farmers it makes the change process difficult
bull Subsidies on chemical fertilizers and pesticide impede the growth of organic agriculture
Major Limitations under Punjab conditions
bull Bulky nature of organic manurebull Divergent nutritional valuebull Small land holdingbull Lack of awareness among farmersbull Marketing of organic producebull Labour and cost intensivebull Low incentives from governmentbull Non availability of bio pesticides
Major Limitations------contd
bull Dramatic and large benefits in terms of yield and returns
bull Cultivation of high nutrient responsive cultivers
bull Promotion of biological agentsbull Urgency to meet food security
Why farmers are reluctant to adopt organic farming in Punjab
bull Perceived high costs of doing organic farming due to incomplete knowledge about principles and practices of organic agriculture among farmers They were arranging inputs from outside
bull Non-availability of adequate quantities of organic manures and other organic inputs in the local market
bull Knowledge of organic farming has not filtered down to actual users ie small farmers and the information reached to target groups is often not backed by scientifically proven results
bull Complex and costly procedures of certificationbull Risk involved in marketing of organic produce
Discussion points
bull What arguments are there in favour of organic agriculture in India
bull What vested interests would oppose the growth of organic agricultures and why
bull What strategies could be employed to further promote the greening of agriculture in India
Can India adopt organic farming in a big way
bull Is organic farming non-scientific and unproven bull Does practicing organic farming means reduced yield bull Why were crop yields low before invention of Agro-
chemicals bull How is organic farming different from conventional bull What are the strengths and weaknesses of organic
farming
bull Where is the large quantity of compost for OF bull Does the soil fertility decline when fertilizers are
not used bull Scientifically where crop nutrients come from in
organic farming bull How are crops protected in organic farming bull Why restricted when India is a low user bull Where are the evidences that high yields are
possible in organic farming bull Is organic farming labour intensive
Conclusion Sustainable economic and eco friendly approach
Minimum risk of residual toxicity
Improvement in soil fertility with high yield quality produce Maintenance of organic matter content of the soil
Reduced energy use
Increased yields without over reliance on costly inputs
SummaryOrganic agriculture is not for everyone Yet it is a viable approach that can be beneficial It canbull Be particularly useful in the more difficult environments where resources are scarce and cultivation problematicbull Potentially reduce risks bya) ldquolocalizingrdquo input productionb) fostering soil and water conservationc) encouraging diversification (food security)bull Improve ability to compete in todayrsquos fast globalizing standards-critical trade
Strategies needed to promote organic farming in India
bull Adequate research and extension support needs to be providedbull Research to quantify the role of organic farming in minimizing the
ill effects of modern agriculture and its effect on environment bull Helping farmers to promote organic farmingbull Government should recognize agriculture in Kyoto protocol
carbon credit mechanismbull Developing infrastructure for supply chain and ensuring
competitive price for organic productsbull Capacity building through on farm demonstrations and trainingsbull Government support in cheaper access to organic certificates
Thanks
bull Lack of technical know-howbull Lack of required amount BD preparations in marketbull Lack of awareness among people about hazards caused by use of agrochemicalsbull Bulky nature of BD preparations and compostbull In-situ production is not feasiblebull Lack of scientific data on the long-term benefits and limitations of biodynamic farmingbull Limited domestic market for bio-dynamically grown producebull Quality certification
Constraints
ConstraintsProducersrsquoDistributorsrsquoTradersrsquo point of view
bull Lack of proper infrastructure for distribution and conservation of bio-inputs is a major constraint that hinders the access of these inputs to farmers
bull Some climatic regions and soil conditions are not suitable for specific strains of organic production
bull Given the mandated period of around three years for a conventional farm to become an organic farm the benefits perceived by farmers tend to be limited as they have a short term orientation
bull As a result even if they are aware they are hesitant to switch over to organic (green) agricultural practices
Constraining factorsFarmersrsquo point of view
The government perspective bull Changing the cropping and cultivation
patterns is slow and time-consuming process
bull Given the high levels of illiteracy and large number of small and marginal farmers it makes the change process difficult
