Organic Agriculture In Madhya Pradesh, Practices

Introduction to organic agriculture, farming practices in Madhya Pradesh: Organic farming is a production system that maintains the soil, the ecosystem, and the health of the people. Basic methods of organic farming include crop diversification, polyculture, soil beneficial organisms, crop rotation, companion crops, production of agricultural inputs on their fields, animal husbandry, pest control Includes plants, biological pesticides and herbs, insect nets, physical barriers, and water harvesting, etc.

Madhya Pradesh enjoys different climatic and soil conditions which is suitable for a different range of agricultural products. Madhya Pradesh leads in gram, linseed, green peas, garlic, and coriander production. Also, Madhya Pradesh is a major producer of linseed, mustard, sunflower, and safflower. Madhya Pradesh is located in the central part of India; its name is Madhya Pradesh which means Central Province. The geographical area of Madhya Pradesh is 308,144 km2 which covers 9.38% of the country.

In Madhya Pradesh, the agriculture sector is the backbone of its economy. It accounts for about one-fourth of the state’s gross domestic product (GSDP) and is the main source of employment for over 65% of the population and about 60-75% of rural income.

A guide to starting organic agriculture in Madhya Pradesh, Schemes, Facts, Tips, Ideas, and Information

What is organic farming?: Organic farming is an agricultural production that advocates for healthy products. The basic idea of organic farming is to provide food with maximum nutritional value and minimum hazardous ingredients, only with permitted substances. This principle requires further processing of livestock without 100% natural fodder and synthetic materials. Organic farming practices involve the care of field workers and aim to maintain a balanced environment so that it is kept as alive and productive as possible. Organic farming refers to a farming system that maximizes the use of local resources to increase soil fertility. Organic farming relies on a variety of ecological farming methods aimed at minimizing the environmental impact of food production, preserving the long-term sustainability of the soil, and maximizing the use of renewable resources.

Importance of organic agriculture in Madhya Pradesh

The organic industry is one of the fastest-growing agricultural sectors in Madhya Pradesh. Organic farming has important benefits such as the protection of soil organic matter. It is considered an immediate demand of the world’s population, which is suffering greatly from chemical-based food grains, vegetables, and fruits. Just washing fruits and vegetables before use is not enough to reduce the residual effect of harmful chemicals. Nowadays, like every field, farmers are racing to increase their production using heavy doses of chemical fertilizers, growth hormones, pesticides, herbs, fungicides, and many harmful chemicals. Despite the use of all these chemicals, the number of pests and diseases is constantly increasing, as is the amount of chemicals used to treat them. To overcome all these problems, organic farming is considered to be one of the solutions.

Modern organic techniques have the potential to sustain and even increase yields for a long time while improving soil fertility, biodiversity, and other ecosystem services that affect agriculture. In organic farming, crop rotation provides more habitat for biodiversity, resulting in diversity in habitat, breeding, and nutrient supply. Since synthetic agrochemicals are prohibited in organic farming, their use can help prevent an estimated 3 million cases of severe pesticide poisoning and 300,000 deaths as a result of the use of agrochemicals in conventional agriculture each year. The rate of nitrate leaching in organic systems is 57% lower than in other agricultural systems, and there is zero risk of surface water pollution. Depending on the benefits of climate change, various studies show that organic farming uses 20 to 56 percent less energy per crop of dry matter than conventional agriculture and that the organic sector consumes three to eight more tons of carbon per hectares.

Recognizing the role of agriculture in the overall development of the state economy, the Government of Madhya Pradesh has taken some practical, future steps. Agriculture in the state consists of many farms and non-farming activities, which support the livelihood of its dependents. Organic farming will play an important role in state agriculture.

Organic farmers use methods that;

Maintain and improve fertility, soil texture, and biodiversity, and reduce erosion.
Reduce the risks of exposure to toxic substances to humans, animals, and the environment.
Excellent farming methods to meet local production conditions and satisfy local markets.

