Monday, May 14, 2007

INDEGENEOUS TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE IN ORGANIC AGICULTURE

ITK INDEGENEOUS TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE IN ORGANIC AGICULTURE
Variations in the Indian agro-climate from tropical to temperate conditions have lead to the development of indigenous skills based on innovations at farmers’ fields. Unfortunately, these skills do not find much appreciation, as these are not tested in the field by researchers. Although many of these traditional practices are supported by scientific findings, yet these have not been converted into technological recommendations to enable farmers to reduce their costs and make agriculture more sustainable. Such skills are termed as indigenous technological knowledge or (ITK).
Farmers constantly learn and unlearn, choosing appropriate knowledge in their struggle for a sustainable livelihood. Let’s take a look at a few important examples of ITK still prevalent in field:
Milk treatment: Reduction of viral diseases has been found to occur mostly in infected plants of Solanaceae, Piperaceae and Malvaceae families by milk spray. It was tested that fresh milk spray reduces nearly 73 per cent of TMV infections in tobacco. Fermented buttermilk (1l in 20 l of water) sprayed on tobacco plants cures leaf curl disease. Fresh goat milk sprayed over plants like chilli (Capsicum annum), brinjal and species like black pepper also helps control fruit and leaf curl. The neutral to near-neutral pH of milk not only washes off the fungal spores but the adhesive property of milk fat also prevents germination of spores.
Neem and ash: Before transplanting paddy, seedlings are kept in small plots of pounded water mixed with ash and pulverised neem seeds. For a plot of 15 sq. feet, half a kilogram of neem seeds and a kilo of ash is sufficient for mixing with water to accommodate 50 bundles of seedling at a time for a period of one hour. Treated seedling produce a crop free of pest and diseases.
Lantana leaves: Leaves of lantana, an obnoxious weed, can be utilised to preserve and process sweet potatoes. Insect attack can be restricted to a bare minimum with no use of poisonous insecticides.
Inducing conception: An indigenously developed concept of giving tonic to dairy animals is gaining popularity. When cows fail to conceive, a tonic made of the bark of Cassia fistula, tender leaves of jackfruit tree, roots of Plumbago zeylanica and leaves of clerodendrum inerme are powered and the mixture is fed to animals along with jaggery.
Deworming: A reddish-brow powder collected from the fruit of the widely grown kaamal tree (Mallotus philippinenis) is used for the treatment of worm infection/constipation in cattle and buffaloes. Depending on the type of ailment, 50-60 g of kamila powder mixed in lukewarm water/butter milk is administered orally.
Treating fractures: A paste for treating a fractured bone of an animal is prepared by mixing 500 g bark of khakhra (Butea monosprema) and 500 g seed of guvar (Delonix elata)
.Udder swelling: A few days after calving, dairy cows suddenly stop milking due to swelling of the udder. To treat this, pulverised quartz stones are passed through a muslin cloth, mixed with butter and smeared over the udder. It is applied twice a day till the animal is cured.
Enhancing soil fertility: Animal bones are hurried in the basin area of the plants. The animal bones improves soil fertility by adding phosphorus to soil.
Fruiting in apple: It is believed that if an old leather shoe is hung on the non-bearing apple tree, the tree starts fruiting. Fruiting in walnut in Kinnaur:A hole is bored into the trunk of the walnut tree(s) up-to the hollow pith region. This results in oozing out of extra water present in this region and the tree starts bearing fruits because the water present in the pith retards the movement of nutrients from the roots to the upper region. Additionally, the branches of the non-bearing trees are pruned for bringing it to bear fruits.
Crop rotation and double cropping:This practice is specific to remote locations of Lahaul (Miar nallah) in Himachal Pradesh. Rotation starts with barley in the first year, and buckwheat during the second year. The rotation sequence is governed by the quantity of available manure. Ordinarily one-third of the total holding is thoroughly manured during the year for barley cultivation. In the following year the soil retains a good deal of fertility for buckwheat for which no additional manure is added. In the third year the same field wheat is sown. The remaining two thirds of the holdings are similarly treated in succession. Barley requires heavy doses of organic manure for better crop harvest However, the organic content of the soil after the harvesting of barley is sufficient to raise a good produce of millets followed by wheat This helps to meet the challenges of limited availability of organic manure for successful management of soil fertility levels.
