 | Beginning in 1980s, the organic philosophy for food production
is still in its infancy. Does it not have substantial merits
of its own! Or is it, not being allowed to grow because of vested
interests! |
| In last 50 years or so of Twentieth Century, everything began
to happen very fast. Technology produced fast cars, faster trains,
fastest computers and so on. Even FAST FOOD has also been introduced
as a modern concept. |
| Modern technology and chemical inputs enabled us to produce
more food in lesser time. But within 25 years of their use,
there is a question mark on the sustainability of these fast
methods of food production. |
| All those who have adopted modern methods are now forced to
use increasing quantities of modern inputs, even to maintain
their current levels of production. |
| The modern technology leading to increased production on one
hand and continuously increasing cost of production on other
hand is affecting the very basic viability of food production
system. |
| Large productive land areas are turning into barren lands
due to excessive use of inputs. This is definitely affecting
the long term food security. |
| Agriculture sector engages the largest number of human resource.
For a large majority of them, production of food is turning
into a struggling pre-occupation. |
| World over, almost every Government has been forced to subsidize
agri-sector, India is no exception. Subsidies are given for
inputs, mostly produced by large and organized private sector
industries. |
| Despite ever increasing burden-flow of subsidy, while on one
hand producers are continuously becoming poorer, on other hand
consumers are also complaining about the ever increasing cost
of living. But only all private industry players are showing
increasing growth and profits. Is’nt it surprising? |
| Organic Standards requires that a producer will rely on inputs
produced at the farm itself. Only this one practice can alone
eliminate/reduce the dependence on inputs produced by the industries. |
| For a successful organic producer, a large diversity of activities
on the farm unit is not only recommended but is also a prerequisite.
Adoption of this practice diversifies the avenues for income
even for small farmers. |
| Conservation and recycling of natural resource under organic
management requires incremental human efforts. This practice
increases the number of man-days employed on the farm. Substituting
many expensive inputs as well as resulting into savings in cash
expenses |
| Organic production and handling requires direct trade relationships.
This eliminates the need for multiple number of middle men in
the organic value chain. This practice offers the scope for
substantial reduction in the cost of non-productive intermediary
activities. |
| Direct trade with organized industries offers the scope for
introduction of modern logistics and supply chain management
practices. This practice will reduce the losses suffered during
production to consumption by farm sector. |
| Direct trade, certification mark and delivery of packaged
food products to consumers offers the scope for elimination
of adulteration, price manipulation, contamination, etc. |
| Organized retailing of certified organic food would require
fair amount of processing. This will add value benefitting everyone
in the entire organic value chain. |
