Margasagayam, N. (1999) - A Study of Organic Farming in Tamil Nadu (PH.D Thesis) .

CHAPTER-IV
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
In harmony with the objectives, data were collected and analysed.
The results of the analysis arc presented and discussed in this chapter.
4.1. GENERAL INFORMATION OF T H E S A M P L E FARMERS.
FA R !NI F A M SIA E S A N D FA R rVIIN C
4.1.1. Particulars of the Sample Farmers
The particulars of the sample farmers are presented in table 4.1.
Family I lead
Majority of the Conventional Farmers (85.83 Percent) and Organic
Farmers (90.00 Percent) who headed the families were men.' In both'
categories about 50 percent of the farmers were over 40 years of age.
Education
Close to 35 percent of the Conventional Farmers and 50 percent of
the Organic Farmers were illiterate. About 20 percent of the Conventional
Farmers and 40 Percent of the Organic Farmers had education above Higher
secondary level.
55
Occupation
A little less than 40 percent of the Conventional Farmers and a little
over 20 percent of the Organic Farmers had agriculture as their only
occupation. Only about 20 percent of the Conventional Farmers and over
five percent of the Organic Farmers had agriculture as their additional
occupation.
Mass Contact for the Sample Fanners
Radio was found to be the major source of mass contact in both the
categories (S5.00 percent Conventional Farmers and 70.00 percent Organic
Farmers). Newspaper followed by Television was found to be the second
major source of mass contact for both the categories of the sample farmers.
Social Participation of the Sample Farmers
In both the categories, participation in the Village Panchayat was less
than 10 percent only. A little less than five percent of the Conventional
Farmers and little over five percent of the Organic Farmers participated in
the farmers discussion group.
4.1.2. particulars of the Family Members of the Sample Farmers
The particulars of the family members of the sample farmers are
given in table 4.2.

57
Education
A little over 35 percent in Conventional Farm family members and
close to 50 percent of Organic Farm family members were illiterate.
Economic Contribution
Nearly 40 percent of the sample Conventional Farm families
reported that they were living below the poverty line. The economically
active persons were 58.94 percent among Conventional Farm family
members, whereas they were 48.00 percent among Organic Farm family
members.
4.1.3. Oilier General Information of the Sample Farm Families
The other general information of llic sample farm families are
presented in table 4.3.

59
Vehicle Ownership
Most of the farmers in both categories owned a cycle. Nearly 15
percent of the Conventional Farmers and 10 percent of the Organic Farmers
owned Tempos. (Tempo is a four wheel Automobile which is used for the
goods transport).
* Economic Status
A little less than 40 percent of the Conventional Farmers and little
more than 50 percent of the Organic Farmers lived below Rs. 9000/- per
annum income (below poverty line).
4. 1.4. Cropping pattern of the Sample Farmers
Cropping pattern of the sample Conventional Farms are expressed in
table 4.4. The gross cropped area of the surveyed Conventional Farms was
281 hectare and the net cultivated area was 149.2 hectares with 22 different
crops and with 41.43 percent cropping intensity (Number of crops raise
from the same space at different time from a year).

62
Peas, potato, beans carrot and radish were cultivated by 87.50
percent, 84.17 percent, 68.33 percent, and 52.50 percent of the
Conventional Farmers respectively followed by other crops.
Areawise. carrot (17.22 percent) occupied the major area followed
by beans (U).16 percent), peas (13.58 percent), potato (12.10 percent) and
garlic (6.47 percent).
Cropping pattern of the sample Organic banns arc presented in the
table 4.5. The gross cropped area of the surveyed Organic farms was 125
hectares and the net cropped area was 57.20 hectares with 18 different
crops. The cropping intensity (number of crops raise from the same space at
different time from a year) was 30.34 percent.
Carrot, potato, peas, beans and garlic were cultivated by 7o.07
percent. 70 percent, 70 percent, 63.33 percent and 50 percent of the Organic
Farmers respectively followed by other crops.
Areawise carrot (19.52 percent) occupied the major area followed
by, beans (15.36 percent) potato (13.92 percent), peas (8.96 percent) and
garlic (8.16 percent).

64
4.1.5. Farm Animal Diversity
The particulars of the farm animal - diversity is given in table 4.6
and 4.7. In order to supply the organic manure and energy, farmers had
farm animals. There were seven categories of farm animals found in the
Conventional Farms as well as the Organic Farms.
About 70 percent of the Conventional Farmers had bullocks, whereas
all the Organic Farmers had bullocks with them. The average number of
bullocks per hectare was 1.29 in Conventional Farms, where as it was 1.S7
in the Organic Farms.
Nearly 50 percent of the Conventional Farmers owned cows,
whereas ibis percentage was about 95 on Organic Farms. The average
number of cows per hectare in Conventional Farming was only 0.53, where
as it was 0.73 in Organic Farming.
Close to 80 percent of the Conventional Farmers and 60 percent of
the Organic Farmers had horses.
About 50 percent of the Conventional Farmers had sheep/goats
whereas above a little more than 75 percent of the Organic Farmers had
65
sheep/goats. The per hectare availability of sheep/goats for the
Conventional Farmers was 1.25 and it was 1.80 for the Organic Farmers.
Apart form these pigs and poultry birds were also found with the
Conventional Farmers and Organic Farmers. About 70 percent o(
Conventional Fanners and about 60 percent of the Organic farmers had
poultry with them.
9
4.1.6. Crop Diversity
The particulars of crop - diversity of the sample farms are given in
table 4.8. In order to improve and maintain the quality of soil fertility and
pest and disease control, farmers grew greater numbers of crops species.
About 65 percent of the Conventional Farmers has four and less than four
species, where as about 60 percent of the Organic Farmers had five or more
than five species of crops.
4.1. 7. Tree Diversify
The particulars of tree - diversity of the sample farms are given'hi
table 4.9. In order to generate green leaf manure, timber, wood and fruits,
farmers grew greater numbers of tree species.' A little more than 45 percent
67
of the Conventional Farmers had more than four tree species, whereas more
than 75 percent of the Organic Farmers had more than four tree species.
4.2. KNOWLEDGE AND ADOPTION
4.2.1. Knowledge
Table 4.10 shows the comparison of knowledge of Organic Farming
reference to land preparation and manure management among small,
medium and large Conventional Farmers.
From the table it can be seen that higher percentage of medium
farmers had knowledge of Organic Farming practices with reference to land
preparation and manure management as compared to the small and large
Conventional Farmers.
Large Conventional Farmers did not know about tank/river silt,
vermicompost, cover cropping, traditional seed and seed treatment with
gobergas slurry with reference to land preparation and manure management
practices of Organic farming.
Knowledge of Farmyard Manure, mixed cropping; cover cropping
practices were the second most common among medium Conventional