Shangma Stone for Weed Control:In Changthan area of Ladakh, a light bluish local stone called Shangma is used for weed control because it seems to possess toxic properties. Pieces of stones are spread over a small heap of soil, in the middle of fields in the month of December. This soluble stone, when mildly irrigated, percolates into the field. The postponement of sowing by two weeks and this practice of allowing the stones to percolate into the field is done probably to regulate toxicity levels for crop management.
Crushing of coriander seeds with shoe before sowing:Coriander seeds in Kinnaur, and other regions of Himachal Pradesh, are crushed by being trampled upon by leather shoes before sowing for better germination. While the exact use of this technique is a subject for research, it appears that this mechanical exercise exerts just the right pressure to break the hard testa without causing any injury to the seed itself, thereby facilitating germination.
Distribution of organic manure:In Ladakh and in other regions after every seven steps taken by a woman, 20 to 25 kg of organic manure is scattered in the fields. This technique aims at uniform distribution of organic manure. It is reported that the quantity of manure spread is optimum for the plot of land falling in the range of seven steps taken by the woman.
Use of smoke for protecting fruit crops from frost damage:In the lower areas of Himachal Pradesh, Mango plants are mostly damaged by frost injury during winter months i.e. December and January (Fig. 2.16). Smoke layer protects the mango plants from frost injury. This practice is common in the lower areas of Himachal Pradesh.
Use of walnut and swetflag leaves against pests in stored grains:In rural areas of Himachal Pradesh, it is an old practice to use walnut leaves and leaves of a pond weed, commonly known as sweetflag, Acorus calamus as a protection for both grain and clothes against insect damage. To achieve protection a layer of leaves of walnut is spread over grain stored in gunny bags. Likewise, shade dried leaves of sweetflag are powdered and put over grain stored in gunny bags to protect it from damage due to stored grain pests.
Walnut leaves are astringents and the aqueous extract of fresh leaves possesses bactericidal action while mature leaves contain 9-11 per cent tannin. Tannins are known to act as feeding deterrents. Sweetflag leaves and rhizomes have many chemical ingredients including an essential oil, the oil of calamus, which primarily contains asarone.
Depending upon quantity of asarone (cis as well as trans), its effect on insects may be attractant, antifeedant, repellent, antigonadal or insecticidal. However, since the active principal is present only in meagre amounts (in the leaves) this treatment may not be able to afford protection for long periods.
PANCHAKAVYA:It is an organic product derived from five products evolving from cow, and it has been used in Indian medicine since time immemorial. ``I have modified this Panchakavya by adding a few more ingredients and the modified version has a lot of beneficial effects on a variety of crops and livestock'', said Dr. K. Natarajan, President of the Rural Community Action Centre (RCAC), a non-governmental organization, actively engaged in promoting the concepts of organic farming and bio-diesel in the rural areas of Tamil Nadu. An allopathic medical practitioner with deep conviction in ecological farming and sustainable agriculture, Dr. Natarajan combined his traditional knowledge and wisdom on the value of cow's products and medicinal herbs to develop this Panchakavya. He has done extensive research with his Panchakavya on various crops, animals and even earthworms. His findings have been validated by leading research institutes in the country, and he was awarded the prestigious "Srishti Sanman" by a leading developmental organization in Ahmedabad.
"The present form of Panchakavya is a single organic input, which can act as a growth-promoter and immunity booster. It is essentially a product containing 4 kg gobar gas slurry, 1 kg fresh cow dung, 3 litres of cow urine, 2 litres of cow's milk, 2 litres of cow's curd, 1 kg cow's ghee, 3 litres of sugarcane juice, 12 ripe bananas, 3 litres of tender coconut water, and 2 litres of toddy (if available). This will make about 20 litres of Panchakavya. The concoction is stored in a wide-mouthed earthen pot or concrete tank in open. Sufficient shade should be provided, and the contents should be stirred twice a day, both in the morning and the evening. In seven days, the modified Panchakavya will be ready, and it can be diluted before use on plants and animals," says Dr. Natarajan.
The cost of production of a litre of Panchakavya is around Rs. 35, and it can be brought down substantially if the farmers use their own cows' products. The Panchakavya is diluted to three per cent and sprayed on crops to get the best results. Three litres of Panchakavya is diluted with 100 litres of water and sprayed over crops to get rid of pests and diseases and also get higher yields.
