development of organic farming in india and other...
TRANSCRIPT
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Chapter No.3
Development of Organic Farming in India and Other Countries
Organic agriculture is an age old practice in India, which got disturbed during the
first generation of Green Revolution. In organic agriculture, farm is viewed as an
economy. Properly managed organic farming reduces water pollution and helps to
conserve water and soil on the farms there by enhancing sustainability and agro-
biodiversity. India has comparative advantage over many other countries, because of the
vast cultivated area, varying agro-climatic condition etc. It has been developed and
guidelines have been issued regarding the same in writing over the last 50 years. Since
the early 1990s the term ‘Organic Agriculture’ has become legally defined in a number of
countries.
Organic agriculture is gaining gradual momentum across the world. Growing
awareness of health and environment issues in agriculture has demanded production of
organic food, which is emerging as an attractive source of rural income generation.
While trends of rising consumer demand for organics are becoming discernible,
sustainability in production of crops has become the prime concern in agriculture
development. However, this chapter focuses on historical background of organic
movement, method and management of organic farming, development of organic
farming in India and development of organic farming in foreign countries etc.
3.1 Development of Organic Farming in India
Organic farming has received considerable attention in India and Ministry of
Agriculture and Co-operation, Government of India has constituted a task force on
organic farming under the chairmanship of Dr. Kunwarji Bhai Yadav, Ex-director of
Agriculture, Gujarat 2010. The committee in its report emphasized on the need for
consolidating the information of organic farming and its benefits. The first conference of
NGOs on organic farming in India was organized by the Association for Propagation of
Indigenous Genetic Resources in October 1984 at Wardha. Several other meetings and
conferences on organic farming were held at different places by the end of 2009. A
mention must be made that the expansion of organic agriculture is the main goal of
agriculture department of Indian Government. The organic agriculture is expanding with
support of central and states governments in India.
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3.1.1 Role of Government and Organic Farming in India
The Central and State Governments, Non-governmental Organizations, Civil
Societies and Concerned Individuals are promoting organic farming. Economic and
Environmental factors have motivated the Indian government to promote organic
farming. The Indian government has initiated various promotional activities, such as
setting up a National Institute of Organic Farming in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, in 2003,
appointment of accreditation and certifying agencies for organic farm products,
developing norms for certifying organic products and providing financial support to
implement promotional activities for organic farming. The task force constituted by the
Government of India has also recommended the initiation of post-graduate level courses
in organic farming. One of steering committee constituted by Central Government under
the chairmanship of Mr. M.S. Swaminathan, Chairman, farmer’s commission, has
suggested taking up organic farming as a challenging national task and to take up this as
a trust area of the 10th Five Year Plan. The Ministry of Commerce launched the National
Organic Program in April, 2002 and processed food products export.
3.1.1.1 National Project on Organic Farming
The Department of Agriculture and Co-operation, Ministry of Agriculture,
Government of India has launched a new central sector scheme ‘National Project on
Organic Farming’ with an outlay of Rs. 57.05 crore for production, promotion and
market development of organic farming in the country during 10th plan on pilot basis
with the following components.
The table no. 3.1 shows the physical targets and financial outlay on various
components of organic farming of National Project on Organic Farming of Government
of India.
Many State Governments have also encouraged farmers to adopt organic farming,
by including organic farming as a component in the State Agricultural Policies. The
Government of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu and
Kerala have included organic farming in their agricultural policies. Madhya Pradesh took
early lead in this regard and Uttaranchal and Sikkim followed the suit and these states
have declared themselves as ‘Organic States’ (Prasad, 2007)1. Here, mention must be
made of the Bordi conference in Maharashtra, the state which was the focal point for the
1 Prasad Rajendra, (2007), Modern Concepts of Agriculture Organic Farming, Indian Agriculture Research Institute, New Delhi.
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organic farming movement in India. The Rajasthan college of Agricultural with support
of the state government organized a meeting on organic agriculture in 1992. To promote
organic farming, Rs. 20 crore and Rs. 10 crore have provided by Karnataka and
Maharashtra states respectively. At the outset, 100 percent agriculture practices are being
cultivated on the basis of organic farming in Uttaranchal and Mizoram states; therefore
they have declared themselves as “Fully Organic Farming States” (Puttaswamaiah,
Manns and Shah, 2005)2. The Kerala Government also launched a program and policy
for “Organic Sustainability of Kerala” to promote and popularize organic farming. With
the efforts of individual farmers, NGOS, Civil Societies, the Central Government and
State Governments have been giving the initiatives to farmers to cultivate organic
farming through programs and policies.
Table No.3.1: National Project on Organic Farming (Rs. In Lakh)
Sr. No.
Components Xth Plan
Physical Targets Financial Outlay 1. Establishment of NCOF/RCOFS -- 829.00
2. Capacity Building Through Service Provider
300.00 900.00
3. Setting up of Promotion Units- I. Fruit/Vegetable Compost Units 35 1400.00
II. Bio-fertilizer Units 30 600.00 III. Vermi Culture Hatcheries 2000 300.00
4. Training (on Certification, Input Production and Extension etc.)
400
258.00
5. Field Demonstration 3920 896.00
6. Market Development and Promotion
-- 522.00
Total 5705.5 Source: Indian Journal of Fertilizer, 2005.
3.1.2 Production of Organic Farming in India
A report in 2004 indicates that about 14,000 tons of organic products have been
raised in India. The detail about organic product in India is stated in table no.3.2 and
graph no.3.1.
2 Shah Amit, Puttaswamaiah S. and Ian Manner, (Oct.2005), Promoting Sustainable Agriculture: Experiences from India and Canada, Working paper No. 162, Gujarat Institute of Development Research Gota, Ahmadabad.
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Table No. 3.2: Output of Organic Agriculture in India in 2004 (In Tons)
Sr. No. Crops Output Percentage
1. Rice 3366 24
2. Tea 3366 24
3. Fruits and Vegetables 2380 17
4. Wheat 1400 10
5. Cotton 1120 08
6. Spices 700 05
7. Coffee 560 04
8. Pulses 420 03
9. Cashew 420 03
10. Others 280 02
Total 14,012 100
Source: APEDA, 2003.
The table no.3.2 and graph no.3.1 illustrate that from the 76,000 hectares of
certified organic area, organic farmers produce 14,012 tons agricultural products as
compared to 200 million tons of total agricultural products in India. This organic product
includes the products of rice, tea, fruits, vegetables, wheat, cotton, spices, coffee, pulses,
cashew and others. Among the various products of organic agriculture rice and tea
production is maximum (6732 tons), i.e.24 percent and 24 percent respectively. Followed
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by the production of fruits and vegetables, wheat, cotton, spices, coffee, pulses, cashew,
and others are 1400 (10 %), 1120 (8 %), 700 (5 %), 560 (4 %), 420 (3 %), 420 (3 %), and
280 (2 %) tons and percentages respectively.
3.1.3 Export of Organic Products from India
As regards market, India is in its nascent stage, when it comes to exports of
organic produce. The detail overview about export of organic product in 2004-05, is
illustrated in table no.3.3 and graph no.3.2 shows the review of certification and export
of organic product by various states in India.
Table No.3.3: India Organic: An Overview 2004-05 (In Metric Tons)
1. Area under Certified Organic Farming
2.5 (M. ha.)
