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International Journal of Applied Agricultural & Horticultural Sciences

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 GREEN FARMING
( International Journal of Applied Agricultural & Horticultural Sciences )
(Abbr. - Green Farming Int. J.)
EDITORIAL ADVISORY PANEL (HONY.)
Dr. P.M. SALIMATH Dr. N.C. PATEL
Hon'able Vice‐Chancellor, Hon’able Vice‐Chancellor
University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur (Karnataka) Anand Agricultural University, Anand (Gujarat)
Dr. D.L. MAHESWAR Dr. NARENDRA SINGH RATHORE
Hon’able Vice‐Chancellor, Univ. of Horticultural Sciences, Dy. Director General Education, Division of Education,
Bagalkot, Navanagar, Bagalkot (Karnataka) Krishi Anusandhan Bhawan ‐ II, ICAR, New Delhi
Dr. AJOY KUMAR SINGH Dr. MYER MULA
Hon’able Vice‐Chancellor, Bihar Agricultural Univesity, Sabour, Dean, College of Agriculture Science and Technology, Pampanga State
Bhagalpur (Bihar) Agricultural University, Magalang, Pampanga, Philippines
Dr. M.B. CHETTI Dr. H.S. DHALIWAL
Assistant Director General (HRD), Education Division Dean, College of Agriculture
Indian Council of Agricultural Research, Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi
Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana (Punjab)
Dr. RAJEEV K. VARSHNEY
Dr. K.S. RANA
Research Programme Director ‐ Genetic Gains
Ex. Head & Principal Scientist, Division of Agronomy,
International Crops Research Institute for the Semi‐Arid Tropics
Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), Pusa, New Delhi
(ICRISAT), Patancheru, Hyderabad (Telangana)
Dr. V.M. BHALE
Dr. ASHOK K. PATRA
Dean, P.G.I., College of Agriculture,
Director, Indian Institute of Soil Science (ICAR)
Dr. P.D. Krishi Vidyapeeth, Krishinagar, Akola (Maharashtra)
Nabi Bagh, Berasia Road, Bhopal (M.P.)
Dr. K.K. SINGH Dr. SURENDRA S. SIWACH
Director, Central Institute of Agricultural Engineering (ICAR) Director of Research and Dean, College of Agriculture
Nabi Bagh, Berasia Road, Bhopal (M.P.) CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar (Haryana)
Dr. J.C. TARAFDAR Dr. M.K. ARVADIA
National Fellow & Principal Scientist (Soil Chem/ Microbiology) Principal & Dean, N.M. College of Agriculture,
Central Arid Zone Research Institute (ICAR) Jodhpur (Rajasthan) Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari (Gujarat)
Dr. K.L. SHARMA Dr. SRINIVASAN RAMASAMY
Principal Scientist & National Fellow, Central Research Institute Entomologist, AVRDC ‐ The World Vegetable Center,
for Dryland Agriculture (ICAR), Hyderabad (A.P.) P.B. Box. 42, Shanhua, Tainan (Chinese) Taipei (China)
Dr. PRAMOD W. RAMTEKE Dr. A. NOOR
Prof. & Dean, Post Graduate Studies, S.H. Institute of Agriculture Ex. Professor (Entom.) Head & ZMT ‐ Plant Protection, Agri. Research
Technology & Sciences (Deemed University), Allahabad (U.P.) Station (Raj. Agri. Univ), Mandore, Jodhpur, Rajasthan (Hony. Secret.)
Editor Editorial Asstt. Chief Editor (Hony.)
Dr. A. HUSSAIN K. SINGH Dr. A. NOOR
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 ISSN 0974-0775

GREEN FARMING NAAS Rating : 4.38

(International Journal of Applied Agricultural & Horticultural Sciences)

(Abbreviation : Green Farming Int. J., UGC Jr.No. : 45500 ; Global Impact Factor : 0.468)

Volume 9 Number 2 March-April 2018 Bimonthly

Previous issue :
CONTENTS Vol. 9, No. 1, pp. 1-190
Review Paper
Organic farming in Eastern India : Relevance, opportunities and challenges
¾ AJOY KUMAR SINGH, SRINIVASARAGHAVAN A. and SHRIDHAR PATIL .......... 191

Research Papers
Heterosis studies for yield and its components under aerobic condition in hybrid rice (Oryza sativa L.)
¾ SUMITRA UPENDI and N.K. MOTIRAMANI .......... 198