Organic farming is the solution to the problem of harmful wastes caused by the use of chemicals. The use of organic fertilizers will not only help reduce input costs but also save soil, water, and the environment. Agricultural waste can be easily recycled to convert into compost, biofuel, and biogas. Madhya Pradesh has the largest certified organic farming area, but it has failed to turn it into a profit. Lack of certifying agents and poor government support has crippled production and deprived farmers of the opportunity to get 10% more market value than the world standard.

What is MP Organic?

Under organic farming, Madhya Pradesh has the largest area, followed by Rajasthan and Maharashtra. In terms of organic farming, Madhya Pradesh tops the list with an area of 0.76 million hectares – more than 27% of India’s total organic farming area.
MP Organic is a brand created by the Madhya Pradesh Government to promote organic farming and to provide a large number of organic seeds and food grains to farmers and people. To this end, the ” Madhya Pradesh Rajya Beej Evam Farm Vikas Nigam (MP Beej Nigam)” is acting as the nodal agency for the production, distribution, and expansion of organic seeds and food commodities. Madhya Pradesh Rajya Beej Evam Farm Vikas Nigam is the Government of Madhya Pradesh certified organization engaged in the production, marketing, and distribution of high-quality certified seeds of cereals, pulses, oilseeds, and vegetables.
Organic Madhya Pradesh was established as an innovative business model that will serve as a one-stop model for organic health farming. Organic health farming involves the use of AI technology in the cultivation, cultivation, selection, and processing of all types of crops.
Organic Madhya Pradesh is rapidly gaining popularity for its use of global technology in European standard farming with the sole purpose of providing organic precision farming techniques for the benefit of farmers.
In organic Madhya Pradesh, sustainable farming methods are used and promoted that do not deplete any natural resources. Their fields produce a full line of medicinal plants and fresh produce year-round at polyhouses.

In addition, they have a service center where farmers can contact 24×7 for organic health-related farming questions. They are known for their services and innovation in organic farming and are already delivering fresh produce from the fields to consumers’ desks. The vision behind the Organic MP Foundation is to transform Madhya Pradesh into an organic farming state by providing a one-stop solution to organic farming under one roof and promoting conservation farming.

Organic also plans to become the largest plant factory in the state of Madhya Pradesh for fresh and nutritious produce and is the preferred choice in the market for organic food and organic plant-based extracts. But their efforts are not limited to organic farming. Because of the growing demand from its customers for less soil cultivation, the Organic MP has trained his teams for full-fledged Polyhouse setups that grow crops in a safe environment. Out of the total certified area of 3.40 lakh hectares in the country, more than 1.48 lakh hectares are ranked first in the state under certified organic. India pledges to increase its global share of organic exports from 0.2% to 2.5%. This provides a great opportunity for the state to maintain its supremacy and use its capabilities.

Extremely low external and chemical inputs of the state’s tribal population is a large area of the state under agriculture. The use of external inputs, especially inorganic fertilizers, agrochemicals, and hybrid and genetically modified species, remains far below the national average. The state’s farmers are being encouraged to adopt organic farming. Alirajpur, Jhabua, Betul, Khandwa, Sagar, Damoh, Chhindwara, Mandla, Balaghat, Umaria, Dindori, Katni, Anuppur, Sheopurkalan, Bhopal, and Sehore have been included under organic farming in Madhya Pradesh. The state government has also selected eight farms for organic seed production under the organic seed production program. However, excessive use of chemicals has affected the environment and has resulted in harmful effects on humans as well. Therefore, the state is bound to come up with a comprehensive policy on organic farming.

Facts about organic agriculture in Madhya Pradesh

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Organic Groundnut Field (Pic credit: pixabay)

Organic farming reduces the use of pesticides and chemicals and thus reduces environmental problems. It ensures the health of the soil, water, air and plants, and animals. It also reduces environmental issues such as soil erosion, air pollution, water pollution, etc.

The MP State Organic Farming Policy is a statement of intent to develop, facilitate and strengthen integrated value chains of organic farm production, including end-to-end solutions for both primary producers and consumers. The policy is based on a “farm to fork” approach that ensures an abundant supply of “healthy food for all”. The policy statement provides insight into the future of the state as well as practical pro-farmer initiatives.