68
Farmers compared to other Conventional Fanners with reference to land
preparation and manure management.
Table 4.11 shows the comparison of the knowledge of Organic
Farming with reference to plant protection among smalt, medium and large
Conventional Farmers had knowledge in Organic Farming practices with
reference to plant protection as compared to the small and large
Large Conventional Farmers did not know about milky and bitter
testing leaves mixture extract application with reference to plant protection
practices of Organic Farming knowledge, kerosene and rice husk mixture
application, biological control, food - chain and food,- web and storage
with aromatic leaves practices were the second place and storage with red
soil practice was the third place among the medium Conventional Farmers
comparatively large Conventional Fanners with reference to plant
protection.
69
4.2.2. Adoption
Table 4.12 shows the comparison of the adoption of Organic
Farming practices with reference to land preparation and manure
management among small, medium and large Conventional Farmers.
Conventional Farmers adopted the Organic Farming practices with
reference to land preparation and manure management, as compared to the
small and large Conventional Farmers.
Application of tank milt and vermicompost, cover cropping,
mulching, seed treatment techniques were not adopted by the large farmers.
Yermicomposting and seed treatment with gober gas slurry were not
practiced by the small Conventional Farmers.
Vermscomposting amd seed treatments were practiced exclusively
by the medium Conventional Farmers only. Compost and mixed cropping
were practiced by most of the fanners in all the categories.

70
. Table 4.13 shoes the comparison of the adoption of Organic Farming
plant protection techniques among small, medium and large Conventional
Farmers.
From the table it can be seen that a higher percentage of medium
Conventional Farmers adopted the Organic Farming practices with
refercnece to plant protection as compared to the small and large
Only seasonal cultivation, bio - fence, neem oil and soap solution
mixture application, biological control and storage with red soil were alone
adopted by the large Conventional Farmers.
None of the Conventional Farmers adopted natural pest and. disease
resistant variety with reference to plant protection. Natural pest and disease
resistant varieties, kerosene rice husk mixture application and storage with
aromatic leaves were not adopted by the small Conventional Farmers with
reference to plant protection.
With reference to plant protection storage with aromatic leaves was
practiced exclusively by the medium Conventional Farmers, only.
The reason for the better adoption of Organic Farming practices by

i
the medium Conventional Farmers could be due to the fact that they are
fully devoted to farming in general and Organic Farming in particular.

71
Income from farming is not remunerative for the small Conventional
Farmers. So most of these farmers engage in off-farm and non farm
activities for their living. As large Conventional farmers do not have to
depend on farming for their living, they did not pay mueh altention to
Organic Farming practices. Hence adoption of Organic Farming practices
by the small and large Conventional Farmers were poor as compared to the
medium Conventional Farmers.
4.2.3. Comparison of knowledge among the sample farmers
Comparison of knowledge of Organic Fanning with reference to land
preparation and manure management practices between Conventional
Farmers and Organic Farmers is given in tabic 4.14.

74
With reference to summer ploughing and levelling more than 75
percent of the Conventional Farmers claimed to have knowledge of
compost and mixed cropping. Fifty to 75 percent of the Conventional
Farmers had knowledge of farm yard manure, tank/river silt, green leaf
manure and seed pelleting with mud or cow dung.
More than 75 percent of the Organic Farmers have reported to have *
knowledge of compost, mixed cropping, farm yard manure, green manure,
green leaf manure, crop-rotation, traditional seeds and seed pelleting with
mud and cow dung.
More than 50 percent and less than 75 percent of the Organic
Farmers said that they had knowledge in silt, vermicompost and mulching.
It could be seen from the table that only few farmers in both the
categories have reported to have knowledge in bio - fertilizer, cover
cropping, seed treatment with gober gas slurry and seed treatment with bio
- fertilizer.
Comparison between the knowledge of Organic Farming with
reference to plant protection between the Organic Farmers and the
Conventional Farmers is given in the table.

79
With reference to seasonal cultivation for plant protection, maximum
number of farmers in both the categories have reported (100 percent
Organic Farmers and 82.50 percent in Conventional Fanners) to have
adequate knowledge.
More than 75 percent of the Organic Farmers had knowledge of
natural pest and disease resistance varieties and storage in red soil. Sixty
percent of Organic Farmers reported to have knowledge in nccm based
application and food chain and food - web.
More than 50 percent of the Conventional Farmers had knowledge of
natural pest and disease resistance varieties and storage with red soil. Most
of the Conventional Farmers did not have much knowledge in other
practices of Organic Farming.
4.2.4. Comparison of Adoption among the sample fanners
Comparison between the Organic Farming practices adopted
progressive Organic Farmers and Conventional Farmers with reference to
land preparation and manure management is presented in the table 4.16.
With reference to summer ploughing and levelling more than 50 percent of
the farmers in both the categories adopted.

82
(Correlation r = 0.67932?)
With references to manure management more than 70 percent of the
Organic Farmers adopted Farm Yard Manure, crop rotation, mixed
cropping and seed pcllating with mud or cow dung and about 50 to 90
percent of the Conventional Farmers adopted the same practice.
With reference to vermiconpost, traditional seed, treatment with
gobar gas slurry and seed treatment with bio - fertilizer were least adopted
by both the categories.
Comparison of adoption of Organic Farming practices with reference
to plant protection between Organic Farming and Conventional Farming is
shown in the table 4.17.
With reference to seasonal cultivation of plant protection, maximum
number of farmers in both the categories (100 percent of Organic Farmers
and 78.83 percent of Conventional Farmers) adopted.
More than 50 percent of the Organic Farmers adopted natural pest
and disease resistant varieties, cow urine and water'mixture application,
Neem oil soap solution mixture application, maintenance of food - chain
and food - web, prey and predator protection and storage with red soil.
83
Kerosene and rice husk mixture application, cow urine and water
mixture application and storage with aromatic leaves were adopted by vcrv
few among conventional farmers. None of the conventional farmers adopted
natural pest and disease resistant varieties with reference to plant protection.
4.3. C O M P A R I S O N OF COST OF CULTIVATION BETWEEN
C O N V E N T I O N A L F A R M I N G AND O R G A N I C FARMING
4.3.1. Pear
Cost of cultivation tables for pear are presented in table 4.18 and
table 4.19.
Cost
The total cost of cultivation of pear was Rs. 9765/ha in Conventional
Farming and Rs. 6432/ha in Organic Farming. As pear is a perennial crop.
cost of seedlings and cost of planting have not been included in the total
cost, fhe total cost of Pear was 51.82 percent more in Conventional
Farming than in Organic Farming.
In the total cost, fertilizers and pesticides had a share of nearly 40
percent in Conventional Farming. If the labour cost for applying these
inputs were added the share would be about 45 percent.

