FAIL (the browser should render some flash content, not this).  Punjab government should invite suggestions and inputs from all the stack holders and partners for sustainable development of state before formulating any policy. Public Hearings and dialogue must be initiated to make policy people oriented and realistic.  Since agriculture being the state subject, State Government of Punjab has to take the lead in promoting organic farming. It can start the way project "Your Way, Our Way" was undertaken when green revolution was being introduced in the state. It can take he help of various NGO’s and encourage farmers to start organic farming initially with 1-2 acres and providing them with necessary expertise and back up. RECOMMENDATIONS: Only 30% of India’s total cultivable area is covered with fertilizers where irrigation facilities are available and in the remaining 70% of arable land, which is mainly rain-fed, negligible amount of fertilizers is being used. Farmers in these areas often use organic manure as a source of nutrients that are readily available either in their own farm or in their locality. Organic agriculture does not need costly investments in irrigation, energy and external inputs, but rather organic agricultural policies have the potential to improve local food security, especially in marginal areas. Possibly, the greatest impact of organic agriculture is on the mindset of people. It uses traditional and indigenous farming knowledge, while introducing selected modern technologies to manage and enhance diversity, to incorporate biological principles and resources into farming systems, and to ecologically intensify agricultural production. Instead of being an obstacle to progress, traditions may become an integral part of it. By adopting organic agriculture, farmers are challenged to take on new knowledge and perspectives, and to innovate. This leads to an increased engagement in farming which can trigger greater opportunities for rural employment and economic upliftment. Thus through greater emphasis on use of local resources and self-reliance, con-version to organic agriculture definitely contributes to the empowerment of farmers and local communities. We should consider promoting organic farmers in marginal and backward areas of Punjab and other parts of Country. The State Government of Punjab need to promote Organic Farming all over the state especially in Malwa region districts of Mansa, Bathinda, Muktsar, Ferozpur, etc, where the groundwater level is fast depleting and is polluted as well. There are large numbers of cases of cancer patients from these districts. The main reason doctors cited for this is that there is high amount of usage of pesticides in these districts. Studies to date seem to indicate that organic agriculture offers comparative advantage in areas with less rainfall land relatively low natural and soil fertility levels. If we have to avert the crises we should start planning from now. To make farming environmentally sustainable we have to increase acreage under organic farming. Since it takes 3-5 years to increase production under organic farming. The reason for this that since the land have been prone to chemicals for decades and using no fertilizers as land and nature takes time to adjust but this change is for better future of Punjab. As research suggests that yields and production of crops increase under organic farming and decelerate under chemical farming in the long run. Thus we need to gradually work towards increasing the acreage under organic farming without comprising on Food Security of the nation Skip Navigation Links

Skip Navigation Links Skip Navigation Links Already the fertilizer subsidiary bill for the year 2007-08 has touched 50,000 crores. This increasing dependence on fertilizers with rising fertilizer prices is not good India from macro-economic viewpoint as well. Hence we need to reduce our dependence on fertilizers. Skip Navigation Links
4 10 9 8 7 6 5 3 2 1
 India backed by a legacy of organic farming has a great potential to make a mark in the international and national markets and there is an urgent need to promote organic farming in order to increase exports. However there is no pertinent research work done & knowledge available on economics of production and marketing of organic produce is hardly available. The government policy in India should aim at boosting of organic farming on the large scale for exports of organic products. The government of India should set up an Organic Agriculture Research Institute (OARI) with its network all over India. The proposed OARI should conduct research and provide extension services, training, education, etc. with respect to organic agriculture, methods of making improved Farm yard manure, compost, vermiculture, biological control of harmful insects and pests, etc. this OARI would also look after certification of soil and food produce. For authentication and credibility of the produce all this shall also help to compete farmers in the world markets for producing enough as low cost in agriculture.