The discovery of a new food does more for the happiness of mankind than the discovery of a new star

-Brillat Savarin

ABOUT
1. Organic farming is a production system that sustains the health of soils, ecosystems and people
(International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements, Germany)

2. Organic agriculture is a unique crop production management system which excludes all synthetic off -farm inputs (FAO, 1993).

3. Organic farming is a system which largely rely upon,

Crop rotations Crop residues Field residues Process Residue Organic waste Aerobic Digestion Anaerobic Digestion Nutrient (Micro / Macro nutrients) Plant Protection Animal manures

NEED FOR ORGANIC FARMING

25 million workers are poisoned each year by pesticides Green revolution has caused great ecological losses

World wide organic area is more than 24 million hectares in

more than 130 countries The global organic trade has touched 39 billion dollars, but India's organic exports are just about 0.8 per cent of Rs 500 crore

Parameter
Size

Organic farming
Smaller Marginal Dependent operations No external inputs Less mechanization Use of organic inputs

Conventional farming
Large scale Economically tied to major food corporation Heavy use of chemicals Mechanized production using special equipment and facilities

Method

Technology

Nature based Environment friendly Sustainable

Good in taste, flavour, nutrition and free from chemicals Local, direct to consumer Farmers markets

Synthetic, harmful to environment Nutrient depleting

Tasteless, less nutritious, contain toxic residues of chemicals Wholesaler market, high volume of produce

Products

Market

Accreditation Agencies for certification

ADVANTAGES ORGANIC FARMING

Nutrition Reduction and Prevention of Allergies and Diseases A Healthier Environment Saving our Wildlife Leads to employment Avoids degradation of natural resources

MARKET LEADER: WHOLE FOODS MARKET

Current Players in Organic Foods in India: 1. Morarka Organic

2. 24 letter Mantra
3. Panchwati Organic 4. Sahaj Foods

Other Players at International Levels are: 1. Krafts Foods

2. Dean Foods
3. Nestle 4. ConAgra

MAJOR ISSUES IN ORGANIC FARMING

Need for greater awareness Tedious procedure Lack of government support Absence of proper links

BIBLIOGRAPHY
http://www.apeda.gov.in/apedawebsite/index.asp http://coconutboard.nic.in/ http://www.indiacoffee.org/login.php http://www.sikkimagrisnet.org/General/en/Agriculture/ Organic_Certification.aspx http://www.teaboard.gov.in/ http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/