Organic Farming Problems and Prospects in Kerala: An Analysis

Organic Farming Problems and Prospects in Kerala: An Analysis

Dr. Biju S K

Assistant Professor

PG & Research Department of Commerce

Government Arts College, Thiruvananthapuram

Abstract

Today organic farming is one of the most discussed topics as the use of chemical fertilizers and increasing cancer patients are common scene in Kerala. Earlier farmers used organic fertilizers and natural products, but today due to increasing demand of food products it has become a necessity to produce more, hence farmers have to depend more in chemical fertilizers. This project is an attempt to analyze how profitable the organic vegetables farming are among the common public. We further analyze how much the Govt supports the initiative and how successful organic farming in our locality. This paper analyses the motivations and actions of organic farmers in relation to production and marketing of their products

1.     Introduction

Organic farming has grown out of the conscious efforts by inspired people to create the best possible relationship between the earth and men. Since its beginning the sphere surrounding organic agriculture has become considerably more complex. A major challenge today is certainly its entry into the policy making arena, its entry into anonymous global market and the transformation of organic products into commodities. During the last two decades, there has also been a significant sensitization of the global community towards environmental preservation and assuring of food quality. Ardent promoters of organic farming consider that it can meet both these demands and become the mean for complete development of rural areas. After almost a century of development organic agriculture is now being embraced by the mainstream and shows great promise commercially, socially and environmentally. While there is continuum of thought from earlier days to the present, the modern organic movement is radically different from its original form. It now has environmental sustainability at its core in addition to the founders concerns for healthy soil, healthy food and healthy people. In today's terminology it is a method of farming system which primarily aims at cultivating the land and raising crops in such a way, as to keep the soil alive and in good health by use of organic wastes (crop, animal and farm wastes, aquatic wastes) and other biological materials along with beneficial microbes (bio fertilizers) to release nutrients to crops for increased sustainable production in an eco-friendly pollution free environment.

Organic farming is a holistic production management system which promotes and enhances agro-ecosystem health, including biodiversity, biological cycles, and soil biological activity. It emphasizes, the use of management practices in preference to the use of off –farm inputs, taking into account that regional conditions require locally adapted systems. This is accomplished by using, where possible, agronomic, biological, and mechanical methods, as opposed to using synthetic materials, to fulfill any specific function within the system (FAO, 1999).

            As per the definition of the USDA study team on organic farming “organic farming is a system which avoids or largely excludes the use of synthetic inputs (such as fertilizers, pesticides, hormones, feed additives etc) and to the maximum extent feasible rely upon crop rotations, crop residues, animal manures, off-farm organic waste, mineral grade rock additives and biological system of nutrient mobilization and plant protection”. In another definition FAO suggested that “Organic agriculture is a unique production management system which promotes and enhances agro-ecosystem health, including biodiversity, biological cycles and soil biological activity, and this is accomplished by using on-farm agronomic, biological and mechanical methods in exclusion of all synthetic off-farm inputs”.

In philosophical terms organic farming means "farming in spirits of organic relationship. In this system everything is connected with everything else. Since organic farming means placing farming on integral relationship, we should be well aware about the relationship between the soil, water and plants, between soil-soil microbes and waste products, between the vegetable kingdom and the animal kingdom of which the apex animal is the human being, between agriculture and forestry, between soil, water and atmosphere etc. It is the totality of these relationships that is the bed rock of organic farming.

The government is initiating and promoting organic farming, by way of “Onathinoru Orumuram Pachakkary” (One basket vegetables for onam celebration) and also providing seedlings and seeds through Krishibhavan (Agriculture Offices) of Kerala. In this juncture, how the people see these activities and the scope of organic farming in Kerala need special attention.

2.     Statement of Problem

Availability of poisonous vegetables in the market poses a serious problem in Kerala. It is causing many critical physical problems in humans. We have to keep chemicals out of the air, water, soil, and our bodies, protect future generations. For the purpose of encouraging organic vegetables, both central and state government formulates many programs and policies. The policies by the state government are mainly run through mission formats. Thus there are four main visions, Life (Home for all homeless), Ardram (Good medical facilities), Quality education (strengthening general education), and Haritha Keralam (Green Kerala). The haritha Keralam initiative is the government intention to pollution free and healthy environment, and following green protocol. Government of Kerala, as part of this healthy long living campaign, insist organic farming for enjoying healthy vegetables by the people of Kerala. The campaign already completed two years. In this juncture, it is important that whether the organic farming initiative is accepted by the people of Kerala, How do the people know about these campaign?, How did it benefit the people, what is the satisfaction level of such farmers?, How do they market the product produced?  are some of the pertinent questions in this regard. Hence this study.

