SUMMER TRAINING REPORT ON

"PERCEPTION AND IMPACT OF ORGANIC FARMING IN PERI-URBAN AREAS,

GORAKHPUR

at

SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENT FOR THE AWARD

DEGREE OF

MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION (MBA)

SUBMITTED BY

HABIBA RAHMAN

INTERNAL SUPERVISOR EXTERNAL SUPERVISOR

DR. FARAZ AHMAD DR. SHIV SHANKER VERMA

ASSISTANT PROFESSOR INTERNSHIP MANAGER

ABIMS, Aligarh GEAG,GORAKHPUR.

MBA

DATE OF SUBMISSION: 07-10-2017

DEPT. OF MANAGEMENT STUDIES, AL-BARKAAT INSTITUTE OF

MANAGEMENT STUDIES, ALIGARH, UP
 PREFACE

This project report has been preferred as per requirement of the syllabus of MBA course

structure under which the students are required to undertake summer training internship.

I undertook my training at Gorakhpur Environmental Action Group, Gorakhpur.

My job during the training was to get an overview of the training knowledge in marketing of

GEAG.

Here, I achieved a better knowledge about sales and marketing.

 DECLARATION

I Habiba Rahman, student of MBA III Sem. of Al-Barkaat Institute of Management Studies,

Aligarh hereby declare that the Summer Training Report on "PERCEPTION AND IMPACT

OF ORGANIC FARMING IN PERI URBAN AREAS" prepared by me is an original work

submitted to "Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Technical University, Lucknow (AKTU/UPTU)"

towards partial fulfillment of the requirement for the awards of MBA.

Further, I also declare that I have tried my best to complete this report a most sincerely and

accuracy even the if any mistake or error has been crept in, I shall most humbly request the

readers to point out those error or omission and guide me for the removal of those error in the

future.

Date: 07/10/2017

HABIBA RAHMAN

3rd semester MBA

ABIMS, Aligarh
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I Habiba Rahman gratefully acknowledge the valuable contributions of the following

participants of this report.

Pawan Pandey sir, lecturer of Bapu Inter College, Peppeganj, Mohd. Farooque Khan retired

teacher of Inter College, Shafiqur Rahman, executive engineer in Raibarelli, gram pradhan of

Sanjhai and Sahpurwa village, Gorakhpur.

Special thanks to Shahida Khatoon who is my mother for her support and special thanks to

Shiv Shanker verma Sir who is my incharge of this project.

 CONTENTS

CERTIFICATES

PREFACE

DECLARATION

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

1. INTRODUCTION OF BIO-AGRICULTURE

2. CAUSES AND CONSEQUENCES OF VEGETABLES FARMING IN PERI

URBAN CITIES

3. REFERENCE OF NATIONAL HORTICULTURE DEVELOPMENT MISSION

4. POTENTIAL IMPACT ON COMMERCIALIZATION

5. CONCEPT OF ORGANIC AGRICULTURE USING VARIOUS COMPONENTS

OF INPUT

6. FEASIBILITY OF ORGANIC AGRICULTURE IN COMMERCIALIZATION

7. INTRODUCTION OF COMPANY

8. CASE STUDY OF SAJHAI AND SAHPURWA VILLAGE WITH FARMERS

9. Research methodology

Research Objectives

Data Analysis and Interpretation

Findings
Conclusion
Recommendation and suggestions
Limitation
Bibliography
Annexure (Questionnaire)
 INTRODUCTION OF BIO-AGRICULTURE

Organic farming is a production system which avoids or largely excludes the use of synthetically

compounded fertilizers, pesticides, growth regulators, genetically modified organisms and

livestock food additives. To the maximum extent possible organic farming system rely upon crop

rotations, use of crop residues, animal manures, legumes, green manures, off farm organic

wastes, biofertilizers, mechanical cultivation, mineral bearing rocks and aspects of biological

control to maintain soil productivity and tilth to supply plant nutrients and to control insect,

weeds and other pests.

Organic methods can increase farm productivity, repair decades of environmental damage and

knit small farm families into more sustainable distribution networks leading to improved food

security if they organize themselves in production, certification and marketing. During last few
years an increasing number of farmers have shown lack of interest in farming and the people

who used to cultivate are migrating to other areas. Organic farming is one way to promote either

self-sufficiency or food security. Use of massive inputs of chemical fertilizers and toxic

pesticides poisons the land and water heavily. The after-effects of this are severe environmental

consequences, including loss of topsoil, decrease in soil fertility, surface and ground water

contamination and loss of genetic diversity.

Organic farming which is a holistic production management system that promotes and enhances

agro-ecosystem health, including biodiversity, biological cycles, and soil biological activity is

hence important. Many studies have shown that organic farming methods can produce even

higher yields than conventional methods. Significant difference in soil health indicators such as

nitrogen mineralization potential and microbial abundance and diversity, which were higher in

the organic farms can also be seen. The increased soil health in organic farms also resulted in

considerably lower insect and disease incidence. The emphasis on small-scale integrated farming

systems has the potential to revitalize rural areas and their economies.
 History of the Organic Farming

Traditional farming (of many particular kinds in different eras and places) was the original type

of agriculture, and has been practiced for thousands of years. All traditional farming is now

considered to be "organic farming" although at the time there were no known inorganic methods.

For example, forest gardening, a fully organic food production system which dates

from prehistoric times, is thought to be the world's oldest and most resilient agro

ecosystem. After the industrial revolution had introduced inorganic methods, most of which were

not well developed and had serious side effects, an organic movement began in the 1940s as a

reaction to agriculture's growing reliance on synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. The history of

this modern revival of organic farming dates back to the first half of the 20th century at a time

when there was a growing reliance on these new synthetic, non-organic methods.

Pre-World War II

The first 40 years of the 20th century saw simultaneous advances in biochemistry and

engineering that rapidly and profoundly changed farming. The introduction of the gasoline-

powered internal combustion engine ushered in the era of the tractor and made possible hundreds

of mechanized farm implements. Research in plant breeding led to the commercialization

of hybrid seed. And a new manufacturing process made nitrogen fertilizer first synthesized in

the mid-19th century affordably abundant. These factors changed the labor equation: there

were almost no tractors in the US around 1910, but over 3,000,000 by 1950; in 1900, it took one

farmer to feed 2.5 people, but currently the ratio is 1 to well over 100. Fields grew bigger and

cropping more specialized to make more efficient use of machinery. The reduced need
for manual labourand animal labour that machinery, herbicides, and fertilizers made possible

created an era in which the mechanization of agriculture evolved rapidly.

Consciously organic agriculture (as opposed to traditional agricultural methods from before the

inorganic options existed, which always employed only organic means) began more or less

simultaneously in Central Europe and India. The British botanist Sir Albert Howard is often

referred to as the father of modern organic agriculture, because he was the first to apply modern

scientific knowledge and methods to traditional agriculture. From 1905 to 1924, he and his

wife Gabrielle, herself a plant physiologist, worked as agricultural advisers in Pusa, Bengal,

where they documented traditional Indian farming practices and came to regard them as superior

to their conventional agriculture science. Their research and further development of these

methods is recorded in his writings, notably, his 1940 book, An Agricultural Testament, which

influenced many scientists and farmers of the day.

In Germany, Rudolf Steiner's development, biodynamic agriculture, was probably the first

comprehensive system of what we now call organic farming. This began with a lecture series

Steiner presented at a farm in Koberwitz (Kobierzyce now in Poland) in 1924.[3] Steiner

emphasized the farmer's role in guiding and balancing the interaction of the animals, plants and

soil. Healthy animals depended upon healthy plants (for their food), healthy plants upon healthy

soil, healthy soil upon healthy animals (for the manure). His system was based on his philosophy

of anthroposophy rather than a good understanding of science. To develop his system of farming,

Steiner established an international research group called the Agricultural Experimental Circle of

Anthroposophical Farmers and Gardeners of the General Anthroposophical Society.

In 1909, American agronomist F.H. King toured China, Korea, and Japan, studying traditional

fertilization, tillage, and general farming practices. He published his findings in Farmers of Forty
Centuries (1911, Courier Dover Publications, ISBN 0-486-43609-8). King foresaw a "world

movement for the introduction of new and improved methods" of agriculture and in later years

his book became an important organic reference.

The term organic farming was coined by Lord Northbourne in his book Look to the

Land (written in 1939, published 1940). From his conception of "the farm as organism," he

described a holistic, ecologically balanced approach to farming.

In 1939 Lady Eve Balfour launched the Haughley Experiment on farmland in England. Lady

Balfour believed that mankind's health and future depended on how the soil was used, and that

non-intenstive farming could produce more wholesome food. The experiment was run to

generate data in support of these beliefs. Four years later, she published The Living Soil, based

on the initial findings of the Haughley Experiment. Widely read, it led to the formation of a key

international organic advocacy group, the Soil Association.

In Japan, Masanobu Fukuoka, a microbiologist working in soil science and plant pathology,

began to doubt the modern agricultural movement. In 1937, he quit his job as a research scientist,

returned to his family's farm in 1938, and devoted the next 60 years to developing a radical no-

till organic method for growing grain and many other crops, now known as natural

farming nature farming, 'donothing' farming or Fukuoka farming.