The farm develops a mechanism to turn commodities into much-needed high-value brands. Ultimately declaring itself an organic state. The state further stipulates that all efforts to promote organic farming in the state such as strengthening the State Organic Certification Agency, State Organic Farming Research and Development Institute, National Organic Farming University, Organic Farmers Community-based organizations, traders, processors, quality control laboratories will operate under the umbrella organization of the State Organic Mission. The mission will be a precursor to organic farming initiatives and dual programs for ease and efficiency. Separate arrangements at selected agricultural procurement centers have increased sales of organic produce and encouraged more farmers to opt for farming without the use of chemical fertilizers.

Farmers in Vidisha, Sagar, and Sehore districts grow organic wheat (Sharbati variety). Khargone and Khandwa districts of the Nimar region grow organic cotton cultivation. In Raisen, Bhopal, Jabalpur, Mandla, and Balaghat districts, organic basmati rice demand has increased production. Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India estimates that exports of organic products to the state will be worth Rs 600 crore in the next five years.

The method of organic farming in Madhya Pradesh consists of scientists, environmentalists, and food management personnel under the guidance and supervision of a team of experts in 1565 villages selected from 313 blocks in 48 districts of the state. The use of agrochemicals to grow crops is strictly prohibited in these selected villages. Crops are supplied with nutrients through fermented preparations made from green manure, manure, phosphorus manure, cow dung, and urine.

Pests are being managed through fermented preparations based on neem and cow urine. Most of the organic farmers in these villages follow the principles of crop diversification, changing farm work and using the crop production system as valuable food for livestock along with livestock care/crop waste and livestock waste such as dung and urine are being used. As a means of supplying nutrients as well as handling pest problems. The success of this program is evident from the fact that these villages have become role models for others. The message of growing crops through organic resources through a farmer outreach program is spreading from village to village. MP is rich in samples of different climatic conditions, soils, and diverse crops. Therefore, its land area is divided into 11 agro-climatic zones. Significant advances and developments in agriculture have occurred in MP in the last couple of decades.

Climate conditions for organic agriculture in Madhya Pradesh

Madhya Pradesh has a subtropical climate. Like most parts of northern India, it has hot dry summer (April to June) followed by monsoon rains (July to September) and cool and relatively dry cold. The average rainfall is about 1,370 mm or 53.9 inches. It decreases from east to west. The southeastern districts receive the most rainfall, while the western and northwestern districts receive 1,000 mm (39.4 inches) or less.

Major soil types in Madhya Pradesh

The following types of soils are found in Madhya Pradesh;

The black soil, mostly in the Malwa region
Red and yellow soil, in the area of Baghelkhand region
Alluvial Soil, in Northern Madhya Pradesh
Laterite Soil, in highland areas
Mixed Soil, in parts of Gwalior and Chambal division in Madhya Pradesh

Organic farming practices

Organic farming practices require strict compliance to established standards that adhere to applicable methods. General and approved methods include the following;

Crop rotation – Crop rotation means changing species in a single field depending on the season. This farming technique may include follow-up periods within a certain interval.

Cover Cropping – This farming approach means cultivating the field with any plant species, either in a particular season or perennial, partially between crop rows or completely. Cover crops deal with soil erosion, improve water filtration and air quality. They also remove weeds from the upper parts by hiding unwanted plants from sunlight.

Animal manure – It enriches the soil with natural ingredients that come from animals, either raw or composted excluding products from slaughter. Although there are restrictions on this method, as the material should not contain artificial additives, the soil must be tested before applications, and fertilizer is allowed at least three months before harvesting.

Integrated weed management

Heavy chemicals are prohibited in organic farming. That is why weed control is managed through integrated weed management (prevention, biological, physical, and cultural);

Avoiding weed penetration onto the field;
Manual weeding;
Crop rotation;
Mulching;
Natural chemicals to prevent germination;
haymaking before weed seeding;
introducing birds or insect populations to consume weed seeds, etc.

Integrated pest management in organic farming

To control pests, organic farming intends to destroy them completely as it will cause ecosystem changes. This concept of agriculture relies heavily on alternative pest control methods: prevention, building natural barriers, physical removal, and tackling pest attacks with its biological enemies (predators) such as the ladybug vs aphids. Concerning artificial growth, this concept allows only light pesticides approved for organic farming, without any conflicting properties and minimal harm to humans and nature. Such supplements include soaps, hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, sulfur, or natural insect repellents such as neem, citronella, and lavender oil, etc.