3.     Objective of Study

The main objectives of the study are:

i.            To identify the source of knowledge for organic vegetables farming for the farmers.

ii.            To study the problems and challenges of the organic vegetable farming of farmers.

iii.            To find out the satisfaction level of farmers of Govt initiatives

iv.            To explore the marketability of organic products.

4.     Research Methodology

Ø  Sample size: To assess the problem and prospects of organic farming 100 respondents were selected on convenient basis from the Panavoor Panchayath in Thiruvanthapuram District on the basis of due representation of different groups in the economy.

Ø  Source of data: Primary data were collected from a sample of 100 respondents with the help of a structured questionnaire, Interview schedule. The respondents were the organic farmers in Panavoor Panchayath, based on snow ball sampling.

Ø  A  structured  questionnaire  will be prepared  and  it  will be administered   on  organic farmers  eliciting  information  on  satisfaction, source of information, source of markets and the like.

Ø  The secondary data were collected from working reports of organic farmers, various case studies, journals and websites. Reports and publications of Kerala Agricultural University, Kerala Sasthra Sahithya Parishat,Census Survey Reports, village office records, data collected by the Panavoor panchayath for local level planning, research papers, articles and various Commission Reports

Ø  Design of sample selection

Due to the constraints convenient sampling method is used to select the sample from Panavoor Panchayath in Thiruvananthapuram district.

5.     Awareness and Action

This section deals with mode of knowledge gain by respondents of organic farming, availability of seeds and fertilizers, frequency of visit of krishi bhavan, activities of krishi bhavan, type of land used for organic farming, portion of land used for organic farming, major projects are produced, factors affecting the yield etc .

5.1. Sources of knowledge

People get knowledge of organic farming from different sources such as krishi bhavan, news paper, friends and relatives etc... Source of knowledge based table shown in the table 1

Table no.1: Source of knowledge

Sources	Frequency	Percent
Agriculture Department	44	44.0
Newspaper and Periodicals	6	6.0
TV Programmes	19	19.0
Friends and Relatives	18	18.0
Others	13	13.0
Total	100	100.0

                           Source: Primary data

                         From the table 1, observed that 44 (per cent) of respondents gained knowledge of organic farming from agriculture department and 19(per cent) from TV programme. Out of 100 respondents 18(per cent) of them get the information from friends and relatives. From this we can conclude that the role of agricultural department for giving information about organic farming is very high.

5.2. Sources of seed and fertilizers

People get seed and fertilizers from different sources. Sources of seeds and fertilizers based table shown in 2

Table no.2: Sources of seeds and fertilisers

Sources	Frequency	Percent
Krishibhavan	55	55.0
Market	15	15.0
From School	12	12.0
Friends and Relatives	14	14.0
Others	4	4.0
Total	100	100.0

                           Source: Primary data

                            From the table 2 it is clear that 55per cent)(of respondents collect seeds and fertilizers from the krishi bhavan and 15(per cent)from open market. Out of the total respondents 14 (per cent) get seeds and fertilizers from their relatives and friends and 12(per cent) from school. Therefore, it can be concluded that the role of krishi bhavan in distributing seeds and fertilizers to needy farmers are very high.

5.3 Frequent visit of Krishi bhavan

Krishi bhavan play a vital role in agricultural sector. Frequent visit of krishi bhavan shown in the table 3

Table no.3: Frequent visit of krishibhavan

Variables	Frequency	Percent
Frequently	50	50.0
Sometimes	33	33.0
Never	17	17.0
Total	100	100.0

                              Source: Primary data

                              From the table 3 it is clear that 50(per cent) of respondents are frequently visit their nearest krishi bhavan and 33(per cent) of them are sometimes visit krishi bhavan. Out of the total respondents 17(per cent) are never visit their nearest krishi bhavan. From this we can interference that majorities of people are frequently visit their nearest krishi bhavan.

6.      Organic Products and Yield.

6.1. Major products of organic farming

Major products of organic production shown in the table 4.