2. Total Certified Products 115,238 (M.T.)
3. Total Projects Certified 332
4. Number of Processing Units 158
5. Accredited Inspection and Certifying Agencies
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6. No. of Products Exported 35
7. States Involved in Organic Exports:
States Product Percent
I. Kerala 1232 19.04
II. West Bengal 937 14.48
III. Karnataka 476 7.36
IV. Tamil Nadu 471 7.27
V. Punjab 541 8.35
VI. Himachal Pradesh 521 8.06
VI. Maharashtra 375 5.80
VII Other States 1919 29.64
8. All India Total Organic Export 6472 100
9. Premium Collected Against Organic Export
Rs. 80 -90 crore
Source: APEDA, 2004-2005.
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During 2004-05, the total organic export was 6472 Metric tons with approximate
value of Rs. 80-90 crore, where the maximum product came from Kerala (1232 M.T. and
19.04 %). Followed that the organic product exported by States such as, West Bengal,
Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Other states, i.e.
937(14.48 %), 476 (7.36 %), 471 (7.27 %), 541 (8.35 %), 521 (8.06 %), 375 (5.80 %),
and 1919(29.64 %) M.T. out of total exports. Around 5500 metric ton (86 %) of
produce was exported to the Europe countries. The minimum product came from
Maharashtra (375 M.T. and 5.80 %). Exports of organic produce have been expanding,
due to higher demand to organic product by foreign countries. During 2002-03, India has
exported various products of organic farming. The explanation about the exports of
various products is given in table no.3.4 and graph no.3.3.
Table No. 3.4: Export of Organic Products from India: 2002-03
Sr. No Products Tonnes Percentage
1. Tea 3000 25.16 2. Rice 2500 20.96 3. Pulses 300 2.52 4. Cotton 1200 10.06 5. Wheat 1150 9.64 6. Spices 700 5.87 7. Coffee 550 4.61 8. Cashew nut 375 3.14 9. Oil Seeds 100 0.84 10. Herbal Products 250 2.10 11. Vegetables 1800 15.09
Total 11925 100 Source: APEDA, 2004-2005.
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Table no.3.4 and graph no.3.3 illustrate the exports of various products of organic
agriculture from India. During 2002-03, the total exports amounted to 11,925 tons. It
appears that organic tea was exported in maximum quantity i.e., 3000 tons (25.16 %),
where the organic oil seeds were exported in minimum quantity, i.e. 100 tons (0.84 %).
Furthermore, the organic products exported especially crops such as, rice, pulses, cotton,
wheat, spices, coffee, cashew nut, oilseeds, herbal products, and vegetables exported in
2500 (20.97 %), 300 (2.25 %), 1200 (10.07 %), 1150 (9.63 %), 700 (5.88 %), 550 (4.62
%), 375 (3.15 %), 100 (0.84 %), 250 (2.010 %), and 1800 (15.010 %) tons and
percentage respectively. Indian organic products are mainly exported to Europe
countries, (Netherlands, United Kingdom, Germany, Belgium, Sweden, Switzerland,
France, Italy, and Spain etc.), USA, Canada, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Japan, Singapore,
Australia, and South Africa.
3.1.4 Area under Organic Farming in India
The International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movement (IFOAM)
estimates that the area under organic farming in India represents about 0.17 percent of
the world organic acreage. It also reveals that the percentage of organic area as compared
to the total cultivated area comes to only about 0.05 percent and total number of farmers
comes to about 5,661. It is estimated that there is around 76,000 hectare organic farm
land in India and 2.4 million hectares certified forest area for collection of wild herbs,
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but the actual area under organic agriculture is more. In Maharashtra, since 2003, about
5, 00,000 hectares area was under organic farming (of the 1.8 cr. ha. of cultivable land in
the state) of this, 10,000 ha. area is certified area. The total organic area in Karnataka
was 6263.25 ha. in 2005. The certified organic area was 1513.25 ha. and 4750 ha. of
Non-certified area out of total organic area in Karnataka. The government of Karnataka
has released state organic farming policy in 2004. Most of the area in North East Zone is
being practiced with organic farming. In Nagaland, 3,000 ha. area was under organic
farming.
According to the Agricultural Food Products Export Development Authority
(APEDA), an estimated area of 2.5 million ha. is under certified organic farming,
spanning 12,000 organic farms under 210 projects. This includes over 2.4 million
hectares under wild herbs in the forest areas of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.
These hectares are not considered in International surveys. The Rajasthan State has
5613.3 ha. area under organic farming with unique cropping pattern.
It is estimated that 65 percent of the country’s cropped area is organic by default,
because poor and small farmers in many parts of India practice organic agriculture,
because they don’t have any choice other than organic farming. Use of chemicals in
their farming is not affordable for them. Over 65 percent of the country’s cultivated area
is rain fed, where neglible amounts of chemical fertilisers and pesticides are used. India
is enjoying inherent advantages of organic farming such as its varied systems, a sizable
number of progressive farmers and the availability of inexpensive manpower. These
advantages lead in India’s default organic status translate into the potential to cultivate a
vast basket of product organically (A. Gopal, 2006)3.
3.1.5 Organic Farming in Various States of India 3.1.5.1 Rajasthan State
The Rajasthan State has 5631.3 ha. organic area with unique cropping pattern.
The actual picture of organic agriculture in Rajasthan is stated in table no. 3.5.
3 Gopal Abhinesh, (Jan.2006), Organic Products: India’s Potential Harnessing Growth Opportunities, Robobank International, www.robanak.com.
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Table No. 3.5: Status of Organic Farming in Rajasthan (Land in Hectare)
Sr. No.
Name of District
Cropping Pattern No. of Farmers
Organic Area (ha)
1. Dungarpur Pulses-Cereals 105 52.0
2. Tonk Moong, Wheat, Bajra, Til 132 590.0
3. Nagpur Guar, Cumin, Wheat, Moong 54 63.0
4. Ganganapur Cotton-Wheat 41 24.0
5. Bhiwara Urd, Moong, Wheat 30 12.0
6. Jaisalmer Bajra 20 50.0
7. Bharatpur Bajra, Wheat 96 38.4
8. Jhunihunu Pulses, Wheat 14 11.2
9. Alwar Wheat, Bajra 29 26.0
10. Banswara Maize, Cottton, Grass, Fallow 4752 4045
11. Jaipur Guar, Bajra, Mustard, Wheat 9 13.7
Total 5282 4925.3
Source: Indian Journal of Fertilisers, December 2005.
Table No.4.5 shows the progress of organic farming in Rajasthan state. There
were 5282 farmers cultivating their land as organic farming from various districts of
Rajasthan. The farmers were taking various crops from farm by organic farming. In
Rajasthan, Banswara district has largest number of farmers and largest area under
organic farming, which is 4752 and 4045 respectively. On the other hand, Jaipur has the
minimum number of farmers and area under organic farming, which was 9 and 13.7 ha.
respectively. The Farmers in Rajasthan have taken various crops by organic farming i.e.
Pulses, Cereals, Wheat, Bajra, Maize, Cotton, and Mustard etc. The number of farmers
and area under organic farming is very less, but it was well started and is a sign of
progress of organic farming in India.
3.1.5.2 Uttaranchal
Uttaranchal has been declared as the State of Organic farming. The State
Agricultural Department has taken a large-scale program to implement this concept in all
parts of the State. The program on organic farming has been started from the year 2001-
2002. Under centrally sponsored Macro Mode Management Scheme as a Bio-Village
Program, 224 villages were selected from all over the State. The main objective of bio-
village program was to demonstrate among a group of 15 farmers in the village, the
complete organic package of practices for a predetermined area with existing crop
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pattern. The demonstration was undertaken with an objective to introduce different
technology under the organic production program.