84
Cost of manure constituted only 6.14 percent of the total cost in
Conventional Farming whereas this cost was 31.87 percent in Organic
Farming, with the addition of the application charges, the cost would be
7.hS percent and 36.54 percent for Conventional Farming and Organic
Farming respectively.
86
Return
Yield (Table 4.56) of pear in Conventional Farming was 18,500
kg/ha. This was 25 percent more than the yield of pear in Organic Farming
which was only 14,800 kg ha.
Income from pear in Conventional Farming was Rs. 49.250/ha. This
was 47.23 percent more than the income from pear in Organic Farming
which was only Rs. 33,450 ha.
Benefit Cost Ratio
Though the income from Conventional Farming was more, there was
not much difference in the benefit cost ratios between Conventional
Farming and Organic Farming. This .was because the increase in income
was offset by the increase in expenditure. The benefit cost ratios were 4.0
and 4.2 Conventional Farming and Organic Farming respectively
(Table 4.58).
4.3.2. Hill Banana
Cost of cultivation table for Hill Banana are presented in table 4.20
and table 4:21.

87
Cost
The total cost of cultivation of hill banana was Rs. 18,869/ha in
Conventional Farming and Rs. 14,937/ha in Organic Farming. The total
cost of hill banana was 26.32 percent more in Conventional Farming than in
Organic Farming.
inputs were added, the share would be 22.14 percent.
Cost of manures constituted only 2.65 percent of the total cost in
Conventional Farming whereas this was S.37 percent in Organic Farming
and with the addition of.the application charges this would be 3.32 percent
and 10.88 percent for Conventional Farming and Organic Farming
respectively.
The percentage of expenditure on weeding was 12.45 percent in
Conventional Farming but it was 17.07 percent in Organic Farming.
Flowever the cost difference was 8.51 percent per hectare.

90
Farming and Organic Farming. This was because the increased or in income
and 1.02 for Conventional Farming and Organic Farming respectively
(Table 4.58).
4.3.3. Lemon
Cost of cultivation tables for lemon are presented in table 4.22 and
table 4.23.
(?ost
The total cost of cultivation of lemon was Rs. 9.487/ha in
Conventional Farming and Rs. 7,146/ha in Organic Farming. As lemon is a
perennial crop. Cost of seedlings and cost o\' planting have not been
included in the total cost. The total cost of lemon in Conventional Farming
was 32.76 percent more in Conventional Farming than in Organic Farming.
Conventional Farming, whereas this cost was 20.29 percent in Organic
Fanning and with the addition of the application charges, the cost would be
6.85 percent and 23.44 percent for Conventional Farming and Organic
The. percentage of expenditure on weeding was 15.30 percent in
Conventional Fanning but it was 23.09 percent in Organic Farming.
However the cost difference was 13 percent per hectare.
Return
Yield (Table 4.56) of lemon im Conventional Farming was 3,500
kg/ha. This was 12.90 percent more than the yield of lemon in Organic
Fanning which was only 3,100 kg/ha.

93
Income from lemon in Conventional Farming was Rs. 36,800/ha.
This was 19.68 percent more than the income from lemon in Organic
Farming which was only Rs. 30.750/ha.
Benefit - Cos! Ratio
not much differences in the benefit - cost ratios between Conventional
was offset by the increase in the cost. The benefit cost ratios were 2.9 and
3.3 for Conventional Farming and Organic Farming respectively
("fable 4.58).
4.3.4. Orange
Table 4.24 and 4.25 present the Cost of cultivation particulars of
orange.
..Cost
The total cost of cultivation of orange was lis. 11521 /ha in
Conventional Farming and Rs. 8775/ha in Organic Farming. As orange is a
perennial crop, cost of seedlings and cost of planting have not been
included in the total cost. The total cost of orange was 31.29 percent more
in Conventional Farming than in Organic Farming.

inputs were added, the share would be nearly 45 percent.
96
7.80 percent and 28.49 percent for Conventional and Organic Farming
respectively.
However the cost difference was 14.98 percent per hectare.
Return
Yield (Table 4.56) of orange in Conventional Farming was 5.200
kg/ha. This was 26.83 percent more than the yield of orange in Organic
Farming which was only 4100 kg/ha.
Income from orange in Conventional Farming was Rs. 2S,800/ha.
This was 32.26 percent more than the income from orange in Organic
Farming which was only Rs. 21,775 / ha.
Benefit-Cost Ratio
not much difference in the benefit-cost ratios between Conventional
Fanning and Organic Farmint. This was because the increased or in income
was offset by the increase in expenditure. The benefit cos't ratios were 1.50
(Table 4.58).
97
4.3.5. Plums
Cost of cultivation particulars for plums are tabulated in tabic 4.26
and table 4.27.
Cost
The total cost of cultivation of plums was Rs. 10,159/ha in
Conventional Farming and Rs. 7256/ha in Organic Farming. As plums are
a perennial crop, cost of seedlings and cost of planting have not been
included in the total cost. The total cost of plums was 40 percent more in
Conventional Farming than in Organic Farming.

Farming and with the addition of the application charges, the cost would be
•rt
respectively.
100
Return
Yield (Table 4.56) of plums in Conventional Farming was 13,250
kg/ha. This was 31.19 percent more than the yield of plums in Organic
farming which was only 10,100 kg'ha. »
Income from plums in Conventional Farming was Rs. 42,050/ha.
This was 40.75 percent more than the income from plums in Organic
Farming which was only Rs. 29,S75'ha.
Benefit - Cost Ratio
not much difference in the ben fit - cost ratios between Conventional
was offset by the increase in the Expenditure. The benefit cost ratios were
3.14 and 3.12 for Conventional Farming and Organic Farming respectively
(Table 4.58).
101
4.3.6. Beans
Cost of cultivation tables for beans are provided in table 4.28 and
table 4.29.
Cost
The total cost of cultivation of beans was Rs. 16,053/ha in
Conventional Farming and Rs. lO,4SS/ha in Organic Farming. The total
cost of Beans was 53.06 percent more in Conventional Farming than in
Organic Farming.
Cost of manure constituted only 1.56 percent of the total cost in
respectively.
104
Income from beans in Conventional farming was Rs. 44,000/ha. This
was 36.86 percent more than the income from beans in Organic farming
which was only Rs. 32, 150/ha.
Benefit- Cost Ratio
not much difference in the benefit - cost ratios between Conventional
was offset by the increase in the expenditure. The benefit cost ratios were
1.74 and 2.07 for Conventional Farming and Organic Fanning respectively
(Table 4.58).
4.3. 7. Brinjal
Cost of cultivation tables for brinjal are seen in table 4.30 and
table 4.31.
Cost
The total cost of cultivation of brinjal was Rs. 16,643/ha in
cost of brinjal was 24.67 percent more in Conventional Farming than in
Organic Farming.
105
Conventional farming, whereas this cost was 14.04 percent in Organic
respectively.
Conventional Fanning but it was 14.62 percent in Organic Farming.
However the cost difference was 20 percent per hectare.

