Organic farming (Jaivik Kheti) is gaining popularity across India as consumers demand chemical-free, healthy food and farmers seek sustainable, cost-effective alternatives. This comprehensive guide will help you transition from conventional to organic farming practices, improve soil health, and potentially earn premium prices for your produce.
Benefits of Organic Farming
- Higher prices: Organic produce sells at 20-50% premium in markets
- Lower input costs: No expensive chemical fertilizers and pesticides over time
- Improved soil health: Better long-term fertility, water retention, and microbial activity
- Healthier for farmers: No exposure to harmful chemicals during farming
- Export opportunities: Growing global demand for organic food from India
- Environmental benefits: Reduced water pollution and better biodiversity
Organic Fertilizers (Jaivik Khad)
Replace chemical fertilizers with these natural alternatives that nourish both your crops and soil:
Farmyard Manure (FYM)
Well-decomposed cattle dung mixed with crop residue. Use 10-15 tonnes per acre. Apply 2-3 weeks before sowing.
Vermicompost
Earthworm-processed organic matter. Rich in nutrients and beneficial microbes. Use 1-2 tonnes per acre.
Jeevamrit
Fermented liquid of cow dung, urine, jaggery, gram flour. Apply as soil drench or spray every 15 days.
Green Manure
Grow dhaincha, sunhemp, or cowpea and plow into soil before flowering. Adds nitrogen naturally.
Making Jeevamrit at Home
Jeevamrit is a powerful organic growth promoter that you can make at home:
- Take 200 liters of water in a large drum
- Add 10 kg fresh cow dung
- Add 10 liters cow urine
- Add 2 kg jaggery (gur)
- Add 2 kg gram flour (besan)
- Add a handful of soil from under a banyan or peepal tree
- Mix well and cover with cloth. Stir twice daily.
- Ready in 5-7 days. Use within 10 days.
Natural Pest Control Methods
Control pests and diseases without chemical pesticides using these proven methods:
- Neem-based sprays: Neem oil (5ml/liter) or neem kernel extract controls aphids, whiteflies, and many caterpillars
- Panchagavya: Five cow products fermented together act as growth promoter and pest repellent
- Trichoderma: Beneficial fungus that protects against soil-borne diseases like wilt and root rot
- Yellow sticky traps: Attract and catch flying pests like whiteflies and aphids
- Companion planting: Marigold borders repel many insects; garlic and onion deter pests
- Buttermilk spray: Controls powdery mildew on vegetables
- Chilli-garlic spray: Repels sucking pests and caterpillars
Making Neem Spray
Neem Oil Spray: Mix 5ml neem oil + 1ml liquid soap in 1 liter water. Spray in evening. Repeat every 10-15 days.
Neem Kernel Extract: Crush 500g neem seeds, soak overnight in 10L water, strain and spray. Very effective against leaf-eating insects.
Making Vermicompost at Home
Vermicompost production is simple, cost-effective, and profitable. Here's a basic method:
- Prepare bed: Make a shaded bed (10 ft x 3 ft x 2 ft) with brick walls on sides
- Base layer: Add 4-inch layer of dry organic waste like straw, leaves, or coconut coir
- Add waste: Add semi-decomposed cow dung and kitchen waste in layers
- Add worms: Introduce earthworms (Eisenia fetida) - about 1 kg per bed
- Maintain moisture: Keep moist but not waterlogged. Cover with gunny bags.
- Harvest: Ready in 45-60 days. Sieve to separate worms and use the compost.
Organic Certification in India
To sell your produce as "certified organic" and get premium prices, you need official certification:
- NPOP Certification: National Programme for Organic Production - required for export and premium domestic markets
- PGS-India: Participatory Guarantee System - easier and cheaper for domestic sales. Farmers verify each other.
- Third-party certification: APEDA-accredited agencies like OneCert, Ecocert, IMO provide certification
Note: Conversion period is typically 2-3 years during which you follow organic practices but cannot sell as certified organic.
Government Support for Organic Farming
Several government schemes support organic farmers in India:
- Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY): Rs. 50,000/hectare over 3 years for organic inputs and certification
- Mission Organic Value Chain Development (MOVCDNER): Special scheme for Northeast states
- Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana: Funds for organic farming infrastructure
- Organic farming clusters: Join farmer groups for easier certification and market access
Marketing Organic Produce
Finding the right market is key to getting premium prices for organic produce:
- Organic mandis and designated organic corners in APMCs
- Direct sales to organic stores and restaurants
- Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) for collective marketing
- Online platforms and home delivery services
- Export through registered exporters