Organic farming in India: Catalysts that can help in transition

Abstract

Organic farming has been receiving policy support from both the central and state governments in India since 2005. The shift in policy thrust from conventional chemical-input based farming to organic farming comes as a response to the sustainability concerns surrounding Indian agriculture. Despite this, organic farming remains niche, with less than 2% of the net sown area in the country under organic production. This paper suggests market-based instruments—which have been successful in inducing changes in farming practices in some countries across the globe—as complementary policy mechanisms for catalysing the transition to organic farming in India.