Organic farming practiced mainly in 12 states: Ministry of Agriculture

NEW DELHI: Organic farming is practiced mainly in 12 states in the country, Agriculture Ministry today informed the members of a Parliamentary committee.

The meeting of Parliamentary Consultative Committee of the Ministry of Agriculture, chaired by Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh, discussed the topic, according to an official statement.

"The Potential of Organic farming in India is very huge because of its immense bio-diversity and natural resources in the country. There is a great need to promote the Organic farming and its practices in the country," Singh said during the meeting.

A presentation to the committee was given on the subject by ministry officials. It was informed that the total organic production in the country is 1.24 million tonnes while total area under organic farming constitutes 0.723 million hectare under certification.

"Presently it (organic farming) is being practiced mainly in 12 states and two states of North East namely Sikkim and Mizoram are likely to become fully organic in a few years," the ministry informed the members during the meeting.

Meanwhile, Singh directed the ministry officials to circulate full details of six regional centres of organic farming to all Members of Parliament so that they may utilise the services of these centres for training farmers, particularly in villages under Sansad Adarsh Gram Yojana.

Singh also assured the members of the committee that all necessary efforts will be made by Ministry towards their suggestions, which, inter-alia, included simplification of certification process of organic farming, encouraging research on organic farming in Krishi Vigyan Kendras, Agriculture Universities, ICAR and proper utilisation of crop residue.