Benefits of organic farming in Madhya Pradesh

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Organic sorghum field (Pic source: pixabay)

Organic food is safe, pure, more nutritious, environmentally friendly, protects against diseases, and maintains peace of mind. Conventional food production technologies are highly energy-intensive and cause soil and food contamination problems with agrochemicals, groundwater depletion, and a gradual decline in soil productivity. As a result, farm profits have dropped significantly. It has also resulted in irreversible damage to some natural resources such as soil due to depletion and depletion of groundwater. Under the National Watershed Development Program, remedial measures will have to be initiated to recharge groundwater and prevent soil damage to involve the people in the state. Understanding the reduction in farm profits and the food quality problems arising from the use of agrochemicals. The Madhya Pradesh government has launched a bio-farming program. Then, this reduces the risks to human and animal health by reducing the residue level in the product. It reduces the agricultural production cost and improves soil health.

In organic farming, it is important to constantly work to build healthy soil that is rich in organic matter and contains all the nutrients that plants need. Several techniques like green manure, fertilizer, and bio-fertilizer can be used to increase soil fertility. Organic sources not only add a different variety of nutrients to the soil but also help prevent weeds and increase soil organic matter. Soils with high organic matter resist soil erosion, retain water better, and need less irrigation.

Organic farming uses fewer pesticides, reduces soil erosion, reduces nitrate emissions from groundwater and surface water, and recycles animal waste back into the farm. These benefits are offset by higher food costs for consumers and generally lower yields.

The objective of organic Madhya Pradesh

Organic Madhya Pradesh aims to help local farmers identify their agricultural products in the global markets. They aspire to develop and stabilize as one of the largest manufacturers and exporters of high-quality jaggery, a product often seen as an alternative to traditional sugar. Over the years, they have managed to build a strong network of happy customers that ensure the growth of recurring business and business relationships. With a genuine devotion to increasing nutritious food and helping farmers with modern technologies, Organic MP is giving end-to-end services;

Soil and Water testing
Organic Farm Development
Soil-less cultivation
Protected Farming (Polyhouse Setups and Maintenance)
Contract Farming
Training & Workshops
Consultancy
Cold Storage Facility
Logistics and Distribution
Organic Certification Support

Crops cultivated under organic farming in Madhya Pradesh

The current scope of the MP State Organic Farming Policy covers all field food and non-food crops in the scope of organic farming, especially the low external input of fertilizers and agrochemicals emphasizing crops grown in governments. Crops such as hill millet (such as Kodo, Kutki, Sanwa, Ragi), landraces of Maize, Sorghum, Pearl Millet, Grain Pulses, Oilseeds like Niger, Safflower, Castor. All fruits, homegrown vegetables, natural home-grown fruits, are cultivated under-designed and registered certified organic farms, spices, and condiments, aromatic herbs, medicinal uses, and importance.

Major crops cultivated on the farmland under low external input regimes like soybeans, wheat, cereals, pulses, cotton, and other fiber crops are of high economic importance under low external input systems, for hypermarkets and processing of oilseeds, vegetables, and fruits are grown. The deepest inland areas of the tribal farming system in the state include forest lands, natural grasslands, natural orchards, non-contaminated farmlands, which can be termed as natural organic through the provisions of appropriate legislation. Similar legislation will be enacted to inform such areas in the state.

The main cereals of the state were Paddy, Maize, Millet, and Wheat. The major pulses of the state were Gram, Arhar, Lentil, Urad, and Peas. Oilseeds included Soybeans, Rapeseed, and Mustard, Peanuts, and Flaxseed. Provision of subsidy for the development of organic and sustainable farming in M.P. Provision of subsidy for the development of organic/sustainable farming in all bio-villages of M.P.

Vegetables grown in Madhya Pradesh include Green Peas, Cauliflower, Okra, Tomato, Potato, Eggplant, Onion, and Gourd.