bull Subsidies on chemical fertilizers and pesticide impede the growth of organic agriculture
Major Limitations under Punjab conditions
bull Bulky nature of organic manurebull Divergent nutritional valuebull Small land holdingbull Lack of awareness among farmersbull Marketing of organic producebull Labour and cost intensivebull Low incentives from governmentbull Non availability of bio pesticides
Major Limitations------contd
bull Dramatic and large benefits in terms of yield and returns
bull Cultivation of high nutrient responsive cultivers
bull Promotion of biological agentsbull Urgency to meet food security
Why farmers are reluctant to adopt organic farming in Punjab
bull Perceived high costs of doing organic farming due to incomplete knowledge about principles and practices of organic agriculture among farmers They were arranging inputs from outside
bull Non-availability of adequate quantities of organic manures and other organic inputs in the local market
bull Knowledge of organic farming has not filtered down to actual users ie small farmers and the information reached to target groups is often not backed by scientifically proven results
bull Complex and costly procedures of certificationbull Risk involved in marketing of organic produce
Discussion points
bull What arguments are there in favour of organic agriculture in India
bull What vested interests would oppose the growth of organic agricultures and why
bull What strategies could be employed to further promote the greening of agriculture in India
Can India adopt organic farming in a big way
bull Is organic farming non-scientific and unproven bull Does practicing organic farming means reduced yield bull Why were crop yields low before invention of Agro-
chemicals bull How is organic farming different from conventional bull What are the strengths and weaknesses of organic
farming
bull Where is the large quantity of compost for OF bull Does the soil fertility decline when fertilizers are
not used bull Scientifically where crop nutrients come from in
organic farming bull How are crops protected in organic farming bull Why restricted when India is a low user bull Where are the evidences that high yields are
possible in organic farming bull Is organic farming labour intensive
Conclusion Sustainable economic and eco friendly approach
Minimum risk of residual toxicity
Improvement in soil fertility with high yield quality produce Maintenance of organic matter content of the soil
Reduced energy use
Increased yields without over reliance on costly inputs
SummaryOrganic agriculture is not for everyone Yet it is a viable approach that can be beneficial It canbull Be particularly useful in the more difficult environments where resources are scarce and cultivation problematicbull Potentially reduce risks bya) ldquolocalizingrdquo input productionb) fostering soil and water conservationc) encouraging diversification (food security)bull Improve ability to compete in todayrsquos fast globalizing standards-critical trade
Strategies needed to promote organic farming in India
bull Adequate research and extension support needs to be providedbull Research to quantify the role of organic farming in minimizing the
ill effects of modern agriculture and its effect on environment bull Helping farmers to promote organic farmingbull Government should recognize agriculture in Kyoto protocol
carbon credit mechanismbull Developing infrastructure for supply chain and ensuring
competitive price for organic productsbull Capacity building through on farm demonstrations and trainingsbull Government support in cheaper access to organic certificates
Thanks
ConstraintsProducersrsquoDistributorsrsquoTradersrsquo point of view
bull Lack of proper infrastructure for distribution and conservation of bio-inputs is a major constraint that hinders the access of these inputs to farmers
bull Some climatic regions and soil conditions are not suitable for specific strains of organic production
bull Given the mandated period of around three years for a conventional farm to become an organic farm the benefits perceived by farmers tend to be limited as they have a short term orientation
bull As a result even if they are aware they are hesitant to switch over to organic (green) agricultural practices
Constraining factorsFarmersrsquo point of view
The government perspective bull Changing the cropping and cultivation
patterns is slow and time-consuming process
bull Given the high levels of illiteracy and large number of small and marginal farmers it makes the change process difficult
bull Subsidies on chemical fertilizers and pesticide impede the growth of organic agriculture
Major Limitations under Punjab conditions
bull Bulky nature of organic manurebull Divergent nutritional valuebull Small land holdingbull Lack of awareness among farmersbull Marketing of organic producebull Labour and cost intensivebull Low incentives from governmentbull Non availability of bio pesticides
Major Limitations------contd
bull Dramatic and large benefits in terms of yield and returns
bull Cultivation of high nutrient responsive cultivers
