Viability of organic farming in the hills of uttarakhand
2011
Pathak, Deepali | Singh, Navin
In Uttarakhand most of the hill farmers are resource-poor, and therefore apply very low level of chemicals, fertilizers and pesticides. As a result, hill soils are almost free from residues of pesticides and chemical fertilizers. This is a very strong point in favour of Uttarakhand for becoming a successful ‘organic state’. Uttarakhand can enjoy a number of benefits from the adoption of organic farming. The price premiums for the products, conservation of the natural resources in terms of improved soil fertility and water quality, prevention of soil erosion, preservation of natural and agro-biodiversity are major benefits. Economic and social benefits like generation of rural employment, lower urban migration, improved household nutrition, local food security and reduced dependence on external inputs will be large gains in the hill conditions. The protection of environment and the consequent increase in the quality of human life will be other contributions of organic farming. Organic Farming has the twin objective of the system sustainable and environmentally sensitive, in order to achieve these two goals, it has develops some rules and standards which must be strictly adhered. There is very little scope for change and flexibility. Thus, the Organic Farming does not require best use of options available rather the best use of options that have been approved. That’s why lack of inputs being a general problem among producers. Also, to encourage organic farming, market support system need be strengthened.
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