Seeds can be soaked and seedlings can be dipped in 3 per cent solution of Panchakavya for about 30 minutes before sowing to get good results from the crops.
Various crops such as rice, a variety of vegetables, fruit crops such as mango, banana, guava, acid lime cash crops such as sugarcane, turmeric, jasmine and moringa and plantation crops have responded extremely well to application of Panchakavya. Earthworms grew faster and produced more vermi-compost when treated with this solution.
When sprayed with Panchakavya, the plants produce larger leaves, and develop denser canopy. The stem produces lateral shoots and much more sturdy branches to bear heavy yields.
The rooting is profuse and dense, and penetrating to deep layers. Roots helps in better intake of nutrients and water. Plants are able to stand protracted drought conditions, and needed less than a third of the irrigation in regular times," explains Dr. Natarajan. The Panchakavya has been field-tested by a network of organic farmers in the country.
Panchakavya has several beneficial effects on animals and fish as well. When fed to cows at 200 ml per day, they turned healthier and produced milk with high fat content. Their rate of conception increased, and the various common ailments were completely cured.
Similar effects were found in sheep and goats. When mixed with the poultry feed or drinking water at the rate of 5 ml per bird per day, the birds became disease-free and healthy. They laid larger eggs for longer periods.
In the broilers, the weight gain was impressive and the feed to weight conversion ratio improved. In the fishponds, the addition of Panchakavya increased the growth of phyto and zoo plankton, which contributed to improved fish feed availability and thus increased fish growth, according to Mr. Natarajan
Separation of Good Quality Seeds: When the seeds are soaked in water, the unviable seeds will float on the surface of the water. These seeds can be removed and the seeds that sink into the water can be used for cultivation. By this method, the damaged seeds can be removed easily. l Take some water in a vessel and drop an egg in it. Keep adding salt to it slowly until the egg reaches the surface of the water. When the seeds are dropped in this water, the good quality seeds will sink into the water. Remove the unviable seeds that float on the surface of the water. Wash the selected seeds in good water for 2-3 times to remove the salt deposits. If this is not done, the germination capacity of the seeds will be affected. By this method, the unviable seeds can be removed completely. This method should be followed when
there is more of chaff.
Seed Treatment:Seed treatment using Cow’s urine : Dilute 500 ml of cow’s urine in 2½ litres of water. Tie the seeds to be sown in small bags and soak them in cow’s urine extract for half an hour. Shade dry the seeds before sowing. Seed treatment using Sweet flag extract : Powder 500 g of sweet flag rhizome and dilute it in 2½ litres of water. This is the uantity required fortreating seeds to be sown in one acre. Tie the seeds in small bags and soak them in this extract for half an hour. Dry the seeds in shade before sowing.
AMIRTHAKARAISAL: 10% Amirthakaraisal should be sprayed before transplanting. Otherwise for 1 acre of land, 300-500 litres of Amirthakaraisal should be mixed with water and irrigated.
Preparation of Amirthakaraisal
Fresh cow dung – 10 kg / Cow’s urine – 10 litres / Jaggery - 1 kg /Water – 100 litres
The above mentioned ingredients should be added to a cement tank and mixed well. The
extract would be ready for use the next day. It improves the soil fertility and gives good yield.
Top Dressing:After weeding, 25 kg of neem cake or groundnut cake should be applied as top dressing. 50-75 kg of vermicompost or 50 kg of bone meal can be applied as top dressing. For medium and long duration varieties, 25 kg of ground nut cake should be applied as top dressing after 50-60 days of transplantation.
Spraying of Panchakavya:Panchakavya is a growth promoter produced with the combination of five products obtained from the cow along with few other bioproducts.
Method of Preparation
Cow dung - 5 kg/Cow’s urine - 3 litres./ghee - 1 litre/Cow’s Milk - 2 litres/Curd - 2 litres
Tender coconut - 3 litres/Cane juice or jaggery - 3 litres (or) 1kg/Yellow plantain - 12 nos (or) honey ½ kg
Add cow dung, cow’s urine and ghee in a mud or cement tank of 30-litre capacity. Stir this well in morning and evening for a week. The methane gas gets released from this. To this mixture, add milk, curd, tender coconut, yellow plantain (ripe) and jaggery. After a week’s time, this extract can be filtered and used. l For coarse varieties, one spray of 3% panchakavya should be given during tillering and bootling stage.
l For fine varieties, one spray of 3% panchakavya should be given during the bootling stage.