Combining ability and pooled score studies on baby corn traits in maize (Zea mays L.)
¾ LASYA BHAT and S.K. DESHPANDE .......... 206

Characterization of maize genotypes for baby corn traits

¾ LASYA BHAT and S.K. DESHPANDE .......... 212

Genetic variability, character association, path coefficient in forage sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) M.]
¾ H.I. DAMOR, H.P. PARMAR, D.P. GOHIL and A.A. PATEL .......... 218
Genetic variability studies for yield and quality traits in rice (Oryza sativa L.)
¾ KAVURI KALPANA, S. THIRUMENI, V. VENGADESSAN and MOHAMED YASSIN G. .......... 224

Character association studies for early vigour traits and yield components in direct sown
rice (Oryza sativa L.)
¾ M. SRILAKSHMI CHAITANYA, B. KRISHNA VENI, M. LAL AHAMED, M. GIRIJA RANI and
K. JAYA LALITHA .......... 228

Genetic divergence studies in mungbean (Vigna radiata L. Wilczek) genotypes

¾ NAVEEN KUMAR MARKAM, S.K. NAIR, ISHU KUMAR KHUTE and PREETI PAINKRA .......... 231

Genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance in mungbean (Vigna radiata L. Wilczek) genotypes
¾ SRAVAN KUMAR MALLI, G.R. LAVANYA and B.S.K. NIKHIL .......... 235

Assessment of genetic diversity and variability in ridge gourd for growth and yield parameters
¾ MANOJ Y.B., LAKSHMANA D., SHASHIKALA S. KOLAKAR and CHANDANA B.C. .......... 239

Studies on character association and genetic variability for important traits in ridge gourd (Luffa acutangula)
¾ MANOJ Y.B., LAKSHMANA D., GANAPATHI M. and CHANDANA B.C. .......... 244

Heritability and correlation studies in wild apple genotypes from different locations in Kashmir Valley
¾ K.M. BHAT, SHAZIYA HASSAN, H.U. REHMAN, A.H. PANDITH and M.A. MIR .......... 248

Studies on heterosis for yield attributing traits in cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.)
¾ PRASHANT R. NAIK, NAGARAJAPPA ADIVAPPAR, V. SRINIVASA, S. GANGAPRASAD
and SHRIDHAR P. HERLE .......... 253

Estimation of genetic variability, heritability, genetic advance, correlations and path analysis in
advanced mutant breeding lines of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.)
¾ MAHALAXMI K. PATIL and R. LOKESHA .......... 257
Contd. ....
Relationship of organic and inorganic fertilization with soil fertility and crop yield under maize-wheat
cropping system
¾ ASMATULLAH DURANI, B.S. BRAR, KHUWAJA SAFIULLAH, AMINULLAH YOUSAFZAI
and HASHMATULLAH DURRANI .......... 261
Influence of time of sowing and weed management on weed flora, nutrient content, uptake
and productivity of summer blackgram (Vigna mungo L.)
¾ S.K. PHAJAGE, V.C. RAJ and A.S. CHAVAN .......... 270

Ameliorative effect of different tree species on soil profile development of salt affected soil
¾ RAVENDRA SINGH, S.G. RAJPUT, H.P. CHAUDHARY, R.R. VERMA, NIRMAL KUMAR
KATIYAR and YOGESH KUMAR .......... 277

Performance of cultivars in direct seeded rice with various seeding rates and levels of micronutrients
under Tunga Bhadra irrigation during summer
¾ SHUBHA G.V., CHITTAPUR B.M., MANJUNATH B., REKHA R.G. and MUNIYAPPA N. .......... 284

Effect of sodium silicate on the growth and physiological attributes of tomato

¾ CHANCHAL MALHOTRA, RITI THAPAR KAPOOR, DEEPAK GANJEWALA and N.B. SINGH .......... 290

Demand driven nutrient management for enhanced nutrient use efficiency and productivity in rice and
wheat under rice-wheat cropping system
¾ A. QURESHI, D.K. SINGH, P.C. PANDEY, P.K. CHANDRAKAR and P.S. MARKAM .......... 296

Effect of plastic mulch and supplemental irrigation on growth and yield of black gram (Vigna mungo L. )
¾ CHANDRAKANT Y. MAHALE, S.R. BHAKAR, S.S. LAKHAWAT, M. KOTHARI and
B.G. CHHIPA .......... 301

