Organic Agriculture

Soil Revival Through Organic Agriculture:

The Indian Perspective India faces a pressing soil health crisis. Over 120 million hectares of the country's arable land is affected by degradation, accounting for 36% of total cultivable land (ICAR). The depletion of micronutrients like zinc, iron, and manganese in Indian soils due to chemical-intensive farming has led to an 18-20% decline in crop yields over the last two decades.

Organic farming offers a lifeline to reverse these trends. A long-term study conducted by ICAR and the Indian Institute of Soil Science (IISS) found that organic farming increases soil organic carbon (SOC) by 30-40% within five years. Higher SOC levels improve nutrient cycling and microbial biomass, which are critical for soil fertility. Moreover, organic practices reduce soil erosion by 22-26%, particularly in regions prone to heavy rainfall, such as the Western Ghats.

In India, organic manure application has been shown to reduce soil compaction, enhance root penetration, and increase water-holding capacity by up to 40%, benefiting crops like wheat, paddy, and maize. These improvements are especially significant in rainfed agricultural regions, which constitute 60% of India's cultivated land.

Organic Agriculture and Soil Health in Kerala

Kerala's unique agroecological landscape makes it highly sensitive to soil health challenges. The state's high rainfall and undulating terrain have resulted in severe soil erosion, with an estimated 25 tonnes of topsoil lost per hectare annually. The overuse of chemical fertilizers has further exacerbated soil acidification, particularly in paddy fields and plantation areas. Organic agriculture has emerged as a key strategy to tackle these challenges in Kerala. The Haritha Keralam Mission, launched in 2016, prioritizes organic farming to combat soil degradation. One of its flagship initiatives is the promotion of biofertilizers, such as vermicompost and green manure, which have increased soil organic matter in degraded lands by up to 32%.

In Wayanad, the "Jaiva Jeevitham" program, implemented by the Kerala Agricultural University, has demonstrated that organic farming practices can enhance soil microbial activity by 25-30% in just three years. These microbes play a vital role in nutrient cycling, breaking down organic matter into forms readily available for plant uptake. Moreover, Kerala has been a pioneer in promoting traditional soil restoration techniques. Farmers in Alappuzha have revived the use of azolla, a nitrogen-fixing aquatic fern, to restore fertility in rice paddies. Similarly, in the hilly terrains of Idukki, organic farming practices like mulching and intercropping have reduced soil erosion by nearly 40%, preserving the region’s fragile ecosystem.

Microbial Activity: The Heart of Soil Revival

One of the defining features of organic farming is its ability to boost microbial diversity and activity in the soil. These microorganisms are essential for breaking down organic matter, fixing nitrogen, and suppressing soil-borne pathogens. Studies by the Rodale Institute in the U.S. indicate that organic soils harbor 50-60% more microbial biomass than conventionally farmed soils.

In Kerala, research conducted by the Kerala Forest Research Institute (KFRI) revealed that the application of cow dung and other organic fertilizers increased populations of beneficial microbes, such as Rhizobium and Mycorrhizae, by 45% in organic farms compared to conventional ones. These microbes improve nutrient availability, particularly phosphorus and nitrogen, leading to healthier and more productive soils.

A Climate-Resilient Approach

Organic agriculture not only restores soil health but also enhances its resilience to climate change. Healthy soils act as carbon sinks, with the potential to sequester up to 3.1 gigatonnes of CO2 annually globally, according to the IPCC. In India, organic farming systems have been shown to increase carbon sequestration rates by 15-20%, particularly in dryland areas.

In Kerala, initiatives like the promotion of biochar—a form of charcoal used as a soil amendment—are helping farmers improve soil structure and increase carbon storage. Biochar application has improved soil organic carbon content by 28% in trials conducted in Palakkad, one of the state's key agricultural districts.

Kerala's Policy Push for Soil Health

The Kerala Organic Farming Policy of 2008 has laid the foundation for the state’s soil restoration efforts. The policy promotes integrated nutrient management practices, such as the combined use of organic fertilizers and microbial inoculants. Subsidies for organic manure production and training programs for farmers are further driving the adoption of sustainable practices.

The state has also implemented a "Soil Health Card Scheme" to monitor and improve soil quality. Over 1.2 million soil health cards have been distributed to farmers, providing detailed data on soil nutrient status and tailored recommendations for organic interventions. Conclusion Organic agriculture offers a transformative solution to the global soil health crisis, restoring fertility, enhancing resilience, and fostering sustainable food production. In Kerala, the adoption of organic practices is not only reversing decades of soil degradation but also preserving the state’s rich agricultural heritage. By scaling these efforts and integrating them with modern scientific advances, organic agriculture has the potential to create healthier soils and a more sustainable future for generations to come.

