Dr.Banarsi Lal and Dr.Shahid Ahamad
Agriculture is the backbone of Jammu and Kashmir state and this sector provides employment directly or indirectly to around 70 per cent of the state population. Agriculture contributes about 65 per cent of the state revenue which signifies the overdependence of the state on agriculture. The total geographical area of this state is 2, 22, 236 sq. km and its population is 1, 25, 48,926 (Census 2011).Jammu and Kashmir is a mountainous state in which Jammu region is predominantly sub-tropical while Kashmir and Ladakh regions are temperate. The average size of land holding of the state is only 0.73 hectare. The Environment Sustainability Index of the state is worsening and is a matter of grave concern for the scientists and policy makers. There are various factors which are responsible for the environmental catastrophe in the state. The use of fertilizers and other agrochemicals is on rise in the state which deteriorate the soil health. Organic farming is a method of farming in which we largely exclude the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, growth hormones and we maintain the soil fertility by the organic manures, green manures, crop rotation etc. It is a unique system of farming which sustains the agro-ecosystem including biodiversity and soil biological activities. According to the National Commission on Farmers organic farming should be the major tool for the second green revolution specially in the hilly areas.
Over the years, the farmers of the hilly state Jammu and Kashmir have adopted new agricultural technologies but still the state is having low productivity of almost all the crops. There is need to develop systematic approach and plan for the development in organic farming in Jammu and Kashmir as the state has immense potential for organic farming. Several steps have been taken by the Government in order to highlight the importance of organic agriculture in the growth of the state economy. There is need to make rigorous efforts to promote organic farming in state as the state has immense scope in this sector. Soil health is deteriorating day- by- day due to indiscriminate use of chemical fertilizers in the soil. In order to sustain the health of soil organic farming is the best option. Organic farming is picking up pace in the state and there is need of awareness and trainings of farmers for organic farming. J&K has huge potential for organic farming as a large area in the state is already under semi-organic cultivation in hilly districts of the state due to the lack of availability of chemical fertilizers in these areas and the farmers of these areas hardly apply the chemical fertilizers. Basmati rice of R. S. Pura, rajmah of Bhaderwah, potato of Gurez and Machil and red rice of Tangdar, Kupwara, ginger and turmeric of Pouni, Reasi are major exportable organic products in the state and have the potential to fetch more returns in the market. There is need to explore markets in the country and abroad for saffron, basmati rice, rajmash, spices and various other agricultural produce from the state.
The farmers of Jammu & Kashmir can tap the opportunity of growing demand of organic products. Organic agriculture which is generally environment friendly maintains soil health and enhance biodiversity. Already large numbers of farmers of the state are growing spices, basmati rice, walnuts, herbs etc. organically. There is need to introduce organic farming commercially, scientifically and in a systematized way so that the farmers can get rich dividends and farming can become sustainable. Keeping the importance of organic products there is need to shift from chemical to organic farming. Organic farming system is not new and it is being followed from ancient times. It is a method of farming system which primarily aimed at cultivating the land in such a way so that the soil health can be maintained. There is an immense scope for organic Basmati rice in the state which is grown on more than 35,000 hectares of land in the state and has a production of over 88,000 metric tonnes, besides rajmash, spices, saffron, pulses and potato. There is need to provide logistic support for organic farming to the farmers so that they can maximum benefits from it.
Modern crop farming has enhanced the food grain production but it has caused many problems to the environment and human health. Besides, it has contributed to global warming. The imbalanced use of agro-chemicals in soil and on plants is not only damaging the soil bacteria, fungi, actinomycetes etc. but has given rise to phenomenon like pest resistance and pest resurgence. Dependence on the external inputs like fertilizers, pesticides, machines etc. have increased rural indebtedness and created dependencies. Our farmers have indulged in indiscriminate use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. In order to increase the agricultural production and control of insect-pests and diseases, our farmers are increasingly depending on agro-chemicals. Now the people are questioning the impact of modern agriculture on environment, economic and social aspects. Many farmers are seeking the alternative practices that would make agriculture more sustainable and productive. Organic farming is the only alternative taking care of all ecological aspects. A natural balance needs to be maintained for sustainability of crop production system. Therefore, recycling of resources through organic farming approach is of paramount importance.
The term ‘Organic Farming’ was coined by Northbourne (1940).Organic farming is a method of farming system which primarily aimed at cultivating the land and raising crops in such a way ,so as to keep the soil in good health by the use of organic wastes and other biological materials along with beneficial microbes. Nutrients are provided to crops for increased sustainable production in an ecofriendly and pollution free environment. The aim is to create integrated, human, environmentally and economically sustainable production system which maximize reliance on farm derived renewable resources and management of ecological and biological processes and interactions so as to provide acceptable level of crop, livestock and human nutrition, protection from pests and diseases and appropriate return to the human and other resources. Organic farming means holistic production systems which refer earth friendly methods for cultivation and food processing. It differs from other systems by the certification procedures, specific standards and a specific labeling scheme. Organic farming respects the environment by friendly practice of weeds, insect-pests and diseases control. Insecticides, pesticides, chemical fertilizers, growth hormones and antibiotics are not used in organic farming. Ecofriendly techniques are employed to increase the production. Organic farming is based on the integral relationship and we need to understand the relationship between different entities of a farm. The organic farming is based on organic relationship. Organic farming can be perceived as a system which should always be in search of natural alternatives suitable to the local specificity. The organic manures supply the nutrients in the soil, promote microbial activities and improve physical, biological and chemical properties of soils.
The emerging challenge for food security and environment sustainability can be mitigated by the organic farming. Good market demand for organic products will have a positive impact on the socio-economic status of the farmers.
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