bull Promotion of biological agentsbull Urgency to meet food security
Why farmers are reluctant to adopt organic farming in Punjab
bull Perceived high costs of doing organic farming due to incomplete knowledge about principles and practices of organic agriculture among farmers They were arranging inputs from outside
bull Non-availability of adequate quantities of organic manures and other organic inputs in the local market
bull Knowledge of organic farming has not filtered down to actual users ie small farmers and the information reached to target groups is often not backed by scientifically proven results
bull Complex and costly procedures of certificationbull Risk involved in marketing of organic produce
Discussion points
bull What arguments are there in favour of organic agriculture in India
bull What vested interests would oppose the growth of organic agricultures and why
bull What strategies could be employed to further promote the greening of agriculture in India
Can India adopt organic farming in a big way
bull Is organic farming non-scientific and unproven bull Does practicing organic farming means reduced yield bull Why were crop yields low before invention of Agro-
chemicals bull How is organic farming different from conventional bull What are the strengths and weaknesses of organic
farming
bull Where is the large quantity of compost for OF bull Does the soil fertility decline when fertilizers are
not used bull Scientifically where crop nutrients come from in
organic farming bull How are crops protected in organic farming bull Why restricted when India is a low user bull Where are the evidences that high yields are
possible in organic farming bull Is organic farming labour intensive
Conclusion Sustainable economic and eco friendly approach
Minimum risk of residual toxicity
Improvement in soil fertility with high yield quality produce Maintenance of organic matter content of the soil
Reduced energy use
Increased yields without over reliance on costly inputs
SummaryOrganic agriculture is not for everyone Yet it is a viable approach that can be beneficial It canbull Be particularly useful in the more difficult environments where resources are scarce and cultivation problematicbull Potentially reduce risks bya) ldquolocalizingrdquo input productionb) fostering soil and water conservationc) encouraging diversification (food security)bull Improve ability to compete in todayrsquos fast globalizing standards-critical trade
Strategies needed to promote organic farming in India
bull Adequate research and extension support needs to be providedbull Research to quantify the role of organic farming in minimizing the
ill effects of modern agriculture and its effect on environment bull Helping farmers to promote organic farmingbull Government should recognize agriculture in Kyoto protocol
carbon credit mechanismbull Developing infrastructure for supply chain and ensuring
competitive price for organic productsbull Capacity building through on farm demonstrations and trainingsbull Government support in cheaper access to organic certificates
Thanks
bull Given the mandated period of around three years for a conventional farm to become an organic farm the benefits perceived by farmers tend to be limited as they have a short term orientation
bull As a result even if they are aware they are hesitant to switch over to organic (green) agricultural practices
Constraining factorsFarmersrsquo point of view
The government perspective bull Changing the cropping and cultivation
patterns is slow and time-consuming process
bull Given the high levels of illiteracy and large number of small and marginal farmers it makes the change process difficult
bull Subsidies on chemical fertilizers and pesticide impede the growth of organic agriculture
Major Limitations under Punjab conditions
bull Bulky nature of organic manurebull Divergent nutritional valuebull Small land holdingbull Lack of awareness among farmersbull Marketing of organic producebull Labour and cost intensivebull Low incentives from governmentbull Non availability of bio pesticides
Major Limitations------contd
bull Dramatic and large benefits in terms of yield and returns
bull Cultivation of high nutrient responsive cultivers
bull Promotion of biological agentsbull Urgency to meet food security
Why farmers are reluctant to adopt organic farming in Punjab
bull Perceived high costs of doing organic farming due to incomplete knowledge about principles and practices of organic agriculture among farmers They were arranging inputs from outside
bull Non-availability of adequate quantities of organic manures and other organic inputs in the local market
bull Knowledge of organic farming has not filtered down to actual users ie small farmers and the information reached to target groups is often not backed by scientifically proven results
bull Complex and costly procedures of certificationbull Risk involved in marketing of organic produce
Discussion points
bull What arguments are there in favour of organic agriculture in India