Effect of foliar nutrition on the growth and yield of Bt cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) under irrigated condition
¾ V.L. KIKANI, A.R. PATEL, A.M. POLARA and D.K. DAVARA .......... 306

Fibre yield, quality parameter, light use efficiency and economics of linseed as influenced
by intercropping system of safflower and linseed under rainfed condition
¾ KARALE GANGADHAR, S.A. BIRADAR, B.K. DESAI, AJITHKUMAR K. and RAJANNA .......... 310

Morphological and Micro-anatomical variation in different ploids of mulberry genotypes (Morus sp.)
¾ R. RAVI KUMARA, H.L. RAMESH, M.R. SWAMY GOWDA and P. SUDHAKAR .......... 314

Effect of different land use systems on soil properties in red soils of Jambadahalla subwatershed,
Chikkamagaluru district
¾ NETHRAVATHI B., T.S. VAGEESH and Y. VISHWANATH SHETTY .......... 318

Response of Bt cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) to foliar application of gibberellic acid under rainfed conditions
¾ M.D. GIRI, C.P. JAYBHAYE, D.G. KANWADE and J.R. WADKAR .......... 323

Response of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) growth, yield attributes and economics on irrigation
levels and mulching
¾ M.M. SIPPO, P.K. SINGH, S.R. BHAKAR and S.S. LAKHAWAT .......... 327

Influence of tillage practices and nutrient sources on yield, quality of sweet corn and post-harvest soil fertility
¾ V.N. SHETYE, R.C. TIWARI, V.V. SAGVEKAR, S.S. KADAM and A.P. CHAVAN .......... 331
Soil fertility status under Bt. cotton growing vertisols of Dharwad district
¾ RAMYA S.H., N.S. HEBSUR, RAVINDRA V.M. and S.S. ANGADI .......... 335
Image analysis for size distribution of kodo and kutki millet
¾ P.K. NISHAD, S.D. DESHPANDE and N. KOTWALIWALE .......... 339
Impact of hexanal vapour treatment on the shelf-life and post-harvest quality of banana var. Poovan
¾ ASHWINI T., S. GANAPATHY and K.S. SUBRAMANIAN .......... 344

Reflexes of biofungicide (Trichoderma harzianum R.) on seed mycoflora & seed germination of some
medicinal plant species
¾ SATISH DUBEY, R.K.S. TIWARI and SANTRAM SAHU .......... 348

Efficacy of Cissus quadrangularis L. extract against wilt of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L.)
caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici
¾ M.R. SWAMY GOWDA, H.M. MAHESH, M.S. SHARADA and P. SUDHAKAR .......... 353

Molecular characterization of Fusarium pallidoroseum isolates by using RAPD technique

¾ T.T. BARIA and R.K. PATIL .......... 357

Effect of bactericides and fungicides in management of citrus canker in Kagzi lime under nursery condition
¾ CHETHANKUMAR K., KIRANKUMAR K.C. and PRASANNA KUMAR M.K. .......... 361

Diversity of insect pests and natural enemies in Bt and non-Bt cotton

¾ S. ANUSHA and R. SWAMINATHAN .......... 365

Influence of cultivation methods on incidence of rice pests

¾ D. SUDHA RANI, CH. NAGA SATYASRI, M.N. VENKATESH and K. ANAND KUMAR .......... 370
Some physical properties of quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.)
¾ SAGAR CHAVAN, SURBHI SHARMA, VINAY PATIL and NARENDRA KUMAR JAIN .......... 375
Effect of harvesting of fruits at different stage of maturity on nutritional quality of Kinnow under
Hot Arid Zone of North Western India
¾ JULIUS UCHOI, R.S. SINGH, R. BHARGAVA, HARE KRISHNA, VENKATESAN K.,
ABHISHEK KUMAR and ANIL PATIDAR .......... 379

Development and performance evaluation of tractor operated tuber rhizomes digger

¾ POOJA N. WAJIRE, M.V. JADHAV, C.M. PAREEK, S.H. THAKARE and V.P. KHAMBALKAR.......... 383

Development of crop water stress index for onion (Allium cepa L.) crop using infrared thermometry
¾ AMITKUMAR L. DAVARIYA, S.R. BHAKAR, M. KOTHARI and R.S. SINGH .......... 387
Study on energy use pattern in groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) production and processing in Rajasthan
¾ DIKSHA SRIVASTAVA, A.N. MATHUR and MRUNAL K. SHIRSHAT .......... 390