Return
Yield (Table 4.56) of brinjal in Conventional Farming was 20,000
kg'ha. This was 33.33 percent more than the yield of brinjal in Organic
Farming which was only 15,000 kg/ha.
Income from brinjal in Conventional Farming was Rs. 62,000/ha.
This was 44.02 percent more than the income from brinjal in Organic
Farming which was only Rs. 43,050/ha.

108 j|
Benefit- Cost Ratio
Though the income from Conventional Farming was more, there was -1
not much difference in the benefit - cost ratios between Conventional \\
Farming and Organic Farming. This was because the increased or in income [\
was offset by the increase in the expenditure. The benefit cost ratios were
2.73 and 2.25 for Conventional Farming and Organic Farming respectively i
(Table 4.58). !
4.3.8. Chilly
j
Cost of cultivation tables for chilli are presented in table 4.32 and ;!
table 4.33. /{
Cost
The total cost of cultivation of chilli was Rs. 16, 770/ha in ;|

•' I
:
i
Conventional Farming and Rs. 12, 926 ha in Organic Farming. The total : j
cost of chilli was 29.81 percent more in Conventional Farming than in j
Organic Farming.
f In the total cost, fertilizers and pesticides had a share of nearly 25 .]
\ percent in Conventional Farming. If the labour cost for applying these : -j

109
5.36 percent and IS.95 percent for Conventional and Organic farming
respectively.
Conventional Farming but it was 14.7S percent in Organic Farming.
Return
Yield (Table 4.56) of chilli in Conventional Fanning was 900 kg/ha.
This was 23.29 percent more than the Yield of chilli in Organic Farming
which was only 730 kg/ha.
Income from chilli in Conventional Farming was Rs. 2S,S00/ha. This
was 30.67 percent more than the income from chilli in Organic Farming
which was only Rs. 22,040/ha.

not much difference in the benefit-cost ratios between conventional
Farming and Organic Farming. This was because the increased or in
income was offset by the increase in expenditure. The benefit cost ratios
were 0.72 and 0.71 for Conventional Farming and Organic Farming
respectively (Table 4.58).

112
4.3.9. Peas
Costs of cultivation tables for peas are given 4.34 and table 4.35.
Cost
The total cost of cultivation of peas was Rs. 17,588/ha in
Conventional Farming and Rs. 14.627 ha in Organic Farming. The total
cost of Peas was 20.24 percent more in Conventional Farming than in
Organic Farming.
In the total cost, fertilizers and pesticides had a share of nearly 26.73
Conventional Farming. Whereas this cost was 18.80 percent in Organic
respectively.
The percentage of expenditure on weeding was 9.3S percent m
Conventional Farming but it was 11.96, percent in Organic Farming.
Return
Yield (table 4.56) of Peas in Conventional Farming was 4,100 kg/ha.
This was 30.16 percent more than the yield of Peas in Organic Farming
which was only 3,150 kg/ha.

115
Income from peas in Conventional Farming was Rs. 35,800/ha. This
was 37.56 percent more than the income from Peas in Organic Farming
which was only Rs. 26,025/ha.
Bene lit- Cost Ratio
income was offset by the increase in expenditure. The benefit cost ratios
were 1.04 and 0.78 for Conventional Farming and Organic Farming
4.3.10, Tomato
Cost of cultivation tables for tomato are seen in table 4.36 and table
4.37.
Cost
The total cost of cultivation of tomato was Rs. 17,236 / ha m
Conventional Farming and R,s. 13,501 / ha in Organic Farming. The total
cost of tomato was 27.66'percent more in Conventional Farming than m
Organic Farming.
116
In the total cost, fertilizers and pesticides had a share of nearly 23.09
respectively.
The percentage of expenditure on weeding was S.94 percent in
RETURN
Yield (Table 4.56) of tomato in Conventional Farming was 34.200
kg/ha. This was 33.59 percent more than the yield of tomato in Organic
Income from tomato in Conventional Farming was Rs. 88,700)/ha.
This was 74.01 percent more than the income from tomato in Organic
Fanning which was only Rs. 50.975/ha.

B E N E F I T - C O S T RATIO
Farming and Organic Farming. This*\vas because the increased or in
income was offset by increase in expenditure. The benefit cost ratios were
119
4.15 and 2.33 for Conventional Farming and Organic Farming respectively
(Table 4.58).
4.3.11. Cabbage
Cost of cultivation tables for cabbage are provided in table 4.3S and
table 4.39.
Cost
The total cost of cultivation of cabbage was Rs.l6,4S5ha in
cost of cabbage was IS.76 percent more in Conventional Farming than in
Organic Farming.
In the total cost, fertilizers and pesticides had a share of 28.20
inputs were added, the share would be 30 percent.
Conventional Farming, whereas this cost was 20.93 percent in Organic-
respectively.
122
Income from cabbage in Conventional Farming was Rs. 78,800/ha.
This was 70.28 percent more than the income from cabbage in Organic

9
income was offset by the increase to the cost. The benefit cost ratios were
3.78 and 2.33 for Conventional Farming and Organic Farming respectivclv
(Table 4.58).
4.3.12. Beetroot
Cost of cultivation tables for beetroot are presented in table 4.40 and
table 4.41.
Cost
The total cost of cultivation of beetroot was Rs. 17,199/ha in
cost ot beetroot was 15.43 percent more in Conventional Farming than in
Organic Farming.
123
Conventional farming, whereas this cost was 19.SO percent in Organic
5.93 percent and 21.SI percent for Conventional and Organic Farming
2)
respectively.
Conventional Farming but it was 12.SS percent in Organic Farming.
Return
Yield (Table 4.56) of beetroot in Conventional Farming was
10,300 kg/ha. This was 7.29 percent more than the yield of beetroot in
Organic Farming which was only 9,600 kg / ha.
Income from beetroot in Conventional Farming was Rs. 3S,450/ha.
This was 15.47 percent more than the income from beetroot in Organic

income was offset by the increase in the expenditure. The benefit cost
126
ratios were 1.29 and 1.24 for Conventional Farming and Organic Farming
4.3.13 Carrot
Cost of cultivation tables for carrot are given in tabic 4.42 and
table 4.43.
Cost
The total cost of cultivation of carrot was Rs. 17,609/ha. In
cost of carrot was 20.04 percent more in Conventional Farming than in
Organic Farming.

