How to Start Organic Farming in India | Step-by-Step Beginner’s Guide

🧑‍🌾 Introduction

Organic farming in India is no longer a trend—it’s a movement. With rising health concerns, increased demand for chemical-free produce, and better government support, now is the perfect time for farmers and agri-entrepreneurs to start organic farming in India.

This blog offers a step-by-step beginner’s guide to organic farming, including crop selection, certification, soil care, and marketing tips, all optimized for high search visibility.

🌱 What is Organic Farming?

Organic farming is a method of cultivating crops and rearing animals using natural processes and traditional techniques. It avoids synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), and focuses on sustainability and biodiversity.

🪴 Why Start Organic Farming in India?

  • Healthier produce without harmful chemicals

  • High market demand locally and globally

  • Government subsidies and support programs

  • Improved soil fertility and sustainability

  • Premium prices for organic products

📘 Step-by-Step Guide to Start Organic Farming in India

1️⃣ Understand Organic Farming Principles

Before you begin, learn the basic principles of organic agriculture:

  • No chemical inputs

  • Crop rotation and mixed cropping

  • Organic manures and compost

  • Natural pest and weed control

Resources: ICAR, NCOF, and PKVY provide free training.

2️⃣ Choose the Right Land and Prepare Soil

  • Test your soil for nutrients and pH balance

  • Start land conversion (2-3 years for full organic transition)

  • Add organic matter using compost, vermicompost, and green manure

3️⃣ Select Profitable Organic Crops in India

Choose crops based on your climate and market demand:

  • Vegetables: Tomatoes, spinach, cauliflower

  • Fruits: Mango, banana, guava

  • Cereals & Pulses: Millets, lentils

  • Spices: Turmeric, coriander, ginger

4️⃣ Use Organic Inputs

Replace chemical fertilizers and pesticides with:

  • Cow dung, neem cake, and biofertilizers

  • Pest control: Neem oil, panchgavya, garlic-ginger sprays

  • Weed control: Manual weeding, mulching

5️⃣ Compost and Vermicompost Management

Organic farming requires constant nutrient supply through:

  • Farm composting

  • Vermicompost using earthworms

  • Waste management from crop residue

6️⃣ Get Certified as an Organic Farmer

To legally sell produce as “organic,” get certified:

  • NPOP Certification (APEDA)

  • PGS-India Certification for small farmers

Documents needed: Farm map, input record, field history

7️⃣ Market Your Organic Produce

Sell through:

  • Organic food stores and online marketplaces

  • Local farmers’ markets

  • Contract farming with organic brands

  • Export via certified organic channels

Use branding and eco-friendly packaging to build trust.

🧾 Cost and Profit Estimation (Per Acre – Organic Vegetables)

ActivityEstimated Cost (INR)
Organic Inputs₹6,000–₹8,000
Seeds & Saplings₹4,000
Labor₹5,000
Certification (PGS)₹3,000
Miscellaneous₹2,000
Total Cost₹20,000–₹25,000
Expected Returns₹50,000–₹80,000

✅ ROI increases after the first year due to soil health improvement.

📢 Government Support for Organic Farmers in India

  • Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY)

  • National Program for Organic Production (NPOP)

  • NABARD schemes for organic farm loans

  • State-level organic boards and training

Mistakes to Avoid

  • Mixing chemical and organic inputs

  • Not maintaining input records

  • Using non-certified seeds

  • Skipping certification process

  • Overuse of a single crop (no rotation)

Conclusion

Starting organic farming in India is an eco-friendly, health-conscious, and profitable venture for new-age farmers. With the right approach, proper certification, and knowledge of organic inputs and marketing, even small-scale farmers can build a sustainable income source.

“Grow healthy. Grow organic. Grow profitably.”

📬 Get Help Starting Your Organic Farm

Need help selecting crops or understanding certification?
👉 Contact us or subscribe to our newsletter for free organic farming guides!

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