Post-World War II

Technological advances during World War II accelerated post-war innovation in all aspects of

agriculture, resulting in large advances in mechanization (including large-scale irrigation),

fertilization, and pesticides. In particular, two chemicals that had been produced in quantity for

warfare, were repurposed for peace-time agricultural uses. Ammonium nitrate, used in
munitions, became an abundantly cheap source of nitrogen. And a range of new pesticides

appeared: DDT, which had been used to control disease-carrying insects around troops, became a

general insecticide, launching the era of widespread pesticide use.

At the same time, increasingly powerful and sophisticated farm machinery allowed a single

farmer to work larger areas of land and fields grew bigger.

In 1944, an international campaign called the Green Revolution was launched in Mexico with

private funding from the US. It encouraged the development of hybrid plants, chemical controls,

large-scale irrigation, and heavy mechanization in agriculture around the world.

During the 1950s, sustainable agriculture was a topic of scientific interest, but research tended to

concentrate on developing the new chemical approaches. One of the reasons for this, which

informed and guided the ongoing Green Revolution, was the widespread belief that high global

population growth, which was demonstrably occurring, would soon create worldwide food

shortages unless humankind could rescue itself through ever higher agricultural technology. At

the same time, however, the adverse effects of "modern" farming continued to kindle a small but

growing organic movement. For example, in the US, J.I. Rodale began to popularize the term

and methods of organic growing, particularly to consumers through promotion of organic

gardening.

In 1962, Rachel Carson, a prominent scientist and naturalist, published Silent Spring, chronicling

the effects of DDT and other pesticides on the environment. A bestseller in many countries,

including the US, and widely read around the world, Silent Spring is widely considered as being

a key factor in the US government's 1972 banning of DDT. The book and its author are often

credited with launching the worldwide environmental movement.

In the 1970s, global movements concerned with pollution and the environment increased their

focus on organic farming. As the distinction between organic and conventional food became

clearer, one goal of the organic movement was to encourage consumption of locally grown food,

which was promoted through slogans like "Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food".

In 1972, the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM) was founded

in Versailles, France and dedicated to the diffusion and exchange of information on the

principles and practices of organic agriculture of all schools and across national and linguistic

boundaries.

In 1975, Fukuoka released his book, The One-Straw Revolution, with a strong impact in certain

areas of the agricultural world. His approach to small-scale grain production emphasized a

meticulous balance of the local farming ecosystem, and a minimum of human interference and

labor.

In the U.S. during the 1970s and 1980s, J.I. Rodale and his Rodale Press (now Rodale, Inc.) led

the way in getting Americans to think about the side effects of nonorganic methods, and the

advantages of organic ones. The press's books offered how-to information and advice to

Americans interested in trying organic gardening and farming.

In 1984, Oregon Tilth established an early organic certification service in the United States. [14]

In the 1980s, around the world, farming and consumer groups began seriously pressuring for

government regulation of organic production. This led to legislation and certification standards

being enacted through the 1990s and to date. In the United States, the Organic Foods Production

Act of 1990 tasked the USDA with developing national standards for organic products, and the
final rule establishing the National Organic Program was first published in the Federal

Register in 2000

In Havana, Cuba, the loss of Soviet economic support following the collapse of the Soviet Union

in 1991 led to a focus on local agricultural production and the development of a unique state-

supported urban organic agriculture program called organopnicos.

Since the early 1990s, the retail market for organic farming in developed economies has been

growing by about 20% annually due to increasing consumer demand. Concern for the quality and

safety of food, and the potential for environmental damage from conventional agriculture, are

apparently responsible for this trend.

Twenty-first century

Throughout this history, the focus of agricultural research and the majority of publicized

scientific findings has been on chemical, not organic, farming. This emphasis has continued to

biotechnologies like genetic engineering. One recent survey of the UK's leading government

funding agency for bioscience research and training indicated 26 GM crop projects, and only one

related to organic agriculture. This imbalance is largely driven by agribusiness in general, which,

through research funding and government lobbying, continues to have a predominating effect on

agriculture-related science and policy.

Agribusiness is also changing the rules of the organic market. The rise of organic farming was

driven by small, independent producers and by consumers. In recent years, explosive organic

market growth has encouraged the participation of agribusiness interests. As the volume and

variety of "organic" products increases, the viability of the small-scale organic farm is at risk,
and the meaning of organic farming as an agricultural method is ever more easily confused with

the related but separate areas of organic food and organic certification.
Advantages of organic farming

1. It helps to maintain environment health by reducing the level of pollution.

2. It reduces human and animal health hazards by reducing the level of residues in the

product.

3. It helps in keeping agricultural production at a sustainable level.

4. It reduces the cost of agricultural production and also improves the soil health.

5. It ensures optimum utilization of natural resources for short-term benefit and helps in

conserving them for future generation.

6. It not only saves energy for both animal and machine, but also reduces risk of crop

failure.

7. It improves the soil physical properties such as granulation, good tilth, good aeration,

easy root penetration and improves water-holding capacity and reduces erosion.
 8. It improves the soils chemical properties such as supply and retention of soil nutrients,

reduces nutrient loss into water bodies and environment and promotes favorable chemical

reactions.

The Disadvantages of Organic Farming

1. Its a Whole Lot More Work

It takes a whole lot of hard work to successfully grow crops organically. There is a high amount

of farmer interaction time with their crops. Whether it be to ensure that the plants remain pest

free in an organic way, or to act as weed prevention, the time required is significantly higher than

plants and crops produced industrially.

2. The Consumer Pays The Price

Organic foods in the supermarket are infamously higher than others. This is one of the biggest

reasons that people do not fully support the use of organic farming, and not nearly enough people

are enjoying the great benefits that it could bring. For example, a pound of non organic red

peppers cost right around $2.76, while a pound of organic red peppers run a whopping $5.89!

Thats double the price!

3. Cross Breeding Happens

GMO crops, also known as genetically modified crops, are plants whose DNA structures have

been altered. These seeds, once planted, create GMO crops. These crops then produce seeds and

the patter continues. It is very difficult to truly tell if an organic seed has not been affected by

GMOs in anyway. This cross breeding could completely wipe out the idea of organic and non

GMO crops very soon.

 SCOPE

The Occupation That Cannot Be Shut Down At Any Point Of Time:

Farming is a very old and a well-known traditional occupation in India. The farming which is

said to be done with a very healthy note in olden days is now not addressed the same. This is

seen even though there is technology usage in farming. The reason is that the methods then used

were very healthy and organic. They were natural. The same is again been planned to be brought

in practice because of increasing demand and that brings scope for entrepreneurs.

Why would we want organic farming in place? Is this the question you asked yourself? The

answer would be to give enough nutrition to the society. Today, this is missing in the food that is

produced through the usage of pesticides. Eating food is a very important process of our life.

Some of us do not consider it to be so and go with what we are eating. Each and every single

blade of the crops has its importance in its own way. In India, things are gradually coming to the

stage of repeating history.

The people who undertake farming occupation have understood that the fertilizers used for

growing crops are not favourable to yield healthy food. Instead, the usage of water or aqua

waste, from the other organic wastes is considered to be the best source for the growth of crops.

It is also a traditional and religious approach towards the growth of the crops!

Why Should We Have An Organic Farming?

There has been a requirement of the healthy environment in the process of providing the healthy

food for the people and each of them believe that the produce gives health. To sustain the same,

Organic farming plays an important aspect of providing the food that is required to be the staple
input for the body. The organic farming involves the steps of using the factor of going green by

using the fertilizers that are bio based, such as the fuel of the fossil would be used to develop the

crops accordingly!

The intention of using the natural base for the development of the crops is to have an ecological

environment and to give the food with the nutrients that are sustained in the crops. This is

important to have the continuous produce of the healthy food crops. This has been recognized by

the scientists today and it has been seen that natural resource is the best choice for the produce

that would be stability towards the healthy production of crops!

ORGANIC FARMING AND ITS IMPORTANCE
CAUSES OF VEGETABLE FARMING :-

Success in vegetable production whether it is organic or not is greatly depended on a well

thought out plant. Key factors that should be considered carefully during the planning stage of

the farming operation are: site selection, water supply and quality, crop and variety selection,

and, market development. If the wrong decision is made with regard to anyone of these, the

operation is doomed for failure.

Site Selection

Minimizing potential production problems is essential to all farming operations. This is

especially true for organic producers. One of the most effective means of reducing potential

problems is through proper field site selection. Three points should be considered when selecting

a field to produce vegetables: field topography, soil type, and water availability and quality.

Field Topography

Topography refers to the physical characteristics of the overall field site and includes such

conditions as; contour, soil depth, water and air drainage, and, the presence of rock out cropping

and trees. These characteristics can have a significant influence on crop production and

management. Poorly drained fields or those with low areas can become water logged during

periods of excessive rain. Such conditions can enhance the incidence of diseases, reduce plant

vigor and yield, and, under excessive conditions, cause plant death. Brush areas or abandoned

fields and pastures can harbor insects and severe as host for plant diseases, some of which can be

vectored by insects. Rock out cropping and trees within a field can become impedance to farm

implements and increase difficulty of land preparation and crop establishment. . Sites with slopes

of 1.5 % (18 elevation change per 100) or more should be avoided to prevent excessive erosion

problems. An ideal topography for vegetable production is one that is nearly flat to slightly

sloping, well drained, and, free of trees, rocks and low areas. Efficiency of crop maintenance,

irrigation and harvest operations is greatly enhanced in fields with this type topography.
Soil type and quality

Soil type refers to the physical composition or properties of the soil. Soils basically consist of

decomposed mineral matter (sand, silt, and clay) and decomposed organic matter. Optimum

vegetable production is achieved on well-drained sandy loam soils. Although vegetables can be

grown on a wide range of soil types, most vegetables are not well adapted to heavy clay soil

types. Soils of this type tend to have poor aeration and drainage and can restrict root growth.