bull What vested interests would oppose the growth of organic agricultures and why
bull What strategies could be employed to further promote the greening of agriculture in India
Can India adopt organic farming in a big way
bull Is organic farming non-scientific and unproven bull Does practicing organic farming means reduced yield bull Why were crop yields low before invention of Agro-
chemicals bull How is organic farming different from conventional bull What are the strengths and weaknesses of organic
farming
bull Where is the large quantity of compost for OF bull Does the soil fertility decline when fertilizers are
not used bull Scientifically where crop nutrients come from in
organic farming bull How are crops protected in organic farming bull Why restricted when India is a low user bull Where are the evidences that high yields are
possible in organic farming bull Is organic farming labour intensive
Conclusion Sustainable economic and eco friendly approach
Minimum risk of residual toxicity
Improvement in soil fertility with high yield quality produce Maintenance of organic matter content of the soil
Reduced energy use
Increased yields without over reliance on costly inputs
SummaryOrganic agriculture is not for everyone Yet it is a viable approach that can be beneficial It canbull Be particularly useful in the more difficult environments where resources are scarce and cultivation problematicbull Potentially reduce risks bya) ldquolocalizingrdquo input productionb) fostering soil and water conservationc) encouraging diversification (food security)bull Improve ability to compete in todayrsquos fast globalizing standards-critical trade
Strategies needed to promote organic farming in India
bull Adequate research and extension support needs to be providedbull Research to quantify the role of organic farming in minimizing the
ill effects of modern agriculture and its effect on environment bull Helping farmers to promote organic farmingbull Government should recognize agriculture in Kyoto protocol
carbon credit mechanismbull Developing infrastructure for supply chain and ensuring
competitive price for organic productsbull Capacity building through on farm demonstrations and trainingsbull Government support in cheaper access to organic certificates
Thanks
The government perspective bull Changing the cropping and cultivation
patterns is slow and time-consuming process
bull Given the high levels of illiteracy and large number of small and marginal farmers it makes the change process difficult
bull Subsidies on chemical fertilizers and pesticide impede the growth of organic agriculture
Major Limitations under Punjab conditions
bull Bulky nature of organic manurebull Divergent nutritional valuebull Small land holdingbull Lack of awareness among farmersbull Marketing of organic producebull Labour and cost intensivebull Low incentives from governmentbull Non availability of bio pesticides
Major Limitations------contd
bull Dramatic and large benefits in terms of yield and returns
bull Cultivation of high nutrient responsive cultivers
bull Promotion of biological agentsbull Urgency to meet food security
Why farmers are reluctant to adopt organic farming in Punjab
bull Perceived high costs of doing organic farming due to incomplete knowledge about principles and practices of organic agriculture among farmers They were arranging inputs from outside
bull Non-availability of adequate quantities of organic manures and other organic inputs in the local market
bull Knowledge of organic farming has not filtered down to actual users ie small farmers and the information reached to target groups is often not backed by scientifically proven results
bull Complex and costly procedures of certificationbull Risk involved in marketing of organic produce
Discussion points
bull What arguments are there in favour of organic agriculture in India
bull What vested interests would oppose the growth of organic agricultures and why
bull What strategies could be employed to further promote the greening of agriculture in India
Can India adopt organic farming in a big way
bull Is organic farming non-scientific and unproven bull Does practicing organic farming means reduced yield bull Why were crop yields low before invention of Agro-
chemicals bull How is organic farming different from conventional bull What are the strengths and weaknesses of organic
farming
bull Where is the large quantity of compost for OF bull Does the soil fertility decline when fertilizers are
not used bull Scientifically where crop nutrients come from in
organic farming bull How are crops protected in organic farming bull Why restricted when India is a low user bull Where are the evidences that high yields are
possible in organic farming bull Is organic farming labour intensive
Conclusion Sustainable economic and eco friendly approach
Minimum risk of residual toxicity
Improvement in soil fertility with high yield quality produce Maintenance of organic matter content of the soil
Reduced energy use
Increased yields without over reliance on costly inputs