129
Return
Yield (Table 4.56) of carrot in Conventional Farming was 24600
kg/ha. This was 13.98 percent more than the yield of carrot in Organic
Farming which was only Rs. 1 8.950 kg/ha.
Income from carrot in conventional farming was Rs. 66.450 /ha.
This was 23.06 percent more than the income from carrot in organic
farming which was only Rs. 54.000 /ha.
Benefit-Cost Ratio
Farming and Organic Farming. This was because the increased or m
income was offset by the increase in the expenditure. The benefit cost ratios
were 2.77 and 2.68 for conventional farming and organic farming

130
4.3.14. Knolkhol
Cost of cultivation tables for knolkhol are shown in table 4.44 and
table 4.45.
Cost
The total cost of cultivation oC knolkhol was Rs. 17121/ha in
Conventional Farming and Rs. 14375 ha in Organic Farming. The total of
knolkhol was 19.10 percent more in Conventional Farming than in Organic
farming.
Conventional Farming, whereas this cost was IS.78 percent in Organic
farming and with the addition of the application charges, the cost would be
respectively.
135
RETURN
Yield (Tabic 4.56) of knolkhol in Conventional Farming was 14.200
kg/ha. This was 44.90 percent more than the yield of knolkhol in Organic
Income from knolkhol in Comeutional Farming was Rs. 46,500 ha.
This was 58.43 percent more than the income from knolkhol in Organic
Farming which was only Rs. 20,350 ha.
B E N E F I T - C O S T RATIO
not much difference in the benefit cost ratios between Conventional
was offset by the increase in cost. The benefit cost ratios were 1.716 and
1.042 for Conventional Farming and Organic Farming respectively
(Tabic 4.58).
4.3.15. Potato
Cost of cultivation tables for Potato are presented in table 4.46 and
table 4.47.
134
Cost
The total cost of cultivation of Potato was Rs. 28,881/ha in
cost of potato was 13.75 percent more in Conventional Farming than in
Organic Farming.
3.SI percent and 12.01 percent for Conventional Farming and Organic

136
137
Income from potato in Conventional Farming was Rs. 60,400/ha.
This was 39.81 percent more than the income from potato in Organic
BENEFIT-COST RATIO
was offset by the increase in cost. The benefit cost ratios were 1.09 and 0.70
for Conventional Farming and Organic Farming respectively ('Fable 4.5S).
4.3.16. Radish
Cost of cultivation table for radish are seen in table 4.48 and table
4.40.
Cost
The total cost of cultivation of radish was Rs. 16,326 ha in
Conventional Farming and Rs. 14, 301/ha in Organic Farming. The total
cost of radish was 14.16 percent more in Conventional Farming than in
Organic Fanning.
inputs were added, the share would be 13.17 percent. No pesticides was
applied in Conventional Farming.

140
Farming and with the addition of the application charges, the cost would he
respectively.
However the cost differences was 34.78 percent per hectare.
Return
Yield (Table 4.56) of radish in Conventional Farming was
21.500 kg ha. This was 13.76 percent more than the yield of radish in
Organic Farming which was only 18,900 kg/ha.
Income from radish in Conventional Farming has Rs. 45,4onh;i.
This was 13.36 percent more than the income from radish in Organic

141
Benefit - cost ratio
Though the income form Conventional Farming was more, there was
and 1 .SO for Conventional Farming and Organic Farming respectively
(Table 4.58).
4,3.17. Garlic
Cost of cultivation tables for garlic are provided in table 4.50 and
table 4.51.
Cost
The total cost of cultivation of garlic was Rs. 18,312/ha in
Conventional Farming and Rs. 15,446 ha in Organic Farming. The total
cost of Garlic was 15.55 percent more in Conventional Farming than in
Organic Farming. .*
144
Cost of manures constituted only. 5.19 percent of the total cost in

9
However the cost difference was IS.62 percent per hectare.
Return
Yield (Table 4.56) of garlic in Conventional Farming was
3.S00 kg/ha. This was 28.S! percent more than the yield of garlic in
Organic Farming which was only 2,950 kg/ha.
Income from garlic in Conventional Farming was Rs. 58,350/ha.
This was 37.46 percent more than the income from garlic in Organic
Though the income from Conventional Farmiim was more, there v*as
145
{Table 4.58).
4.3.18. Coffee
Cost of cultivation tables for Coffee are presented in table 4.52 and
table 4.53.
Cost
The total cost of cultivation of coffee was Rs. 15,100/ha in
Conventional Farming and Rs. 13,015/ha in Organic Fanning. As Coffee is
perennial crop cost of seedlings and cost of planting have not been included
in the total cost. The total cost of coffee was 16.02 percent more in
Conventional Fanning than in Organic Farming.
In the total cost, fertilizers and pesticides had a share of
24.5 3 percent in Conventional Farming. If the labour cost for applying these

148
The percentages of expenditure on weeding was 9.60 percent in
Conventional Farming but it was 12.68 percent in Organic Fanning.
Return
Yield (Table 4.56) of coffee in Conventional Farming was
5S0 kg/ha. This was 41.46 percent more than the yield of coffee in Organic
Farming which was only 410 kg ha.
Income from coffee in Conventional Farming was Rs. 36,600/ha.
This was 39.16 percent more than the income from Coffee in Organic
Farming which was only Rs. 26.300/ha.
income was offset by the 1.42 and 1.74 for Conventional Farming and
Organic Farming respectively (Table 4.58).

149':
4.3.19. Chow chow, Cauliflower, cardamom and Pepper
Cost of cultivation tables for chow chow, cauliflower, cardamom and
pepper are shown in table 4.54 and table 4.55. These crops were not
cultivated in the sample Organic Farming field sampled.
Cost
The total coat of cultivation of chow chow, cauliflower, cardamam
and pepper were Rs. 22,544/ha, Rs. 17,326 ha. Rs. 13,813/ha and Rs.
13,839/ha respectively. As cardamem and pepper are perennial crop, cost of
seedlings and cost of planting have not been included in the total cost.
In the total cost of fertilizers and pesticides of chow chow,
cauliflower, cardamom and pepper had shown shares of IS.63 percent,
22.80 percent, 26.50 percent and 26.59 percent respectively. If the labour
cost for applying these inputs was taken into account the share would be
20.89 percent, 25.97 percent, 30.11 percent and 29.84 percent respectively.
Cost of manures of chow chow, cauliflower, cardamom and pepper were
3.11 percent, 4.96 percent, 7.96 percent and 7.59 percent respectively. If the
labour costs for applying these inputs were added, the share would be 4.99
percent, 6.12 percent and 9.48 percent, 9.03 percent respectively. ,