In the year 2001-02 and 2002-03 and 2003-04, a total of 477 villages have been
taken and 7155 farmers were selected and training has been organized for different
aspect of composting. After that farmers were making compost viz, NADEP compost,
BD/EM compost, vermi compost, CPP/Bokashi and different types of liquid manure.
The following strategies were adopted for encouraging the organic farming
program.
1. Five villages were selected in each block in which these programs were concentrated.
2. It was proposed to organize training program on organic farming for all extension
functionaries, MTs and selected farmers.
3. All the departmental demonstrations were organized on organic basis with available
techniques.
4. The entire governmental agricultural farms in hilly areas were converted as organic
farms and which in plain area, 50 percent area was under organic farming.
5. Organic seed production of different crops was taken on governmental agricultural
farm.
6. It is proposed to establish “Vermi Culture Centre” at each block, where earthworms
are nourished and multiplied and finally sold at reasonable rate to the farmers.
7. To increase green manuring, use of bio-fertilizer and eco-friendly bio-pesticides.
8. “Centre for Excellence” in organic farming is developing at Governmental
Agricultural Farm, Dhakrani (Dehradun).
9. It is proposed to enhance manufacturing of NADEP compost, BD/EM compost,
vermi - compost, phospo NADEP compost, liquid manures etc.
3.1.5.3 Uttar Pradesh
Uttar Pradesh has taken lead and somersault to opt organic farming through IPM
and INM. In fact, the use of bio-fertilisers, bio-pesticides and bio-control agents along
with green manuring, vermi compost and NADEP compost etc., will improve the soil
health which will be conductive to the sustainable agriculture production, providing
impetus in the marketing of agricultural produce and overall making the ecosystem
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friendly. At present, 13 units of the State are producing biofertiliser such as Rhizobium,
Phosphate-solubilizing bacteria and Azotobacter as an requirement of the State. The
Central Institute for Subtropical Horticulture, Lucknow, is doing very good work on
biodynamic preparation and other organic inputs. Ten bio-control laboratories have been
sanctioned by the Government of India. From 1994-95 to 2002-03, 27812
demonstrations on IPM have been made. NBDC, Ghaziabad is involved in all
promotional activities for biofertiliser and organic inputs for the State of UP. Zonal Bio
manure Pilot Centre (Khadi) is also engaged in the process.
3.1.5.4 Madhya Pradesh
Government of Madhya Pradesh has taken decision to promote organic farming
on a large scale. For this purpose, 5 villages in each block have been selected to develop
as organic agriculture villages. Similarly, 5 villages have been selected to develop
organic horticulture villages. Farmers are getting benefits of low inputs cost without
losing the productivity. The practices followed are green manuring, use of bio-fertiliser,
NADEP compositing, vermi-compost, phospo compost etc. In this respect dry dairy
concept is also becoming popular. Biological Control Centre has been established by
Government of India in Madhya Pradesh at Indore. The establishment of Biological
Control Laboratory is in progress at Bhopal, where Bio-control agents like
Trichogramma, Chrysopa and NPV have been reared. RBDC, Jabalpur is actively
engaged in various programmes for promoting bio-fertiliser and organic input. Some
associations like Biodynamic Association of India, Indore, produce bio-dynamics in
Madhya Pradesh.
3.1.5.5 Chhattisgarh
Use of synthesized fertilizers has been traditionally low due to various reasons
including poor economic condition of small and marginal farmers. Therefore, problems
associated with over use of chemicals have not surfaced in Chhattisgarh, but it is being
felt that for sustainability of agriculture it is very important to practice integrated nutrient
management through use of chemical fertilizers along with blue-green algae, green
manuring blocks in the State have been selected for bio-villages program beginning with
Kharif 2003. The state has a plan that in the next 5 years, there would be 100 percent
nutrients supply to crops through organic sources in these villages. In the state, 150 tons
of sesbania aculeata seeds have been distributed to farmers on subsidy in bio-villages.
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The State Government has laid emphasis on the use of bio-pesticides under IPM scheme
bio-pesticides like NPV, Trichodrama and neem based pesticides are being used by
farmers, under the program of organic farming and sustainable agriculture, 3080 farmers
will be benefited in 2003 with financial assistance of Rs.20.00 lakh earmarked for the
same.
3.1.5.6 Karnataka
Karnataka state is bestowed with varied climate and soil types spread across ten
agro climate zones. The physical features of Karnataka include coastal plain, Western
Ghats and Plateau enabling it to grow a variety of crops. The annual average rainfall of
Karnataka (being 1130 mm) and moderate temperature provide better conditions to grow
a variety of crops throughout the year. The state is also known for its excellence in
horticulture crops and animal husbandry. Thus, Karnataka is often called as state with
‘Cafetaria of Crops’. Many farmers of the states are pioneer in organic agriculture and
have developed many different systems of cultivation through indigenous knowledge
base. They have developed their own methods of using organic wastes and developed
holistic pest control agents to control pests and diseases (Karnataka State Policy on
Organic Farming, 2004). The state has taken integrated approach for the promotion of
organic farming involving the State Government of India, Government undertaking,
NGOs, Agricultural Universities etc. There is a separate financial head ‘Organic
Farming’ and one additional Director in the Department of Agriculture who will be
exclusively made responsible for production of organic farming program in the State.
Besides, the state has constituted one mini mission on organic farming headed by
renowned scientist. Bio-fertilisers produced in the three Department labs are supplied to
the farmers as part of demonstration to take up 10.0 ha. demonstration. There are 23
private / public sector firms involved in production and marketing of bio-fertiliser in the
state. In addition to the above activities, there are schemes which include distribution of
fertilizer, green manure seeds and enriched compost. Karnataka Compost Development
Corporation has already earned reputation for compost production. The University of
Agricultural Science (Banglore and Dharwad) are doing commendable R and D as well
as promotional works for organic farming RBDC, Bangalore has taken various programs
on biofertiliser and organic inputs. The association for promotion of organic farming,
accredited as certifying agency, is actively involved in promoting organic farming in the
State. The Coffee Board located at Banglore is working as accreditation agency and
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India Institute of Horticulture Research (Banglore) has done good R and D work on
Organic Horticulture.
3.1.5.7 Kerala
Kerala state has the 1.18 percent land area out of the total geographical area of
the country, supporting nearly 3.7 percent of the population of the Sate. The higher
density of population exerts enormous pressure on the limited land resources for food,
nutrients, income and employment. Kerala State has taken initiatives for promoting
organic farming and bio-fertiliser based on these resources. Kerala Agricultural
University has done good R and D works which includes;
1. Coirpirth composting by pith plus (Pleurotus fungus).
2. Production of vermi compost with Endrillus euqeniae, Eisenia foetida etc.
3. Production of poultry manure.
4. Use of botanicals (leaf extracts of Bougainvillea sp. and Eupatorium odoratum) as
bio-pesticide.
5. Use of bio-fertiliser and organic manure in coconut cultivation.
6. Soil solarization to control weeds.
7. Production of bio- fertiliser.
During 2002-03, the State of Kerala used 61 metric tons bio-fertiliser. Different
accreditating agencies like Spice Board (Cochin), Coconut Development Board (Kochi),
Directorate of Cashew and Cocoa (Kochi) all are located in Kerala.
