OrganicThe Future of Farming

The Science• Traditional farm practices prior to 20th century was generally regarded as “Organic”• Farming relied on the use of crop rotation, crop residues, animal manures, legumes, green manures, off-farm organic wastes, and biological pest controls to maintain soil productivity, supply plant nutrients, and control insects, pests and other weeds• The simple principle is “Don't eat poison and don't feed poison to others”

The Metrics of Organic Farming - GloballyNumber of countries with organic farming data Organic producers by region 2013

The Organic Market• Organic farming generated USD 80 billion trade in 2013• According to Assocham, with a CAGR of 15 per cent,

global organic food and beverage market is expected to be more than double to USD 161 billion by 2018

• The annual growth rate of 9.2% world wide• Indian organic market is growing at 20% in last decade• The retail market is growing steadily. 100 retail outlets

in Mumbai and 60 in Bangalore• Practiced in 130 countries world wide and growing • Increased employment opportunity

Organic Farming in India• India occupies 13th position in terms of the area under organic cultivation• Just 0.3% of the Total agriculture land in India is under organic cultivation

• India’s organic farming is mostly export oriented• 238 metric tons of organic produce by the end of 2004-05 • Increasing breed of urban farmers turning to grow organic food• The country is emerging as a prominent global supplier of organic

processed fruits

Why Organic for Farmers ?• Lower input costs• Higher returns• Sustainable method of cultivation• Decreased dependency on machinery• Improved soil fertility and soil health• Reduced use of hazardous chemicals and pesticides• Minimize soil erosion• Increased carbon sequestration• Reduced energy demand

Why Organic for Consumers ?• Chemical-free food• Food with high nutritional value• Longer shelf life• Tastes better• Reduced health hazards

Organic for a better world

• Effective in containing global warming• Reduced exposure of the environment to

hazardous chemicals• Sustainable, establishes better ecological balance • Helps in soil fertility and containing pest

problems• Helps conserve water• Custodian of biodiversity

The Myth - Organic farming not feasible

• A study has reveled that organic farming in spite of the reduction in crop productivity by 9.2%, provided higher net profit to farmers by 22% compared to conventional farming