The Organic Roadmap to Sustainability in Agriculture: Evidence from Bihar

Organic farming is being practiced in 141 countries of the world today. The ill-effects' of chemicals used in agriculture have changed the mindset of some consumers of different countries who are now buying organic with high premium for health. Policy makers are also promoting organic farming for restoration of soil health and generation of rural economy apart from making efforts for creating better environment. It is emphasized that green manure saves 50-100% nitrogen and improves soil physical properties. Simple inoculation with Rhizobium/Azotobacter can increase productivity by 10 to 20 %. In addition, insect pest and disease incidence can decrease with the use of organic sources. Groundwater contamination with fertilizer and pesticides residues are posing threat to soil health and ultimately to human beings may be prevented under organic farming. Therefore, organic farming using manures, legumes, crop residues, off farm organic wastes and bio-pesticide, should be used to produce adequate food grains along with the conservation of the natural resources.