The INDOCERT (Cochin) is reputed organization (accrediated by spice board)
for organic inspection and certification. Peermade Development Society is actively
engaged in promoting organic farming in the State. The organization like POABS
organic products (palghat) is producing various organic products including Bio-dynamic
preparation. The casino group of hotels in Kerala and Lakshadweep has started of spices
in Kerala’s Idukki district and have made visit to tourist for seeing green sightseeing,
which also promotes sale of organic products.
3.1.5.8 Maharashtra
At present, there are almost 40 bio-fertilizer production units in the state with
8.10 thousand tons annually. The state emphasizes on increased use of bio-fertiliser
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through extension activities. Regarding setting up of vermi-compost production units, the
State Government assisted financially (Rs.5000 per unit) to 181774 and 7920 units
respectively in 2000-01, 2001-02, 2002-03 with respectively expenditure of Rs. 0.90
lakh, Rs.89.19 lakh and Rs.396.00 lakh. The Maharashtra State Government has large-
scale program on promoting of organic farming, which includes training, work shop and
publicity along with financial assistance to service provider, for opening of retail outlets
of organic from outlets of organic farm produce. One full-fledged bio-control laboratory
has been established at Aurangabad with the financial help of the Government of India.
Eight bio-control laboratories are under construction. FAO-EU project on cotton IPM
initiated in August 2000 market the beginning of cotton IPM activities in India under the
project GCP/ FAS/164/ EC. Bio-pesticide consumption in the state is increasing. Now
bio-pesticides and pesticides from plant origin are used for different crops. Now there are
65 bio-pesticide laboratories (from Government and Private Sector) that are producing
these bio-pesticides. RBDC at Nagpur is actively involved in various activities related to
bio-fertiliser and organic farming. EXCEL is producing compost and centre of science
for villages, Wardha has taken various activities for promotion work. IIRD, Aurangabad
is accredited inspecting and certifying agency for organic products.
3.1.5.8.1 Organic Cotton Farming in Yevatmal, Maharashtra
In Maharashtra, 300 cotton growers in the suicide-prone Yevatmal district believe
that they have found the perfect way out of price fluctuations- selling organic cotton
directly to textile mills at premium rates. The members of Organic Farming Research
and Development Association said that they are immune to the worry of prices nose-
diving as they produce organic cotton. These organic farmers sell it to the mills that are
in the business of thriving cotton cloth exports due to high demand.
An organic cotton farmer told that together, we produced 3000 quintals of
superior quality organic cotton in this season and sold cotton bales mainly to Mumbai’s
Arvind Mills and Super Spinning Mills of Coimbatore at Rs.3500 per quintal, when the
maximum price in the market was Rs. 2600. The organic cotton farming movement
shifted chemical farming to organic farming and propagated “Poison-free” farming
among cultivators, these efforts culminated into the 300 strong network that they hope
will grow. Cotton growers farmers, who committed suicide in the last three years due to
low price and high input costs.
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The organic cotton farmers are somewhat relieved as they have got a bigger yield
and better prices due to world market. Further, the organic cotton farmers growers tied
up with the Germany- based Certification Company Ecocert apart from networking with
other organic farming groups and research organizations in Maharashtra. They told that
we were keen on producing superior quality organic cotton and getting our farm
operation checked and certified at every stage as we knew the exporting mills wouldn’t
buy our products without proper certification. The members of organic association are
smiling, as they believe that the demand for organic cotton will only grow.
3.1.5.8.2 Organic Movement at Pune, Maharashtra
Shriniwas Kulkarni was attracted to the idea of chemical free food and started a
retail outlet, organic and naturals in Pune. His retail outlet selling organic food has
recently achieved financial breaking record. He said that now I have more than 1000
customers, who regularly buy organic grocery. Vasudha Sardar was mulling the idea of
making organic food available to all. She convinced a group of 15 farmers to start
organic farming in Pargaon village, about 60 km from Pune, where she owned some
agricultural land. She said that we started supplying vegetables and other food grains
from June, 2008 and today we have dedicated customer base of 300 families in Pune.
The Maharashtra Organic Farming Federation (MOFF) is an NGO, which has
established a network of 2000 organic farmers though 120 NGOs are affiliated to it.
These organic growers tend to supply directly to consumer or retailers thus cutting out
the middlemen and avoiding the excessive handling of perishable commodities. It also
helps in increasing the profitability of the venture. Organic growers try to sell the organic
food at the ruling market rate of normal food items although organic food is costlier than
the normal by 30 to 40 percent. Though, market potential of this business is huge, it is
faced with the situation where the buyer does not know where to buy and grower does
not know how to sell.
Interestingly, farmers are growing top quality organic food for export purpose.
According to the Agricultural and Processed Products Export Development Authority
(APEDA), the country apex body for the sector, India’s export of organic food grew by
30 percent in 2007-08. While the country has 1 million hectares of land under certified
organic cultivation, a large number of organic growers, especially horticulturists, who
export their produce for use in baby food are opting for certification in Pune.
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Table No.3.6: Organic Farming Overview: In Maharashtra (2008-09)
Sr. No. Particulars Land and Other Units
1. Total Area Covered Under Organic Farming
6.5 Lakh ha.
2. Area Registered for Certification 1.14 lakh ha.
A. Certified Area 0.42 lakh ha.
B. Under Conversion 0.72 lakh ha.
3. No. of Organic Service Providers 91 NGOs
4. Model Organic Farms 37
5. No. of Organic Certification Agencies 06
6. No. of Vermi Culture Units 8000
7. No. of Vermi Compost Units 129000
8. No. of Bio- dynamic Units 201000
Source: Maharashtra Kharip Campaign 2009, Agriculture Department of Government of Maharashtra, 2009.
Table no.3.6 shows the actual scenario of organic agriculture in Maharashtra,
which is leading state in case of organic movement due to awareness of adverse impacts
of chemical farming. Total area covered under organic farming is sufficient, but the
certified area is very less due to technical constraints and expensive process of
certification of land in Maharashtra. But we can say that it is a starting to develop
organic movement, because the awareness about organic product and farming among the
producers and consumers is creating.
3.1.5.9 North Eastern Zone
The groups cultivable area in North-Eastern Zone is 65 lakh hectares (25 %) of
total geographical area. Mono cropping and shifting cultivation and low use of chemicals
on most crops is common practice. This region is ideally suited for the organic food
production as the use of chemical fertilizer and pesticides in the region is very low. Most
of the agricultural produce in the region is organic by default. Numbers of seminars/
conferences have identified this zone as “organic zone” and can harvest fruits of growing
organic products market of $ 25 billion.
The soils of North-Eastern zone are classified as;
3.2.5.9.1 Eastern Himalaya, Warm Pre-humid
3.2.5.9.2 NE hills, Warm Pre-humid
3.2.5.9.3 Assam plains hot sub-humid to humid
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3.2.5.9.4 Upper Brahmaputra plains and
3.2.5.9.5 Middle Brahmaputra plains.
Most of the soils, by and large, are acidic in nature and contain ranging amounts
of exchangeable AI 3+. The soil pH value varies from 4.0 to 5.8 in the valley regions
compared to soils having neutral pH. More than 70 percent of the cropped area of 3600
thousand hectares is occupied by rice, in comparison to other parts of India, consumption
of chemical fertilizers in North-Eastern region is only about 15 kg/ha (NPK) of which N
constitutes about 12 kg/ ha.. The use of biofertiliser is quite successful at North-Eastern
region. The consumption of biofertilisers in Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Arunachal
Pradesh and Assam are 162.0, 62.6, 43.5, 28.0 and 5.6 respectively (Narayanan, 2005)4.