Consequently, these soils should be avoided. Soil is the fundamental resource base for all

agricultural production systems. Unfortunately, too often, too little time is spent in selecting soil

type and soil management practices. In organic production, soil health is essential. Soil quality

influences its ability to provide an optimum media for growth, sustain crop productivity,

maintain environmental quality, and, provide for plant and animal health . Therefore, soil quality

and soil health is viewed as the foundation to successful organic production. Consequently, the

primary management goal of an organic producer should be sustaining and improving soil

quality or health over the long term. Table 1 presents important soil properties influencing soil

productivity. The USDA is currently developing test kits to evaluate soil quality indicator

properties. Contact your local USDA-NRCS field office to obtain a test kit.

Water

Water is the life-blood of vegetable production. Vegetable crops generally require more total

water and more frequent irrigation than most other agronomic crops. Few vegetables can be

grown successfully under dryland conditions in most areas of Texas. Even in East Texas where

45 + of rainfall occurs annually, crops can experience period of drought stress. Therefore, only

fields that have easy access to an abundant water source should be considered for vegetable
production. The water source should have the capability to provide the volume required for the

maximum needs of the highest water-using crop to be planted. Water needs for selected

vegetables grown in Texas.

Water quality is equally as important as water volume in selecting a field site water source.

Water source for vegetable irrigation should contain less than 400 ppm soluble salts. Therefore,

avoid water sources containing high levels of toxic elements such as Sodium, Boron or

Aluminum. helpful in evaluating suitability of water for irrigation. The absence of an adequate

supply of high quality water cannot be offset with an ideal field site having a desirable soil type.

Knowledge of crop tolerance to salinity is essential if marginal quality water is to be used (6).

Crop and Variety Selection

A factor equal to the importance of good soil health to successful implementation of the organic

production concept is crop and variety selection. Pest of all types occurs in abundance in most

areas of Texas. However, the greatest limiting factor to successful vegetable production from a

pest stand-point is the high incidence of disease outbreaks. With the reduced number of tools to

combat pests available in the organic production arsenal, as compared to conventional

production, even greater importance is placed on the use of resistant crops and varieties as the

primary means of pest control of the appendix list vegetable varieties recommended for Texas.

Most of the varieties listed were selected partly because they possess as high a level of resistance

as available to as many diseases as possible. Therefore, organic producers who use varieties or

grow species with resistance to as many diseases as available greatly increase their chances for

success.
Market development

The fact that most vegetable crops are highly perishable; the need to develop markets for

produce should be established prior to planting the crop. This even more important for

organically produced vegetables due to their limited or niche market status. For whatever reason

one chooses to commercially produce vegetables organically, profitability is the driving force

that keeps him in business. To achieve profitability, a producer must have a well thought out

production and marketing plan based on sound scientific and business principles. Most startup

vegetable operations generally fail due to the lack of market development or marketing skills.

Consequently, a potential grower cannot spend too much time in a developing production and

marketing plan. Commercial vegetable production should always be viewed as a business first

and as a farming enterprise secondly. Personnel views or beliefs are fine but establishing a

business based on consumer preferences and demands make for a more successful undertaking.

In developing a sound marketing plan the following questions should be answered:

-What crops should I grow?

How much of these crops should I produce?

To whom or where shall I sell the produce that I will grow?

How much real demand is there for the crops I am considering,

How much will it cost me to produce and market these crops?

What if any are the sizes of the market windows for these crops?
 What are the risks associated with the production of these crops?

In order to effectively answer these questions one must be willing to invest considerable time

conducting market research. It should be stressed that in order to market produce as organically

grown, a farming operation must be Certified Organic by the Texas Department of

Agriculture. The following (used with permission from TDA) describes the requirements of the

Texas Department of Agriculture Organic Certification Program.

The Texas Department of Agricultures Organic Certification Program certifies crops produced

under an organic farming system. That is, a system of ecological soil management that relies on

building humus levels through crop rotations, recycling organic wastes, and applying balanced

mineral amendments. When necessary, this system uses mechanical, botanical, or biological

controls that have minimum adverse effects on health and the environment. In addition, organic

crops are produced without the use of synthetic pesticides, synthetic fertilizers and synthetic

herbicides. Upon demonstrating compliances with the Organic Standards and Certification,

Texas Administrative Code, Title 4, Part I, Chapter 18, participants are entitled to use a

marketing logo identifying their products as state certified. TDA inspects and certifies producers,

processors, handlers (warehouses, distributors, brokers) and retailers of organic products.

Organic Vegetables

William Bartrams 1776 account of the Cuscowilla Indian village on the south edge of

Paynes Prairie, near present day Micanopy, describes a society that lived in balance with

their environment He published Travels through North and South Carolina, Georgia, East

and West Florida in 1791. In it he described how they produced their food, saying:

They plant but little here about the town; only a small garden plot at each habitation,

consisting of a little Corn, Beans, Tobacco, Citrus (and more). Their plantation, which
supplies them with the chief of their vegetable provisions, lies on the rich prolific lands

bordering on the great Alachua savannah, about two miles distance.

There were no synthetic fertilizers or pesticides. These savvy farmers grew crops organically.

They took the time to understand their environment, and probably understood that their

precious crop could be wiped out by insects or weed competition. Imagine these early

farmers, moving through production areas; aware of every nuance regarding how various

plants and insects interact. It is not a far stretch of the imagination. In fact, these farmers knew

certain insects ate the crops while others ate insects. Today, these insects are referred to as

being either pests or beneficials. In fact, nowadays you can purchase good bugs to eat

the bad bugs on your crop!

During the 19th century, the demands of population growth on food supply were met with new

technologies including mechanized farming, chemical pesticides, commercial fertilizers and

vigorous plant breeding programs. These methods made it possible to grow more food per

acre than ever before. However, rising fuel costs and increased competition for once abundant

natural resources like water motivate University of Florida/IFAS researchers to constantly

look for ways to produce crops more efficiently while preserving the environment for many

generations to come.

Today, organic production is a combination of new technology and traditional methods. As a

result of recent research, there are many new tools for organic farmers to use including soil

analysis, plant nutrient monitoring and integrated pest management systems. Additionally,

there are many new commercial organic fertilizers and pesticide products on the market which

have made organic farming more user-friendly than ever.

Consumers are showing their support for this method of production at the market. Demand for

organic produce has increased 20% a year on average since 1990. This has resulted in higher

profit potential for organic producers. For more information about organic vegetable

production, please see the resources listed here or contact your local UF-IFAS County

Extension office.
 How to Start an Organic Vegetable Garden

Organic vegetable gardening is becoming more popular with each passing year, as home gardeners

strive to grow gardens that are bountiful, healthy, and ecologically friendly. Starting an organic

vegetable garden is fairly straightforward; here's what you need to know to get started.

Choosing the Right Site

Starting your organic vegetable garden in the right place will make a huge difference right from the

start.

There are a few things you want to keep in mind:

 Sun: You want a site that offers as much direct sunlight as possible -- at least 6 hours, and

preferably 8, during your main growing season. If you don't have a space available that offers

that much sun, don't despair -- there are crops you can grow without full sun.

Terrain: Does the land slope? You'll want to orient your garden bed to take full advantage of the

sun exposure. Is there a depression where water collects? You'll want to think about filling this in

with good soil so it doesn't stay soggy -- a site like that will take much longer to dry out in

spring, and could result in rotted plant roots during the growing season.

Wind: Is the site at the mercy of high winds? If you live in a windy area, consider trying to

position your garden in a place that has a hedge, wall, or other structure nearby to reduce the

effect of high winds. If you don't already have some type of windbreak in place, consider

erecting strong trellises nearby to serve this purpose.

Access to water, tools, compost. You don't want to have to drag tools from the other end of your

yard, and toting a watering can around isn't much fun, either. Make it easy on yourself, and try to

situate your vegetable garden bed in a convenient place.

Soil Considerations

How is the soil in your potential veggie garden area?

Is it rocky and full of tree roots? You may want to consider building a raised bed vegetable

garden or lasagna garden. If not, then you could go ahead and double-dig the existing soil and try

to grow there. Either way, it's important to assess your existing soil to see what you need to do to

make it perfect for growing organic vegetables.

1. Get Your Soil Tested: You can send samples of your soil to your local cooperative extension

service for testing. Some garden centers and nurseries also offer soil testing services. This will

let you know which nutrients are deficient in your soil and what type of soil you have, as well as

provide suggestions for how to improve your soil.

