Proceedings of National Seminar on Organic Agriculture - CAB

CAB CALLING October-December, 2006
Documents & Reports
<strong>National</strong> <strong>Seminar</strong> r on Organic Agriculture
held at Kochi from November 20 to 21, 2006
Summary <strong>of</strong> <strong>Proceedings</strong>
Consumption <strong>of</strong> organically grown food
products is gaining currency the world
over. This has led to a keen interest in
sourcing from India, considering that a
major part <strong>of</strong> agriculture in our country
is organic by default. The challenges in
this emerging market are lack <strong>of</strong>
information with the growers, difficulty
in acquisition <strong>of</strong> the requisite knowledge
and absence <strong>of</strong> market linkages. The
multiplicity <strong>of</strong> standards varying from
country to country and lack <strong>of</strong> focused
attention to this emerging sector add to
the complexity <strong>of</strong> participation by small
farmers in this potentially huge market
opportunity. With the diverse native plant
species, traditional low external input, high
human crop husbandry methods, the blessings
<strong>of</strong> a variety <strong>of</strong> agro-climatic zones and long
periods <strong>of</strong> sunshine, India can emerge as a major
supplier <strong>of</strong> organic food to the whole world. In
this context, the College <strong>of</strong> Agricultural Banking
(CAB) organized the <strong>National</strong> <strong>Seminar</strong> on
Organic Agriculture at Kochi in November
2006, with Ernakulam, Palakkad and Idukki
District Central Cooperative Banks as local
partners, to build awareness about and highlight
the role that different stakeholders, including
banking institutions, have to play for the
development <strong>of</strong> this nascent sector. Kochi has
been chosen as the venue, considering that
Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu have
significant cultivation <strong>of</strong> plantation crops which
are highly valued in the domestic and
international market and can jumpstart India’s
foray into the organic markets.
The main objectives <strong>of</strong> the seminar were to (i) discuss opportunities and
options for small farmers in organic agriculture (ii) provide insight into
the dimensions and requirements <strong>of</strong> the export and domestic organic
foods market, (iii) update knowledge on organic agricultural practices,
their codification and adoption, (iv) understand the role and functions <strong>of</strong>
various promotional agencies in encouraging organic agriculture,
(v) create awareness about the certification standards and procedures to
obtain certification, (vi) highlight the key role <strong>of</strong> banks in promoting and
popularising organic agriculture, particularly among small farmers, and
(vii) encourage farmer-to-business and business-to-business interaction,
which has the having potential for commercial opportunities benefiting
small farmers.
One <strong>of</strong> the main highlights <strong>of</strong> the seminar, which was inaugurated by
Shri G. Sudhakaran, the Hon’able Minister for Cooperation, was the
stimulating address by Shri V.S. Achuthanandan, the Hon’ble Chief
Minister <strong>of</strong> Kerala. He complimented the efforts <strong>of</strong> the Reserve Bank <strong>of</strong>
India and the three District Central Cooperative Banks for organizing a
very topical and relevant seminar and promised support from the sate
government to promote organic agriculture. The other important
dignitaries who addressed the audience include, Shri S. Sharma, Hon’ble
Minister for Fisheries, Shri Mullakkal Ratnakaran, Hon’ble Minister for
Agriculture. Several Members <strong>of</strong> the Assembly, viz. Shri K. V. Peter, Shri
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CAB CALLING October-December, 2006
Babu Paul, Shri P. J. Joseph also graced the occasion. Executives and senior <strong>of</strong>ficers <strong>of</strong> banks, scientists and researchers,
policy makers and representatives from government agencies, industry, trade and business partners, commodity boards,
organic farmers, students and other organizations interested in the development <strong>of</strong> the sector participated in the seminar.
Inaugurating the seminar, Shri Sudhakaran said that environmental pollution is one <strong>of</strong> the greatest hazards faced by the
society and the organic agriculture is indeed a bright way <strong>of</strong> ensuring healthy nature. Shri Sharma also spoke <strong>of</strong> the
harmful effects <strong>of</strong> conventional and high intensity agriculture and called upon the delegates and the experts to promote
organic agriculture in a big way. The key note address was delivered by Dr. O. Rupela, Principal Scientist, ICRISAT. He
called upon the farmers to take up organic agriculture on a large scale as it is the most sustainable way <strong>of</strong> farming. He also
said, using scientifically validated data, that contrary to common perception, organic agriculture can produce as much as
conventional agriculture. Organic agriculture will, in addition, nurture environment while conventional agriculture depletes
the soil and is environmentally harmful in the long run. Dr. (Mrs.) Gouri, Advisor, APEDA, during her special address on the
concluding day, explained the efforts taken by the country to get the Organic Certification System in place. She detailed the
various steps involved in the certification process and also said that India has been able to get equivalence with EU and also
get acceptance from the US in the certification process.
