An Empirical Analysis of Organic Farming Models Practiced by Farmers in Tamil Nadu

Author: R. Jansirani

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Abstract

Farmers in Tamil Nadu conducted a study on organic farming models to evaluate the cost and profitability associated with organic farming methods. For the study, three case studies were purposively selected from Coimbatore, Erode, and Nilgiris districts. Farmers in these districts employed various organic farming models. Specifically, three models were chosen: a turmeric-based cropping system in the Erode district, a coconut-based cropping system in the Coimbatore district, and a hill vegetable-based cropping system in the Nilgiris district. In the coconut-based cropping system, it was observed that the yield of coconuts was 6,724 nuts per acre. In comparison, the on-station experiment recorded a yield of 7,910 nuts per tree, resulting in a yield gap of 8%. Similarly, when comparing the yield of bananas, it was found to be 9,610 kg per acre in organic cultivation, whereas the on-station experiment yielded 12,000 kg per acre, indicating a yield gap of 9%. In the turmeric-based cropping system, the organic cultivation resulted in a yield of 11,190 kg per acre, which was lower than the on-station trial output of 13,000 kg per acre, resulting in a yield gap of 14%. However, despite the lower yields, organic farming exhibited a higher benefit-to-cost (B:C) ratio of 1:45 due to its lower cultivation costs compared to inorganic farming showed through case studies that the cost of cultivation is less in organic farming when compared to chemical farming. During the study, it was observed that several challenges arose, including the varying levels of farmer knowledge and experience with organic farming methods, as well as the limited availability and accessibility of organic inputs and resources in the selected districts.

Keywords

Organic farming, cropping system, coconut farming, hill vegetable, cost returns, marketing B:C ratio

Conclusion

In conclusion, the success of organic farming practices is influenced by various factors including crop type, cultivation system, and environmental conditions. The performance of organic farming in coconut-based and vegetable-based cropping systems differed due to factors such as crop variety, duration, canopy, field topography, soil type, and quality. On the other hand, the turmeric-based cropping system demonstrated promising outcomes for organic cultivation under the specific system-based approach. Organic farming further. Additionally, organic farmers face difficulties in marketing their produce. Establishing effective marketing channels and creating awareness among consumers about the benefits of organic products can help increase the demand for organic produce. This, in turn, will provide organic farmers with better market opportunities and financial returns. By addressing these challenges and providing necessary support, more farmers can be encouraged to adopt organic farming practices. This shift towards organic agriculture will contribute to sustainable agricultural practices, promote soil health, conserve biodiversity, and provide consumers with higher-quality and healthier produce.

References

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How to cite this article

R. Jansirani (2023). An Empirical Analysis of Organic Farming Models Practiced by Farmers in Tamil Nadu. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 15(5): 1327-1330.