SummaryOrganic agriculture is not for everyone Yet it is a viable approach that can be beneficial It canbull Be particularly useful in the more difficult environments where resources are scarce and cultivation problematicbull Potentially reduce risks bya) ldquolocalizingrdquo input productionb) fostering soil and water conservationc) encouraging diversification (food security)bull Improve ability to compete in todayrsquos fast globalizing standards-critical trade
Strategies needed to promote organic farming in India
bull Adequate research and extension support needs to be providedbull Research to quantify the role of organic farming in minimizing the
ill effects of modern agriculture and its effect on environment bull Helping farmers to promote organic farmingbull Government should recognize agriculture in Kyoto protocol
carbon credit mechanismbull Developing infrastructure for supply chain and ensuring
competitive price for organic productsbull Capacity building through on farm demonstrations and trainingsbull Government support in cheaper access to organic certificates
Thanks
Major Limitations under Punjab conditions
bull Bulky nature of organic manurebull Divergent nutritional valuebull Small land holdingbull Lack of awareness among farmersbull Marketing of organic producebull Labour and cost intensivebull Low incentives from governmentbull Non availability of bio pesticides
Major Limitations------contd
bull Dramatic and large benefits in terms of yield and returns
bull Cultivation of high nutrient responsive cultivers
bull Promotion of biological agentsbull Urgency to meet food security
Why farmers are reluctant to adopt organic farming in Punjab
bull Perceived high costs of doing organic farming due to incomplete knowledge about principles and practices of organic agriculture among farmers They were arranging inputs from outside
bull Non-availability of adequate quantities of organic manures and other organic inputs in the local market
bull Knowledge of organic farming has not filtered down to actual users ie small farmers and the information reached to target groups is often not backed by scientifically proven results
bull Complex and costly procedures of certificationbull Risk involved in marketing of organic produce
Discussion points
bull What arguments are there in favour of organic agriculture in India
bull What vested interests would oppose the growth of organic agricultures and why
bull What strategies could be employed to further promote the greening of agriculture in India
Can India adopt organic farming in a big way
bull Is organic farming non-scientific and unproven bull Does practicing organic farming means reduced yield bull Why were crop yields low before invention of Agro-
chemicals bull How is organic farming different from conventional bull What are the strengths and weaknesses of organic
farming
bull Where is the large quantity of compost for OF bull Does the soil fertility decline when fertilizers are
not used bull Scientifically where crop nutrients come from in
organic farming bull How are crops protected in organic farming bull Why restricted when India is a low user bull Where are the evidences that high yields are
possible in organic farming bull Is organic farming labour intensive
Conclusion Sustainable economic and eco friendly approach
Minimum risk of residual toxicity
Improvement in soil fertility with high yield quality produce Maintenance of organic matter content of the soil
Reduced energy use
Increased yields without over reliance on costly inputs
SummaryOrganic agriculture is not for everyone Yet it is a viable approach that can be beneficial It canbull Be particularly useful in the more difficult environments where resources are scarce and cultivation problematicbull Potentially reduce risks bya) ldquolocalizingrdquo input productionb) fostering soil and water conservationc) encouraging diversification (food security)bull Improve ability to compete in todayrsquos fast globalizing standards-critical trade
Strategies needed to promote organic farming in India
bull Adequate research and extension support needs to be providedbull Research to quantify the role of organic farming in minimizing the
ill effects of modern agriculture and its effect on environment bull Helping farmers to promote organic farmingbull Government should recognize agriculture in Kyoto protocol
carbon credit mechanismbull Developing infrastructure for supply chain and ensuring
competitive price for organic productsbull Capacity building through on farm demonstrations and trainingsbull Government support in cheaper access to organic certificates
Thanks
Major Limitations------contd
bull Dramatic and large benefits in terms of yield and returns
bull Cultivation of high nutrient responsive cultivers
bull Promotion of biological agentsbull Urgency to meet food security
Why farmers are reluctant to adopt organic farming in Punjab
bull Perceived high costs of doing organic farming due to incomplete knowledge about principles and practices of organic agriculture among farmers They were arranging inputs from outside
