Organic farming is an agricultural system that works in harmony with nature rather than against it. It avoids synthetic chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and genetically modified organisms (GMOs), instead relying on natural processes, biodiversity, and locally adapted inputs to maintain soil health and produce safe, nutritious food .
The practice draws strength from India’s traditional knowledge and sustainable practices, which were displaced by the rapid growth of input-intensive farming after the Green Revolution. Recognising the need to restore ecological balance while improving farmers’ livelihoods, the Government of India launched the Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) in 2015 to promote organic farming nationwide .
Key Benefits of Organic Farming
Environmental Benefits
Organic farming improves soil health through natural amendments, conserves water resources, and protects biodiversity. By avoiding chemical inputs, it prevents soil degradation and groundwater contamination. India has brought approximately 15 lakh hectares under organic farming through PKVY alone, with 52,289 clusters formed and 25.30 lakh farmers benefitted as of February 2025 .
Economic Benefits
Organic farming can significantly reduce input costs. Farmers replace expensive chemical fertilizers and pesticides with locally available organic inputs like farmyard manure, vermicompost, and natural pest repellents .
A Gujarat farmer, Meghaben Ajay Bhai, transformed her wheat and castor cultivation through organic methods, saving on costly inputs while improving soil fertility . Under PKVY, farmers receive ₹31,500 per hectare for three years, with ₹15,000 provided through Direct Benefit Transfer for organic inputs .
Health Benefits
Organic produce is free from harmful chemical residues, contributing to better human health. The emphasis on natural methods reduces farmers’ exposure to toxic chemicals.
Organic Farming Techniques
Soil and Nutrient Management
Organic farmers use farmyard manure, green manuring, vermicompost, and liquid organic manures such as vermiwash, beejamrit, jeevamrit, and ghanjeevamrit to maintain soil health. These natural inputs improve soil fertility and structure without the side effects of synthetic chemicals .
Pest and Disease Management
Instead of chemical pesticides, organic farmers use botanicals like neem-based biopesticides, agniastra, brahmastra, sour buttermilk, and tricho-cards. The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has developed improved strains of bio-fertilizers specific to different crops and soil types .
Crop Diversification and Rotation
Organic farmers commonly grow a mix of crops including wheat, basmati rice, vegetables (garlic, onion, peas, okra), gram, turmeric, maize, and fodder crops. Diversified farming systems reduce pest pressure, improve soil fertility, and provide income security .
Government Support and Certification
Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY)
Launched under the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture, PKVY uses a cluster-based approach where farmers form groups of 20 hectares to collectively adopt organic methods. This model ensures uniform standards, reduces costs through resource-sharing, and provides training and certification support .
Mission Organic Value Chain Development (MOVCDNER)
For North Eastern States, the MOVCDNER scheme provides end-to-end support from production to processing, certification, and marketing .