Efforts are being made to use acid to tolerate earthworms like Elisenia Foetida, Lubricus
rubellus and L. andrell. A multidisciplinary field experiment on organic tea culture was
carried out at Tocklai, which indicated that use of organic fertilizer and bio-control
agents are beneficial for higher productivity and good quality of tea. Many NGOs have
taken initiative for promoting organic farming in North-Eastern Zone. RBDC, Imphal is
organizing various training and field demonstration on bio-fertiliser and organic inputs.
CARD has also taken initiatives in development of organic market at North Eastern
Zone.
The North-Eastern zone is having international board shared with China,
Bhutan, Myanmar and Bangladesh. Various types of spices, medical plants, fruits and
vegetables are grown in North-Eastern states with use of less chemicals in most part. So
North-Eastern Zone has enough scope to become as organic zone.
3.1.5.10 Other States / NGOs
Sikkim, Pondicherry and many North-Eastern states have declared their state as
100 percent organic farming state. Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu have initiated the
production of organic vanilla, organic spices, organic coffee etc. Tamil Nadu is one of
the leading state of using bio-fertiliser with mass scale. In North Karnataka, organic
sugarcane is widely cultivated for promotional purpose. In Gujarat many NGOs are
promoting organic farming. In West Bengal, Tea Board is working as accrediting agency
4 Narayanan S., (2005), Organic Farming in India: Relevance, Problems and Constraints, Department of Economic Analysis and Research, NABARD, Mumbai.
106
and exporting organic tea. RBDC, Bhubaneswar has also taken various programs for
promoting organic farming in Orissa, West Bengal and Bihar.
As regard NGOs, some organizations like M. S. Swaminathan Foundation (Tamil
Nadu), Association for Promotion of Organic Farming (APOF, Bangalore), Manipur
Small Farmers Agri- Business Consortium (Imphal) etc. are doing good jobs for
promoting organic agriculture in the country. Khadi and Village Industries Commission
(KVIC) is involved in marketing of exclusive organic products as “Apna Aahar”. The
EXIM Bank has reported that the annual growth rates of organic food have increased
from 15 to 30 percent during last 5 years. It has a bright future which indicates
impressive opportunities of different organic food products to be exported by India.
3.2.6 Certification of Organic Products in India
Six organisations constituted by the Central Government, India to accredited
certification agencies (International or Domestic) undertake inspection and certification
of organic products. These organisations are;
1. APEDA
2. The Tea Board
3. The Spices Board
4. The Coffee Board
5. The Coconut Developing Board
6. The Directorate of Cashew and Cocoa etc.
National Organic Standards have been established under the National
Programme for organic production (NPOP). Currently, India has 11 accreditation
agencies that certify organic farm produces for export, IMO (Switzerland), ECOCERT
(Germany), SKAL (The Netherlands), SGS International ones. Indocert, based in Kerala,
is among the accredited domestic accreditation agencies.
High cost certification process is the primary hindrance for organic producers
interested in taking up organic farming on a large scale. According to a survey by Org-
Marg, the flat fee for report preparation and certificate issue is about INR Rs.10,000 and
an additional INR Rs. 12,000 / day is estimated for the travel and inspection of small
farmers and cooperatives. For the large and medium sized processors, estate
manufactures and exporters, the travel and inspection component was estimated to be
higher- at INR Rs. 16,000/ day and INR Rs. 19,200/ day respectively.
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3.3 International Scenario of Organic Agriculture
The negative effects of chemical farming system were first experienced by those
countries, which introduced it initially. So, naturally, it was in those countries that
organic farming was adopted at a relatively large scale. There are various organisations
promoting the organic farming movement in European countries, America and Australia
etc. These organisations, for example IFOAM and Green-Peace, have studied the
problems of chemical farming and compared to the benefit of organic agriculture with
farmers. Organic farming movements have spread to Asia and Africa too.
Chemical free safe foods produced from organic farms are widely welcomed by
consumers around the world today, especially in North America, Europe, South Africa,
Asia and Oceania. The concept of quality food has undergone a sudden change over the
past few decades. It does give emphasis on the characteristics of the product, but the
process and method of production and transport are now considered equally important.
Not only the importers but also the domestic retailers have their own quality standards,
which in many cases are together than those of the government regulations. Consumers
have become health conscious and are willing to pay for the clean, healthy and natural
food. Many developed countries have various support programmes to help organic
farming with financial incentives and technological guidance.
3.3.1 Global Food Market of Organic Products
The organic food market in the world has grown rapidly in the past decade.
International trade in organic foods showed an annual growth rate of about 20 to 25
percent. During this period, many retail chains and supermarkets in advanced countries
are accorded with ‘Green Status’ to sell organic foods. The organic food processing
industry is considered nature friendly and thus encouraged.
3.3.1.1 European Market
The European market for organic food and drinks is the largest in the world,
estimated at 13.7 billion USD. Sales of organic products is increased by about 5 percent
in 2004, however many countries reported higher growth rates. In the European Market,
Germany is largest market for organic food and drinks and it accounts to almost 30
percent of total organic food sales and had sales valued at USD 4.2 billion in 2004,
followed by UK, which achieved an estimated retail sale of USD 1.9 billion and is the
third highest in the world. The national markets of Italy and France are each valued at
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approximately USD 1.5 billion. The French and UK markets have grown an average
more than 40 percent annually since 2001.
Table No. 3.7: European Market Food Retail Sales, 2005 (In USD Million)
Sr. No. Countries Retail Sales Percentage 1. France 1.82 13 2. U. K. 1.96 14 3. Germany 4.20 30 4. Italy 1.96 14 5. Switzerland 0.98 07 6. Sweden 0.56 04 7. Netherlands 0.56 04 8. Denmark 0.42 03 9. Australia 0.42 03 10. Belgium 0.42 03 11. Finland 0.28 02 12. Spain 0.14 01 13. Others 0.28 02
Total 14.00 100 Source: USDA, 2005.
Further, with the major markets in Europe, other important markets are in
Switzerland, Australia, Sweden and Netherlands.
3.3.1.2 North American Market
The North American Market for organic products is the fastest growing in the
world. The USA has the largest market for organic food, valued at about 12.2 billion
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USD in 2004. Increasing distribution is a major driver of market growth. The traditional
retail outlets for organic food were natural food shops. Demand for organic products is
so high in USA and Canada that many industrial sectors are experiencing supply
shortages. Producers are importing organic products from other countries due to
insufficient production in North America. A feature of the organic food industry in North
America is large food companies dominate almost every sector. North America is the
only region in the world, in which organic food companies are listed on the stock
exchange.
3.3.1.3 Asia Organic Market
Although about 60 percent population of the world lives in Asia, but it has a
small market for organic products. The trend of production of organic food is increasing
in the Asia; however sales are largely in the most affluent countries. This market was
valued at about 750 million USD in 2004.