bull Non-availability of adequate quantities of organic manures and other organic inputs in the local market
bull Knowledge of organic farming has not filtered down to actual users ie small farmers and the information reached to target groups is often not backed by scientifically proven results
bull Complex and costly procedures of certificationbull Risk involved in marketing of organic produce
Discussion points
bull What arguments are there in favour of organic agriculture in India
bull What vested interests would oppose the growth of organic agricultures and why
bull What strategies could be employed to further promote the greening of agriculture in India
Can India adopt organic farming in a big way
bull Is organic farming non-scientific and unproven bull Does practicing organic farming means reduced yield bull Why were crop yields low before invention of Agro-
chemicals bull How is organic farming different from conventional bull What are the strengths and weaknesses of organic
farming
bull Where is the large quantity of compost for OF bull Does the soil fertility decline when fertilizers are
not used bull Scientifically where crop nutrients come from in
organic farming bull How are crops protected in organic farming bull Why restricted when India is a low user bull Where are the evidences that high yields are
possible in organic farming bull Is organic farming labour intensive
Conclusion Sustainable economic and eco friendly approach
Minimum risk of residual toxicity
Improvement in soil fertility with high yield quality produce Maintenance of organic matter content of the soil
Reduced energy use
Increased yields without over reliance on costly inputs
SummaryOrganic agriculture is not for everyone Yet it is a viable approach that can be beneficial It canbull Be particularly useful in the more difficult environments where resources are scarce and cultivation problematicbull Potentially reduce risks bya) ldquolocalizingrdquo input productionb) fostering soil and water conservationc) encouraging diversification (food security)bull Improve ability to compete in todayrsquos fast globalizing standards-critical trade
Strategies needed to promote organic farming in India
bull Adequate research and extension support needs to be providedbull Research to quantify the role of organic farming in minimizing the
ill effects of modern agriculture and its effect on environment bull Helping farmers to promote organic farmingbull Government should recognize agriculture in Kyoto protocol
carbon credit mechanismbull Developing infrastructure for supply chain and ensuring
competitive price for organic productsbull Capacity building through on farm demonstrations and trainingsbull Government support in cheaper access to organic certificates
Thanks
Why farmers are reluctant to adopt organic farming in Punjab
bull Perceived high costs of doing organic farming due to incomplete knowledge about principles and practices of organic agriculture among farmers They were arranging inputs from outside
bull Non-availability of adequate quantities of organic manures and other organic inputs in the local market
bull Knowledge of organic farming has not filtered down to actual users ie small farmers and the information reached to target groups is often not backed by scientifically proven results
bull Complex and costly procedures of certificationbull Risk involved in marketing of organic produce
Discussion points
bull What arguments are there in favour of organic agriculture in India
bull What vested interests would oppose the growth of organic agricultures and why
bull What strategies could be employed to further promote the greening of agriculture in India
Can India adopt organic farming in a big way
bull Is organic farming non-scientific and unproven bull Does practicing organic farming means reduced yield bull Why were crop yields low before invention of Agro-
chemicals bull How is organic farming different from conventional bull What are the strengths and weaknesses of organic
farming
bull Where is the large quantity of compost for OF bull Does the soil fertility decline when fertilizers are
not used bull Scientifically where crop nutrients come from in
organic farming bull How are crops protected in organic farming bull Why restricted when India is a low user bull Where are the evidences that high yields are
possible in organic farming bull Is organic farming labour intensive
Conclusion Sustainable economic and eco friendly approach
Minimum risk of residual toxicity
Improvement in soil fertility with high yield quality produce Maintenance of organic matter content of the soil
Reduced energy use
Increased yields without over reliance on costly inputs
SummaryOrganic agriculture is not for everyone Yet it is a viable approach that can be beneficial It canbull Be particularly useful in the more difficult environments where resources are scarce and cultivation problematicbull Potentially reduce risks bya) ldquolocalizingrdquo input productionb) fostering soil and water conservationc) encouraging diversification (food security)bull Improve ability to compete in todayrsquos fast globalizing standards-critical trade