Table no.4: Major products of organic farming

Variables	Frequency	Percent
Vegetables	60	60.0
Fruits	10	10.0
Flowers	20	20.0
Others	10	10.0
Total	100	100.0

                          Source: Primary data

                From the table 4 out of 100 respondents are surveyed majorities of people produces vegetables and 20 (per cent) of the respondent’s major products is flowers. From this we can inference that majorities of people produce vegetable because it can use for their daily consumption.                                                                          

6.1.  Factors affecting of yield

Factors affecting of the yield of organic products is shown in the table 5

Table no.5: Factors affecting of yield

Variables	Frequency	Percent
Natural Calamities	36	36.0
Lack of Finance	15	15.0
Diseases	32	32.0
Lack of Knowledge	6	6.0
Others	11	11.0
Total	100	100.0

                           Source: Primary data

                                 From the table 5 major factor that affects the quality of yield are natural calamities (36 per cent) and 32(per cent) of due to diseases. And lack of finance (15 per cent) and lack of knowledge (six per cent) are also affects the yield. 

7.      Marketability and Return

7.1. Marketability of organic products

Marketability of organic products as shown in the table 6

                                  Table no.6: Marketability of organic products

Variables	Frequency	Percent
Direct	53	53.0
Through Middlemen	9	9.0
Government Agencies	26	26.0
Others	12	12.0
Total	100	100.0

                          Source: Primary data   

                             From the table 6, shows marketability of organic products. Majority of respondents market their product directly and only 26 (per cent) of respondents sell their product to governmental agencies. From this we can inference that majorities are sell their products directly to the market because of they get more profit from it.

7.2. Reasonable price of organic products

Reasonable price of organic products as shown in the table 7                 

Table no.7: Reasonable price of organic products

Variables	Frequency	Percent
Reasonable	62	62.0
Low	17	17.0
Very Low	21	21.0
Total	100	100.0

                           Source: Primary data

                                From the table 7 show that majorities of respondents gets reasonable price for their product but 21(per cent) of them get low price for their products. Majorities are selling their products directly to the market so they get reasonable price for their products.

7.3. Income from organic farming

Monthly Income earn by a farmer from organic farming is shown in the table 8

Table no.8: Income from organic farming

Variables	Frequency	Percent
Below Rs. 1000	39	39.0
Between Rs. 1000 to Rs. 3000	19	19.0
Between Rs. 3000 to Rs. 5000	22	22.0
Above Rs. 5000	20	20.0
Total	100	100.0

                           Source: Primary data      

                            From the table 8 reveals that 39 (per cent) of respondents get only below 1000 rupees income monthly from organic farming and 22(per cent) of them get 3000 to 5000 from organic farming. From this we can inference that most of the people get only below 5000 earnings from their production because they only use small amount of land for their production or products are used for consumption.

7.4. Opinion about expense of organic farming

Opinion about expenses of organic farming is shown in the table 9 

Table 9: Opinion about expense of organic farming

Factor	Variable	Frequency	Percent
Cost of seeds	Very High	42	42.0
	High	20	20.0
	Moderate	30	30.0
	Very Low	4	4.0
	Low	4	4.0
	Total	100	100.0
Cost of fertilizers	Very High	19	19.0
	High	52	52.0
	Moderate	21	21.0
	Very Low	2	2.0
	Low	6	6.0
	Total	100	100.0
Cost of labour	Very High	31	31.0
	High	37	37.0
	Moderate	32	32.0
	Total	100	100.0
Other expenses	Very High	26	26.0
	High	38	38.0
	Moderate	18	18.0
	Very Low	18	18.0
	Total	100	100.0

From the table 9 shows the opinion of respondents about the expenses relating to the organic farming. It is revealed that majorities of respondent’s opinion about cost of seed and fertilizers are very high. And 68(per cent) of respondents opinion about cost of labour is very high and 64(per cent) argued that other expenses is very high.

7.5. Cost effectiveness of organic farming

Cost effectiveness of organic farming is shown in the table 10       

Table no.10: Cost effectiveness of organic farming

Variables	Frequency	Percent
Cost effective	35	35.0
Sometimes	54	54.0
Not Cost effective	11	11.0
Total	100	100.0

                           Source: Primary data

                                                 From the table 10 reveals that majority of respondent’s opinion about organic farming is cost effective in sometimes and 35(per cent) say that it is cost effective.

7.6. Satisfaction level of government promotional activities

Opinion about government promotional activities are shown in the table 11

Table 11: Opinion about government promotional activities

Variable	Average	Rank
Free seeds	88	I
Subsidized fertilizer	73	II
Agricultural loan	61.5	III
Marketability of products	60.16	IV
Reasonable price	48.5	V
Others	25.66	VI

                         Source: Primary data

                           From the table 11 depicts the ranking of responder opinion about government promotional activities of organic farming. In this table, we can observe that free seeds got first rank and second subsidized fertilizers got second rank.  Agricultural loan, marketability of organic products and reasonable price for organic products gets third, fourth and fifth rank respectively.