2. Do a Quick D.I.Y. Soil Test: By doing a few simple tests yourself, you can learn a lot about your

soil. Learn about what type of soil you have, how healthy it is, how well it drains, and test its Ph

-- all very useful information!

Follow the instructions you get back with your soil test in regards to any nutrient deficiencies or Ph

level issues. If you find that you have clay soil, there are some straightforward ways to improve it.

Sandy soils benefit from the addition of plenty of organic matter, specifically, lots of compost.

Plants and Seeds

You'll want to start with organically-grown plants and seeds. Conventionally-grown plants are

often already loaded with pesticides and chemical fertilizers -- exactly the types of things you're

trying to avoid in your vegetable garden. Organically-produced seeds are harvested from

organically-grown plants, never treated with chemical pesticides or fungicides, and never

genetically modified. There are several good mail order companies that provide organic vegetable

garden seeds. More nurseries, garden centers, and big box stores are also starting to sell a selection

of organic seeds -- these are usually very clearly labeled as "organic."

Plant, Grow, and Harvest!

Now that you've got the garden sited and the soil amended, the organic plants and seeds bought --

now it's time to plant and tend your garden.

Look up information on the types of vegetables you want to grow to ensure that you're providing

them with the right amount of water and nutrients. Consider doing some companion planting for a

healthier garden. Pay close attention to your garden so that you catch pest and disease problems

right away. The biggest part of growing a healthy garden is simply paying attention. If you do that,

you're well on your way to a healthy, bountiful, organic vegetable garden.

 Organic Farming in India: A Success Story

When we talk about the Indian agriculture industry, there is a belief that growth can only equal

crisis. The Green Revolution brought about a technological breakthrough, leading to short

duration high yielding varieties, chemical fertilizers and pesticides but critics blame it for lacking

vision. Could they have predicted the consequences?

Recently, the Malwa region in Punjab was dubbed as the 'cancer belt' of India. The unusually

high incidence of cancer cases has been linked to the excessive use of pesticides by cotton

farmers. In its fifth National Report on Desertification, Land Degradation and Drought published

in 2015, the government has conceded that land degradation is a major environmental concern

for the country. It reveals that one-third of India's soil is degraded while 25 percent land is facing

desertification which has affected its productivity and food security of millions across the

country.
The solution is obvious: build a sustainable agribusiness. Six families in Noida have come

together to show us the way. It all began in August 2015 when Nandini Diesh, a corporate

lawyer who is also passionate about farming met Ramnish Tangri, a civil engineer and animal

lover. Ramnish runs the Pashupati Gaushali in Greater Noida. "I started the Gaushala to rescue

cows from the roads and give them shelter. These are our desi cows and you can recognize them

with their hump and loose skin around the neck. It has been scientifically proven that when the

sun's rays enter the hump, it adds certain special properties to the cow's milk, urine and dung,"

shares Ramnish.

He persuaded Nandini to start a cow-centric farming model inspired by Subhash Palekar, an

Indian agriculturist. Together, they found the perfect piece of farmland in Khedi Bhanauta

Village in Greater Noida. A match made in heaven as the owner of the land Vikrant Tongad is a

green activist who works on several environmental issues like ground water degradation and rain

water harvesting. "I've always believed that organic farming has great scope but there's a

common notion that it does not offer high yield. Sikkim has transformed into an organic state

and set an example. Why can't we? The use of pesticides and fertilizers increases the farmer's

and the land's dependency on such chemicals and before you know it, you're are caught in a

vicious circle. You don't want temporary gains at the cost of permanent damage. There is an

urgent need to make people aware about the long-term benefits of natural farming and educate

the farmers," he says. He offered cheap land, about 3000 square meters on lease for Rs. 12,000

per year, in the hope that this initiative will become a model for others.

The trio was joined by Software Engineer Dinesh Sharma, Vijay Bhasin who works for Newell

Rubbermiad, IIT Delhi alumnus Rudra Mahapatra and entrepreneur Amit Rana - all residents of
Noida's Jal Vayu Vihar. "I switched to organic staples many years ago but it was hard to find

good quality organic vegetables. I always felt there was something missing in the food. This

could be because stores that sell organic vegetables mostly use hybrid seeds. At our farm, we've

been using the Desi Beej which produces more nutritious crop. If you buy spinach from the

market it will dry out in a day, but the spinach that we grow has a longer shelf life and stays fresh

and green for up to two days," says Dinesh Sharma.

These people have come from all walks of life to learn practical and hands-on gardening

skills. Every member of the group visits the farm once a week along with their family and they

do everything from composting to ploughing. They suggest using alternative farming methods,

especially techniques borrowed from ancestral knowledge but supported by science.

We've known that seasonal food is at its healthiest and so, nothing out of season is grown at

this farm. The process starts with soaking the seeds in Beej Amrit, explains Ramnish, "The seeds

are dipped in a liquid which is a mix of cow's urine, calcium and other elements. This increases
the probability of germination to 95%. The desi beej can be used again unlike the hybrid or GM

versions that can be only sowed once." Bought from Nimai Garden in Bangalore, these are

heirloom seeds that will breed true. Simply put, they are created when pollination happens

through natural mechanisms whereas for hybrid seeds the pollen of two different species or

varieties is crossed by human intervention.

While most farmers will scatter the seeds across the field, at this farm the seeds are planted in

squares of 1 meter each to enable rain water harvesting. "In order to conserve water, we also use

a method called mulching. When the soil is exposed to the environment, the water starts

evaporating due to the heat. To prevent this, we cover it with a layer of dried leaves which helps

the soil to retain its moisture. Normally, you would have to water the field every 15 days but we

do it only once a month," Dinesh adds. It's not just about sowing the seed but creating an entire

ecosystem.

The fertilizers used to enrich the soil are made with locally sourced, indigenous

ingredients. "Farmers usually stack cow dung and let it dry for 4 to 5 months before using it as

manure. This causes most of the nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium to evaporate in the air. At

our farm, we make the Ghan Jeev Amrit by adding gram flour and jaggery to cow's urine and

dung along with a handful of soil from an old Banyan Tree. Lab reports conducted by us have

shown that this contain three times more NPK than the manure that farmers use. We also use the

Jeev Amrit which is a liquid fertilizer made by altering the proportions of cow dung and urine,"

Ramnish tells me about Permaculture, that entails developing a self-sustaining framework which

is ecologically sound and economically viable.

Natural pesticides are sprayed according to the movement of the moon, during Pooranmasi and

Amawasya, when pest activity is known to peak. The Neem Astra is made with cow's urine

and neem leaves while the Agni Astra uses other ingredients like garlic, green chillies and

Tobacco.

"Continuous use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides is robbing the strength of the crop

which makes it more prone to disease. We let nature do its work and cultivate the soil for steady

growth. The results may be slow initially but remember you'll reap long-lasting benefits in

these challenging times." says Mr. Vikrant and Mr. Tangri agrees, "We want to train farmers to

adopt such practices and go back to the basics. This will help in decreasing the looming burden

of buying high-priced chemicals and at the same time restore the vitality of the soil."

The group produces enough to meet their own requirements and does not wish to put a price on

it. But they aim to improve the way we eat, grow and garden. If you happen to visit the field, it

is studded with masoor dal, cholia, peas and beans waiting to be picked. With the weather

brightening up, they're looking forward to enjoy a bounty of summer vegetables like gourds,

cucumber and pumpkin.

 NATIONAL HORTICULTURE MISSION

Recognizing the importance of horticulture sector in the growth of Indian agriculture, Honorable

Finance Minister announced launching of National Horticulture Mission in his budget speech on

July 8, 2004. The horticulture sector includes fruit, vegetables, spices, medicinal and aromatic

plants, flowers, mushroom and a variety of plantation crops like coconut, areca nut, cashew nut

and cocoa which has been contributing significantly to the GDP in agriculture (28.5 per cent

form 8.5 per cent area). National Horticulture Mission is a centrally sponsored scheme in which

Government of India provide 100% assistance to the state mission during the year 2005-06

(During XI plan, the assistance form Government of India will be 85% with 15% contribution by

the State Government.

Objectives:

To develop horticulture to the maximum potential available in the State and to augment

production of all horticultural production of all horticultural products (Fruits, Vegetable, flowers,

Plantation crops, Spices, Medicinal Aromatic plants) in the state.

1. To provide holistic growth of the horticulture sector through an area based regionally

differentiated strategies.

2. To enhance horticulture production, improve nutritional security and income support to

farm households;
3. To establish convergence and synergy among multiple on-going and planned programmes

for horticulture development;

4. To promote, develop and disseminate technologies, through a seamless blend of traditional

wisdom and modern scientific knowledge.

5. To create opportunities for employment generation for skilled and unskilled persons,

especially unemployed youth;

In pursuance of the above goals, the National Horticulture Mission will focus in the areas of

horticultural research, development, post harvest management,, processing and marketing.

The programmes under horticulture research will concentrate on technology generation

appropriate to each region/state keep in in view their specific agro-climatic and socio-economic

conditions. Emphasis will be given for effective transfer of technologies in production, which

are already available in India and abroad. The Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) in

association with State Agriculture Universities (SAUs) and other research institutes

/organizations in the public and private sector having capabilities will be involved in the research

programme.

