The three main types of organic farming are:

Traditional/Indigenous: This type of farming is based on the traditional practices of a specific culture or community and often utilises local resources and knowledge.

Biodynamic: This type of farming incorporates spiritual and mystical elements and often involves using lunar and astrological cycles to plan planting and harvesting.

Scientific/Contemporary: This farming uses modern scientific knowledge and research to develop sustainable and environmentally-friendly farming practices.

Organic farming can be profitable in India, but it depends on several factors, such as market demand, efficient production and marketing strategies, and the scale of operation. Organic farming typically involves higher costs and lower yields than conventional farming, but it can fetch premium prices in the market. With increasing consumer awareness and demand for organic products, there is potential for growth in the organic farming industry in India.

Let me explain point-wise here: 

  1. Market demand: The demand for organic products in India is increasing, creating opportunities for organic farmers to sell their produce at premium prices.
  2. Efficient production: Success in organic farming requires efficient production practices, such as using natural inputs, maintaining soil fertility, and reducing waste. Effective production practices can lead to increased yields and profitability.
  3. Marketing strategies: Effective marketing strategies, such as creating a solid brand image and building relationships with retailers, can help organic farmers reach a more extensive customer base and increase profitability.
  4. The scale of operation: The scale of operation can significantly impact the profitability of organic farming. Large-scale operations can benefit from economies of scale, reducing production costs and increasing profits.
  5. High initial costs: Organic farming typically involves higher initial costs, such as obtaining certification and purchasing natural inputs, which can impact profitability in the short term.
  6. Lower yields: Organic farming often results in lower yields than conventional farming, which can impact profitability. However, the premium prices received for organic produce can offset these lower yields.

Benefits of Organic farming are:

  • Organic farming can help improve soil health by using crop rotation, cover cropping, and composting techniques to build soil fertility.
  • Organic farming can improve the environment by reducing synthetic fertilisers and pesticides, which can contribute to pollution and harm wildlife.
  • Organic farming can promote biodiversity by using a variety of crops and integrating livestock into the farming system.
  • Organic farming can improve human health by reducing exposure to synthetic chemicals in food.
  • Organic food is often considered higher quality and tastes better than conventionally grown food.

Sikkim is leading in organic farming in India. In 2016, Sikkim became the first state in India to adopt organic farming as a state policy. Since then, the state has significantly promoted and implemented organic farming practices. As of 2021, over 75% of the total cultivable land in Sikkim is under organic farming, making it the state with the highest proportion of organic farming in India.

Sikkim has emerged as a leader in organic farming for several reasons:

  1. Policy support: The state government of Sikkim has implemented a comprehensive policy framework to support organic farming, including providing technical assistance, subsidies, and marketing support to farmers.
  2. Agricultural potential: Sikkim has favourable climatic and soil conditions for organic farming, allowing farmers to grow a diverse range of crops and produce high-quality organic produce.
  3. Community involvement: The state has engaged with local communities and stakeholders to promote organic farming, creating a supportive ecosystem for organic farming to thrive.
  4. Consumer demand: There is increasing demand for organic products in Sikkim and other parts of India, providing a market for organic farmers to sell their produce.
  5. Successful implementation: The state has successfully implemented organic farming practices, demonstrating the feasibility and benefits of organic farming and inspiring other states to adopt similar policies.