A Global Perspective on Organic Agriculture and the Environment

The worldwide degradation of soil due to conventional farming is alarming: over 33% of the Earth's soil is moderately to highly degraded (FAO). Practices such as excessive use of chemical fertilizers, monocropping, and over-irrigation have led to nutrient depletion, salinity, and reduced productivity. Organic farming, however, relies on crop rotation, green manure, and composting to enrich soil fert

Globally, the adoption of organic farming is increasing. As of 2022, over 76 million hectares of agricultural land are under organic management, with countries like Australia, Argentina, and Spain leading in acreage. Studies by the Rodale Institute in the U.S. show that organic soils sequester 26% more carbon than conventional soils, making organic agriculture a vital tool in mitigating climate change.

The United Nations estimates that by 2050, organic agriculture could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40% if widely adopted. This is critical, as agriculture contributes nearly 20-25% of global emissions, particularly from methane (livestock) and nitrous oxide (chemical fertilizers).

Organic Agriculture in India: Environmental Impacts

Organic farming currently covers 2.78 million hectares in India, and the country ranks among the top 10 in terms of organic production. States like Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra lead in organic farming acreage. Organic agriculture has been shown to:

1. Increase soil organic carbon by 20-30%.

2. Improve water retention by 15-20%, reducing irrigation needs.

3. Enhance biodiversity by creating habitats for pollinators and beneficial insects.

Kerala, with its rich tradition of natural farming, is becoming a model for sustainable practices. The state’s Jaivakarshakan initiative, under the Kerala Organic Farming Policy (2008), supports farmers transitioning to organic methods. The "Subhiksha Keralam" project further emphasizes sustainable food production post-COVID, encouraging organic farming as a climate-resilient alternative.

Kerala’s Leadership in Organic Agriculture

Kerala is uniquely positioned to champion organic agriculture for environmental revival, owing to its biodiversity, high literacy rate, and government support. The state is already reaping benefits from organic practices:

1. Organic farming has contributed to the revival of the Vembanad Lake ecosystem, as reduced chemical runoff has led to the resurgence of fish populations.

2. The Haritha Keralam Mission emphasizes sustainable agricultural practices, watershed management, and waste reduction, aligning with organic principles.

3. In 2021, Kerala declared Kuttanad and Wayanad as model regions for organic farming, covering crops like paddy, spices, and vegetables.

Reviving Soil, Water, and Biodiversity

Soil Health

Soil degradation is a critical issue globally and locally. India loses 5.3 billion tonnes of soil annually due to erosion, much of which is linked to chemical-intensive farming. Organic farming restores soil health by increasing microbial activity and organic matter content. According to ICAR (Indian Council of Agricultural Research), organic farming improves soil organic matter by 2-3% annually, preventing erosion and enhancing productivity.

Water Quality

Chemical farming accounts for 60% of water pollution in India due to pesticide runoff. Organic farming reduces these pollutants, protecting aquatic ecosystems and ensuring cleaner water sources. In Kerala, organic practices in areas like the Periyar River Basin have reduced nitrate and phosphate pollution, supporting marine biodiversity.

Biodiversity

Organic farms host 30% more species than conventional farms (FAO). By avoiding synthetic pesticides and herbicides, organic agriculture promotes pollinators, beneficial insects, and soil organisms. Kerala's pepper plantations and cardamom hills are benefiting from organic methods, which are reestablishing habitats for endangered species like the Malabar Civet and Great Hornbill.

A Climate-Resilient Future

Organic agriculture not only restores the environment but also makes it more resilient to climate change. Kerala, which faces rising sea levels, erratic rainfall, and tropical cyclones, is adopting organic practices to buffer against these threats. Research from Kerala Agricultural University (KAU) shows that organic farms have 25% better resilience to droughts and floods, as organic soils retain more moisture and nutrients.

Organic agriculture is no longer just an alternative but a necessity for environmental revival. From reducing greenhouse gas emissions to enriching biodiversity, its benefits are profound. Kerala’s focused initiatives and India’s growing commitment to organic farming highlight the potential for a nationwide transformation. Globally, organic agriculture can reduce environmental degradation while ensuring sustainable food security. As the world moves toward a greener future, Kerala has the opportunity to lead by example, proving that organic agriculture is not just a method of farming but a comprehensive solution for restoring harmony between humans and nature.