Organic farming in India: a milestone to achieve

Farming practices are shifting from conventional farming to organic farming in the world. The area under organic farming has been increasing over the years. After Green Revolution, the farming practices in India changed from organic to conventional farming in majority of the agricultural areas. Last decade shows an increase in consumption of fertilizers and pesticides in country but it varies spatially across the country. Some states show a positive growth in consumption while others show a negative growth in fertilizers and pesticides. Sikkim and Uttrakhand are declared as organic states in the country. Area under certified organic farming is increasing fast along with consumption of fertilizers and pesticides. The major hurdles in organic farming in India are huge subsidies for fertilizers, lack of government initiative and support, lack of awareness and local market because of problems of certification. Small and marginal farmers practice organic farming for subsistence needs. Organic farming can generate employment, inclusiveness and gender parity, soil sustainability, and social stability.