Strategies needed to promote organic farming in India
bull Adequate research and extension support needs to be providedbull Research to quantify the role of organic farming in minimizing the
ill effects of modern agriculture and its effect on environment bull Helping farmers to promote organic farmingbull Government should recognize agriculture in Kyoto protocol
carbon credit mechanismbull Developing infrastructure for supply chain and ensuring
competitive price for organic productsbull Capacity building through on farm demonstrations and trainingsbull Government support in cheaper access to organic certificates
Thanks
Discussion points
bull What arguments are there in favour of organic agriculture in India
bull What vested interests would oppose the growth of organic agricultures and why
bull What strategies could be employed to further promote the greening of agriculture in India
Can India adopt organic farming in a big way
bull Is organic farming non-scientific and unproven bull Does practicing organic farming means reduced yield bull Why were crop yields low before invention of Agro-
chemicals bull How is organic farming different from conventional bull What are the strengths and weaknesses of organic
farming
bull Where is the large quantity of compost for OF bull Does the soil fertility decline when fertilizers are
not used bull Scientifically where crop nutrients come from in
organic farming bull How are crops protected in organic farming bull Why restricted when India is a low user bull Where are the evidences that high yields are
possible in organic farming bull Is organic farming labour intensive
Conclusion Sustainable economic and eco friendly approach
Minimum risk of residual toxicity
Improvement in soil fertility with high yield quality produce Maintenance of organic matter content of the soil
Reduced energy use
Increased yields without over reliance on costly inputs
SummaryOrganic agriculture is not for everyone Yet it is a viable approach that can be beneficial It canbull Be particularly useful in the more difficult environments where resources are scarce and cultivation problematicbull Potentially reduce risks bya) ldquolocalizingrdquo input productionb) fostering soil and water conservationc) encouraging diversification (food security)bull Improve ability to compete in todayrsquos fast globalizing standards-critical trade
Strategies needed to promote organic farming in India
bull Adequate research and extension support needs to be providedbull Research to quantify the role of organic farming in minimizing the
ill effects of modern agriculture and its effect on environment bull Helping farmers to promote organic farmingbull Government should recognize agriculture in Kyoto protocol
carbon credit mechanismbull Developing infrastructure for supply chain and ensuring
competitive price for organic productsbull Capacity building through on farm demonstrations and trainingsbull Government support in cheaper access to organic certificates
Thanks
Can India adopt organic farming in a big way
bull Is organic farming non-scientific and unproven bull Does practicing organic farming means reduced yield bull Why were crop yields low before invention of Agro-
chemicals bull How is organic farming different from conventional bull What are the strengths and weaknesses of organic
farming
bull Where is the large quantity of compost for OF bull Does the soil fertility decline when fertilizers are
not used bull Scientifically where crop nutrients come from in
organic farming bull How are crops protected in organic farming bull Why restricted when India is a low user bull Where are the evidences that high yields are
possible in organic farming bull Is organic farming labour intensive
Conclusion Sustainable economic and eco friendly approach
Minimum risk of residual toxicity
Improvement in soil fertility with high yield quality produce Maintenance of organic matter content of the soil
Reduced energy use
Increased yields without over reliance on costly inputs
SummaryOrganic agriculture is not for everyone Yet it is a viable approach that can be beneficial It canbull Be particularly useful in the more difficult environments where resources are scarce and cultivation problematicbull Potentially reduce risks bya) ldquolocalizingrdquo input productionb) fostering soil and water conservationc) encouraging diversification (food security)bull Improve ability to compete in todayrsquos fast globalizing standards-critical trade
Strategies needed to promote organic farming in India
bull Adequate research and extension support needs to be providedbull Research to quantify the role of organic farming in minimizing the
ill effects of modern agriculture and its effect on environment bull Helping farmers to promote organic farmingbull Government should recognize agriculture in Kyoto protocol
carbon credit mechanismbull Developing infrastructure for supply chain and ensuring