Business Session I : Organising and Promoting Farmers for Modern Markets
Chairman : Dr. N. Krishna Mohan, Regional Director for Kerala and Lakshadweep, Reserve Bank <strong>of</strong> India,
Tiruvananthapuram
Presentaions : 1. Mrs. Mildred Steidle, International Federation <strong>of</strong> Organic Agriculture Movement, Germany
2. Shri Sunil Joseph, Peerumedu Development Society (PDS)
Rappoteur : Dr. P.D. Jeromi, Assistant Adviser, Reserve Bank <strong>of</strong> India, Kochi,
Dr. Krishna Mohan, in his opening remarks, spoke <strong>of</strong> the urgent need <strong>of</strong> organizing small and medium farmers to take up
organic agriculture. He also stressed the need to ensure that their produce reaches the consumers and the farmers get the
advantages <strong>of</strong> the modern markets.
Mrs. Mildred Steidle, in her presentation on “Scope for Small and Marginal Farmers in the Organic World,” focused on the
priority tasks and action required for bringing the small and marginal farmers to the organic world. She underscored the fact
that more than yield, the benefit <strong>of</strong> organic farming lies in the reduction in cost <strong>of</strong> production. She identified three priority
tasks for popularizing organic farming, viz. i) providing technical support to farmers, ii) building an organizational structure
akin to production companies by farmers themselves, and iii) providing financial support to farmers. Other tasks identified in
the presentation were i) establishing partnership with marketing companies, ii) linkage with local or regional markets, iii)
linkage with financial agencies and iv) providing training. For credibility, internal controls systems need to be evolved and
periodically evaluated and it should be subjected to external auditing. She suggested group certification, common marketing
and contract farming to overcome the difficulties likely to be faced by the small and marginal farmers and concluded by
recommending investment in organic farming for education, training, etc. and formation <strong>of</strong> own organizations for the success
<strong>of</strong> organic farming.
Shri Sunil Joseph, in his presentation on “Transition to Organic Farming: Issues and Perspectives,” covered the experience <strong>of</strong>
PDS in organising farmers to undertake organic farming. From its inception in 1990, PDS has made considerable progress in
organizing farmers. PDS provides an array <strong>of</strong> facilities/services to the farmers like meeting the cost <strong>of</strong> certification, providing
water tanks, earthworms, bio-control agents, packing materials, spraying equipment, cardamom dryers, etc. It undertakes the
processing <strong>of</strong> commodities and their marketing. He suggested some policy initiatives and actions for i) adequate availability
<strong>of</strong> inputs, ii) application <strong>of</strong> organic farming method in irrigated farms, iii) accreditation and labeling, and iv) setting up <strong>of</strong>
processing units. He also suggested that banks should change their approach while financing organic farmers.
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CAB CALLING October-December, 2006
Some important points raised by the delegates, during the discussion that followed were:
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At present organic farmers need to adhere to multiple accreditation standards fixed by various importing countries.
Hence, farmers are compelled/prefer to have their own standards. Some form <strong>of</strong> uniformity in standards is,
therefore, needed.
Who will organise the organic farmers? Are the cooperatives equipped to take up the task? Whether SHGs can
be promoted for this purpose?
Organic farming generates several positive externalities (for example, reduction in pesticide residue) which are
benefiting people around the system, besides the farmers and consumers. Hence, they also need to pay for the
healthy environment which organic farms develop.
Whether all crops, including field crops like rice, can be covered under organic farming?
How to scale up the PDS experiment to cover the entire country?
Business Session II : Market for Organic Foods
Chairman : Shri K. Muthukumaran, Chief General Manager, EXIM Bank, Chennai
Presentations : 1. Shri C. Jeyakaran, Managing Director, Kurinjili Organic Foods Ltd., Tamil Nadu
2. Shri V. Vijaykumar, Vice President, Reliance Fresh (RIL), Hyderabad
3. Mrs. Mildred Steidle, International Federation <strong>of</strong> Organic Agriculture Movement, Germany
Rappoteur : Shri Venkat Subramaniam, AGM, NABARD, Kochi
In his address, Shri Muthukumaran dwelt upon the agricultural endowments <strong>of</strong> India. India has about 11 percent <strong>of</strong> the total
cultivated land in the world and produces more than 51 varieties <strong>of</strong> crops, is world’s largest producer <strong>of</strong> milk and cashew,
second largest producer <strong>of</strong> rice, wheat sugarcane and occupies prominent position in production <strong>of</strong> pepper, coconut and
potatoes. 40 percent <strong>of</strong> the total global market in mango is from India. Despite this, the share <strong>of</strong> agriculture in total exports
has declined from 12.7 percent to 10 percent. Value addition in Indian agricultural produce is a meager 7 percent compared
to 23 percent in China, 43 percent in Philippines and an astonishing 188 percent in the U K. The control <strong>of</strong> supply chain is
slowly shifting from the suppliers / producers to retailers and is mostly technology driven. Regulations are becoming demanding
and food safety more complex. The world organic produce market is estimated at USD 31 billion and is currently growing
at 20 percent. It is expected to reach USD 100 billion by 2020. There are 110 countries practicing organic agriculture. The
present share <strong>of</strong> organic produce is only 1 percent and 95 percent <strong>of</strong> it is consumed by USA, EU and Japan. Fruits and
vegetables are main component <strong>of</strong> organic trade. The organic produce <strong>of</strong> Indian agricultural consists <strong>of</strong> tea, c<strong>of</strong>fee, wheat,
rice, spices (cardamom, pepper, ginger, turmeric vanilla, tamarind), pulses (red gram, black gram, etc.), fruits (banana,
mango), vegetables (okra, brinjal, garlic, onion, tomato, etc.), cotton and herbal extracts. Major constraints for Indian organic
producers are their small holdings, lack <strong>of</strong> market information and elaborate and expensive certification process.