The highest market growth is in China, which has the largest area of organic
agriculture in Asia. Production of organic crops has increased significantly in recent
years. The growing affluence of Chinese consumers and expanding expatriate
community is developing a domestic market for organic food products. Other Asian
countries with large markets for organic food are South Korea, Taiwan, Singapore and
Malaysia. Asian consumers in these countries have relatively high disposable incomes
and organic products are popular. There is also growing demand for organic food in
countries like India, Thailand and Philippines. Unlike the European countries, domestic
products in these countries meet the demands for organic food products.
3.3.1.4 Oceania Market
The Australian continent comprises almost a half of global organic farmland,
however the market size is a fraction of the global total. Sales of organic foods and
beverages were estimated at about 250 million USD in 2004. Production of organic food
in Australia and New Zealand has traditionally been export-oriented. Much of the
organic crops grown in these countries are sold in different parts of the world. For
instance, organic lamb from New Zealand is sold in Western Europe and North America;
organic beef from Australia is exported in Japan and USA. The domestic market for
organic products in New Zealand and Australia is growing at a steady rate. The number
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of conventional food retailers selling organic products is increasing and new organic
food shops continue to open.
3.3.2 Global Development of Organic Agriculture
Organic agriculture has been developing rapidly worldwide during last few years
and is now practiced in approximately in 120 countries of the world. Its shares of
agricultural land and farms continue to grow. Furthermore, it can reasonably be assumed
that uncertified organic farming is being practiced in even more countries. According to
the latest survey, more than 31 million hectares are currently managed organically by at
least 623174 farms worldwide (Statistics, 2006). The area of certified forest and wild
harvested plants adds at least another 19.7 million hectares, summing up to more than 51
million hectares in total. The market for organic products is also growing not only in
Europe and North America but also in many other countries, including several
developing countries. The table no.3.8 and graph no.3.5 explains the continent wise
distribution of certified organic agricultural land and area with wild collection by
continent.
Table N0. 3.8: Certified Organic Agricultural Land and Area with Wild Collection by Continent
(Land in Hectare and in %)
Sr. No. Continent
Total Land Under
Organic Management
Under (ha) Percent
Forest and Wild
Collection Total Area
(4+5)
1 2 3 4 5 6 1. Africa 3.26 3.26 6752630 7778528
2. Asia 12.90 12.99 6420251 10484250
3. Europe 20.63 20.64 550461 7050826
4. Latin America 20.20 20.20 5950968 1231860
5. North America 4.37 4.38 - 1377800
6, Oceania 38.64 38.64 - 12171833
Total 100 19674310 51177096 Source: FIBL Survey, 2006.
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The table no.3.8 and graph no.3.5 focus on organic agricultural land and wild
collection shows that wild collection plays a major role, particularly in Africa, Asia and
in Latin America. Among the various continents, the Oceania (38.64) had the largest
land under organic management followed by Latin America (20.20 %), North America
(4.37 %), Europe (20.63 %), Asia (12.90 %) and Africa (3.26 %) continents.
3.3.3 Organic Agriculture by Continent The information of 119 countries about organic agriculture, which includes area
under organic farming, percentage of organic agriculture to total cultivated area and
number of farms, which have categorized in various continents, which is stated in table
no.3.9.
Table No.3.9: Worldwide Scenario of Organic Farming (Land in ha. and in %)
Sr. No. Countries
Area Under Organic
Farming (ha.)
Percent of Organic Area to Cultivated
Area
Number of Farms
1. Australia 12126633 2.71 1832
2. China 3466570 0.60 1560
3. Argentina 2800000 1.58 1824
4. Italy 954361 6.22 36639
5. USA 889048 0.22 8035
6. Brazil 887637 4.32 14003
7. Germany 767891 4.52 16603
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8. Uruguay 759000 5.10 500
9. Spain 733182 2.87 16013
10. UK 690270 4.39 4010
11. Chile 639200 4.19 1000
12. France 534037 1.80 11059
13. Canada 488752 0.72 3673
14. Bolivia 364100 0.99 6500
15. Austria 344916 13.56 19826
16. Mexico 295046 0.27 120000
17. Czech Republican 260120 6.09 836
18. Peru 260000 0.85 23400
19. Greece 249488 2.72 8269
20. Ukraine 241980 0.58 72
21. Sweden 206579 6.80 3138
22. Portugal 206424 5.42 1247
23. Sudan 200000 0.15 650
24. Zambia 187694 0.53 2425
25. Kenya 182438 0.69 30000
26. Bangladesh 177770 1.97 100
27. Finland 162024 7.31 4539
28. Tunisia 155323 1.59 608
29. Denmark 154921 5.76 3166
30. Hungary 128690 2.19 `1583
31. Uganda 122000 0.99 33900
32. Switzerland 121387 11.33 6373
33. India 114037 0.06 5000
34. Turkey 108597 0.26 12806
35. Solvak Republic 93943 4.19 218
36. Paraguay 91414 0.37 2827
37. Poland 82730 0.49 3760
38. Romania 75000 0.51 1560
39. Dominican Republic 72425 1.96 819
40. Lithuania 64545 1.86 1811
41. Nicaragua 59000 0.83 NA
42. Tanzania 55867 0.14 30000
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43. Indonesia 52882 0.12 45000
44. Netherlands 48152 2.49 1302
45. Estonia 46016 5.17 810
46. New Zealand 45000 0.26 820
47. South Africa 45000 0.05 250
48. Latvia 43902 1.77 1043
49. Norway 41035 3.95 2484
50. Kazakhstan 36882 0.02 01
51. Colombia 33000 0.07 4010
52. Ireland 30670 0.70 897
53. Russia 30000 0.01 15
54. Japan 29151 0.56 4500
55. Korea 28218 1.46 28951
56. Ecuador 27436 0.34 2427
57. Egypt 24548 0.72 NA
58. Belgium 23728 1.70 712
59. Slovenia 23032 4.55 1568
60. Montenegro 20542 0.37 3000
61. Pakistan 20310 0.07 28
62. Azerbaijan 20105 0.43 332
63. Morocco 20040 0.07 12051
64. Ghana 19132 0.13 NA
65. Venezuela 16000 0.07 04
66. Sri Lanka 15379 0.65 3301
67. Guaternala 14746 0.33 2830
68. Philippines 13134 0.12 34990
69. Costa Rica 13945 0.49 3987
70. Thailand 13900 0.07 2498
71. Saudi Arabia 13730 0.01 03
72. Syria 12500 0.12 26
73. Bulgaria 12284 0.23 351
74. Moldova 11075 0.44 121
75. Cuba 10445 0.16 5147
76. El Salvador 9100 0.53 37
77. Croatia 7355 0.23 265
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78. Cameroon 7000 0.08 NA
79. Vietnam 6475 0.07 1022
80. Israel 5960 1.05 400
81. Panama 5244 0.24 07
82. Iceland 4910 0.22 25
83. Luxemburg 3158 2.49 66
84. Senegal 2500 0.03 3000
85. Belize 1810 1.19 NA
86. Honduras 1823 0.06 3000
87. Algeria 1400 NA NA
88. Jamaica 1332 0.26 12
89. Taiwan 1092 NA NA
90. Lebanon 1039 0.32 NA
91. Cyprus 1018 0.71 225
92. Nepal 1000 0.02 1200
93. Palestine 1000 0.26 400
94. Zimbabwe 1000 NA NA
95. Liechtenstein 984 26.40 42
96. Albania 804 0.07 57
97. Malaysia 600 0.01 NA
98. Mozambique 600 NA 4887
99. Armenia 598 0.04 11
100. Benin 400 0.01 650
101. Kyrgyzstan 400 NA 230
102. Malawi 325 0.01 13
103. Bosnia Herzegovina 310 0.01 122
104. Fiji 200 0.04 10
105. Iran 200 NA 01
106. Macedonia 192 0.02 57
107. Mali 170 NA NA
108. Mauritius 150 0.13 NA
109. Madagascar 129 NA NA
110. Guyana 109 0.01 28
111. Togo 90 NA 01
112. Trinidad and Tobago 80 0.06 NA 113. Laos 60 NA 05
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114. Rwanda 50 NA 10
115. Georgia 48 NA 13
116. Burkina Faso 30 NA NA
117. Jordan 30 NA 01
118. Malta 13 0.13 13
119. Niger 12 0.13 13
Total 31502786
Source: FIBL Survey, 2006. Note: NA: Not Available
The above table shows the worldwide land area under organic farming percentage
of organic area to total cultivated area and number of farms existing in 119 countries
across the globe. From the above table we can conclude that Australia has the largest
area of organic farming (12126633 Ha.), followed by China (3466570 Ha.) and Argentina
(2800000 Ha.), at the same time Countries like Jordan (30 Ha.), Malta (13 Ha.) and Niger (12
Ha.) etc., have lowest area of organic farming. Among all these countries India has 33rd rank
about organic area (114037 Ha.), continents are briefly explained as below.
