Existing status, perception and production challenges in organic farming in Himachal Pradesh

The study evaluated farmers’ perception about organic farming and issues associated with it. It gave an idea about the current status, conditions and future of the organic farming in the hilly terrain of Himachal Pradesh. The study explored the trends for organic food products and unveiled the areas where more attention was needed and which issues were to be further researched, resolved and improvised. The findings indicated that the lack of infrastructure facilities was the main constraint in adopting organic farming as perceived by the farmers. Lack of knowledge and institutional support were other barriers to shift to organic farming. On the other hand farmers were concerned with health and environmental issues and however some of the farmers were interested in shifting to organic crop production but due to the improper knowledge of government schemes they were not able to adopt organic farming. The study highlights the factors influencing the extent of adoption of organic farming by the farmers in the state of Himachal Pradesh.