🌾 Introduction
With the rising demand for chemical-free food and sustainable agriculture, organic farming in India is rapidly gaining popularity. Consumers now prefer healthier, eco-friendly options, and farmers are switching to natural farming techniques to meet that demand.
If you’re a beginner and wondering how to start organic farming, this detailed guide will walk you through every step — from land preparation to certification and marketing.
📘 What is Organic Farming?
Organic farming is a method of farming that relies on natural inputs like compost, cow dung, neem oil, and biofertilizers, avoiding chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and GMOs. It focuses on maintaining soil fertility, ecological balance, and sustainable agriculture.
🪴 Why Choose Organic Farming in India?
Healthier Soil: No chemicals = better long-term fertility
High Market Value: Organic produce sells at premium prices
Government Support: Subsidies and training for organic farmers
Export Potential: High global demand for Indian organic products
🪔 Step-by-Step Guide to Start Organic Farming in India
1️⃣ Understand Organic Farming Principles
Before you start, study the principles of organic farming such as:
No use of synthetic chemicals
Crop rotation and intercropping
Organic pest control
Composting and green manure
Use of indigenous seeds
2️⃣ Choose the Right Land
Prefer non-contaminated land
Test soil quality and pH
Avoid nearby farms using chemical sprays
Ensure access to clean water
3️⃣ Select Profitable Organic Crops
Start with crops that have high organic demand:
Vegetables: Tomato, Brinjal, Spinach
Fruits: Papaya, Mango, Banana
Spices: Turmeric, Ginger, Chilli
Grains: Millets, Organic Rice, Wheat
4️⃣ Prepare the Soil Organically
Improve soil health using:
Vermicompost
Farmyard manure (FYM)
Green manure
Biofertilizers (Azotobacter, Rhizobium)
Avoid chemical urea or DAP.
5️⃣ Use Natural Pest and Weed Control
Instead of pesticides, use:
Neem oil spray
Garlic-chilli spray
Trichoderma for fungal protection
Manual weeding or mulching
6️⃣ Start Composting and Vermicomposting
Convert farm waste into:
Compost: For soil fertility
Vermicompost: With earthworms for faster results
Reduces dependency on external inputs
7️⃣ Get Organic Farming Certification
To sell legally as “organic,” apply for certification via:
NPOP (National Programme for Organic Production)
PGS-India (Participatory Guarantee System) for small farmers
Documents required:
Farm history, input records, location maps
8️⃣ Market Your Organic Produce
Where to sell:
Organic mandis
Farmer’s markets
Direct to customers
Online organic stores
Export channels
Tip: Use packaging with “Certified Organic” logos for trust-building.
🧑🌾 Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using hybrid or GMO seeds
Mixing chemical inputs with organic
Skipping soil testing
Ignoring certification steps
Overpricing without quality control
📊 Estimated Cost & Profit (1 Acre Organic Vegetables)
| Activity | Cost (INR) |
|---|---|
| Land Preparation | ₹5,000 |
| Seeds & Planting | ₹4,000 |
| Organic Inputs | ₹6,000 |
| Labor | ₹5,000 |
| Packaging & Transport | ₹3,000 |
| Total Investment | ₹23,000 |
| Expected Income | ₹60,000–₹80,000 |
📌 ROI can increase after the 2nd cycle with soil improvement and customer loyalty.
🌍 Support Schemes & Training for Organic Farmers
Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY)
National Horticulture Mission
NABARD organic farming loan schemes
State-level organic training centers
📝 Conclusion
Organic farming is not just a trend — it’s a sustainable, profitable, and healthy way of agriculture. With proper planning, right crop selection, and organic certification, even small Indian farmers can build a successful organic farm and meet the growing demand for chemical-free food.
“Grow naturally. Earn sustainably. Serve healthily.”