Spray of Tender Coconut and ButtermilkExtract
To maintain uniform flowering, one sp ray of 10%buttermilk extract or 3% tender coconut should be given during the bootling stage. Pest, Disease Management
Pests such as stem borer, brown plant hopper, green leaf hopper, ear head bug and diseases such as blast, brown plant hopper and tungro virus have challenged our farmers to a great extent. It is highly essential to control them at early stages inorder toavoid heavy loss. Some of the non chemical practices to control pests and diseases are given below:
Keeping Neem cake bags in Irrigation Canals
The gunny bags should be filled with neem cake and placed along the water canals. Neem cake gets dissolved in the water flowing along the canals and irrigates the field. This practice prevents attack of pests and diseases affecting the roots and tillers ofthe crop. The bags should be replaced once in 15 days. This should be kept until the crop attains the milky stage.
Use of Plants with Pest Repellent Properties
Neem cake / Neemleaves, Vitex leaves,Morinda leaves, Calotropisleaves and Jatropha leaves
are used for this purpose. Any two of the above mentioned leaves are taken and pound well. The pound leaves are taken in a mud pot and thrice the quantity of water is added to it. The mouth of the pot is tied with a cloth and left as such for three days. Then, these pots are placed on all the four corners of the field. In the evening, the mouth of the pots should be opened and stirred well. The unpleasant odour which emanates from this pot prevents the entry of pests into the field.
Neem seed kernel extract:3–5 kg of Neem kernel is required for an acre. Remove the outer seed coat and use only the kernel. If the seeds are fresh, 3 kg of kernel is sufficient. If the seeds are old, 5 kg is required. Pound the kernel gently and place it in an earthen pot. To this, add 10 litres of water. Tie the mouth of the pot securely with a cloth. Leave it as such for 3 days. Filter it after 3 days. On filtering 6-7 litres of extract can be obtained. The shelf life of this is about one month. 500–1000 ml of this extract is used forone tank (a tank of 10 litre capacity). 500-1000 ml of extract should be diluted with 9½ or 9 litres of water before spraying. Khadi soap solution @ 10 ml/litre (100 ml/tank) should be added to helpthe extract stick well to the leaf surface. The concentration of the extract can be increased or decreased depending on the intensity of the pest attack. It controls sap feeders and all kinds of larvae. Note : This extract can be stored for a period of one month. The seeds used for preparing this extract should be at least 3 months old. Kashayam Preparation
The plants selected for kashayam preparation should be collected without the roots. The plants should be cut into small pieces and used. For one acre of crop, 2 kg of the cut plants should be mixed with 8 litres of water. This has to be taken in a wide mouthed vessel and boiled untilthe extract reduces to 2 litres. This has to be cooled and filtered. 300 ml of this extract should be diluted with 100 ml of soap solution and 9.4litres of water to obtain one tank capacity of the extract.
Plants used in kashayam preparations - Pests and diseases controlled Andrographis paniculata - All kinds of larvae Sida spinosa - Aphids and Sap feeders
PEST AND DISEASE MANAGEMENT IN ORGANIC FARMING
The following insect pest control materials and practices are approved for use in organic crop production. Some approved materials have certain restrictions regarding their use in organic crop production. Always carefully read the label and any other documentation. Apply all materials with awareness and care.
Bacillus thuringiensis Liquid forms containing xylene are prohibited.
Beneficial insects
Boric acid Cannot be used on edible plant parts.
Codling moth granulosis virus
Cryolite or sodium fluoaluminate The mined material from Greenland is permitted.
Diatomaceous earth Use a dust mask when applying to prevent lung irritation.
Dormant oils Use only on woody plants as a dormant spray.
Garlic
Herbal preparations May not be extracted with synthetic solvents.
Insect extracts
Nematodes
Pheromones
Pyrethrums Naturally occurring forms are allowed. The pyrethrums are highly unstable in the presence of air, light and moisture. They have low mammalian toxicity and can cause dermatitis in humans. Use with caution.