Organic farming is a production system which avoids or largely excludes the use of synthetically compounded fertilizers, pesticides, growth regulators and livestock feed additions. The “harithakeralam mission” of Government of Kerala, also ensures healthy poison free food. Organic farming is the way to generate healthy vegetables. This study is an attempt to explore the problems and prospects of organic farming. With this aim, data were collected and analysed in the previous chapter, and drawn inferences. This chapter is an attempt to summarise the major findings of the study and also to suggest appropriate measures for improving the performance of organic farming in Panavoor Panchayath.

8. Take aways’

          i.            Survey results shows that 44 per cent of respondent gained knowledge of organic farming from agricultural department and 19 per cent from TV programmes.

        ii.            It is clear that majority of respondent’s collects seed and fertiliser from Krishi Bhavan and 15 per cent from open market.

      iii.            Of the total 50 per cent of respondents are frequently visiting their nearest krishibhavan and 17 per cent are never visiting their nearest krishibhavan. The performance of krishibhavan based on their activity is above average.

      iv.            Majority of respondents use their own land for cultivating organic products and 39 per cent of respondents use lease or rent land for farming. (It is evident that not the ownership of land, but some other factors influencing the people to engage in organic farming.

        v.            Majority of respondents cultivating vegetables because for their daily consumption.

      vi.            It reveals that major factors that affect the quality of yield are natural calamities (36 per cent) and diseases (32 per cent).

    vii.            Survey results shows that majority of respondents sells their organic products in direct market and from their 62 per cent of respondents get reasonable price for their product.

  viii.            39 per cent of respondents get below 1000 rupees and 39 per cent get below 5000 rupees as their monthly income on organic farming.

      ix.            42 per cent of respondents say that cost of seed is very high and 52 per cent of respondents argued that cost of fertiliser is high.

        x.            Majority of respondents says that cost of labour is very high and 38 per cent of respondents argued that other expenses relating to organic farming is high.

      xi.            Majority of respondent’s opinion about organic farming is sometimes cost effective.

    xii.            Free seeds and subsidized fertilizers are the motivating factor of organic farmers.

9. For Sustainability

From the study it is understood that only organic farming can bring sustainable development in the long run. Hence efforts must be taken to promote organic farming and the following are the suggestions to promote organic farming.

        i.            Quality seeds must be distributed to farmers from the krishi bhavan.

      ii.            Green manure seeds, bio- fertilizers and bio-pesticides should be made available to the farmers at an affordable price.

    iii.            Suitable research should be taken to improve yields which could be affordable by the farmers.

    iv.            Government should withdraw the subsidies given to chemical fertilizers and pesticides.

      v.            More subsidy and research funding should be provided for organic and eco friendly agriculture.

    vi.            Establish organic cooperatives of facilitate group dynamism.

  vii.            The Govt policies and regulations should be in support of organic farmers to overcome the constraints they faced along the path of conversion to organic farming.

viii.            Subsidy on irrigation facility has to be given to farmers especially to organic farmers.

    ix.            Practical oriented training programmes at grass root level exclusively for woman farmers have to be arranged.

      x.            Government should provide more agricultural loans with zero or low interest rate.

    xi.            Government should provide insurance facility for organic farmers for protecting their yields.

  xii.            Consumers should be educated the advantages of organic farming products.

xiii.            Government should give quality information about organic farmers.

xiv.            Improve the quality and activity of krishi bhavan.

  xv.            Separate market should be established for organic farming products.

xvi.            Krishi bhavan should impart information timely and they should ensure that the incentives are provided by the government to the farmers adequately.

10. Conclusion

This study evaluated the scope of organic farming in Panavoor panchayath households and it was understood that organic farming has a bright future. Majority of the households have understood the value of organic farming and have started its initiative. Government provides proper support to the scheme and ensure that unhealthy/ inconsumable vegetables do not reach the end users. It was found that organic farming is cost effective than other method of cultivation. The benefits of organic farming are enumerable, and if the government may take initiatives as suggested, it will improve the availability of more vegetables to people of the panchayath and nearby panchayath. This will surely improve the digestion, health and well being. The researcher hopes so and expects up scaling of organic farming and the complete avoidance of unhealthy vegetable use by the people.

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