Short Communication

Evaluation of the physico-chemical parameters of underutilized Allium species (Allium hookeri Thw.)
in Northeast region of India
¾ M. BILASHINI DEVI, S.R. ASSUMI, H.D. TALANG, A.K. JHA and NISHA THAKUR .......... 393

Strategic Vision Message : 44

Agripreneurship : An exciting challenge towards economic development

¾ MYER G. MULA Back Inner Page

 Green Farming Vol. 9 (2) : 191-197 ; March-April, 2018 Review Paper

Organic farming in Eastern India : Relevance, opportunities

and challenges
1* 2 3
AJOY KUMAR SINGH , SRINIVASARAGHAVAN A. and SHRIDHAR PATIL
Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour - 813 210 (Bihar)

Received : 20 January 2018 ; Revised accepted : 20 March 2018

ABSTRACT

Eastern India especially, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal and Eastern Uttar Pradesh could only achieve relatively slow
growth in the agricultural sector after the Independence. Having majority of population depending on the agriculture sector,
the slow pace of agricultural growth is considered as a major reason for poverty in this region. Characterized by low external
inputs and traditional methods of farming the organic agriculture can be a boon to bring sustainable growth in the agricultural
sector. The recent data suggests that, the area under organic certification is still meagre in eastern India especially, Bihar,
Jharkhand and West Bengal put together has less that 0.3 per cent of total area under organic certification. Among the major
bottlenecks for the adoption of organic farming across the world are the problems associated with management of biotic and
abiotic stresses in the absence for chemical inputs. The major focus of the organic farming till now was to enhance the soil
health through addition/conservation of organic matter and bringing sustainability to the farm production. But, various
unforeseen biotic and abiotic crop stresses make the system vulnerable. Much research is needed in this direction to bring
resilience into the organic agriculture through development of resistant cultivars, identification area specific effective strains
of bio-control agents and exploration of bio-rational plant protection compounds especially the Indigenous Technical
Knowledge (ITK). The location specific microbial strains need to thoroughly explored and effective strains must be delivered
in the form of “microbial consortia” for the best management of pests and diseases. Further, development of suitable
marketing strategy at regional and national level is key to the successful adoption and sustainability of organic agriculture.

Key words : Climate change, Crop protection, Food security, Horticulture, IPM, ITK, Organic agriculture, Organic dairy.

INTRODUCTION
st
Agriculture sector in 21 century is facing several light several important concepts like, Integrated pest
challenges including achieving food and nutritional security of management (IPM), sustainable and organic farming (Gabriel
burgeoning population, maintaining sustainability of the et al., 2010). The three major driving forces for organic
production systems, environmental safety, enhancing income movement across the world are, Values (ecological), Protest
levels of the farmers and mitigating climate change impacts. (promoting organic agriculture as an alternative strategy) and
Introduction of organic fertilizers and high yielding varieties Market (profitability). The increased awareness among the
have led to a huge success in the form of green revolution consumers towards the food safety has led to increased
which helped to reduce the hunger across the world. With huge demand for the organic food which led to steady increase in
success, the green revolution has also brought with it the area under organic agriculture in the recent past across the
several ill effects of environmental pollution and loss of globe (Alroe and Noe, 2008; Willer and Kilcher, 2011). Organic
biodiversity due to the indiscriminate use of chemical fertilizers farming is an ecologically holistic production management
and pesticides. An eye opening polemic on the indiscriminate system which promotes and enhances agro-ecosystem health,
use of pesticides by Rachel Carson through her book 'Silent including biodiversity, biological cycles, soil biological activity,
Spring' laid down the foundations to the idea of environmentally and avoids the use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides,
safe agricultural practices (Gay, 2012). The search for herbicides, growth regulators and livestock feed additives in
alternatives towards safer agricultural practices has brought to agriculture (King, 2008). Presently, organic agriculture is
gaining huge momentum across the world. With growing
1
Vice-Chancellor *([email protected]), demand, the organic products are fetching reasonably higher
2,3 prices against conventional foods, attracting more farmers
Assistant Professor-cum-Junior Scientist

6
March-April 2018 Organic farming in Eastern India : Relevance, opportunities and challenges 192

towards it. Considering the importance of organic agriculture, 78.2 mha during 2001 to 90.5 mha in 2015 and the similar trend
several policies and framework have been set for the promotion was observed with respect to world organic market with a
of organic farming by several countries across the globe. There steady growth of 81.6 in 2015 from 20.9 billion USD in 2001
is huge scope for the expansion of organic agriculture across (Fig. 1a). At the end of 2015, a total of 179 countries were
the world. However, several unaddressed issues especially recognized to have data on certified organic agriculture. Among
policy and technological bottlenecks still exists unaddressed. In them, Australia has highest area under organic farming (22.69
this context, developing an understanding about the status, mha) followed by Argentina (3.07mha) and Germany with 1.09
th
opportunities and challenges of organic agriculture in the mha of organic area stands at 10 position next India (1.18mha)
present Indian agricultural scenario is indispensable. (Fig. 1b) (Anon., 2016).

