The world is increasingly facing health concerns, soil depletion, and climate change. To solve these issues, there is a focus on consuming organic products. Taking this into consideration, India has a chance to emerge as the next global leader in organic farming, as it has a huge agrarian landscape and age-old agriculture practices. In other words, organic farming in India is now considered a “movement” and not just a “trend” owing to rising health and sustainable living awareness along with supportive government policies and a growing population of consumers.
The real question is, can India be the next global leader in organic farming? Let’s analyse the opportunities, possible challenges, and possibilities that lie ahead.
The Rich History of Organic Farming in India
India already had some knowledge about organic farming. In fact, the roots of organic farming in India can be traced back to the Vedic texts and other ancient forms of literature that focused on agriculture in India. Indian farmers had for centuries cultivated land without using synthetic chemicals and instead used biodiverse crop and natural fertiliser rotations along with soil and crop maintenance practices.
A large number of tribal and isolated communities in India still practice agriculture without chemicals. This cultural heritage can provide some groundwork from which India can construct a scalable, modern organic farming movement, enabling it to aspire to claiming dominance as the next global leader in organic farming.
Current Status of Organic Farming in India
As reported by the agriculture department, India has the highest number of organic farmers in the world, standing at over 4.6 million, actively participating in organic agriculture. Indian states such as Sikkim (the first wholly organic state in India), Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh and some regions in the Northeast have been pioneers, setting examples of how organic farming in India is gaining traction.
India’s organic farming region is gradually increasing, currently boasting more than 2.8 million hectares of land under certified organic cultivation. The flagship schemes which aid in organic farming in India include the Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY), Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region (MOVCDNER) and National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP).
Regardless of all the mentioned advances, the country still does not have a large share of the international organic market, and this gap is stark and evident if India wishes to promote itself as the next global leader in organic farming.
Reasons Why India Can Become the Next Global Leader in Organic Farming World
- From The Foothills Of The Himalayas To The Deserts
One of the unique traits that sets India apart is its diverse natural resources. The compound variety of weather in India allows the country to grow a range of organic products. India is capable of fulfilling its own needs with the vast range of spices, fruits, vegetables, and even pulses grown organically. Hence, India stands as one of the strongest participants to become the next global leader in organic farming.
- Over 1 Billion Farmers
The Indian land possesses a qualified range of labour that can be educated to adapt to organic farming. The younger half of India works tirelessly to volunteer and work; the economic benefits will rise with such farmers that will switch to organic farming techniques. Organic farming in India is momentum towards increasing productivity and sustainability, making India a ripe candidate for accepting and excelling in farming.
- Organic Meat Soldiers For Electricity
Indian society is gradually shifting towards a healthier lifestyle. A direct impact of this can be seen in the growing demand for organic food, thus making it easier to market them. Adding towards this growth and supporting this rising need will motivate an even larger number of farmers in India towards growth, leveraging the chances of India becoming the next global leader in organic farming.
- Export Potential
India is a key exporter of organic tea, spices, organic coffee, and rice. With more organic farming in India being standardised and certified, it can open up premium markets in Europe, the U.S., and the Middle East.
- Government Action
Organic farming and related policies, subsidisation of organic inputs, and the setting up of organic clusters signal the political will in India. Movements such as the Organic India Movement and the Organic Farming Mission in many states offer the infrastructure and support systems needed to make India the next global leader in organic farming.
Challenges on the Road Ahead
The scope of organic farming in India is immense; however, it does face challenges to become the next global leader in organic farming.
- Certification Woes
The rigid and expensive nature of the certification process is a major bottleneck. Many prospective farmers are unable to achieve or sustain organic certification, thus making their way to premium markets difficult.
- Yield Gap
In the early years of transition, organic yields are usually lower than those of conventional systems. This yield gap can serve as a discouragement to farmers unless there is sufficient financial reward or guaranteed market support.
- Supply Chain and Infrastructure
To advance India’s status as the next global leader in organic farming, a significant infrastructure investment is required in cold storage facilities, transportation systems, processing units, and specialized organic retail markets. There is still no effective coordination regarding the value chain structure of organics in India.
- Awareness and Training
Even with the classical background, many farmers do not possess knowledge regarding contemporary organic practices, crop rotation, or even pest control. Establishing knowledge networks, along with training curriculums for farmers, will help develop scalable solutions for promoting organic farming in India.
Success Stories: Models of Inspiration
Sikkim: India’s Organic State
The complete organic transformation of Sikkim into a state has resulted in a global case study. Through stringent policies, robust infrastructure, and farmer education, Sikkim has showcased that organic farming in India can be adopted while ensuring environmental sustainability and economic viability.
Organic Farming Clusters in MP and Rajasthan
Madhya Pradesh boasts the largest area under organic certification in India. A number of cooperatives and farmer-producer organizations (FPOs) are actively exporting organically certified products, leading the charge as the emerging next global leader in organic farming.
What Needs to Be Done?
To put India on the map as the next global leader in organic farming, requires a multi-pronged approach strategy:
1. Policy Changes
- Streamline the certification process and provide subsidies.
- Give a minimum support price for organic products.
- Encourage organic infrastructure development through PPPs.
2. Organizing the market
- Carry out initiatives to develop a strong domestic market for organic products.
- Foster the growth of specialized organic supermarkets and online shops.
- Expand internationally recognized Indian organic brands.
3. Education and Training
- Educate the farmers through KVKs and other NGOs.
- Introduce organic farming courses in the agricultural colleges.
- Stimulate creativity for organic self-made pest control and fertilizers.
4. Improving the processes
- Improve sales and weather advisory connections for farmers on social media.
- Connect AI and satellite imagery with IoT devices for monitoring and optimization.
- Advocate for systems that use blockchain technology to track products from start to end.
Global Leadership: Within Reach
India is already the world capital for spirituality, culture and Ayurveda. This gives the country the tremendous opportunity to take the lead as the next global leader in organic farming, combining health, sustainability, and climate resilience all in one.
India has the capacity to not only provide its citizens with healthy diets, but also offer sustainable, organic solutions on a global level, thanks to its immense natural resources, historical knowledge systems, motivated youth, and the surging demand worldwide.
However, for organic farming in India to reach this vision, it cannot remain a pilot project, but a nationwide policy instead. This requires resolution from the policymakers, backed by the private sector, and the participation of each farmer who envisions a better world.
Final Thoughts
Is it possible for India to become the next global leader in organic farming?
If sufficient attention is placed on educational efforts and business infrastructure along with strategic focus and investment, the prospects are irrevocably positive. The groundwork has been done. What is needed now is to foster organic farming in India, which aspires to be the leader in global sustainable agriculture.