3.3.3.1 Australia and Oceania
This continent includes Australia and New Zealand as well as smaller countries
like Fiji, New Guinea, Tonga and Vanuatu. Altogether, more than 12.1 million hectares
and 2662 farms are under organic management here. Most of this area is pastoral land for
low intensity grazing in Australia. Therefore, one organic hectare in Australia is not
directly equivalent to one organic hectare in Denmark, for example, due to its level of
productivity. That means comparing countries must be done carefully.
Important areas of production in Australia include fruits and vegetables, which
are produced all the year around. New Zealand, the biggest organic sectors so far are
kiwifruit and apples. Growth in the organic industry in Australia has been strongly
influenced by rapidly growing overseas demand. The key market for export of Australian
organic products is Europe-in and particularly the UK, Italy, Switzerland, France, the
Netherlands and Germany accounting over 70 percent of Australian organic exports.
While, trends of rising consumers’ demand for organics are becoming
discernible, the organic food market in Australia is still considered a niche market. On
the domestic market, an organic product receives a substantial price premium over those
conventionally grown products.
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3.3.3.2 Latin America
In Latin America many countries have more than 100000 hectares of organic land
and that have started from a recent low level are now experiencing extraordinary growth
rates. The total organically managed and certified area is now almost 6.4 million
hectares, with an additional 6 million hectares as forest and ‘wild harvested’ areas.
Almost all Latin American countries have an organic sector, though the level of
development varies widely. The countries with the highest proportion of organic land are
Uruguay, Costa Rica and Argentina. A major part of the 2.8 million organic hectares in
Argentina are extensive grassland.
In general, the organic movement in Latin America has grown through its own
efforts. Government does not provide directly subsidies or economic aid for organic
production. While, there has been seed funding for extension and association building
from international aid agencies, especially from Germany, Netherland and Switzerland.
Export is still the main organic activity in Latin America. From the coffee grains
and banana of Central America, to the sugar in Paraguay and the cereals and meat in
Argentina, the trade of organic products has been mostly oriented towards foreign
markets.
3.3.3.3 Europe
Since the beginning of the 1990s, organic farming has rapidly developed in
almost all European countries. Growth has, however sloped down recently. In 2004, in
Europe, 6.5 million hectares were managed organically by around 167000 farmers. In the
European Union more than 5.8 million hectares are under organic management and there
are almost 14000 organic farms. This constitutes 3.4 percent of the agricultural area. The
country with the highest number of farms and the largest area is Italy. In most countries
of Europe and particularly the European Union, organic farming is supported with
legislation and direct payments. In the European Union the European organic action plan
implementation process is now getting under way.
3.3.3.4 North America
In North America almost 1.4 million hectares are managed organically,
representing approximately 0.3 percent share of the total agricultural area. Currently, the
number of farms is almost 12000 ha with the US national rule in place, the organic sector
has been able to provide a guarantee to consumers that organic products will be using the
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new labeling system, which ensures that specific practices were followed. The US
market has seen more and more organic products, being introduced, the number of
certification agencies accredited by USDA has grown and talks are progressing to
expedite international trade of organic products. Since, 1999, the commodity industry
has had a voluntary Canada organic standards that is not supported by any regulation.
The organic industry continues to devote its energies towards implementation of a
mandatory national organic regulation to help expedite trade relations with such major
trading partners as United States, European Union and Japan.
3.3.3.5 Asia
In Asia the area under organic management was small as compared to the past
years, but in China there has been a large increase of nearly three million hectares in the
year 2004, which is dedicated to pastoral land that has not been certified before. The total
organic area in Asia continent is now about 4.1 million hectares, managed by almost
13000 farms. Additionally, 6.4 million hectares are certified for forest and wild
harvested areas. Organic products are China, India and Russia. For many countries there
are still no precise figures available, but a number of countries where activities were not
recorded previously have reported data this time.
Organic rules are already in place in a number of Asian countries including India,
Japan, Korea, Philippines, Taiwan and Thailand. The highest reported domestic market
growth is estimated to be up to 30 percent in China and organic boom seems to be taking
place in Indonesia. The range of marketing channels is diverse, as are market conditions
from rural India to Tokyo, including organic bazaars, small retail shops, supermarkets,
multi-level direct selling schemes and interest marketing. Exports are still largely
composed of fresh products and low-value commodity crops. Recently, agriculture,
particularly shrimp farming is becoming popular, with projects in China, Indonesia,
Thailand and Vietnam.
3.3.3.6 Africa
In Africa, organic production is rarely certified and for many countries the
organic agriculture is expanding. Nevertheless, organic farming is increasing in Africa,
especially in the Southern countries. An important growth factor in Africa is the demand
for organic products in the industrialized countries. Another motivation is the
maintenance and building of soil fertility on land threatened by degradation and erosion.
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More than one million hectares now managed are certified organic. Additionally, 6.8
million hectares are certified as forest and wild harvested areas. Most certified organic
production in Africa is geared towards export markets, with large majority being
exported to the EU, which is Africa largest market for agricultural products. At present,
Tunisia is the only African country with its own organic (EU compatible) standards,
certification and inspection system. Egypt and South Africa have both made significant
progress in this direction; both have two certifying organizations and are well on their
way to developing standards.
3.3.4 Ten Countries with Largest Organic Area
From the above global statistics of organic farming, it is found that following 10
countries has the largest area under organic management, which is illustrated in table
no.3.10 and graph no.3.6.
Table No.3.10: Ten Countries with Largest Area Under Organic Management in 2006 (Area In Hectare)
Sr. No.
Countries Hectares Percentage
1. Australia 12126633 50.37 2. China 3466570 14.40 3. Argentina 2800000 11.64 4. Italy 954361 3.96 5. USA 889048 3.70 6. Brazil 887637 3.67 7. Germany 767891 3.19 8. Uruguay 759000 3.15 9. Spain 733182 3.05 10. UK 690270 2.87
Total 24074592 100 Source: FIBL, Survey- 2005-06.