Organic Agriculture : Global Scenario Organic Agriculture : Indian scenario

Northbourne (1940) in his book Look to the Land used the India by the fact that about 67 per cent of its population and
term 'organic' for the first time in relation to farming by not nearly 55 per cent of its total work force dependent on
simply denoting to organic inputs like compost, but rather to the agriculture and other allied activities has achieved tremendous
philosophy of managing farm affairs in an integrated manner. In growth in the sector since green revolution era. Although,
the same period the path breaking literature on the subject traditional Indian agriculture was considered as low input
published by J. I. Rodale (Rodale, 1942) of United States, Lady subsistence farming system purely based on organic inputs the
Balfour of England and Sir Albert Howard in 1940 in India formal foundation towards the organic farming in India was laid
contributed to the formal origin of organic farming (Howard, down by the pioneer contributions of Albert Howard (1873-
1943; Balfour, 1976). Later, concept of ecological approach 1947) at Institute of Plant Industry, Indore. Howard's
became more significant due to increased awareness about of Agricultural Testament brought the attention towards
ill effects of excessive usage of organic pesticides and synthetic destruction of soil and possible consequences of it. He also
fertilizers to boost the productivity (Paull, 2014). Organic emphasized on methods to restore and maintain the soil fertility
agriculture is defined as 'a production system that sustains the evidenced by the popularization of the famous Indore method
health of soils, ecosystem and people. It relies on ecological of maintaining soil health.
processes, biodiversity and cycles adapted to local conditions, The organic agriculture in India can be recognized with
rather than on the use of inputs with adverse effects'. Organic three dimensions with respect reasons for its adoption by the
agriculture combines tradition, innovation and science to farmers. The first category includes, farmers situated in no-
benefit the shared environment and promote fair relationships input or low-input use zones with traditionally following organic
and a good quality of life for all involved' (Anon., 2008). There way of life under compulsion or absence of resources, the
are several institutes across the world working for the second category are the farmers who, recently adopted the
promotion of organic agriculture viz., Food and Agricultural organic farming in the wake of ill effects of modern agricultural
Organization (FAO), International Federation of Organic practices, the third category consists of farmers who have
Agriculture Movements (IFOAM) and Research Institute of adopted organic agriculture systematically for commercial
Organic Agriculture (German: Forschungsinstitut für purpose to capture emerging markets for premium prices. The
biologischen Landbau: FiBL). According IFOAM, area under majority of organic farming area is under the first category
organic farming has seen a steady increase over a period from having no certification, second class farmers consists of both
90 A. Germany 1.09 B.
80 India 1.18
70 Uruguay 1.31
Billion USD

60
France 1.38
50
Italy 1.49
40
China 1.61
30
Spain 1.97
20
10 USA 2.03
0 Argentina 3.07
2001 2003 2005 2007 2009 2011 2013 2015 Australia 22.69
Year
b) Top ten countries having highest area under
a) Size of global organic market
organic agriculture
Fig. 1. Growth of organic agriculture in the world
7 Green Farming
193 Singh et al. Green Farming 9 (2)

