Status of Organic Farming in India

India is home to 30% of the total organic producers in the world, but used to account for just 2.59% (1.5 million hectares) of the total organic cultivation area of 57.8 million hectares, according to the World of Organic Agriculture 2018 report. At the same time, most organic farmers are struggling due to poor policy measures, rising input costs and limited market, says a study by ASSOCHAM.

Statistics of Organic Farming

Cultivable land area under organic farming has more than doubled from 11.83 lakh ha in 2014 to 29.17 lakh ha in 2020.
Over the years, the organic promotion activities led to development of state specific organic brands, increased domestic supply and exports of organic produce from the northeast region.
As per international resource data from Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL) and the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM) Statistics 2020, India stands at 9th position in terms of certified agricultural land with 1.94 million ha(2018-19).
Status of other countries (area under organic certification)

. China (3rd position)-3.14 million hectare

. USA (7th position)-2 million hectare

. India (9th position)-1.94 million hectare

. Brazil (12th position)-1.18 million hectare

Assistance Provided by Different Government Schemes

Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY): The scheme promotes cluster based organic farming with PGS certification. Cluster formation, training, certification and marketing are supported under the scheme. Assistance of Rs.50,000 per ha/ 3 years is provided out of which 62% i.e., Rs. 31,000 is given as incentive to a farmer towards organic inputs.
Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region (MOVCDNER): The scheme promotes 3rd party certified organic farming of niche crops of the north east region through farmers producer organizations (FPOs) with focus on exports. Farmers are given assistance of Rs 25000/ ha/ 3 years for organic inputs including organic manure and biofertilisers etc. Support for formation of FPOs, capacity building, post-harvest infrastructure up to Rs 2 crores are also provided in the scheme.
Capital Investment Subsidy Scheme (CISS) under Soil Health Management Scheme: 100% assistance is provided to state government/ government agencies for setting up of mechanized fruit/ vegetable market waste/ agro waste compost production unit up to a maximum limit of Rs.190 lakh/ unit (3000 Total Per Annum TPA capacity). Similarly, for individuals/ private agencies assistance up to 33% of cost limit to Rs 63 lakh/ unit as capital investment is provided.
National Mission on Oilseeds and Oil Palm (NMOOP): Financial assistance at 50% subsidy to the tune of Rs. 300/- per ha is being provided for different components including bio-fertilizers, supply of rhizobium culture/ phosphate solubilising bacteria (PSB)/ zinc solubilising bacteria (ZSB)/ azotobacter/ mycorrhiza and vermicompost.
National Food Security Mission (NFSM): Financial assistance is provided for promotion of bio-fertilizer (rhizobium/ PSB) at 50% of the cost limited to Rs.300 per ha.