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The above table and graph explains the largest area under organic management
by the various countries. Australia has the largest area of organic farming (50.37 %),
followed by China (14.40 %), then Argentina (11.64 %), Italy (3.97 %), USA (3.70 %),
Brazil (3.69 %), Germany (3.19 %), Uruguay (3.15 %), Spain (3.05 %) and UK (2.87
%S) have the followings hectares as organic area respectively at global level.
3.3.5 Number of Farms- Share Per Continent
Total land area of organic farms at global level is distributed among various
continents in various proportions, which have been stated in table no.3.11 and graph
no.3.7, which bring to our focus the number of organic farms wise share per continent.
Among the various continents Latin America has the largest share of organic farms
(30.51 percent) followed by Europe, Asia, Africa, North America and Australia or
Oceania Continents having share of organic farms as 27, 21, 19, 2 and 0.5 percent
respectively.
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Table No.3.11: Number of Organic Farms-Share Per Continent (In %)
Sr. No. Per Continent Percentage of Total Organic Land Area
1. Africa 19.00
2. Asia 21.00
3. Europe 27.00
4. Latin America 30.50
5. Australia / Oceania 0.50
6. North America 02.00
Total 100
Source: FIBL- Survey 2005-06.
3.4 Future of Organic Farming
The future of organic agriculture appears to be bright on many levels. Perhaps the
most important reason as to why proponents of organic agriculture are optimistic in the
reality that an ever growing segment of the general public is beginning to use at least
some organic food and other types of organic products in their lives. An expansion of
educational and informational programs relating to organic practices is one of the
important reasons that is broadening the appeal of organic food, organic farming and
organic gardening. As organic food farming and practices generally are accepted at wider
scale, many people have begun to speculate as to what is the future of organic foods.
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Globally, organic food production is projected to explode in demand. When
people purchase organic food products they can be assured it is a good decision for
themselves, their families, and also contributes to the well being of our environment.
Global consumers are increasingly looking for organic food, which are considered safe
and hazard free. The global prices of organic food products are more lucrative and
remunerative. In several major developed countries, where domestic organic production
is insufficient to meet demand, there is strong demand for imported organic products.
Exporting organic products to these markets may provide at least developed Asian
countries with much-needed foreign currencies. As per consideration about demand for
organic production, strong demand appears in European countries, specifically in Latin
and North America; one person among four persons demands organic food product.
In Asia, it is estimated that organic retail sales have now exceeded US $ 1 billion.
While most of these sales presently take place in Japan, other countries have witnessed a
rapid expansion of their organic market. These countries include China, India, the
Republic of Korea and Singapore. It provides several advantages to Asian countries. It
helps to improve income in rural areas and reduce mitigation towards overpopulated
cities, as it is generally more labor intensive and its products tend to fetch higher prices.
Where arable land is scarce, modern organic cultivation techniques can raise yields
considerably.
Thus, considering the uncounted benefits of organic food products, rapid growth
of sales and yields, which lead in continuing organic farming at large scale at global
level, leads towards the bright future of organic farming in Asia, Europe, Australia,
America and other continents.
3.5 Certification of Organic Farming
Organic agriculture is based on the commitment of farmers and processors to
work according to the standards already set and regulations that define the organic
production system. Furthermore, it is based on transparency to make the production
system comprehensive and reliable and finally organic agriculture needs the consumer
confidence for market development. Certification system is primarily serving as tool to
enhance trade, market development and confidence.
To sell a product as “organic”, the crop must have been raised on land, where no
synthetic chemical (including fertilizer, herbicides, insecticides and fungicides) inputs
were applied for three years prior to its harvest. In addition, no GMO crops are allowed
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in organic production. Only naturally occurring materials are allowed in production and
processing operations and all treatments must be noted in farm records. A crop rotation
plan must be in place to protect against pest problems and to maintain soil health. Row
crops should be raised for not more than four out of five years, and the same low crop
cannot be grown in consecutive years on the same land. The products pass through the
above process, which enables them to get “organic” certification.
In order to strengthen ‘organic’, all involved parties like Government, private
standard setting and certification bodies as well as stakeholders should concentrate on
the essential difference between organic and conventional products rather than struggling
within the movement about differences, even details. It is time to consider that
accreditation and certification is basically a tool to strengthen the organic development.
This is what the organic movement is still trying to achieve with harmonized
international basic standards and with designing a private system, yet acknowledging the
reality of its practical restrictions.
It is yet to be seen whether the joint initiative of IFOAM, FAO and UNCTAD
creating an International Task Force on Harmonization and Equivalence in organic
systems, where the private sector and representatives of governments are participating,
will achieve general consensus on harmonizing private with governments and
government standards regulations.
3.5.1 Certification Bodies as per Continents
In 2003, the organic certification Directory Convictions as 364 organizations
were issued and the countries were listed as offering organic certification services. In
2004 there were listed 385 and in 2005 the number rose to 419 organizations. Simple
growth rate of Certification bodies was 5.22 % in 2004 and 2.61 % in 2005.
The majority of certification bodies are located in the EU, USA, Japan, Canada,
and Brazil. Many of the listed certification organizations are also operating outside their
home country. Most of them are based in a developed country and offer their services in
developing countries. Very few are operating in several development countries, e.g. there
is not one single EU based certification body offering its services in the USA, even when
they have the required NOP accreditation. A handful works in several or all the
continents. There are 70 countries that have home-based certification organization. Most
of Africa and big parts of Asia still lack local service providers. There are only 7
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certification bodies in Africa (in South Africa, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Egypt).
Asia has 117 certification bodies, but 104 of these are based in China, India and Japan.
Table No.3.12: Number of Certification Bodies per Continent 2003-2005
Sr. No. Continents Number of Certification Bodies
2003 2004 2005 1. Africa 07 09 07 2. Asia 83 91 91 3. Europe 130 142 157 4. Latin America &
Caribbean 33 33 43
5. North America 101 97 84 6. Oceania 10 11 11 Total 364 383 393 SGR (%) - 5.22 2.61
Source: FIBL Survey, 2006.
Yt-Y0 SGR = *100 Y0 The numbers of organizations have gone down in the USA. When the National
Organic Program (NOP) was passed, there was a rush for organizations to register as
certification bodies, similar to what happened in the EU in the mid-nineties. Some of
them were never accredited and some of them were perhaps not really certification
bodies. Others have realized that there not much money, which can made from organic
certification. In Europe, there has been an increase of certification bodies in Spain, Italy
and some new EU member states. In Latin America, five certification bodies have been
added to the listing bringing the total to six. The most spectacular increase is in China,
where the number went up from six in 2004 to 26 in 2005. This is likely an effect of
introduction of legislation for organic farming in China.
3.6 Conclusion
In the present chapter, researcher has discussed the topics such as, historical
development of organic farming, development of organic farming India, global
development of organic agriculture, future of organic farming and management of
organic farming etc. Hence, we can conclude that the organic farming and the market for
organic food and beverages is much developed in European countries with specifically in
North and Latin America, but on the other hand, the development of organic agriculture
and its market are less developed in developing countries, except China and Asian
Countries. However, the awareness among the consumers and farmers is created in
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developing countries, which can lead an increase in growth rates of organic agriculture.
The Natural Climate, soil condition and water availability etc., are favorable, but
government has not been supportive, for development of organic agriculture in
developing countries. Further, research in organic agriculture is required to expand the
organic agriculture in developed and developing countries, which can lead to a bright
future of organic agriculture system.
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