In his presentation on “Dimensions <strong>of</strong> Domestic organic Market”, Shri C. Jeyakaran said that organic movement in India
owes is allegiance to (1) urban based NGOs, (2) large companies and (3) government initiatives such as, in Uttaranchal.
Organic cultivation helps increase income, avoids use <strong>of</strong> pesticides, reduces risk due to crop rotation and maintains bio
diversity. Organic farming leads to increased labour input which necessarily gives rise to higher price expectation especially
for small farmers. Since price is beyond the control <strong>of</strong> the producer, organic farming is not viable for individual farmers.
According to him, organic cultivation should be a part <strong>of</strong> a large group viz. producer company, association which can
facilitate input technology, create common processing facility, ensure group certification, financial tie ups and support
during transition period.
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CAB CALLING October-December, 2006
Organic markets needs to be developed, for which there is a need for combined farming, proper packaging for marketing,
ensuring necessary transport facilities to reach the goods to retailers and ensuring timely collection <strong>of</strong> proceeds, taking part
in exhibitions to create awareness and market. However, according to Shri Jeyakaran, the farmers cooperative / NGOs do not
possess the required capability. Production has to work backward based on the market demand. The potential demand
centres are hospitals, health spa, hotels, supermarkets, IT companies and they all need diverse products. As such, private
companies are best suited as they can leverage finance and market intelligence and managerial inputs. Marketing problems
can also be addressed by creation <strong>of</strong> weekly organic bazaars, where producers can sell their produce to consumers and
establishment <strong>of</strong> exclusive organic stores with sourcing from multi producers. As far as value addition is concerned, the
preference is for natural consumption. The value addition has to be on market need based and processing facility is to be
established on group basis. According to him, certification is not a must in case <strong>of</strong> one to one sales but is necessary in case
<strong>of</strong> distant markets. Bank finance can be in the group mode or SHG route.
Shri Vijaykumar, in his presentation on “Experience and Expectations <strong>of</strong> a Corporate Retailer” said that more corporates are
entering into the field and the main thrust has been on marketing processed foods (fresh to processed food ratio in the world
is 1:3 in developed countries). Although there are many big players in the field, the big players are not really big. Major
players are local and fragmented. While only 18 percent <strong>of</strong> total food marketing is through retail channels, they account for
nearly half <strong>of</strong> the new products introduced. The handling loss in the present arrangement is being borne by the producers but
sourcing <strong>of</strong> products from farm gates would transfer the loss to the corporates. Shri Vijaykumar stated that supermarkets
would facilitate clean environment, lower price better service, better location and create consumer confidence as the products
there carry expiry dates. Present level <strong>of</strong> supermarket presence is very low and hence there is good scope for establishment
and marketing <strong>of</strong> both organic and traditional agricultural products.
He said his company would be establishing nearly 200 stores and would also invest in back end cold chain, which would
ensure grater producer-retailer linkage, besides creating half a million jobs. The changing lifestyle is tilted towards more <strong>of</strong>
value addition <strong>of</strong> ready-to-eat products or eating out culture and hence organic cultivation has good scope. The reasons
people become organic consumers include, organic foods being environment friendly, natural, safe, traditional, pure, nutritious
and supporting a cause. A positive development is the mainstreaming <strong>of</strong> niche market due to increasing health and safety
concern, ability and willingness to pay , and the new retail formats. The corporate expectations include, certification by high
credible agencies, <strong>of</strong> quality, food safety, production to be on the basis <strong>of</strong> consumer selection, viz. appearance, size, shape
and regularity <strong>of</strong> supply. Marketing issues can be solved by using the modern retail supermarkets route as they have single
point access, targeted consumers, in store consumer contact, credibility (brand value), consistent availability, and private
label opportunities. Further the consumers have time and space to examine the new product and make decision. The
targeted products <strong>of</strong> corporates are fruits and vegetables, bakery and milk products, dairy products, spices, c<strong>of</strong>fee, pulses,
baby foods, rice, wheat and wheat products, shrimps and cotton.