The programme under the horticultural development aims at increasing the production and

productivity of all horticultural crops through adoption of improved technologies in crop

production. Under this programme, special emphasis will be given for regionally differentiated

crops, which are most suitable for the state /region. This programme will be implemented by the

Horticultural Departments of the State Government, which may also include cooperative

organizations, self-help group, NGOs and economically organizations for achieving the targeted
production and productivity of identified crops. Risk management in the form of crop is also

proposed.

Post harvest management would include creating suitable infrastructure for efficient post harvest

management and marketing of horticulture produce such as handling, transfer, storage and

markets etc. besides taking up market promotional activities such as dissemination of market

information to the farmers, processors, traders, and consumers. Special trust would be provided

to promote the export of horticultural produce through establishment of AEZs, for which there is

potential global market. National Horticulture Board, Directorate of Marketing and Inspection,

National Cooperative Development Corporation, NERAMAC, TRIFED and Agriculture and

Processed Food Products export Development authority will be involved for the purpose. It is

proposed to make use of the existing schemes of the National Horticulture Board (NHB),

Directorate of Marketing and Inspection (DME) and National Cooperative Development

Corporation (NCDC) to maximum possible extent.

The Mission will also focus on promoting processing of horticultural produce and value addition

buy providing incentives for setting up of horticulture processing industries and food parks in

potential areas and to encourage linkages between the markets for the horticulture produce and

processing industry. This activity will be supported by the Ministry of Food Processing Industry

(MFPI) and implemented through agencies under the administrative control of MFPI and other

organizations and the concerned departments of the State Governments. These programmes

would be credit-linked through NABARD/IDBI/State Financial Corporations.

 FEASIBILITY OF ORGANIC AGRICULTURE IN COMMERCIALIZATION

Organic foods are a matter of choice of an individual or enterprises. If somebody wants to go in

for organic farming, primarily on commercial consideration/profits motive, to take advantage of

the unusually higher prices of organic food, they are free to do so.

Organic farming is essentially a marking tool, and cannot replace conventional farming for food

security, quality and quantity of crop outputs. With a growing population and precarious food

situation, the country cannot afford to take a risk with organic farming alone.

"Organic farming is not feasible as an alternative to conventional farming under all

circumstances in the Indian context. The shortfall in inorganic nutrient supply, uneconomic

returns to inorganic inputs under dryland and rainfed farming systems, inherent better response

to organic farming in crops like vegetables, legumes and millets under traditional farming
systems paves way for integration of conventional farming with organic farming," BG

Shivakumar, eminent scientist, division of agronomy, Indian Agricultural Research Institute

(IARI), New Delhi said.

"There will be scope for practicing organic farming on a case-to-case basis in traditional

strongholds like hilly areas, rainfed and dryland farming systems to cater to the demands of

organic produces in urban areas that would pay premium prices for such commodities," he said.

A transition period of 3-4 years is generally required to convert a conventional farm into an

organic farm. In this period, the produce is not considered as organically produced. The reduced

yields and lack of benefits of premium for the produce is a double blow for farmers, leading to

financial losses, which are substantial for small- to medium-farmers.

Organic farming should be considered for lesser endowed regions of the country. It should be

started with low volume high value crops like spices and medicinal aromatic crops. A holistic

approach involving integrated nutrient management, integrated pest management, enhanced

input use efficiency and adoption of region-specific promising cropping systems would be the

best farming strategy for India, he added.

"State governments like Karnataka and Uttaranchal are taking special efforts to increase the area

under organic farming. But there is reluctance on the part of farmers, due to the very high cost of

conversion from conventional to organic farming, to make the land free from chemical residues,"

S Kumarasamy, Chairman of Agrochemicals Policy Group (APG) said.

"The certification system is yet to be fully functional. Some of the certification agencies do not

strictly adhere to the standards of organic farming operations to protect their commercial interest.
This has come to light recently, when a consignment of organic Basmati rice from India was held

up in Finland, as it was found to contain pesticide residues. Given these constraints, the growth

of area under organic farming is minimal,"

 POTENTIAL IMPACT OF BIO-AGRICULTURE

Sustainability over the long term. Many changes observed in the environment are long term,

occurring slowly over time. Organic agriculture considers the medium- and long-term effect of

agricultural interventions on the agro-ecosystem. It aims to produce food while establishing an

ecological balance to prevent soil fertility or pest problems. Organic agriculture takes a proactive

approach as opposed to treating problems after they emerge.

Soil. Soil building practices such as crop rotations, inter-cropping, symbiotic associations, cover

crops, organic fertilizers and minimum tillage are central to organic practices. These encourage

soil fauna and flora, improving soil formation and structure and creating more stable systems. In

turn, nutrient and energy cycling is increased and the retentive abilities of the soil for nutrients

and water are enhanced, compensating for the non-use of mineral fertilizers. Such management

techniques also play an important role in soil erosion control. The length of time that the soil is

exposed to erosive forces is decreased, soil biodiversity is increased, and nutrient losses are

reduced, helping to maintain and enhance soil productivity. Crop export of nutrients is usually

compensated by farm-derived renewable resources but it is sometimes necessary to supplement

organic soils with potassium, phosphate, calcium, magnesium and trace elements from external

sources.

Water. In many agriculture areas, pollution of groundwater courses with synthetic fertilizers and

pesticides is a major problem. As the use of these is prohibited in organic agriculture, they are

replaced by organic fertilizers (e.g. compost, animal manure, green manure) and through the use

of greater biodiversity (in terms of species cultivated and permanent vegetation), enhancing soil
structure and water infiltration. Well managed organic systems with better nutrient retentive

abilities, greatly reduce the risk of groundwater pollution. In some areas where pollution is a real

problem, conversion to organic agriculture is highly encouraged as a restorative measure (e.g. by

the Governments of France and Germany)

Air and climate change. Organic agriculture reduces non-renewable energy use by decreasing

agrochemical needs (these require high quantities of fossil fuel to be produced). Organic

agriculture contributes to mitigating the greenhouse effect and global warming through its ability

to sequester carbon in the soil. Many management practices used by organic agriculture (e.g.

minimum tillage, returning crop residues to the soil, the use of cover crops and rotations, and the

greater integration of nitrogen-fixing legumes), increase the return of carbon to the soil, raising

productivity and favouring carbon storage. A number of studies revealed that soil organic carbon

contents under organic farming are considerably higher. The more organic carbon is retained in

the soil, the more the mitigation potential of agriculture against climate change is higher.

However, there is much research needed in this field, yet. There is a lack of data on soil organic

carbon for developing countries, with no farm system comparison data from Africa and Latin

America, and only limited data on soil organic carbon stocks, which is crucial for determining

carbon sequestration rates for farming practices.

Biodiversity. Organic farmers are both custodians and users of biodiversity at all levels. At the

gene level, traditional and adapted seeds and breeds are preferred for their greater resistance to

diseases and their resilience to climatic stress. At the species level, diverse combinations of

plants and animals optimize nutrient and energy cycling for agricultural production. At the

ecosystem level, the maintenance of natural areas within and around organic fields and absence
of chemical inputs create suitable habitats for wildlife. The frequent use of under-utilized species

(often as rotation crops to build soil fertility) reduces erosion of agro-biodiversity, creating a

healthier gene pool - the basis for future adaptation. The provision of structures providing food

and shelter, and the lack of pesticide use, attract new or re-colonizing species to the organic area

(both permanent and migratory), including wild flora and fauna (e.g. birds) and organisms

beneficial to the organic system such as pollinators and pest predators. The number of studies on

organic farming and biodiversity increased significantly within the last years. A recent study

reporting on a meta-analysis of 766 scientific papers concluded that organic farming produces

more biodiversity than other farming systems.

Genetically modified organisms. The use of GMOs within organic systems is not permitted

during any stage of organic food production, processing or handling. As the potential impact of

GMOs to both the environment and health is not entirely understood, organic agriculture is

taking the precautionary approach and choosing to encourage natural biodiversity. The organic

label therefore provides an assurance that GMOs have not been used intentionally in the

production and processing of the organic products. This is something which cannot be

guaranteed in conventional products as labelling the presence of GMOs in food products has not

yet come into force in most countries. However, with increasing GMO use in conventional

agriculture and due to the method of transmission of GMOs in the environment (e.g. through

pollen), organic agriculture will not be able to ensure that organic products are completely GMO

free in the future. A detailed discussion on GMOs can be found in the FAO publication

"Genetically Modified Organisms, Consumers, Food Safety and the Environment".

Ecological services. The impact of organic agriculture on natural resources favours interactions
within the agro-ecosystem that are vital for both agricultural production and nature conservation.

Ecological services derived include soil forming and conditioning, soil stabilization, waste

recycling, carbon sequestration, nutrients cycling, predation, pollination and habitats. By opting

for organic products, the consumer through his/her purchasing power promotes a less polluting

agricultural system. The hidden costs of agriculture to the environment in terms of natural

resource degradation are reduced.

A critical review of the relationships between organic agriculture and the environment as well as

other aspects is provided by IFOAM and is presented under the shape of a list of criticisms

and frequent misconceptions about organic agriculture with corresponding counter-arguments.

TYPES OF ORGANIC FARMING

1. Pure organic farming

It involves the use of organic manures and biopesticides with complete avoidance of inorganic

chemicals and pesticides.