Custard Apple, Banana, Mango, Orange, Aonla, Guava, Ber, Garlic, Coriander, Chillies, and Flowers are the major crops grown in Madhya Pradesh.

Schemes under organic farming in Madhya Pradesh

NPOP (National Program on Organic Production) – NPOP refers to organic farming as a system of farm design and management to create an ecosystem that is sustainable without the use of artificial external inputs.

Purpose of NPOP – The key objective of the National Organic Production Program (NPOP) is described in detail below;

It is designed to provide an evaluation of the certification program for organic agriculture products.
Facilitate certification of products according to the organic standards of the importing countries
The National Organic Production Program (NPOP) for the development of organic production and organic processing
To recognize program of Certification Bodies seeking accreditation
Facilitate certification of organic products by national standards for organic products.

Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojna (PKVY)

Under PKVY, organic farming will be encouraged by forming a cluster of farmer groups with a total area of 50 acres. Farmers will not be liable for the cost of certification. Rs 20,000 per acre will be provided to each farmer in three years for harvesting crops from seed and bringing the product to market. It will be promoted using traditional resources and organic products will be linked to the market. In addition to PKVY, the government is promoting organic farming through various schemes such as National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture, Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana, Integrated Horticulture Development Mission, National Mission on Oilseeds, and Oil Palm Project on Organic Farming.

Farmers need to reduce the cost of farming through a sustainable integrated organic farming system that increases the farmer’s net income per unit of land. Sustainable production of chemical-free and nutritious food for human consumption. Farmers’ groups will be encouraged to engage in organic farming under the Prampragat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY). Under the scheme, 50 or more farmers will form a cluster of 50 acres for organic farming.

Status of Organic Farming in Madhya Pradesh

Organic products are grown in an environmentally and socially responsible manner without the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. It works at the grassroots level to produce soil reproductive and regenerative capacity, good plant nutrition, and proper soil management, producing nutritious foods that are resistant to some diseases. It promises to tap the market for organic producers, which is growing exponentially in the domestic market.

State Organic Policy Vision – “Achieving sustainability through agricultural ecosystem management and leveraging capacity by changing the risks of weakness and low yield agriculture through organic farming using hypermarkets for premium farm products”. The vision reiterates the transformation of Madhya Pradesh into an important state in an organized and scientific, yet a sustainable organic state, where the farming community earns its livelihood, produces safe, pollution-free food, and natural resources. Protects, manages soil health, saves protected land, and creates surface water and new employment opportunities in villages.

Obtain a certificate of organic agriculture product in Madhya Pradesh

Procedure to apply organic agriculture product certificate;

A person that means a farmer/farmer group/processor/trader who is looking for an organic farming certificate for his agricultural produce should make sure that his form is from the National Program for Organic crop production.
As stated by the NPOP (National Program for Organic Production), they submit the application in the required format along with the fee and full-field verification.
The general organic crop production standards are provided by the MPSOCA (Madhya Pradesh State Organic Certification Agency). Now select the certification documents.
All the information is given in the application form and contract form by Madhya Pradesh State Organic Certification Agency (MPSOCA) such as name, address, contact person details, field location, group details should be completed, signed, and returned to the office for registration.
After the applicant is examined, a letter of offer (estimated fee for inspection and certification) and an agreement copy will be sent to the operator by the evaluator. The operator is registered through MPSOCA.
Field inspection fee, fixed registration fee, one-time travel cost should be paid with the application form along with the applicant. Upon receipt of payment, in consultation with the operator, the date of inspection is fixed and an inspection intimation letter is sent along with a copy of the form record and a copy of the National Program for Organic Production standard.
The inspection will be done on the day finalized and a signed copy will be provided to the contract operator. A detailed crop list for the individual operator is entered into the traced net with a deadline for corrective measures with large and minor non-conformities.
The Certification Committee makes the final decision based on the corrective action taken against the inconsistency in the inspection report by the operator. After that, the Quality Manager will prepare the certificate through Trace Net and send it to the operator. The operator has to send an application to the office to use the Certification Agency logo or India Organic logo, which will be sent to the operator after the Certification Committee approval as per NSOP. The draft label should be sent to the certification agency’s office for verification and approval before printing.