The rich soil resources coupled with traditional ways of

2011-12
cultivation may become a boon for the farmers to attract the
2010-11 global organic food market. Alongside rice based cropping
system, if the vegetable, fruit and plantation crops are
2009-10
converted to organic farming, these together may fetch
2008-09 attractive prices both in domestic as well as international
markets. The eastern region is well known for several region
2007-08
specific crop varieties like Katrani rice and Jardalu mango of
2006-07 Bhagalpur, 'Chiniya' banana of Koshi region, Shahi Litchi of
muzaffarpur etc. which will fetch better price if grown
2005-06 organically. Having huge opportunity for the organic agriculture,
0.00 1.00 2.00 3.00 4.00 5.00 6.00 the recent trends show that, the area under organic certification
Area (ha) is still meagre in eastern India. Bihar, Jharkhand and West
Bengal put gather has less that 0.3 per cent of total area under
Fig. 2. Area under organic certification process in India
organic certification (Fig. 3) (ICAR, 2015). Considering the
over the years
need for a systematic promotion of organic agriculture among
the farmers, Government of Bihar in its second Agricultural
certified and un-certified but bulk of third category farmers are
roadmap (2017-22) has envisioned to develop an organic
certified (Anon., 2015). India accounts 1.2 million hectares of
corridor in the state for promotion of organic farming (Anon,
organic land with 0.58 million organic producers. India has
2017).
largest number of organic producers in the world (Willer and
Lernound, 2017). But, total area under organic farming is West Bengal
insignificant compared to the net sown area of 140 mha. Due to
Jharkhand
the increased demand of organic produce, off late the organic
farming is becoming a profitable venture. Considering the Bihar
growing interest towards the organic products government of National average
India during 2014-15, has formulated Paramparagat Krishi
0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 3.5 4
Vikas Yojana (PKVY) under National Mission on Sustainable
Agriculture (NMSA). The programme envisages development National Average Bihar Jharkhand West Bengal
of 10,000 organic clusters and provides chemical-free inputs to 3.433785443 0.024977906 0.105429998 0.289819775
farmers and increase the certified area by 5 lakh hectare within
Area Under Organic Certification
a period of 3 years. Further, realizing the potential of organic
farming in the North Eastern Region of the country, Ministry of Fig. 3. Area under organic certification in Eastern Indian
Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has launched a Central States (2013-14)
Sector Scheme entitled “Mission Organic Value Chain
Development for North Eastern Region” (MOVCDNER) Organic Agriculture : Principles and Practices
(Anon, 2017).
The basic philosophy of organic farming lies in maintaining
Organic Agriculture in Eastern India ecological balance. The International Federation for Organic
Agriculture Movement's (IFOAM) defines four basic principles
Eastern India is considered as one of the most poverty of organic farming viz., Principle of health, Principle of ecology,
ridden regions of South Asia is characterized by high population Principle of fairness and Principle of care (IFOAM, 2005;
density and fragmented land holdings (Fujita, 2013). In spite Luttikholt, 2007). Several governments have codified these
having rich natural resources like perennial water resources, regulations like, the National Organic Program (NOP) in the
fertile soils, adequate rainfall and abundant agricultural labor United States (USDA, 2002) and in Europe by the European
force the eastern Indian state could not able to reap the benefits Commission (EC, 2007).
of green revolution. Eastern India especially, Bihar, Jharkhand,
West Bengal and Eastern Uttar Pradesh could only achieve Organic certification : Is a process for producers of organic
relatively slow growth in the agricultural sector. The slow pace food and other organic agricultural products which enable
of agricultural growth is considered as a major reason for them to sell the organic products across the countries which
poverty in this region. But, these resources are not yet accept the standards set by the certification agency. In
harnessed fully to its potential to enhance performance of general, any business directly involved in food production can
agricultural sector (Fujita, 2013; Singh et al., 2015). Having be certified, including seed suppliers, farmers, food
fragmented land holding majority of the farmers follow low input processors, retailers and restaurants. Requirements vary
agriculture is boon to promote organic agriculture in this region. from country to country and generally involve a set of