2. Integrated organic farming

It involves integrated nutrients management and integrated pest management. It is the type of

farming in which development of crops from natural resources having the complete nutritive

value and manage to prevent the crop or plants from the pests.
In organic farming, we use the following techniques;

CROP ROTATION: It is the technique to grow various kind of crops in the same area,

according to the different seasons, in a sequential manner.

GREEN MANURE: It refers to the dying plants that are uprooted and turned into the soil to

make them act as a nutrient for the soil to increase its quality.

BIOLOGICAL PEST CONTROL: With this method, we use living organisms to control

pests with or without the use of chemicals.

COMPOST: Highly rich in nutrients, it is a recycled organic matter used as a fertilizer in the

agricultural farms.
METHOD OD ORGANIC FARMING :-

1. Soil management

After cultivation of crops, the soil loses its nutrients and its quality depletes. Organic agriculture

initiates the use of natural ways to increase the fertility of the soil. Hence it focuses on the use

of bacteria that is present in animal waste which helps in making the soil nutrients more

productive and fertile.

2. Weed management

Weed is the unwanted plant that grows in agricultural fields. Organic agriculture focuses on

lowering weed rather than removing it completely. The two most widely used weed

management techniques are :

Mulching: A process where we use plastic films or plant residue on the surface of the soil to

block the growth of weed.

Mowing or Cutting: Where there is a removal of weeds top growth.

3. Crop diversity

Monoculture is the practice used in the agricultural fields where we harvest and cultivate only

one type of crop in a particular location. Recently, polyculture has come in existence, where we

harvest and cultivate different kinds of crops to meet the increasing crop demand and produce

the required soil microorganisms.

4. Controlling other organisms

There are both useful and harmful organisms in the agricultural farm which affect the field. So,

we need to control the growth of such organisms to protect the soil and the crops. We can do

this by the use of herbicides and pesticides that contain fewer chemicals or are natural.
PRINCIPLE OF ORGANIC FARMING :-

PRINCIPLES OF ORGANIC FARMING.

1. Principle of health

Organic agriculture must contribute to the health and well-being of soil, plants, animals, humans
and the earth.

2 . Principle of ecological balance

We must model organic farming on living ecological systems. Moreover, the methods of organic
farming must fit the ecological balance and cycles in nature.

3. Principle of fairness

Organic farming provides good quality of life and helps in reducing soil infertility.

4. Principle of care

We should practice organic agriculture in a careful and responsible manner to benefit the present
and future generations and the environment.
CHARACTERISTICS OF ORGANIC FARMING :-
It is agricultural production system which avoids or largely excludes the use of synthetically

compounded fertilizers, pesticides, growth regulators and livestock feed additives. To the

maximum extent feasible organic farming system rely upon crop rotation, crop residues, and

animal manure, legumes, green manure, mineral-bearing rocks and aspects of biological pest

control to maintain soil productivity and tilth to supply plant nutrients and to control insects,

weeds and other pests.

Organic farming is a system which avoids or largely excludes the use of synthetic inputs (such

as fertilizers, pesticides, hormones, feed additives etc.) and to the maximum extent feasible rely

upon crop rotations, crop residues, animal manures, off-farm organic waste, mineral grade rock

additives and biological system of nutrient mobilization and plant protection.

Aims of Organic Farming:

1. To produce crop with a high nutritional value

2. To maintain and improve long term fertility and sustainability of farm land.

Characteristics of Organic Farming include:

1. Protecting the long term fertility of soils by maintaining organic matter levels, encouraging

soil biological activity, and careful mechanical intervention;

2. Providing crop nutrients indirectly using relatively insoluble nutrient sources which are made

available to the plant by the action of soil microorganisms;

3. Nitrogen self-sufficiency through the use of legumes and biological nitrogen fixation, as well

as effective recycling of organic materials including crop residues and livestock manures;

4. Weed, disease and pest control relying primarily on crop rotations, natural predators, diversity,

organic manuring, resistant varieties and limited (preferably minimal) thermal, biological and

chemical intervention;

5. The extensive management of livestock, paying full regard to their evolutionary adaptations,

behavioral needs and animal welfare issues with respect to nutrition, housing, health, breeding

and rearing;

6. Careful attention to the impact of the farming system on the wider environment and the

conservation of wildlife and natural habitats.

 Introduction of the company

In 1975, a motivated group of students, researchers and faculty of the ecology lab of the botany

department of Uttar pradeshs Gorakhpur University, influenced by the Chipko Movement at

home and Stockholm Conference of 1972 formed Gorakhpur Environmental Action Group

(GEAG) to preserve local environment and conserve natural resources. Many local awareness

and environmental education campaigns in solidarity with various contemporary National and

International environmental movements widened the ideological horizons of the GEAG.

In 1983 the informal Organization was registered as a non-profit Organization under the

Societys Registration Act 1960. Since the GEAG has emerged as a well established

implementing resources consultative and support Organization in northern India on sustainable

agriculture, sustainable livelihood models, adaptation to climate change, gender equity and rights

of small and marginal farmers across the State.

 Executive Board Members

Executive Board Members

Dr. Shiraz A Wajih President

Dr. S P Tripathi Vice President
Mr. J K Srivastava Secretary
Dr. Suman Sinha Jt. Secretary
Dr. D V Tiwari Academic Secretary
Mr. Aejaz Rizvi Treasurer
Dr. Malvika Srivastava Counsellor
Dr. B.C. Srivastava Counsellor
Dr. Surheeta Kareem Counsellor
Dr. R.S. Tolia Nominated Member
Dr. Neelima Jerath Nominated Member
 Dr. Shiraz A Wazi

He is the president of Gorakhpur Environmental Action Group.

GEAG Team

Name Designation Name Designation

Documentation

Vijay Pandey Project Coordinator - PACS Subia Ahmad Coordinator

K.K. Singh Coordinator - CA Bijay Kr. Singh Coordinator - CDKN

Jitendra Dwivedi
Coordinator-Media, Advocacy Ajay Kumar Coordinator - ACCCRN
 & Website Singh (Periurban)

Coordinaotor Accounts & Coordinator- Networking

Raja Ram Yadav Admin. Nivedita Mani & Liaison

Amit Kumar Ravi Prakash Project Coordinator -

Sharma Consultant Mishra TSWT

Kailash Chand Campaign Coordinator -

Pandey Climatologist Neelam Prabhat Aaroh

Archana Advocacy Coordinator -

A.P. Srivastava Office Manager Srivastava PACS

Laxmi Kant

Satendra Tripathi Project Officer - CA Yadav Supervisor-DST

Ram Kumar Project Officer - CA

Anju Pandey Documentation & MIS Officer Singh Mahoba

Ravikant MIS & Account Officer at

Lalmani Office Assistant Shukla Lucknow

Sanjay Kr Singh Accountant Raj Kanti Gupta Office Incharge

Nikhat Sultana Prog. Assistant Ram Surat Supervisor

Vijay Kr. Singh GIS expert Amit Kr. Singh Supervisor

Ajay Pratap Mishra Supervisor Irfan Khan Supervisor

Amarjeet Sahni Supervisor Akshay Kumar Supervisor

Karuna

Sanjay Kumar Supervisor Srivastava Supervisor

Dharmendra

Pankaj Srivastava Divisional Consultant Singh Divisional Consultant

Akhilesh Dubey Divisional Consultant Alok Dwivedi Divisional Consultant

Mohd Rizwan Divisional Consultant Suresh Tiwari Divisional Consultant

Ankit Kumar

Vidya Verma Divisional Consultant Mishra Divisional Consultant

Mamta Verma Receptionist Ajay Kumar Office Assistant

Nazruddin Ali Office Volunteer Satyapal Office Assistant

Haider Ali Volunteer Nandu Kumar Driver

Gyaneshwar lal

Srivastava Project Coordinator Raj Kishore Driver

Ram Ratan Shani Office Assistant Sugreev Driver

Dr Arun Lal

Sakshi Katyal Project officer Srivastava Lab Technician

Supervisor-Mahoba Shalini Singh Office Asst. Lko

Sanjay Kr
 Srivastava

Dr Rakesh Kr

Singh Coordinator-DST
 OPERATIONAL AREAS

GEAGS field interventions are largely in the flood affected Terai region of eastern UP. We also

work with small and marginal farmers in the drought prone areas of the Vindhya and Bundel

khand region of the state. However for all advocacy and campaigns activities, GEAG has its

presence in all the 70 district of state through its partner NGOS.

GEAGs initiative on building urban climate change resilience is ongoing in three states

of Eastern India. Ex. Bihar, West Bengal, Assam.

Vision and Mission

Vision

A vibrant learning organization constantly maintaining its thematic and strategic relevance to the

constantly changing needs and aspirations of the communities it works with or for, that is able to

meaningfully share the lessons of its experience and research with other collaborating

institutions and individuals in a spirit of reciprocity and mutually and that is able to generate

adequate financial, knowledge and other resources through its own means such that it can freely

pursue its vision, mission and values, and function as an autonomous institution of repute in the

areas of environmental sustainability and ecological balance.

