Economic and environmental aspects of organic paddy cultivation in India: A case study from Mysore district of Karnataka state

Modern agriculture is finding itself in increasing difficulties. The adverse impact of agriculture based on chemical fertilizers and pesticides is visible in the degradation of soil fertility, environmental damage, quality of food, taste of food and so on. People across global are becoming more conscious for their health and environment. Organic farming system largely excludes the use of synthetically compounded fertilizers and pesticides with aims to promote the sustainable health and productivity of the local ecosystem. There is dearth of information on organic paddy farming in India in general and in Karnataka in particular. Hence, the present study was conducted to analyse the economic and environmental issues in organic paddy cultivation. A sample of 40 farmers pursuing organic paddy farming was selected randomly for the study. The study was conducted in irrigation region of Mysore district. The results show that the farmers carried out organic farming in a relatively smaller proportion of their land holding. Respondents of the study were inclined to have favorable beliefs towards organic farming and practicing their own interest. The economic analysis shows that for every 100 rupees spent for organic paddy cultivation, an average farmer in the study area has obtained Rs. 25.43 as profit. The net income of the cultivation of paddy under organic system was found to be Rs. 2375.2 per acre. The results clearly indicate that the cultivation of paddy under organic farming is economically profitable. The respondents, by and large, revealed clean interest on organic farming in the study area. Therefore, government should make policies and provide financial support for farmers to promote organic farming,