The percentages of expenditure on weeding of chow-chow,
cauliflower, cardamom and pepper were 7.98, 10.1. 1 1.58 and 10.48 percent
respectively.
Return & Benefit - Cost ratio
Yield (Table 4.56 & 4.58) of chowchow, cauliflower, cardamom and
pepper were 16,00 kg/ha, 9,350 kg/ha, 120 kg/ha and 480 kg/ha
respectively. The incomes were Rs. 51,500 /ha, Rs. 45,275 /ha,
Rs. 25,050/ha and Rs. 29,750/ha respectively.
Benefit - cost ratios of chowchow, cauliflower, cardamom and

pepper were 1.28, 1.61, 0.81 and 1.15 respectively.
155
4.3. IMPACT OF ORGANIC FARMING
Any technology introduced into the society will have some definite
impact on different sectors of society. It say either be positive or negative or
both. It all depends on the way in which the technology is being addressed.
A detailed analysis of the possible impacts of Organic Farming is presented
here.
4.4.1. Impact on Soil
The Organic Farming requires less passes with the plough than
Conventional Farming. The physical condition of the soil in the
Conventional Farming is poor even after the ploughing. Even the
unploughed land will be more porous in the Organic Farm than the
Conventional Farm. Because of the addition of more organic matters to soil,
the colour of the soil will to black colour in the Organic Farming.
4.4.2. Impact on Animals Stock
Animals have a major role in Organic Fanning practicies the purpose
of manure and energy requirement. Hence it is expected that the animal
stock will be increase.

156
4,4.3- Impact on Economy
A thorough analysis of the economics of Organic Farming and the
Conventional Farming are presented in page 88 to 162. Employment
opportunities in the villages will be more because of the reduction of
mechanisation and the increase of stock numbers. Employment will be
generated in collection of organic manure and preparation of botanical
pesticides. All the Organic Farming felt that the income will be reduced m
the first few years. However the income will increase slowly hut steadily.
4.4.4. /inpact on Expenditure and Dept.
From the study it can be seen that the expenditure on Organic
Farming will be reduced, because of the elimination of the costly synthetic
chemical inputs and machineries. Therefore there were only 34 percent of
indebted Organic Farmers, whereas the percentage was as high as 85 in
Conventional Farming. The individual debt was Rs. 4500.00 to Rs. 6500.00
for the Organic Farmers whereas it varied from Rs. 5600.00 to 2.00.000.00
for the Conventional Farmers.
4.4.5. Impact on Social Justice
The gap bejtween the rich and the poor will be narrowed down and
the wealth of the village will almost be equally distributed. Because ot^
many factors such as organic farming system is a dynamic social concept

157 ":
which seeks equal importance of every one of individual, self sufficient,
depend on locally available natural renewable resources. No middle man,
also provide basic needs of everyone etc.
4.4.6. Impact on Local Administration
Decentralized village panchayat will take an upper hand in the

a
politics. Because of the equal importance contribution of every on c in the
village development.
4.4.7. Impact on Social Structure
Orgaic farming system needs continuous physical and mental
concentration and cooperation of all community people. Hence community
living with mutual love and affection can be restored. Co-operation can
I become the order of the say. Intermediaries between the producer and the
I consumer can be reduced to the barest minimum. When the production is
i need based, problems which may arise between middleman and farmers.
; can be settled outside of the court, by villagers themselves.
4.4.8. Impact on Ecology
Because of the long practice of Conventional Farming, the soil
becomes dead. After the introduction of Organic Farming the soil micro -
organisms slowly build up in the soil, earth worms migrate to the soil.
158--'
improving the physical and bio-chemical nature of the soil. Soil degradation
and soil erosion are also arrested by plants, prey and predators are attracted
to the fields and maintaining the natural balance.
4.4.9. Impact on Health
Nearly 7S percent of the Organic Farmers reported that they have
better health, because Organic Farming is free from synthetic chemicals and
their pollution, through fresh air, clean water and good products better
health is possible.
at
4.4.10. Impacts on Tech n ology'
As Organic Farming needs less machine power and is without
synthetic chemical inputs, all the big agricultural input manufacturing
industries could slowly give way to the village based small, less energy
dependent cottage industries, such as vermicomposting, composting. Bio -
Fertilize]-, Bio - pesticides and Botanical pesticides, etc.
4.5. HIGHER ORDER IMPACTS OF ORGANIC FARMING
Technologies can have unlimited consequences that combine to have
a series of impact undreamed of by the inventor of the technology. The
following Higher Order Impacts suggest how Organic Farming may here
negative effects.
160 ':
4.5.1. First Order
Agricultural yield reduction Organic Farming input resource
scarcity, labour scarcity for agricultural activities and the stagnation of agro
synthetic chemicals and machineries will constitute the first order impacts.
4.5.2. Sec on d Order
The first order impacts lead to the second order impacts. They are
a
food shortage, income reduction of farmers; Lull in the agricultural product
market till the stabilisation of Organic Farming and closure of the aero
chemical and machinery industries.
4.3.3. Third Order
Third Order impacts result from the second order impacts. Increase
in food grain price closure of allied companies of agro chemical &
machinery industries; reduction in the efficiency of the farmers are the third
order impacts.
4.5.3. Fourth Order
Fourth order may result in poverty, hunger and migration.
A self explanatory tree diagram (Fig. No. 4.1.) has been traced to
identify the possible impacts of Organic Farming.

161
4.6, THE PROBLEMS AND PROSPECTS OF ORGANIC
F A R M I N G AND SUGGESTIONS
A technology without any problems is non - existent. Identifying the
problems will help us to carry out corrective action at the appropriate time.
Attempted here is an analysis of various problems and prospectus of
Organic Farming with suitable remedies.
4.6.1. Organic farming in Letter and in Spirit
Unlike Conventional Farming, personal presence, as well as a
thorough knowledge on the Organic Farming practices, suitable to the local
area arc needed and complete dedication to farming is also necessary.
Carrying out non - farm and off- farm activities along with the Organic
Farming and absentee landlordism arc not possible in the case of Organic
Farming. This is because blanket recommendation, moro-culture and
indiscriminate mechanisations are impossible in Organic Farming.
4.6.2. Seeds
With the advent of the High yielding varieties, time tested traditional
varieties of seed have been systematically eliminated. The traditional
varieties are location specific, require less external inputs, resistant to pest
and diseases and can be produced from within the farm. To generate such
162
traditional varieties of seeds need sustained efforts on the part of farmers.
With the help of the State Agricultural Universities, the Government
Extension Agencies and the Non - Governmental Organisations, generation
and promotion of traditional and local seeds can be made possible.
4.6.3. Manure
One of the important inputs in Organic Farming is manure. As
farmers have substituted animal power with machine power for the farm
operation, manure has become a scanty resource. It is found out from the
present study that a farmer needs at least five bullock equivalents per hetarc
to supply the needed farm manure to the field. At present in the study area
there are 3.73 bullock equivalents among organic farmers and 2.98 bullet
equivalent among conventional farmers. The farmers should slowly
replenish their animal stock by decreasing the use of machine power
gradually in this connection, breading of local breeds to gradually. In this
connection, breeding of local breeds to suit the needs of the farm is also to
be stepped up. Along the boders of the fields and wherever possible green
leaf manure trees and green manure crops should be grown. Cultivation of
leagmes, observation of crop rotation, mulching, application of tank and
river silt, bio - fertilizer etc., should be practiced to enrich so infertility.
Moreover domestic urban and industrial organic wastes after screening of
heavy metals can be used in the process if making organic manures.