Programmatic Vision

Democratically governed diverse village communities in Uttar Pradesh living in a spirit of

harmony and brotherhood guided by strong cultural bonds, functioning as efficient, semi-

autonomous agro-based socio-economic units, relating with their relevant external environments

on transactional basis, where in livelihood, dignity and other basic rights of all village people-

especially the economically challenged small and marginal farmers, and landless labourers, are

adequately secured through practices and institutions that rely substantially on local resources

and produce, are environmentally sustainable, and ecologically balanced.

Mission

Having acquired considerable knowledge and experience base in GEAGs programmatic themes

for almost three decades, and established workable levels of deliverable system therefore, to

consolidate GEAGs learningconceptual as well as systemic, and the gain thereof and to upscale
gender sensitive interventions-laterally as well as in-depth as resource, networking and advocacy

institution, by upgrading futurist knowledge, skills and competencies, and securing higher degree

of financial self-reliance, with a view to becoming sustainable and more effectively realizing

GEAGs programmatic mission.

Programmatic Mission

Using GEAGs success, experiences and proven development models for promoting livelihood

of economically challenged agriculture-based communities, through eco-sustainable agriculture

methods and technologies, to refine and scale-up interventions through diverse roles, such as:

Multipliers of existing development models in vaster areas and communities.

Developers of networks of farmers for mutual help and more economical impacts;

Promoters of networks alliances and coalition among like-minded NGOs for advocacy, and

for collaborative partnerships towards wider and sustainable programmatic impacts.

Disseminators of experience based know-how to other development organisation, in the mode

of a resource and/ or support organisation maintaining gender equity policy advocacy as

important crosscutting themes.

Sustainable Agriculture and Livelihoods

In a country like India whose major economy rests on the primary production activities, GEAG

recognises the need to work with the small and marginal and woman farmers who form the

majority in the farming community. GEAG focuses on developing and promoting locally

adapted farming systems, sustainable and ecological farming practices, conservation of

ecosystem services, building community institutions and so on to promote sustainable agriculture

which can ensure sustainable livelihoods to the marginalised people. GEAG is also actively

involved in advocating for policy changes that promote sustainable agriculture.

India holds a unique position among 172 countries practising organic agriculture: it has 6,50,000

organic producers, 699 processors, 669 exporters and 7,20,000 hectares under cultivation. But,

with merely 0.4 per cent of total agricultural land under organic cultivation, the industry has a

long journey ahead.

Last year, the Indian organic export and domestic market grew by 30 and 40 per cent

respectively, and will sustain primarily due to an increasing number of affluent and health

conscious consumers. As the industry continues to grow, it faces unique challenges. Due to

relatively small volumes, the costs of organic food products are relatively high. The cost of

cultivation increases as it takes more time and energy to produce than its chemical-intensive

counterpart.

Supply-demand mismatch

High demand and low supply has further created an inflationary pressure on organic food

products. This supply-demand mismatch can be eased fundamentally by making organic

production mainstream with location-specific hybrid production strategies. Specialised farmer

training costs, higher processing and inventory holding costs, and increased packaging, logistics

and distribution costs add to the price of end products. Nevertheless, investments in achieving

operations excellence by companies will facilitate lowering the cost of organic food products.

The absence of organic food products across all segments in the market is a concern. Consumers

find little value buying limited organic products at a premium when rest of the foodstuff they

consume is non-organic. Prospects are immense on the supply side as currently organically

cultivated crop areas represent only a small fraction of the total acreage of these crops. The good

news is that the number of organic food categories has grown to more than 200, including tea,
spices, flour, cereals, fruits, vegetables, milk, and honey. In order to sustain consumer trust,

maintaining an accurate audit stream, and preventing cross-contamination with conventional

goods would be crucial.

Many farmers are apprehensive about adopting organic farming due to the high production cost

and the three-year transition period when farmers have to wait before getting their farms

certified. This issue was addressed in the US by food manufacturers offering financial incentives

to offset the waiting period. Ardent Mills pays farmers more remuneration for crops grown on

land undergoing transition and helps them choose rotational crops they can sell to supplement

their income. Kashi has created a logo, Certified Transitional, to label products made from

farms that are undergoing the process of transition.

There has been a contentious debate on the sustainability of organic farming. Though there is

lower yield, these farms are more profitable and environmentally friendly, provide several

ecosystem services, numerous social benefits and deliver nutritious foods with relatively less

pesticide residues compared to conventional farming. Organically managed soils release less

carbon dioxide per hectare per year than conventionally managed soils. New studies indicate that

using the best management practices in organic systems over a long period of time can produce

equal yields, or even outdo those of conventional systems.

More awareness required

There is low awareness at the producer level on the difference between conventional farming and

organic farming. At the consumer level there is confusion between natural and organic products

and limited understanding of the health benefits of organic food products. In addition, consumers

are faced with a plethora of decisions around brands imported or domestic, product quality,
authenticity of claims and certifications. It is critical for companies involved in the organic food

business to increase awareness among consumers in non-metro cities. Progressively, people

across all income groups should have access to organic food. This can be facilitated by different

means such as establishing community-supported agricultural farms or with grow your own

food programmes. Where penetration is low, smaller sized packs can help encourage trials.

It has been estimated that in the US, the adverse impact of conventional farming on the

environment and health costs $5 billion to $16.9 billion a year. These costs are actually paid by

the consumer in the form of medical bills and decreased quality of life due to pollution. Impact

assessment of organic farming compared to conventional farming considering the sustainability

framework can help to increase consumer awareness on the true cost of a product.

Many counterfeit organic products are available in the markets, which adversely impact the

industry and consumer trust. Therefore, the Government has come up with stringent punishment

for selling counterfeit organic produce. Organic farmers are unable to save their crops using

traditional methods of pest control. The Government must rope in agricultural scientists and

international research institutions to develop organic herbicides.

It will be a while before organic agricultural practices becomes mainstream. Many may argue

that attempts made by the Government are inadequate and but positive results are showing up

with time. Today, Sikkim is an organic state with 75,000 ha of land under organic cultivation

based on an initiative that started in 2003. Meghalaya aims to convert 200,000 ha under organic

farming by 2020.
Laudable approach

The courage shown by farmers to convert from conventional to organic is laudable. Kerala has

more than 100,000 farmers practising organic farming and 10 cooperatives promoting the sector.

The Centres announcement for allocation of 1 billion for organic market development and 3

billion for the participatory guarantee scheme is commendable. Indian farmers are using inputs

manufactured from energy-intensive processes and, in some cases, from imported sources

resulting in a burden on the exchequer. They could follow organic practices and use available

bio-wastes to transit towards a circular economy. Consumers should consume responsibly and

stakeholders should prevent wastage along the supply chain. Meanwhile, organic agriculture in

India will continue to grow and play a larger part in safely feeding 1.5 billion Indian mouths in

2030.

Organic agriculture is the best insurance policy that India can have for its population with better

performance on productivity, environmental impact, economic viability and social well-being.

Focusing only on higher yields at the expense of other sustainability pillars (economics,

environment and society) is not the food production system that India needs. What India needs is

an integrated system that gives equal importance to all sustainability dimensions across the value

chain and thus helps establish a healthy and well-fed society.

The writer is Kuwait market leader for EYs Climate Change and Sustainability Services

(CCaSS) practice. The views are personal

Advocacy and Campaign

GEAG has engaged itself in various types of advocacy initiatives like policy advocacy, evidence-

based advocacy and so on. One of the important components of advocacy has been the rights

based advocacy by organising campaigns on two main issues:

Small and marginal and woman farmers

Small and marginal farmers, comprising about 72 percent of the agrarian workforce of UP, are a

neglected lot. GEAGs efforts range from trying to securing land rights for them, especially

women farmers, so that they get due entitlements and can secure livelihoods through sustainable

agriculture. In this direction, GEAG has developed models of agriculture which are

economically, socially and ecologically viable which are being taken up in advocacy with the

government. GEAG has also helped the farmers to unionise by forming the Laghu Seemant

Krishak Morcha (LSKM), registered under the Trade Union Act and the membership has crossed

2 lakhs farmers. Additionally, there is a network of NGOs working on Sustainable Agriculture

(SAN-UP) which is being coordinated by GEAG. GEAG is also advocating for efforts which can

help in building resilience to climate change resilience so that the farming community can better

prepare themselves to withstand the risks and shocks of disasters.

Rights and Interests of Woman Farmers

Promoting gender equity is a central pivot of GEAGs efforts. In order to advocate for the land

and property rights of woman farmers, their recognition as a farmer and their overall

empowerment, GEAG launched a campaign titled Aaroh which is spread in 70 districts of

UP and spearheaded by nodal NGOs in five regions (Western, Ruhelkhand, Vindhya-Kaimur,

Eastern and Central)

Climate change resilience

The Gorakhpur city is subjected to chronic flooding and water logging situations which is an

impact of climatic changes taking place. The urban poor residing in the low lying areas of the

city are a neglected lot and become even more vulnerable in times of flood and water logging

situations. The Ramgarh Lake in the city is a means of livelihoods for many such urban poor

people. But unfortunately, the lake is under threats because of the increasing urbanization. To

save the dying lake, GEAG has been constantly advocating for protecting this lake through

several research studies, campaigns and so on. Our advocacy efforts succeeded to the extent that

the Gorakhpur Municipal Corporation (GMC) partnered with GEAG in our efforts to save the

Ramgarh Lake. The GMC drew up plans and was successful in mobilizing funds from the central

government to rejuvenate the lake.