competitive price for organic productsbull Capacity building through on farm demonstrations and trainingsbull Government support in cheaper access to organic certificates
Thanks
bull Where is the large quantity of compost for OF bull Does the soil fertility decline when fertilizers are
not used bull Scientifically where crop nutrients come from in
organic farming bull How are crops protected in organic farming bull Why restricted when India is a low user bull Where are the evidences that high yields are
possible in organic farming bull Is organic farming labour intensive
Conclusion Sustainable economic and eco friendly approach
Minimum risk of residual toxicity
Improvement in soil fertility with high yield quality produce Maintenance of organic matter content of the soil
Reduced energy use
Increased yields without over reliance on costly inputs
SummaryOrganic agriculture is not for everyone Yet it is a viable approach that can be beneficial It canbull Be particularly useful in the more difficult environments where resources are scarce and cultivation problematicbull Potentially reduce risks bya) ldquolocalizingrdquo input productionb) fostering soil and water conservationc) encouraging diversification (food security)bull Improve ability to compete in todayrsquos fast globalizing standards-critical trade
Strategies needed to promote organic farming in India
bull Adequate research and extension support needs to be providedbull Research to quantify the role of organic farming in minimizing the
ill effects of modern agriculture and its effect on environment bull Helping farmers to promote organic farmingbull Government should recognize agriculture in Kyoto protocol
carbon credit mechanismbull Developing infrastructure for supply chain and ensuring
competitive price for organic productsbull Capacity building through on farm demonstrations and trainingsbull Government support in cheaper access to organic certificates
Thanks
Conclusion Sustainable economic and eco friendly approach
Minimum risk of residual toxicity
Improvement in soil fertility with high yield quality produce Maintenance of organic matter content of the soil
Reduced energy use
Increased yields without over reliance on costly inputs
SummaryOrganic agriculture is not for everyone Yet it is a viable approach that can be beneficial It canbull Be particularly useful in the more difficult environments where resources are scarce and cultivation problematicbull Potentially reduce risks bya) ldquolocalizingrdquo input productionb) fostering soil and water conservationc) encouraging diversification (food security)bull Improve ability to compete in todayrsquos fast globalizing standards-critical trade
Strategies needed to promote organic farming in India
bull Adequate research and extension support needs to be providedbull Research to quantify the role of organic farming in minimizing the
ill effects of modern agriculture and its effect on environment bull Helping farmers to promote organic farmingbull Government should recognize agriculture in Kyoto protocol
carbon credit mechanismbull Developing infrastructure for supply chain and ensuring
competitive price for organic productsbull Capacity building through on farm demonstrations and trainingsbull Government support in cheaper access to organic certificates
Thanks
SummaryOrganic agriculture is not for everyone Yet it is a viable approach that can be beneficial It canbull Be particularly useful in the more difficult environments where resources are scarce and cultivation problematicbull Potentially reduce risks bya) ldquolocalizingrdquo input productionb) fostering soil and water conservationc) encouraging diversification (food security)bull Improve ability to compete in todayrsquos fast globalizing standards-critical trade
Strategies needed to promote organic farming in India
bull Adequate research and extension support needs to be providedbull Research to quantify the role of organic farming in minimizing the
ill effects of modern agriculture and its effect on environment bull Helping farmers to promote organic farmingbull Government should recognize agriculture in Kyoto protocol
carbon credit mechanismbull Developing infrastructure for supply chain and ensuring
competitive price for organic productsbull Capacity building through on farm demonstrations and trainingsbull Government support in cheaper access to organic certificates
Thanks
Strategies needed to promote organic farming in India
bull Adequate research and extension support needs to be providedbull Research to quantify the role of organic farming in minimizing the
ill effects of modern agriculture and its effect on environment bull Helping farmers to promote organic farmingbull Government should recognize agriculture in Kyoto protocol
carbon credit mechanismbull Developing infrastructure for supply chain and ensuring
competitive price for organic productsbull Capacity building through on farm demonstrations and trainingsbull Government support in cheaper access to organic certificates
Thanks
Thanks
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