Rotenone Use with caution. Rotenone is highly toxic to fish. Its persistence in the soil is unknown though it loses its effectiveness within one week. Should not be used on crops nearing harvest time. The active compounds, rotenoids, are present in a variety of legumes including soybeans.
Ryania Use with caution.The toxicological properties of ryania are largely unknown.
Sabadilla Use with caution.
Shells, ground Oyster, clam, lobster and crab
Soaps
Sulfur, elemental
Summer oils May be used on woody plants only, carrot and/or weed oils are prohibited.
Trapping substances
Tree seals May be petroleum based but may not contain synthetic chemicals or fungicides.
Virus sprays
The following weed control materials and practices are approved for use in organic crop production. Some approved materials have certain restrictions regarding their use in organic crop production. Always carefully read the label and any other documentation. Apply all materials with awareness and care.
• Laming /Grazing /Herbicidal soaps/Mechanical and cultural controls /Mulches of organic materials
• Plastics for mulch, row covers and solarization /Weeder geese
The following disease control materials and practices are approved for use in organic crop production. Some approved materials have certain restrictions regarding their use in organic crop production. Always carefully read the label and any other documentation. Apply all materials with awareness and care.
Antibiotics Naturally derived antibiotics are permitted for disease control.
Bordeaux mixes Use with caution. Excessive use of bordeaux may cause buildup of copper in the soil and limit the continued use.
Copper hydroxide
Copper sulfate Use with caution.Excessive use of bordeaux may cause buildup of copper in the soil and limit the continued use.
Dormant oils Use only on woody plants as a dormant spray.
Hydrated lime Foliar application as a fungicide only. May not be used as a liming material.
Hydrogen peroxide
Lime sulfur Foliar application as a fungicide only.
Soil pasteurization
Sulfur, elemental
Tree seals May be petroleum based but may not contain synthetic chemicals or fungicides.
The following vertebrate pest control materials and practices are approved for use in organic crop production. Some approved materials have certain restrictions regarding their use in organic crop production. Always carefully read the label and any other documentation. Apply all materials with awareness and care.
Deer and rabbit repellents Acceptable if derived from a natural source.
Predators Cats, hawks, coyotes, airborne projectiles.
Rodent traps
Strychnine Underground use only.
Synthetic vitamin baits
Prohibited Materials and Practices
Insect pest control materials and practices that are prohibited for use in organic crop production include, but are not limited to:
• Abamectin or Avermectin /Carbamates /Chlorinated hydrocarbons/Dimethyl sulfoxide
• Methyl bromide /Methyl sulfoxide/Moth balls/crystals/Nicotine/Organophosphates
• Plant protectants, synthetic /Pyrethroids, synthetic
Weed control materials and practices that are prohibited for use in organic crop production include but are not limited to:
• Carrot oil /Synthetic growth regulators /Herbicides /Weed oils
Disease control materials and practices that are prohibited for use in organic crop production include but are not limited to:
Soil fumigants Synthetic fungicides, fumigants, sterilants and bactericides
Vertebrate pest control materials and practices that are prohibited for use in organic crop production include but are not limited to:
• Anticoagulant rodent baits
ORGANIC CERTIFICATION AND EXPORT
Organic Agriculture is Holistic production system, harmony with nature, Avoids chemical fertiliser, pesticides etc. The purpose of organic agriculture is provision of Good soil, good food, good health, good environment, good business. Globally, 24 mha (1.6% Ag. Area) area under organic agriculture. Nearly 130 countries produce organic product, Australia (10 mha) – lead country. In Indian, 37000-41000 ha (0.3% of Ag. Area) (SOEL survey), 2.50 million ha (APEDA) (Including 2.43 mha of forest area with herb & medicinal plants).
Major products produced in India by Organic Farming are Tea, Coffee, Rice, Wheat, Cotton, and herbal extract. Other products are
Oilseeds : Sesame, castor, sunflower
Vegetables : Okra, Brinjal, Garlic, Onion, Tomato, Potato
Fruits : Mango, Banana, Pineapple, Grape, passion fruit, Orange, Cashew nut, walnut
Pulses : Red Gram, Black Gram
Spices : Cardamom, Black pepper, white pepper, ginger, turmeric, vanilla, mustard,
tamarind, clove, cinnamon, nutmeg, mace chilly
I. ORGANIC CERTIFICATION
It is intended to assure quality and prevent fraud. For organic producers, certification identifies suppliers of products approved for use in certified operations. Main Issues in organic certification are standard, Inspection, Certification, Accreditation (Official approval), Input and market (Export /Domestic)
Globally 61 standards are available. Important Standard includes the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM), the Organic Crop Improvement Association (OCIA), Ecocert, CODEX, EU, Demeter, JAS, Naturland etc. National Standard in India under NPOP (2002) includes General Principle, Recommendation, Standard, list (permitted/non-permitted). The “process” Standard, cover – cultivation, Fertilisation, Pest/Disease management.