8
March-April 2018 Organic farming in Eastern India : Relevance, opportunities and challenges 194

production standards for growing, storage, processing, adapt to the given environment. Cultivars having ability to
packaging and shipping. The basic principles of organic adopt to much narrow range of environmental conditions,
certification include : exclusively those controlled by the external inputs need to
1. Selection of farm land : The farm land must be free from developed (van Bueren and Myers, 2012). Hence, plant
chemicals inputs for a specified period (Usually three or breeding is an important area which can help to bring
more years) resilience to the organic agriculture. At present, three types of
breeding strategies for organic cultivation can be recognized
2. Record keeping : All the farmland need to maintain
(Wolfe et al., 2008).
written record on production and sales
3. Agri-input : Avoidance of synthetic chemical inputs (e.g. a) Conventional breeding programs resulting in
fertilizer, pesticides, antibiotics, food additives, etc.) cultivars (by chance) also suitable for organic
and genetically modified organisms (GMOs) farming systems
4. Isolation : Need to maintaining strict physical separation b) Conventional breeding programs aimed at cultivars
of organic products from non-certified products adapted to low-input and organic agriculture
5. Examination : The organic land must undergo periodic c) Organic breeding programs fully conducted under
on-site inspections for certification organic growing conditions.
The National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) Organic farmers are mainly dependent on varieties
was announced by the Government of India in June 2001, developed for conventional systems. However, many of such
which aims to promote sustainable production, environ- cultivars are not suitable for organic farming systems per se
mental conservation, reduction in the use and import of due to the traits associated with the external inputs
agrochemical and the promotion of export. NPOP under dependency. There is need to emphasize on those traits
Agricultural & Processed Food Products Export Development having no or less dependence on the external inputs and
Authority (APEDA), has set the standards for the certification must also possess resilience traits against various biotic and
of organic products in India in 2001. The seventh edition of abiotic stresses (Stamp, 2003; Zust et al., 2011).
standards for the Certification of organic products in India was
published by NPOP in 2014. The Indian Standards are Organic Crop Production : Horticultural Crops
modelled on the IFOAM basic standards and the seal “India Food security doesn't simply imply to produce enough
Organic” has been established. food material to human population but, to provide
accessibility to each individual to the safe, healthy and
Organic Agriculture : Challenges and Opportunities
nutritious food. Food grains at one end can meet out the
The major challenges of organic farming can be required carbohydrate and protein requirements to fulfill
categorized into three major headings viz., crop production, needs of food security. But, horticultural crops play a crucial
crop protection and marketing. role in meeting the nutritional security of the human
population throughout the world (Boon, 2007; Mclntyre et al.,
Organic Crop Production : Role of plant breeding 2009). The horticultural crops have huge scope in terms of
High external input and low external input agriculture boosting organic production as well as increasing farmer's
systems have a fundamental similarity as against organic income as there is high demand for the organic fruits and
agriculture. The former two systems have got the liberty to vegetables. Organic horticulture focuses on production of
utilize the synthetic fertilizers and pesticides in order to fruits, vegetables and ornamental crops without employing
maintain the sustainability and profitability of the system. But, chemical fertilizers and synthetic pesticides and antibiotics or
organic agriculture can't easily escape by applying curative hormones. Despite having huge potential in India,
measures but has rely on direct and indirect strategies to contribution of horticultural crops to total export of organic
bring resilience into the system (Kristiansen et al., 2006; food is very limited. The major organic horticultural crop
Østergard et al., 2009). The major focus of the organic exported are tea (2%), dry fruits (1%), and spices (1%) (Mitra
farming till now was to enhance the soil health through and Devi, 2015).
addition/conservation of organic matter and bringing There is a need to promote organic farming in production
sustainability to the farm production. But, various unforeseen of different horticultural commodities with the objective of
biotic and abiotic crop stresses make the system vulnerable. promoting exports and improving returns. An urgent need to
In order to mitigate these problems, organic agriculture develop technology for organic farming and create
practice has very few external interventions. Therefore, more awareness on the benefits it provides. This also calls for
than conventional systems where, more external means standardization of production technologies of vermi-compost,
available, organic farming system needs sound cultivars to bio-fertilizer and bio-pesticides for different crops.

9 Green Farming
195 Singh et al. Green Farming 9 (2)

Crop protection in organic agriculture Relevance of organic farming in climate change