163
4.6.4. Plant Protection
Chemical pesticides have broken the food-web by killing the natural
predators. Indiscriminate use of pesticides has resulted in pesticide
resistance in the pest. Hence instead of chemical pesticides, botanical
pesticides, bio - pesticides, pheromones and light traps should be used.
Appropriate agronomical practices also help to control the pests. Botanical
pesticides arc available locally Bio - pesticides can also be made available
if there is a cooperative effort among fanners.
4.6.5. Location Specifocoty
In the case of Organic Farming blanket recommendations,
monoculture and indiscriminate mechanisations are not possible. Because
Organic Farming is highly location specific, centralised research as in the
case of Conventional Farming cannot be carried out in Organic Farming.
Hence a decentralized, need based - bottom up research effort, especially in
the farmers fields is needed Organic Fanners should get together
periodically to get their knowledge exchanges and arrangements are to be
made to carry out the research at the farmers' level.

164
4.6.6. Initial Low Yield
After the introduction of Organic Farming in the first two or three
years there will be a decline in the yield. If Organic Farming practices are
followed systemtically a break through in the yield could be achieved
within three to five years. It may be difficult for most of the farmers to
absorbs this shock. Farmers co - operatives could offer a helping hand in
this regard for these years.
4.6.7. Marketing
If the Organic Farm products are sold along with the Conventional
farm products, the Organic Farm products will not command competitive
price. So separate markets should be established for Organic Farm products.
This is possible only if the farmers have marketing cooperatives for Organic
Farm products. Already there are markets for such products in selected
shops in cities such as Bombay (Indo Biotech Foods under the label of
Green word), madras (Kasturi & Sons) and Kodaikanal (Kurungi Organic
Foods) and such shops should be opened at appropriate market centres in a
decentralized manner. If this could be done, people who are interested in
buying poison - free farm products can have access to such centres and the
demand for Organic Farm products will increase and the Organic Farmers
will also get remuneration prices. Steps also should be taken to educate the
consumer about the advantages of the organic Farm products, such as
poison of tree food, Eco friendly farming product, help to the bio dicersity
166
coservation, utilisation renewable natural resources, waste
management and recycling, reduction of Agro - chemical pollution,
development of Agro - Forest and farm animal culture, etc.
4.6.8. Extension Education for Organic Farming
The whole nation is geared to promote Conventional Farming only,
ever since the launching of the Green Revolution. So all the State
Agricultural Universities, the Government Extension Agencies and the
Agricultural input companies have fallen in line with the national objective
in changing the knowledge, skill, and attitude of the farmers towards so
called modern Farming. Now it is a Herculean task to make a break with
Conventional Farming in order to go back to Organic Farming. First of all
the State Agricultural Universities should be encouraged to take up
experiments on Organic Farming at their Research Stations. If they are
convinced of the performance of Organic Farming, the state Agricultural
Universities could recommend the Government Extension Agencies to
promote Organic Fanning wherever possible.
Organic Farming zones can be identified and such zones could be
protected from poisonous chemicals. However such zoning is possible only
in the case of Co-operative Farming and Corporate Farming.

167
A self- explaratory Organic Farming model is presented in Figure
No.4.2.
4.7. INTERPRETIVE STRUCTURAL MODELING
An Interpretive Structural Modeling was attempted to identify the
priorities and directions of the objective and presented in fig. 4.3. The
objectives were formulated based on the experts opinion. Extension of
Agricultural Institution, Government officials and Organic Farmers. The
self interaction marix whichis the precursor for the Interpretive Structural
Modeling is given in Appendix - III.
Objective for the Proposed Organic Farming
1) To get sustainable agricultural production
2) To get poison free farm products
3) To do need based production
4) To create village based employment
5) To conserve bio - diversity
6) To maintain the ecological balance
7) To encourage prey - predator relationship (avoid synthetic Agro
chemicals). »
8) To conserve water ,
9) To develop agro - forests

168
10) To encourage reforestation activities
11) To prevent soil erosion
12) To establish earthworms in cultivation land
13) To protect the crop with biological pesticides
14) To minimize the cost
15) To reduce intermediaries between the producer and consumer
16) To reduce medical expenditure
17) To do minimum the energy expenditure
18) To utilize animal energy
19) To do waste management and recvclinu in agriculture
20) To do cultivation with locally available natural resources only
21) To use the maximum of renewable natural resources.
22) To convert the urban and industrial organic waste into manure
23) To adopt technologies suitable to local condition
24) To protect the earth from the green house effect
25) To protect the Ozone layer
26) To eleminatc toxic poisonous chemicals
27) To avoid environmental pollution hazards
28) To popularise Organic Farming
29) To develop off- farm activities s
30) To make use of traditional knowledge
31) ' To learn through experience

] 70
32) To provide research support to improve Organic Farming
33) To reduce the litigation
34) To develop cooperation among the farmers and people
35) To even out the unequal distribution of wealth
36) To eliminate the social evils
37) To lead a simple life style
3S) To develop spiritual values among the people.
4.8 SUGGESTIONS TO P R O M O T E ORGANIC FARMING
From past experiences and from the study it is understood that only
Organic Farming can bring sustainable development in the long - run.
Hence efforts must be taken to promote Organic Farming. The following
are the suggestions to promote Organic Farming.
1. Farmers should be trained to produce bio - fertilizers, bio -
pesticides, botanical pesticides and vermicompost.
2. Green manure seeds, bio - fertilizers and bio - pesticides should be
made available to the farmers at affordable prices.
3. Urban wastes should be properly collected, composted and made
available to farmers.,
4. Social forestry and Agro forestry should be promoted.