Certification Agencies in India - 11 Nos.
Ecocert (G) (Aurangabad), Skal (N) (Bangalore), IMO (S) (Bangalore), SGS (S) (Gurgaon), Naturland (G) (Gurgaon), Lacon (G) (Cochin), Indocert (S) (Cochin), APOF (Bangalore), ISCOP (Coimbatore), IRFT (Mumbai), Bioinspectra (S) (Cochin)
The certification process
In order to certify a farm, the farmer is typically required to engage in a number of new activities, in addition to normal farming operations:
1. Study the organic standards, which cover in specific detail what is and is not allowed for every aspect of farming, including storage, transport and sale. 2.Compliance - farm facilities and production methods must comply with the standards, which may involve modifying facilities, sourcing and changing suppliers, etc. 3.Documentation - extensive paperwork is required, detailing farm history and current set-up, and usually including results of soil and water tests.4.Planning - a written annual production plan must be submitted, detailing everything from seed to sale: seed sources, field and crop locations, fertilization and pest control activities, harvest methods, storage locations, etc.5.Inspection - annual on-farm inspections are required, with a physical tour, examination of records, and an oral interview. 6.Fee - an annual inspection/ certification fee (currently starting at $400-$2,000/year, in the US and Canada, depending on the agency and the size of the operation). 7.Record-keeping - written, day-to-day farming and marketing records, covering all activities, must be available for inspection at any time.
Product Labeling
Being able to put the word " organic " on a food product is a valuable marketing advantage in today's consumer market. In the US, federal organic legislation defines three levels of organics. Products made entirely with certified organic ingredients and methods can be labelled "100% organic ". Products with 95% organic ingredients can use the word " organic ". A third category, containing a minimum of 70% organic ingredients, can be labelled "made with organic ingredients".
India’s farmers are still mostly practicing organic methods, passed down for millenia. Organic fertilizer and natural pest control are the only tools available to most of these farmers, who have always lacked the financial resources to explore chemical solutions. But these farmers, whose produce is as organic as they come, cannot afford to pay the fees required to gain official certification. In response to the $26 billion global market the Indian Central Government set up a National Institute of organic Farming in October 2003 in Ghaziabad, Madhya Pradesh. The purpose of this institute is to formulate rules, regulations and certification of organic farm products in conformity with international standards.
The certifying agencies thus far named by the Centre such as APEDA, the Tea Board, the Spices Board, the Coconut Development Board and the Directorate of Cashew and Cocoa. They will be accountable for confirming that any product sold with the new " India Organic " logo is in accordance with international criteria, and will launch major awareness and marketing campaigns, in India and abroad. The export of organic products is allowed only if "the produce is packed under a valid organic certification issued by a certifying agency accredited by a designated agency."
The cost of preparing the report is a flat fee of Rs. 5000, and the certificate itself costs another Rs. 5000. While these costs are bearable for the new industrial organic greenhouses, while the average small farmer, if the costs of travel and inspection are included. One solution to the small farmer's dilemma of how to both certify and survive is that of community certification. At the World Organic Congress, hosted last year by IFOAM (International Forum for Organic Agricultural Movements) in Victoria, Canada. The idea of community certification of organic farms was the main topic of discussion, a concept increasingly popular among farming communities worldwide who have become fed up with accreditation agencies.
Regulatory mechanism for production of organic products in India
Govt of India and State Governments are initiating the following steps.
1. Formation of organic farmer’s group
The farmers with similar farming and production system should be persuaded to form a farmer’s group, preferably in the same village with contiguous area. Number of farmers in a group may vary depending upon local conditions. Formations of such groups will facilitate inspection, certification, monitoring and supervision.