Mrs. Mildred Steidle, in her presentation on “Overseas Organic Markets and India’s Opportunities”, said that Germany, USA,
European Union and Japan are the world’s largest consumers <strong>of</strong> organic produces. This is due to the Lifestyle <strong>of</strong> Health and
Sustainability (LOHAS). The world market for organic produce is 13 billion Euros. EU has it own certification and many other
countries have private agency certification. The private agency certifications are well established and accepted. The organic
markets have developed well in Germany mainly because <strong>of</strong> a well developed network system. In UK, there is a box system
where in the households can order certain quantity <strong>of</strong> vegetables, milk, milk products which will be home delivered by
farmers. For exporting to US market, the produce should comply with the <strong>National</strong> Organic Produce (NOP) Regulations
2002 which requires that agriculture produce labeled and/or sold as organic in the US has to be certified by NOP accredited
certifying agency. Similarly for export <strong>of</strong> organic product to Japan, it is necessary that the products comply with the requirements
specified under the Japan Agriculture Standards. There is tremendous growth potential in the sectors <strong>of</strong> dairy, meat, fish
products (aquaculture), fruits and vegetables, beverages, herbs, bread grains, snack foods and mango pulp. Besides food
products, there is huge potential for exporting organic natural personal health care products. India has comparative strength
in tea, spices, fruits vegetables c<strong>of</strong>fee, basmati rice, and cotton. Tropical and <strong>of</strong>f-season fruits also <strong>of</strong>fer good scope for
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export. The major weakness as identified by her are absence <strong>of</strong> strategic plan for organic exports at national and state level,
lack <strong>of</strong> producers’ groups low supplies and production, market distance especially in case <strong>of</strong> fruits. The strength and
opportunities for India are continued expansion <strong>of</strong> U S and European markets. India has a tradition <strong>of</strong> organic cultivation,
large production capabilities and institutional frame is conducive for facilitating organic cultivation. Organic cultivation is
accepted as policy for development and tool for poverty reduction. Since organic cultivation ensures socio-economic advantages
to small farmers, the domestic market is poised for development.
Business Session III : Quality and Certification <strong>of</strong> Organic Foods
Chairman
: Shri H. R. Khan, Principal & CGM, CAB
Presentations : 1. Shri Jayaprakash Narakkat, Consultant, Government <strong>of</strong> Sikkim
2. Dr. Daniel Selvam, ECOCERT, Aurangabad
Rappoteur
: Shri E. V. Murray, Member <strong>of</strong> Faculty, CAB
In his opening remarks, Shri H. R. Khan highlighted the important issue <strong>of</strong> credibility and affordability <strong>of</strong> certification by
organic farmers especially small farmers. In his presentation on “Issues in international Trade: GAP Labeling Certification,”
Shri J. P. Narakkat said that there is immense potential for India in the world agri-business market and India needs to take
advantage <strong>of</strong> the opportunities available. Certification, he said, is given by the market and in current times, consumers in
developed countries want safe and good products which are the reason for certification. As the market is competitive, the
seller does not have an option and if the market wants a certified product, we will have to provide it. He spoke about the two
dimensions <strong>of</strong> quality viz. product control and process control and also made reference to labelling standards and packaging
standards required in various markets. Finally mention was also made <strong>of</strong> the “Food Mile” issue which is another non trade
barrier which India will have to confront in the export market in the years ahead.
Dr. Daniel Selvam, in his presentation on “Food Standards and Certification <strong>of</strong> Organic Food in India, Quality and Equivalence
Agreements”, spoke about the various country standards, private standards and legislations in organic products. He presented
the flow chart for certification based on internationally recognised methodology and standards. Dr. Daniel mentioned that
certification is not necessary in all cases and it is essential to be clear about the purpose for which certification was being
sought. As an alternative to certification, he said a “Participatory Guarantee System” can be considered.
During the discussions that followed, the issue <strong>of</strong> simplification <strong>of</strong> certification process and reducing the cost <strong>of</strong> certification
once again came up.
Business Session IV : Cropping Practices and Inputs in Organic Agriculture
Chairman : Dr. M. Mohandas, Executive Director, Virtual University for Agricultural Trades
Presentations : 1. Fr. Dr. P.V. Joseph, Chairman, Indian Organic Certification Agency, Alwaye
2. Dr. (Smt). Sandeepa Kanitkar, Managing Director, Kumar Krishimitra ,Bioproducts (I) Ltd., Pune
Rappoteur : Shri C .P. Mohan, Member <strong>of</strong> Faculty, CAB
Dr. M. Mohandas spoke about the need to increase awareness about the appropriate inputs and practices for organic agriculture.