Knowledge Hub

GEAG makes available its publications for the interest of the general public. We have

publications based on grassroots evidence from the work done by us and our partners.

Below is a full listing of all the available publications, case studies, major programme reports,

technical reports, policy briefs, discussion papers, special series, and multimedia.

Training Centre

Apart from project related training and extension activities, GEAG offers a number of training

programmes directed at human resource development and institutional building. GEAG also

offers adequate facilities for participatory trainings; equipped with advance technology and

resource persons having enormous field experiences. GEAG has been organizing training for

various client groups namely staff of NGO's, government departments, banks, financial

institutions and members of local peoples institutions. Almost all training sessions are conducted

by a team of two or three facilitators to accommodate for more intensive and more effective

learning performance. Different participatory training methods such as case-analysis, role plays,

lectures, audio-visuals, games and group discussions are used to help stimulate active

involvement of participants. GEAG has a pool of highly competent and experienced resource

persons, with excellent communication skills in both Hindi and English language.
 GEAG

Gorakhpur Environmental Action Group (GEAG) is a Civil Society Organisation (CSO)

that focuses on developing environmentally-conscious sustainable livelihoods for women

and other marginalised groups. In their work with PACS, GEAG are working in 80

villages in the Kushinagar, Maharajganj, Sant Kabir Nagar districts of Uttar Pradesh to

help female farmers to build flood-resistant systems and apply for their land rights to

secure their livelihoods.

GEAG and PACS

GEAGs project with PACS involves:

Organising small, marginal and landless women farmers into Community Based

Organisations (CBOs).

Helping CBOs to secure employment and land rights under MGNREGA (the Mahatma

Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act) and state land rights laws.

Motivating women farmers to use sustainable, low input agricultural systems and

supporting them to develop off-farm activities to improve their economic conditions.

Enhancing womens access to and control over agricultural inputs, technology and

markets.

Developing integrated models of farm and off-farm activities.

Facilitating linkages with government schemes and appropriate institutions to advocate for

policies that are pro-women farmers, enabling them to access services, control their resources

and become climate resilient.

Impact so far
 GEAGs project with PACS started in February 2012. So far the following results have been

achieved:

14318 people have successfully demanded jobs under MGNREGA.

45 MGNREGA micro-plans have been prepared using the Integrated Participatory Planning

Exercise in 45 of the 80 villages where GEAG work. In these plans there are various activities

that will address climate change, including drainage improvement, plantations, bunding,

levelling, composting and water conservation.

8 Master Trainers from GEAG have been selected to be part of block level MGNREGA

social audit teams.

1786 households have applied for their land rights. So far 118 pattas (certificates) have

been allotted, and all 118 households have possession of their land.

8000 male farmers participated in a Land Rights Signature Campaign and agreed joint

ownership over land.

NB these are figures from December 2014.

About GEAG

Gorakhpur Environmental Action Group (GEAG) is an organisation focussed on building

sustainable livelihoods. The environment and gender equality are at the core of its interventions,

setting up models of good governance for marginalised communities using a rights-based

framework.

GEAGs strategy involves building CBOs and working with them to achieve democratic

governance. The organisation has pioneered various interventions related to resource

 management, the environment and development and eco-health in collaboration with the

government and international donor agencies.

Find out more about GEAGs work on their website (www.geagindia.org).

Network partners

PACS encourages partners to collaborate with like-minded organisations to deliver the best

results in the designated project area. These organisations are called network partners.

GEAG is implementing their project for PACS with 2 network partners:

Samaj Kalyan and Bal Vikas Parishad

Jan Kalyan Sansthan

CASE STUDY OF SANJHAI AND SAHPURWA VILLAGE, GORAKHPUR

Sanjhai and Sahpurwa village is nearer by village in mohripur in Gorakhpur where most of the

people are engaged in farming activities.

In the market of mohripur several farmers of Sanjhai and Sahpurwa village sell their organic

produced vegetables where price are approx same as normal vegetable. People buy organic

vegetable because of awareness of benefit of organic products or because of equivalent price etc.

Selling of organic vegetable increases day by day.

Silent Feature of Village:-

Locality Name: Sanjhai and Sahpurwa Village

Tehsil Name: Chargawan

District: Gorakhpur

State: Uttar Pradesh

Division: Gorakhpur

Language: Hindi and Urdu, Bhojpuri

Current Time: 01:28 PM

Date: Thursday, Aug 24, 2017 (IST)

Time Zone: IST (UTC + 5:30)

Elevation / Attitude: 84 meters. Above Seal level

Telephone Code / STD Code: 0551

Parliament MP Aditya Nath

Farmer and its Activities

 OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY

Primary Objective :

Perception and impact of organic vegetable farming in peri urban areas.

Secondary Objective :

To identify the competitive strategy of organic agriculture .

A study on the sales and marketing of the organic agriculture based on various

parameters related to organic farming and utilization of vegetables.

 Research Methodology

Universe : Infinite

Research Design : Descriptive

Sampling Technique : Non- Probability

Type of data : Primary and Secondary Data

Data Collection Method :

Primary : Questionnaire

Secondary : Internet

Sample Size : 100

Research Area : Gorakhpur

Sampling Unit : Grocers of vegetables

 ANALYSIS

Q.1 From how many years you are working here in organic market ?

a. 0-5 b. 5-10

c.10-15

Interpretation: According to this graph 75% of the grocers are selling their organic

vegetables from 5-10 yrs, 20% grocers are employed from 0-5 yrs, and 5% of

grocers belongs to 10-15 yrs.

Q.2 Farming is done by you or only you (grocer) are selling their organic

vegetables?

a. Yes b. No

Interpretation: According to this, 85% are involved in farming along with selling,

15% are just only involved in selling purposes.

Q: 3 Do you feel fluctuation by increasing price?

a. increases b. decreases

c. constant

Interpretation: According to this, 90% grocers replied that by increasing or

decreasing the price, fluctuation in the selling can be experienced.

Q.4 Do you required any extra need by NGO or any governmental aid ?

a. Yes b. No

c. neutral

Interpretation : According to this, 85% grocer needs help from government

agencies and 10% do not needs.

Q.5 Cost of input increases for the purpose of increasing output ?

a. Yes b. No

Interpretation: A linear relationship is found in the ratio of availability or use of

input during production with output as finished product.

Q: 6 Price of organic vegetables in comparison to normal vegetable is

a. high b. low

c. Equal

INTERPRETATION : A equivalent price is maintained of organic vegetable to normal

one.
Q: 7 Is there any need to advertise or to make aware about the organic product?

a. Yes c. No

b. Neutral

Interpretation: There is a need to make aware about the benefits of organic product.
Q: 8 Are you happy with your work as it serving the societys need for survival or better

health?

a. Quite happy b. satisfied

c. Loss have to bear

Interpretation: A satisfaction is experienced after serving the society along with optimum

income.
 FINDINGS

Majority of the people are engaged in farming activities and selling their organic

vegetables from many years.

Fluctuation can be seen in the selling procedure.

Aids is required to the grocer for improvement purpose.

Price was equivalent.

Majority of the people are not aware about the benefits of organic product.

Grocer feels satisfied after serving societies need.

 SUGGESTIONS

Awareness is much required.

Governmental or non-governmental aids is required.

Proper training related to organic practices should be given.

Advertisement is highly recommended.

 LIMITATIONS

Due to lack of time, sampling units were limited.

There was a flood outbreak during the training.

Due to the area being highly congested, it was difficult for me to visit the site again

and again.

Due to the area being highly polluted, it was difficult for me to visit the site again

and again.
 CONCLUSION

Organic farming is still a new concept for several people. Due to lack of knowledge or

awareness and somewhat slightly high price., marketers has to suffer somewhat.

Input cost and material usage is high in comparison to normal production cost. Output as

vegetable is formed and its selling is done in the organic and main market too and its ratio

is increases per year.

Organic farming is increases day by day all over India and world too. Its market increases

at national and international level too and in future its scope will be very high and market

will be globalised.
 BIBLIOGRAPHY

wikipedia.org

Food. Ndtv.com

Sanjhai and Sahpurwa village of Gorakhpur

Organic Soil-Fertility and Weed management by Steve Gilman.

www.organicfarming.in
 ANNEXURE (QUESTUIONNAIRE)

Q.1 From how many years you are working here in organic market ?

a. 0-5 b. 5-10

c.10-15

Q.2 Farming is done by you or only you (grocer) are selling their organic vegetables?

a. Yes b. No

Q:3 Do you feel fluctuation by increasing price?

a. increases b. decreases

c. constant

Q.4 Do you required any extra need by NGO or any governmental aid ?

a. Yes b. No

c. neutral

Q.5 Cost of input increases for the purpose of increasing output ?

a. Yes b. No

Q: 6 Price of organic vegetables in comparison to normal vegetable is

a. high b. low

c. Equal
Q: 7 Is there any need to advertise or to make aware about the organic product?

a. Yes b. No

c. Neutral

Q: 8 Are you happy with your work as it serving the societys need for survival or better health?

a. Quite happy b. satisfied

c. Loss have to bear