2. Registration of farmer’s group with district authorities
The registration of farmer’s groups taking up organic cultivation may be done by the state Govt. designated district level authority. This authority could be constituted under Department of Agriculture or Horticulture. For registration, only intimation may be prescribed, receipt of which may be acknowledged. This may constitute registration. The state government should prescribe a proforma for giving intimation. This should include information about individual members, plot number, area and crops to be covered etc. Information contained in the intimations received should be compiled periodically and made available to the Department of Agriculture and Cooperation, Govt. of India.
3. Documentation of individual farms/farmer’s records
Documentation being one of the prerequisites for the certification of organic product, certain documents are to be maintained for individual farms and farmers.
4. Service providers
The state Government may register service providers. These may be KVKs, State Agricultural Universities, Agri Clinics, farmers groups, ATMAS, NGOs, private entrepreneurs, Central agencies etc.
5. Accreditation agencies
Earlier 6 agencies: APEDA, Spice Board, Coffee Board, Coconut Board, Tea Board, Cashew nut Board. Now one body : National Accreditation Board (APEDA, other Commodity Board and Ministry of Agriculture)
Limitation: i) Inspection performance not always good
ii) Certification cost is high
Currently following six agencies have been approved as accreditation agencies by the Ministry of Commerce, Govt. of India and they are
1. APEDA (Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority),
2. the Tea Board, /the Coffee Board/the Spices Board, /the Coconut Development Board and
3. the Directorate of Cashew and Cocoa.
6. Certification and inspection agencies
Since the organic farming is a process certification and not product certification, the role of certification agencies is very critical. The certification agency has to be impartial and a Non-Government agency. Its accreditation by an authorized accreditation agency is mandatory. Presently there are only four certification agencies accredited by APEDA. The certification agency may appoint one or more inspection agents by entering into a written contract, specifying the terms and conditions of their agreement. It is basically the responsibility of the certification agencies to ensure strict compliance of National Standards of Organic farming. They prescribe specific documents to be maintained at the level of farmers\farmers group. They also prescribe minimum conversion period after inspection of farm and other details. They are also authorized to issue necessary certificate of organic production to the farmers.
7. Periodic Inspection of Organic farms
The certification agencies either themselves may inspect the records of the organic farmers groups or may appoint inspection agencies to ensure proper compliance of the process of organic agriculture by the farmers. The certification agencies, if need arise, may get the samples of soil, water, organic inputs, pesticides etc and get them tested in their own laboratories or recognized laboratories to decide about the conversion period, as also to ensure the adoption of national Standards of Organic Farming.
II. ORGANIC EXPORT
Growth
The global market for organic food is worth $37 billion and is growing. Ironically, the United States, considered a world leader in transgenic technology, is the largest importer of organic foods, followed by the European Union. The " organic craze" is spreading worldwide. The $14-billion global market for organic herbal plants and medicines is growing at 15-25 per cent a year and is likely to be worth a mammoth $5 trillion in 2050, according to the World Health Organisation. The global trade in processed herbal medicines and food supplements is estimated at $60 billion.
Global consumers are increasingly looking for organic food, which is considered safe, and hazard free. Countries which are opting for organic foods are Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland, UK, Finland, Greece, Portugal, Spain, Norway, Czech Republic, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, US, Canada, Japan and Oceania countries. The global prices of organic food are more lucrative and remunerative. Are we able to exploit this growing market, despite the fact that a large part of our country is ‘organic by default'?
By default, poor farmers practise organic farming in many parts of India. Although much of the country practises the traditional system of organic farming, the government has declared only 5,347 farms covering 37,050 hectares as organic. In 2002, according to Government statistics, from a total food production of over 200 million tonnes, the country produced only 14,000 tonnes of organic food products. India currently has only 1,426 certified organic farms. India’s organic farm produce - tea, coffee, spices, fruits, vegetables, cotton, rice, oilseeds, pulses and sugarcane - has already found markets in several countries. Though organic agriculture accounts for a negligible portion of the country's total farm produce, there is great demand for it in the international market. India has not yet benefited much from exporting organic foods or herbal medicines, despite its potential. India’s export of organic food is worth hardly Rs.90 crores and its herbal medicine export fetches Rs.2, 300 crores. A market growth of 10 per cent in Europe, the U.S. and Japan for organic products, the world demand for organic spices might grow to 57,000 tonnes in the next 10 years. According to the Exim Bank, India accounts for one-third of the global organic tea production. India’s share in the $150-million global organic coffee market is hardly 1 per cent; its share in the $3.2-million organic spices market is 3 per cent. India also exports some organic basmati rice to the E.U.