He also stressed on the importance <strong>of</strong> soil management and told the house that while adopting practices and using inputs all
stakeholders must be vigilant about the non-tariff barriers that may be imposed by the importers in western markets. He said
that need to organise the farmers, perhaps, into producers’ companies and other institutional arrangements should be vigorously
persued to provide the right impetus for organic agriculture on a sustainable basis.
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CAB CALLING October-December, 2006
Father Dr. P. V. Joseph presented the paper on “Sustainable Organic Agriculture”. According to Dr. Joseph, organic agriculture
promotes substantial degree <strong>of</strong> coexistence <strong>of</strong> all living beings and it can help us to relearn the rhythm <strong>of</strong> life. The key
practice to be followed in organic agriculture is to manure the soil and not the plant. In other words, it is necessary to
constantly maintain the biomass and nutrients balance in soil. Water management is a major constituent <strong>of</strong> organic farming
and we should prevent the depletion <strong>of</strong> water table through appropriate means. It is also necessary to maintain the vegetative
cover to prevent soil erosion as well as to maintain surface moisture. The added advantage is that it will also promote slow
percolation <strong>of</strong> water into the root zone by making running water walk. He advocated the preparation <strong>of</strong> an environmentally
friendly integrated nutrient map and an agro-based livelihood which can be promoted through farm to farm extension. Dr.
Joseph said that daily routine can be synergized with organic agriculture where kitchen waste, waste water, etc. also can be
used for soil enhancement. He said that it is further necessary to significantly increase awareness in order to make inroads
into such an agro-based livelihood.
Ms. Sandeepa Kanitkar, in her presentation on “Organic Agriculture - Inputs & Issues”, said that the present agricultural
practices using extensive tillage and irrigation ultimately result in the destruction <strong>of</strong> soil fertility. The long term effects <strong>of</strong>
encouraging conventional agriculture are soil erosion, contamination <strong>of</strong> water bodies, destruction <strong>of</strong> soil flora and organic
matter and susceptibility to drought. It is, therefore, necessary to transform into more nature friendly agriculture. She spoke
in detail about the harms <strong>of</strong> burning straw which is a usual practice in most <strong>of</strong> the agriculture land in India. It is, on the
contrary, necessary to feed the soil on the organic matter such that the soil will remain fertile for ever. She explained that the
soil organic matter will reduce soil erosion and surface run-<strong>of</strong>fs while at the same time improve tilth, soil aggregation, soil
structure, water infiltration and the nutrients holding capacity. She advocated compost <strong>of</strong> straw and also the use <strong>of</strong> compost
kinetizers which will accelerate decomposition <strong>of</strong> organic residues. She also explained in detail the benefits <strong>of</strong> adding
compost kinetizers for soil quality enhancement. Finally she also informed the house that young agricultural graduates and
other entrepreneurs must be encouraged to promote various inputs which will facilitate organic agriculture.
Business Session V : Extension and Credit
Chairman : Shri B.S. Shekawat, Chief General Manager, NABARD, Thiruvananthapuram
Presentations : 1. Shri K.J. Taori, General Manager, State Bank <strong>of</strong> India, Mumbai
2. Shri V.N. Jain, Chief Manager, Union Bank <strong>of</strong> India, Mumbai
3. Shri E.V. Murray, Member <strong>of</strong> Faculty, CAB
Rappoteur : E.V. Murray, Member <strong>of</strong> Faculty, CAB
In his opening remarks, Shri Shekawat emphasised that for organic agriculture to emerge as a mainstream activity, there is a
need for increased involvement <strong>of</strong> bank credit. Banks have been financing the sector, but the quantum so far has been
limited.
Shri Raghuraj Pipre, ITC-IBD, spoke on the immense opportunities for trading in agricultural commodities and the various
products which have a significant market. He suggested an increasing partnership between producers and marketing companies.
He also emphasized the need for a keystone player who orchestrates stakeholders to create a symbolic and sustainable
business. Shri Taori, General Manager, State Bank <strong>of</strong> India, in his presentation spoke <strong>of</strong> the importance accorded by his bank
in promoting organic agriculture and the initiatives already taken in this regard in providing investment finance under the
Government <strong>of</strong> India’s <strong>National</strong> Programme for Organic Production such as financing units for manufacture <strong>of</strong> organic
manure. Shri Jain, Union Bank <strong>of</strong> India also spoke <strong>of</strong> the importance <strong>of</strong> the sector and the readiness <strong>of</strong> Union Bank <strong>of</strong> India
to finance organic agriculture.
