Organic farming in RajasthanProspecting
for Climate resilience
and Economic returns
Arun K.SharmaSr Scientist
Central Arid Zone Research Institute,Jodhpur-342003E-mail : [email protected]
Mobile 094141 72436
Rajasthan agriculture :time to invest-money and mind
1. 5% Country’s population but only 1% of water resources.
2. 70% area in single crop and rainfed but 66% population depend on Agricuture & Allied.
3. Recurrent droughts & precarious ground water situation (Out of 237 blocks, 207 are in dark zone).
4. Climate change effect will be much sever on agriculture than industry.
5. Competitive global market-quality with low price required
Organic farming : one of the best optionOrganic farming : one of the best optionforfor
Conservation of rain water/ground water better soil condition
Mitigating effect of climate change/variations-
balanced nutrition and moisture availability, soil buffer, biodiversity, fix carbon in soil, not add green house gases
Rural employment- input preparation at farm/village level
Low cost- quality production – least cost of external input, no residue of chemicals
Diverting Fertilizer subsidy to Rajasthan-
BY Demanding subsidy for organic farming in Rainfed areas
Potential of organic farming• 1.Efficient use of limited water- low volume high value MONOPOLY crops
• 2.Low fertiliser use –easy conversion
• 3.Diversified farming system -infrastructure for organic farming
• 4.Rich traditional wisdom- social acceptability
• 5. Natural availability of inputs- gypsum, rock phosphate, neem, animal waste
• 6.Employment generation- reduce migration
• 7.Export promotion – High value monopoly crops
• 8. Climate change - Organic farming is most suitable
Diversified products from RajasthanRaw produce
• Course grain – pearl millet,China,Mundo,Kagni
• Pulses –Moth ,moong bean
• Oil seed – Sesame,Mustard
• Medicinal Plants- Psyllium, Senna, Ashvagandh,Aloe,Neem, Guggul, Henna,Tribulus etc.
• Spices –Cumin, Chilli,Fennel, Fenugreek,coriender,dil etc.• Fruits and vegetables – ( fresh and dry)Ber ,Aonla, Kumat, Khejri, Gunda, Datepalm, Cucurbits(fruit& seeds) . • Industrial use –Guar gum,Gum
• Other – Milk ,honey
Total export of only four major produce i.e. Sesame,cumin, guar gum and psyllium is around Rs 2000 crore
There is great possibility of processing and value addition of above produce under organic management
Potential crops of areas on rainfall basis
Agro climatic zone Rainfall Average(mm) Suitable spices and medicinal crop
Arid, , 100-300 Cumin,Senna, Gugool, Psyllium, Cluserbean (gum)
Transitional 300-450 Fenugreek, Cumin, , Aloe, Senna
Semi arid 450-750 Fennel, Asvagandha, Fenugreek, Coriander, Lucorice, Aloe, Aonla
Rs 20/kg Rs 100 /kg
Just- prudent management of resources
Raw cow dung- no profit but harms
Vermicomposting /pit composting all benefits
Approach from stakeholders
Farmer
Researcher
Seller/Consumer
Policy makerOrganic farming
Action plan for organic farmingAction plan for organic farmingPriority to organic in on going programmes, funds
for subsidy , trainings and tax examptution, MSP for organic produce
Organic food may be included in mid day meal programe
Declaration of virgin soils ( no chemical used so far) areas as organic.
Converting watershed clusters into organic clusters
Restriction on use of ground water for food grain and spices only, summer-only drip allowed
Use of funds and facilitates of rural development preprogram e.g. SJSY,MNREGA for input preparation (compost pits, nem biopesticides etc.) for organic farming
Scientific validation of traditional knowledge and farmer’s innovations
Supporting organic during conversion period, certification by exporters
Facilitating organic consumer-producers associations.
Establishment of organic demonstration farmTechno-financial support to production of organic inputs (seed ,manure, biopesticides etc.) at village level
II
Promotion of supporting technologies ( green manure, had weeding, biopesticides etc)
Development of equipments for preparation and application of manure
Rainwater harvesting and efficient use
Preparation of biopesticides Composting of farm waste Biodiversity
conservation Organic Crop production
Training in field
Programs at CAZRI1. Development of model organic farm for research and demonstration.
2. Development of organic package of practices for export demanding arid zone crops e.g. Cumin, Psyllium, Sesame, Cluster bean etc.
3. Development of eco-technologies for pest and weed management.
FindingsIncreased crop resilience to climatic variability.Enhanced soil water retention and biological activity.Successful pest control with eco-friendly management practices.
Organic Farming at CAZRIOrganic Farming at CAZRI
Integrated use of eco-tecnohnologies makes successful organic farming
Two doubt about organic –now becoming clear byTwo doubt about organic –now becoming clear by Experience and experimentation
Inputs are available-
transportation and efficient utilization is needed
Yield will be comparable from first year – with prudent management and trained workers.
Organic farming Conventional(chemical) farming
Holistic approach Reductionist approach. Decentralize production Centralize productionHarmony with NATURE (Harness the benefit)
Domination on NATURE ( Exploit for profit)
Diversity SpecializationInput optimization(save more)
Output maximization(spend more)
Organic farming –IdeologyIt is the mentality which decides the direction of development and not the
technology itself
Can we compare organic to conventional chemical farming ?Organic Conventional chemical
Multi-component monocultureComplex nutrition and
protection systemElemental & pest based
systemNo subsidy on inputs Huge subsidy on fertilizers
Several environmental and non tangible benefits
Limited
We may compare in terms of suitability, feasibility and meeting the demand of society & sustainability
Cumin
Psyllium
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