Very recently the Government has shown signs of getting involved. For instance, a special cell has been set up under the Agricultural and Processed Food Export Development Authority (APEDA) of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MOCI). The MOCI has also come out with a 'National Programme of Organic Products' (NPOP) in 2000, and the ‘India organic’ logo in 2002. While all these initiatives have been undertaken to promote exports of Indian organic products, the Department of Agriculture and Cooperation has formulated a 'National Project on Organic Farming' to promote organic agriculture as part of an exercise to curb the use of chemical pesticides and make agricultural activity more eco-friendly.
Export Product
The major organic products sold in the global markets include basmati rice, Mango pulp, Cashew nut, Sesame, Pineapple pulp, Honey, Walnut, coffee, Tea, Peanut canned, dried fruits and nuts, cocoa, spices, oil crops, and derived products. Non-food items include cotton, cut flowers, livestock and, herbs and potted plants.
Exported to
Europe : Netherland, UK, Germany, Belgium, Sweeden, Switzerland, France, Italy, Spain
America : USA, Canada
Middle East : Saudi Arabia, UAE
Asia : Japan, Singapore
In 2002, from a total food production over 200 million ton, India produced only 14000 ton of organic food produces. (Source Org. Marg = 2002)
Name of few Organic Exporters
In India, 31 organic products currently exported; No. of exporters = 69; Organic value (2003) estimated = US $ 15.5 million (710 million Indian Rupees)
Sunstar overseas Ltd. Haryana
Navdanya Trust, New Delhi
FAB India Ltd., New Delhi
Kashmir Apiaries Export
Jubilant Organosys Ltd., Noida
IITC Organic India Ltd., Lucknow
Domestic Market
Yet to be developed - No market structure is there - Emphasis on
(i) Creation of awareness
(ii) Procuder – consumer meeting, organisation of organic bazar/mela
(iii) Change of mindset
(iv) utilisation of spiritual group, health care group etc.
Guideline of Organic Standard for food process
• Handling/processing of organic products should be optimized to maintain quality
• Pollution sources should be identified
• Flavoring extracts preferably be organic
• Product shall be protected with non- organic product
• Organic & non- organic product shall not be stored & transported together.
• Special condition of storage permitted (controlled atmosphere, cooling, freezing, Drying)
• Humidity regulation ethylene gas for ripening permitted
• Biodegradable packaging materials shall be used
• Packaging through product like benzooxazolyl, methoxymethyl flourine etc. prohibited
Government Initiative (As facilitator)
• NPOP programme (2000), National Standard, Accreditation, Certification, Organic export through Ministry of Commerce, APEDA.
• Development of Organic Farming Technology package by ICAR
• Launching of National Project on Promotion of Organic Farming (w.e.f. October, 2004) (Rs.57.0 crore) (10th five year plan)
• Capacity Building through Service providers
• Setting up of vermiculture hatchery, Biofertiliser plant, Fruit/Vegetable compost plant (25% Back ended bankable project)
• Human Resource Development through training, field demonstration.
• Setting up of model organic farm
• Quality testing and input production technology
• Market development, publicity etc.
• Budget for 2005-06 on organic Farming under NPOF = Rs.27 crore
Future Thrust
Organic farming revolution in India needs to be given stress and close attention in the following areas
1) Generating awareness among the farmers to change their mindset.
2) Guiding and helping the farmers in the proper implementation of organic farming techniques.
3) Making proper arrangement for organic fertilizer and organic pesticide.
4) Helping the policy maker and administration to come forward with sound policies to help the farmers.
5) Increase agro-bio diversity through mix-cropping.


3 comments:

Anonymous said...

[url=http://dcxvssh.com]XZdlJ[/url] , IPwbMpq - http://yuxeflk.com

Anonymous said...

http://louisvuittonpurses.citationguide.net 87295 679422louis vuitton bags men ebay louis vuitton purses sale ebay hermes birkin bag replica deutschland real hermes birkin bags

Unknown said...

Science has established that the edible Organic Products offer superior Nutritional value leading to healthy lifestyle... Organic food exporters in India