Shri E.V. Murray in his presentation on “Financing Organic Agriculture : Issues & Challenges” said that organic agriculture
may not generate big volumes as it is a low input region and most farmers migrating to organic agriculture may be existing
borrowers <strong>of</strong> the bank. Empirical data indicates that the borrowings <strong>of</strong> an organic farmer would be less than an inorganic
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farmer. As <strong>of</strong> now, one <strong>of</strong> the reasons that banks have not entered the segment in a big way is the absence <strong>of</strong> a standard
package <strong>of</strong> practices for various organic crops and therefore an identifiable cash flow. This needs to be developed on priority
by the research and agricultural departments in every state. The other areas where funding opportunities would emerge are
meeting the cost involved in obtaining certification, transition costs, cost <strong>of</strong> land development and acquisition <strong>of</strong> farm
animals. Agri-inputs manufacture, pre-cooling and grading units at farm level and packaging and labelling would also
require capital. The entire supply chain from producer to market has opportunities for financing apart from contract organic
agriculture. As agriculture becomes pr<strong>of</strong>itable, farmers will generate demand for credit beyond agriculture, such as, for
consumer durables, education for their children. Other funding opportunities that would emerge include financing farmers
for market exploration, attending seminars and trainings. Agriclinics and agribusiness centres as also creating farmers networks
would be other emerging opportunities. He said that bankers should take a lead in promoting organic agriculture considering
its benefits to the farmers and State Level Bankers’ Committees (SLBCs) must work in collaboration with promotional agencies
to create awareness about the advantages and financial benefits <strong>of</strong> organic agriculture.
During the discussions that followed, bankers suggested that NABARD should take initiatives in this sector by preparing
model schemes and project pr<strong>of</strong>iles and developing scales <strong>of</strong> finance for organic crops.
Organic Agriculture:
A Scientist’s Perspective
erspective*
The green revolution in India
contributed enormously by
enhancing the food production
and food security <strong>of</strong> the country.
However, it also brought about
several adverse features to the
farming sector. The cost <strong>of</strong>
production increased manifold
and also led to the ignoring <strong>of</strong>
natural resources available for
agriculture. It also led to increased
pollution, particularly <strong>of</strong> ground water
and large quantities <strong>of</strong> pesticide residue
in the food chain. In fact one <strong>of</strong> the
major sources <strong>of</strong> natural nutrients
available is the post harvests biomass
on the field. Under the conventional
farming most <strong>of</strong> this biomass is burnt.
It is estimated that Punjab alone
burns 12 million tons <strong>of</strong> stover
resulting in the loss <strong>of</strong> nitrogen
worth Rs. 80 crore annually. It
also releases 23 million tons <strong>of</strong>
CO 2
into the atmosphere. Another
major fallout is the excessive
exploitation <strong>of</strong> ground water
which has resulted in receding
*Based on the presentation made by Dr. O.P. Rupela, Principal Scientist, ICRISAT, Hyderabad on the inaugural day <strong>of</strong> the
<strong>National</strong> <strong>Seminar</strong> on Organic Agriculture held at Kochi on November 20, 2006.
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CAB CALLING October-December, 2006
water table and the presence <strong>of</strong>
pesticides and nitrates in the
aquifers. As opposed to this, in
organic agriculture, the leaves
from trees as well as crop residue
provides the nutrients. It must be
remembered that every leaf that
fall on the soil and decompose,
contains 30 different nutrients
including nitrogen, phosphorous
and potash. Unfortunately the
farmers <strong>of</strong>ten do not value smaller
nutrients. But these are vital for
both plants as well as for human
beings and animals for getting the
right quantity <strong>of</strong> nutrients in their
diet. The process <strong>of</strong> composting
can be used to ensure that this
residue is converted into available
plant nutrients. Scientists have
also proved that planting <strong>of</strong>
smaller trees on the bunds,
especially trees like Glycidia is
very useful. The leafy matter
available from these trees from the
5th or 6th year onwards shall
provide about 100 kg worth <strong>of</strong>
nitrogen per ha. Along with such
biomass, supplements like
microbial inoculants can be used
which are now available at a
relatively much lower cost than
the NPK fertilisers.
The concept <strong>of</strong> organic agriculture
is sustainable agriculture. It may
be seen that in organic agriculture
there is a synergy between crops,
trees and animals. Poly cropping
with cereals and legumes and use
<strong>of</strong> microbial shall help in soil
enhancement by nitrogen fixation,
desolubilisation, plant growth
promotion, suppression <strong>of</strong> disease
causing fungi, which are available with
research institutions in the country. It
is important to reach these practices
and inputs to the farmers.
In comparison to conventional
agriculture which practice mono
cropping pattern, in organic agriculture
poly cropping practices are usually
adopted.
The cost <strong>of</strong> production under organic
agriculture is substantially less than in
the conventional agriculture as much
<strong>of</strong> the inputs are not purchased.
Organic system is also less harmful to
environment, while providing
sustainable higher yields over a very
long period <strong>of</strong> time. The high inputs
under the conventional methods tends
to lower the soil quality over time and
in the long term is non-sustainable.
Contrary to the widespread belief, the
organic agriculture is not low yielding.