171
5. Steps should be taken to increase the number of farm animal units in
the farms.
6. Suitable research should be taken to improve loc-al breeds which
could be affordable by the farmers.
7. State Agricultural Universities and other Research Insitutes should
be encouraged to take up Research in Organic Farming.
S. Agricultural Research and Development should be nature oriented.
9. Holistic planning for agriculture at grass root level should be . |
encouraged.
10. Separate markets should be established for Organic Farming

i
products. j
11. Consumers should be educated about the advantages of Organic
Farming Products.
12. Absentee land lordian should be discouraged. :
13. Organic Farmer cooperatives and Organic Farming societies should j
be promoted.
14. Voluntary Agencies should be encouraged to include Organic
Farming as one of their important components in Rural ' I
Development.
15. Government should withdraw the subsidies given to chemical :]
fertilizers and pesticides. ; '|

172
4.9. FUTURE OF ORGANIC FARMING
The following scenarios are given based on the interactions with
farmers. Government and Non - Government organisations and experts and
presented in the order of expectation.
4.9.1. Scenario - I
This scenario foresees the end of farming in Kodaikanal where
farming itself is under great threat and hence Organic Farming cannot have
bright future.
The end of fanning is predicated because of the following-reasons.
1. In the present context profitable farming is not possible
because of the faulty pricing in agriculture.
2. As Kodaikanal is a tourist centre it has great potentials for
business. Hence most of the farmers are leaving farming in
order to take up business.
3. The land value is tremendously increasing. Even in remote
places, the value of the land is not less than five lakhs per
hectare. As selling for non - agricultural purposes is more

173
remunerative than practicing farming, farmers are leaving
agriculture and selling their lands. It is understood that
already more than 40 percent of the cultivable land has been
converted to houses and summer resorts and the trend is likely
to continue.
4. Forest fire, deforestation activities cause great soil erosion and
the water table has gone down because of frequent monsoon
tail ure.
4.9.2. Scenario - II
This scenario views the natural decline of Conventional Farming and
the slow and steady growth of Organic Farming because of the following
reasons in future.
1. Kodaikanal block is mainly under horticultural crops which consume
three to four times higher quantity of fertilizers and pesticides, which
give way to increase in the cost of cultivation.
2. Improper application of fertilizer and pesticides increases the cost of
cultivation.
3. Vegaries of monsoon increase the pests and diseases and also create
water scarcity. x
4. Non - availability of pest and disease specific chemicals

174
5. Awareness of Farmers about environmental hazards and the
pollution.
6. Government and non - government organisations have understood
the importance of Organic Farming and hence they are slowly
emphasising practices in Organic Farming. At present integrated pest
managment and integrated nutrition management are being
recommended by these agencies which could be considered as the
stepping stones towards Organic Farming.
4.9.3. Scenario - III
Improvement and extension of further advancement to the Green
Revolution technologies is expected in this scenario.
In the near future, with sufficient research and development and
extension backup, the Green Revolution can continue to increase
productivity with increasing awareness regarding the environment. Along
with tje application of integrated nutrient management and integrated pest
management practices, the ecological crises can be postponed for some
more time.
175
Among the afore said three scenarios, the first one poses a very great
threat to the very existence of agriculture in Kodaikanal. If such a trend
extends to other parts, the very existence of life will be in question.
Hence suitable steps should be taken to preserve agriculture in
general and absorb Organic Farming in particular. One should not forget the
popular Tamil Poem.

Margasagayam, N. (1999) - A Study of Organic Farming in Tamil Nadu (PH.D Thesis) .

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CHAPTER-IV

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

In harmony with the objectives, data were collected and analysed.

4.1. GENERAL INFORMATION OF T H E S A M P L E FARMERS.

FA R !NI F A M SIA E S A N D FA R rVIIN C

4.1.1. Particulars of the Sample Farmers

The particulars of the sample farmers are presented in table 4.1.

Majority of the Conventional Farmers (85.83 Percent) and Organic

categories about 50 percent of the farmers were over 40 years of age.

Close to 35 percent of the Conventional Farmers and 50 percent of

the Organic Farmers were illiterate. About 20 percent of the Conventional

A little less than 40 percent of the Conventional Farmers and a little

over 20 percent of the Organic Farmers had agriculture as their only

occupation. Only about 20 percent of the Conventional Farmers and over

five percent of the Organic Farmers had agriculture as their additional

Mass Contact for the Sample Fanners

categories (S5.00 percent Conventional Farmers and 70.00 percent Organic

Farmers). Newspaper followed by Television was found to be the second

Social Participation of the Sample Farmers

In both the categories, participation in the Village Panchayat was less

the farmers discussion group.

4.1.2. particulars of the Family Members of the Sample Farmers

The particulars of the family members of the sample farmers are

given in table 4.2.

A little over 35 percent in Conventional Farm family members and

close to 50 percent of Organic Farm family members were illiterate.

Nearly 40 percent of the sample Conventional Farm families

active persons were 58.94 percent among Conventional Farm family

4.1.3. Oilier General Information of the Sample Farm Families

The other general information of llic sample farm families are

presented in table 4.3.

Most of the farmers in both categories owned a cycle. Nearly 15

percent of the Conventional Farmers and 10 percent of the Organic Farmers

A little less than 40 percent of the Conventional Farmers and little

annum income (below poverty line).

4. 1.4. Cropping pattern of the Sample Farmers

Cropping pattern of the sample Conventional Farms are expressed in

from the same space at different time from a year).

Peas, potato, beans carrot and radish were cultivated by 87.50

percent, 84.17 percent, 68.33 percent, and 52.50 percent of the

Conventional Farmers respectively followed by other crops.

Areawise. carrot (17.22 percent) occupied the major area followed

garlic (6.47 percent).

Cropping pattern of the sample Organic banns arc presented in the

different time from a year) was 30.34 percent.

Carrot, potato, peas, beans and garlic were cultivated by 7o.07

percent. 70 percent, 70 percent, 63.33 percent and 50 percent of the Organic

Farmers respectively followed by other crops.

Areawise carrot (19.52 percent) occupied the major area followed

garlic (8.16 percent).

4.1.5. Farm Animal Diversity

The particulars of the farm animal - diversity is given in table 4.6

Conventional Farms as well as the Organic Farms.

About 70 percent of the Conventional Farmers had bullocks, whereas

in the Organic Farms.

Nearly 50 percent of the Conventional Farmers owned cows,

whereas ibis percentage was about 95 on Organic Farms. The average

as it was 0.73 in Organic Farming.

Close to 80 percent of the Conventional Farmers and 60 percent of

the Organic Farmers had horses.

About 50 percent of the Conventional Farmers had sheep/goats

sheep/goats. The per hectare availability of sheep/goats for the

Conventional Farmers and Organic Farmers. About 70 percent o(