scenario
The major part of the external inputs used in conventional
st
agriculture is being applied for the management of various The important global concerns of 21 century has been
biotic stresses. As the traditional agriculture taken the shape the climate change which is speculated to be dramatically
of intensive commercial form, the problem of pest, diseases altering the global food production. As the climate change is
as well as weeds has become more severe inducing farmers expected to affect tropical region more severely than other
to go for applications of more and more chemical pesticides geographies, the inequity in food supply between developed
and herbicides. Inspite of continuous efforts losses from and developing countries is projected to increase. Agriculture
insect pests, diseases and weeds persist, along with is not only a victim of climate change but also one of the
culprits contributing 10-12 per cent of greenhouse gas
increased occurrence of pest resistance to frequently used
emissions (GHGs).
chemical pesticides in convention farming systems (Baker et
al., 2015). In this context, organic agriculture is considered as the
most sustainable food production method which accentuates
Crop protection in organic farming requires a thorough
low external input and high output strategies along with
understanding of the basic ecological principles operating in
emphasis on recycling techniques. The global warming
an agricultural ecosystem. The pest management options in
potential (GWP) for a given area in organic agriculture is
heavily depend on preventive measures based on the eco-
significantly lower than that of conventional systems.
friendly management practices rather than curative However, the difference in GWP declines when calculated per
approaches based on synthetic pesticides. The priority is to unit of product, as the current conventional yields are higher
maintain the health of the agro-ecosystem enabling plant to than organic yields (Badgley et al., 2007). Several long term
become resilient against various biotic stresses. Thorough experiment conducted in temperate climates reduced GWP
supervision of ecosystem through little modification in the to the tune of 18 per cent was observed (Mäder et al., 2002).
cultural practices such as crop rotation, soil quality Similar results were obtained in terms of when losses and
management with the addition of organic amendments gains of soil carbon stocks (mineralization or sequestration)
constitute the preliminary defence against the attack of insect were considered in the calculations (Robertson et al., 2000).
pests and phytopathogens followed by use of the curative Further, organic farming has huge potential to drastically
methods like use of predators, parasitoids, plant products, reduce the contribution of agriculture towards global warming
bio-agents and ecologically safer, indigenous formulations on various fronts like, reduction of nitrogen fertilizers
constituting biorationals like panchgavya, chemicals forms (Cormack, 2000; Badgley et al., 2007), reduction of emissions
like copper compounds and some salts are the final resort of nitrous oxide (Petersen et al., 2006), Methane (Olesen et
against the pest and diseases (Kumarnag et al., 2013; al., 2006). Apart from these aspects, organic farming also
Lingwal et al., 2016). promotes biodiversity has got a significantly higher relevance
in mitigating climate change.
The major bottlenecks for the adoption of organic farming
across the world are the problems associated with Organic animal husbandry
management of insect pests, diseases and weeds. The
inability of organic plant protection practices to give quick Off late Organic livestock farming is gaining importance
result in comparison to chemical pesticides is the major among farmers in Indian due to increasing demand for
organic products in wake of ill effects of synthetic chemicals
drawback for its adoption. The crop production loss during the
on human and environmental health. But, unlike organic crop
initial periods of conversion into organic system is one of the
production the concept and practice of organic animal
major factors discouraging the adoption of organic approach.
husbandry is relatively new. In the late 1990s the concept of
Much research is needed in this direction to bring resilience
organic dairying has emerged into the organic marketplace
into the organic agriculture through development of resistant
and established itself as a major category and same became
cultivars, identification area specific effective strains of bio- st
evident in 21 century in India (Oruganti, 2011). The
control agents, scientific exploration of bio rational plant
philosophy of organic dairy focuses on rearing animals on
protection compounds especially the Indigenous Technical
organic feed (i.e. pastures cultivated without the use of
Knowledge (ITK) need to be tapped in this direction. The fertilizers or pesticides) and restricted usage of antibiotics and
location specific microbial strains need to thoroughly hormones and it deliberately avoids the use of synthetic inputs
explored and effective strains must be delivered in the form of such as drugs, feed additives and genetically engineered
“microbial consortia” for the best management of pests and breeds. Organic dairy farming is a system of production, a set
diseases. of goal-based regulations that allow farmers to manage their
own organic integrity (Oruganti, 2011; Wolde and Tamir,

10
March-April 2018 Organic farming in Eastern India : Relevance, opportunities and challenges 196

2016). The major opportunities for organic dairy farming in reduce the damage of pests and disease there is need for
India are, availability of quality indigenous breeds (NPOP, development and commercialization of native bio-control
2005) and their resistance against diseases (Nardone et al., agents and microbial consortia specific to the location.
2004). In India majority of the small and marginal farmers For the successful promotion of organic farming several
practice dairy as a livelihood option with low inputs and steps need to be initiated viz., development of crop specific
majority of them still rearing desi breeds (Sreeram and Gupta, package of practices for organic agriculture at regional level
2016) which is also advantageous for promoting organic considering the availability of local resources, creating
animal husbandry. awareness among farmers, encouraging farmers to form
producers company for cost effective organic certification and
Organic agriculture : Marketing
efficient marketing of the produce. In order to educate farming
Though the organic products fetch premium price, the community especially, rural youth and farm towards the
marketing of the organic products is highly dependent on the organic agriculture, diploma and certificate courses need to
adoption of proper production procedures and securing of be offered at various institutions in local languages.
authenticity certification. Most of the organic farmers fail to sell Vocational trainings at various KVKs and other stake holders
their products abroad and even in India due to following may further bring the positive impact.
reasons.
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