Researchers by Rodale Research
Institute, USA using 25 years <strong>of</strong> data,
research <strong>of</strong> FiBL, Switzerland using 20
years <strong>of</strong> data and the ongoing
experiments at ICRISAT for the last 7
years have proved that high and
sustainable yields are possible with
organic agriculture. Nearer home,
Organic Source Book, 2005 by Claude
Alvares reports that there are about 400
farmers in Mapusa, Goa who have been
harvesting yields comparable to their
neighbour conventional farmers. Such
farmers are a great resource to scientists
and cooperation between them is
highly useful. Interestingly, Cuba’s crop
production was sustained without
chemical inputs as the economic
embargo made it impossible for them
to import fertilizers and other inputs.
Globally it is estimated that 31
million ha is under organic
agriculture and in India itself we
have 2 million ha.
It can also be argued that the
availability <strong>of</strong> the macro and micro
nutrients are more while using
biomass and composts. One major
advantage <strong>of</strong> organic agriculture is
that the biomass supplies not only
the macro nutrients but also micro
nutrients that cannot be produced
and marketed as fertilizers. This
enhances the nutrient quality <strong>of</strong> the
crop output and provides for
nutrition security <strong>of</strong> the consumers.
Another significance <strong>of</strong> organic
agriculture is that the microbial
action releases sufficient quantity
<strong>of</strong> nitrogen from the top soil itself
obviating the need for fertilizer
application on the one hand and
preventing pollution <strong>of</strong> ground
water on the other. It must be kept
in mind that the general
recommendation that farmers
follow is 100kg <strong>of</strong> nitrogen per ha
while the crop uptake is usually
much less. The excess inputs
applied reaches to lower soil strata
and is unavailable to plants. There
is a need to encourage small and
marginal farmers to take up organic
agriculture. We need to follow a
programme approach in order
make this transition possible. With
comparable yield and lower inputs,
the economics <strong>of</strong> organic
agriculture is better. It improves
the productivity <strong>of</strong> soil and
encourages biodiversity in the long
run. It also helps to mitigate risk
as poly cropping practices spread
the risk.
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CAB CALLING October-December, 2006
Standards ds and Certification <strong>of</strong> Organic Food:
APEDA A Expert’s Perspective
*
The objectives <strong>of</strong> the <strong>National</strong>
Programme for Organic Production
(NPOP) are to promote organic
agriculture, create organic markets
and knowledge repository,
establish a credible quality
assurance system and enable India
to be a major global player in
organically produced agricultural
goods. The main strategy that is
adopted is to develop a
comprehensive mechanism for a
quality assurance system right from
production to marketing, i.e.
establish quality assurance
standards in the entire value chain.
The tools that are being used to
establish such a holistic quality
assurance system is to set up the
national standards <strong>of</strong> quality. India
also has set up our own standards.
These standards have been set up
according to international
practices. Internationally, the
standards are set on the basis <strong>of</strong>
CODEX, which prescribes how the
standards are to be set for
international acceptance.
Similarly, the standards are
developed using IFOAM standards
which provide the guidelines for
developing the standards. Thus,
the standards that have been set in
India have been harmonised with
international standards such as
CODEX, IFOAM, EU, etc. APEDA
is the designated agency for fixing
the standards. APEDA takes care
<strong>of</strong> the evaluation and accreditation <strong>of</strong>
certification agencies, their surveillance
and monitoring and periodical review
<strong>of</strong> national standards and propose
amendments to the national steering
committee. APEDA also negotiates with
importing countries for equivalence in
standards. APEDA also provides
training programmes for domestic
certification agencies, encourage
scientists to develop package <strong>of</strong>
practices, promoting exports. There are
several schemes under APEDA for
providing financial assistance. The
standards are set for the production
methods and not for quality. The
minimum requirements are stipulated
and not the best practices. The
standards has different dimensions,
such as, international standards,
production and processing standards,
for producers and inspection and
certification standards for agencies.
The national standards for organic
production prescribe the requirements
for conversion, nutrient management,
pest management, animal husbandry,
etc. The conversion period would
be two years before sowing <strong>of</strong>
annual crops and 36 months before
the first harvest for perennial crops
(other than grass lands). The
clearing <strong>of</strong> land by burning needs
to be restricted and excess use <strong>of</strong>
water need to be avoided. In the
case <strong>of</strong> nutrient management, the
best use <strong>of</strong> organic material is
stipulated with defined maximum
quantities. Mineral fertilizers like
rock phosphate are allowed to be
used as supplement. However, no
synthetic fertilizers/chemicals like
urea, DAP, pesticides are
permitted. It is stipulated under
the NSOP that preventive methods
to maintain plant health may be
followed instead <strong>of</strong> post-disease/
pest attack actions. Traditional
health care methods are
encouraged and botanical
pesticide preparations are allowed
to be used as supplements. Biopesticides
such as microbial
pesticides, fungal antagonistic, etc.
and use <strong>of</strong> predators and biocontrol
are permitted. The farms/
processing units should follow
contamination control practices.
