ORGANIC FARMING IN PUNJAB: ITS STATUS AND FUTURE PROSPECTS
Authors: Dr. Shikha Chaudhary, Dr. Anjali Bhardwaj and Pooja Verma
Dr. Shikha Chaudhary: Government College Ropar, Rupnagar, Punjab, India.
Dr. Anjali Bhardwaj: Pandit Sant Ram Government Degree College, Baijnath, Himachal Pradesh, India.
Pooja Verma: Government College Ropar, Rupnagar, Punjab, India.
ABSTRACT
In India, organic farming encourages environmentally friendly practices by avoiding synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, and GM crops. It uses organic methods like composting, crop rotation, and biological pest management. Even while organic farming still makes up a very small percentage of India’s total agricultural landscape, its significance is progressively growing as a result of increased health and environmental consciousness as well as the growing demand for organic produce. About 3.7 million hectares, or 2% of India’s total agricultural land, are grown organically as of 2023. With government programs like the National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) and Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY), which provide farmers switching to organic practices with financial assistance and training, this field is still growing. Kerala, Uttarakhand, and Sikkim are among the states that have demonstrated leadership in organic farming; Sikkim was the first to obtain 100% organic classification. The lack of infrastructure, marketing avenues, and reasonably priced organic inputs remain major obstacles to the widespread expansion of organic farming, despite these achievements. But with sustained government backing, market demand, and technology developments, organic farming in India has enormous growth potential and is poised to play a significant role in the country’s agricultural landscape going forward. On the other hand, organic farming is becoming a viable substitute for traditional, chemical-intensive agriculture in Punjab. Because of worries about chemical residues, water depletion, and soil health, the state is seeing an increase in interest in organic farming practices despite its historical dependence on high-input farming. Despite its infancy, organic farming has shown promise for both economic and environmental advantages in certain districts through successful case studies. Its widespread acceptance depends on ongoing awareness and assistance. As a result, the current state of organic farming in Punjab is highlighted in this review article, and it is crucial to create policies that could remove challenges to organic farming.
Keywords: Organic Farming, Organic Production, Punjab, PKVY, NPOP, PGS, and Kheti Virasat Mission.