Maintaining buffer zones and
recycling <strong>of</strong> by products are
important requirements in this
context. At the same time, burning
<strong>of</strong> polyethylene, polypropylene
and other poly carbonate products
are prohibited. Similarly, heavy
*Based on the presentation made by Dr. (Mrs.) Gouri, PVSM, Advisor, APEDA at the <strong>National</strong> <strong>Seminar</strong> on Organic Agriculture
held at Kochi on November 21, 2006.
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CAB CALLING October-December, 2006
metals and other pollutants as well
as the use <strong>of</strong> polychloride based
products are prohibited. In the
case <strong>of</strong> animal husbandry, the
management techniques should
be governed by the physiological
and ethological needs <strong>of</strong> the farm
animals in question so that they
are able to conduct their basic
behavioural needs and the good
health and welfare <strong>of</strong> the animals
are not compromised. Sufficient
free movement and the use <strong>of</strong>
organic feed/fodder are the other
requirements while preventive
antibodies and growth promoters are
prohibited.
The certification is a market tool and is
to be opted where there are sufficient
quantities for marketing. In order to
bring the benefits <strong>of</strong> such certification
nearer to small and marginal farmers,
it has been decided to allow group
certification on the lines <strong>of</strong> IFOAM
Grower Group guidelines.
India has been able to make significant
inroads into the organic markets and
the potentials are very high. The
share <strong>of</strong> organic products in the
domestic food retail is expected to
reach 5-6% by 2010. We have also
got international recognition by the
EU who has agreed for equivalence
and from the USA for conformity
assessment systems. Talks with
Switzerland are in progress. There
is enough evidence on the ground
to believe that Indian organic is
moving towards world recognition
and credibility.
1. Organic produce is not
covered in a cocktail <strong>of</strong>
poisonous chemicals. The
average conventionallygrown
apple has 20-30
artificial poisons on its skin,
even after rinsing. Trust
your instincts, and go
organic!
10 Top
Reasons
to Go
Organic
2. Fresh organic produce
contains on average 50%
more vitamins, minerals,
enzymes and other micronutrients
than intensively
farmed produce. Science says that it’s good for you.
3. Going organic is the only practical way to avoid eating
genetically modified (GM) food. And by buying organic
food, you are registering your mistrust <strong>of</strong> GMO’s and doing
your bit to protest against them.
4. If you eat dairy or meat products, going organic has never
been more essential to safeguard you and your family’s
health. Intensively-reared dairy cows and farm animals are
fed a dangerous cocktail <strong>of</strong> anti-biotics, hormones, antiparasite
drugs and many other medicines on a daily basis,
whether they have an illness or not. These drugs are passed
directly onto the consumers <strong>of</strong> their dairy produce or meat,
which must be a contributing factor to meat-related diseases
like coronaries and high blood pressure.
5. About 99% <strong>of</strong> non-organic farm animals in the UK are now
fed GM soya. And there has never been a reported case <strong>of</strong>
BSE in organic cattle in the UK . Common sense says that
organic is safe food.
6. Organic produce simply tastes so much better. Fruit and
vegetables full <strong>of</strong> juice and flavour, and so many different
varieties to try! There are about
100 different kinds <strong>of</strong> organic
potatoes in production in the UK,
and that’s just potatoes!
7. Organic farms support and
nurture our beautiful and diverse
wildlife. Over the last thirty
years, intensive farming in the
UK has led to dramatic erosion
<strong>of</strong> the soil, a fall <strong>of</strong> up to 70% <strong>of</strong>
wild birds in some areas, the
destruction <strong>of</strong> ancient hedgerows,
and the near extinction <strong>of</strong> some
<strong>of</strong> the most beautiful species <strong>of</strong>
butterflies, frogs, grass-snakes and wild mammals.
8. Organic food is not really more expensive than intensively
farmed foods, as we pay for conventional foods through
our taxes. We spend billion <strong>of</strong> pounds every year cleaning
up the mess that agro-chemicals make to our natural water
supply. And the BSE crisis cost us 4 billion pounds. Go
organic for a genuine more cost-effective future.
9. Intensive farming can seriously damage farm workers’
health. There are much higher instances <strong>of</strong> cancer,
respiratory problems and other major diseases in farm
workers from non-organic farms. This is particularly true
in developing countries, and for agrochemical farms
growing cotton. So go organic if you care about other
people.
10. And if you simply like the idea <strong>of</strong> your children and
grandchildren being able to visit the countryside and play
in the forests and fields just like we did when we were
young, go organic for the sake <strong>of</strong> all <strong>of</strong> our futures.
(Source: organicfood.co.uk)
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