India has rapidly advanced organic farming due to its traditional and unique agricultural practices. With the rise in population and food consumption, the food industry has created a demand for organically produced and chemical-free food. Therefore, organic farming has become vital to the agricultural revolution and the achievement of the vision of an organic state of India. Certain regions in India have emerged as leaders in organic agriculture, sustainability, and food security.
This blog will cover India’s Best Organic Farming States, showcasing how each contributes to making the organic state in India a reality.
Top 10 Organic Farming States In India
Organic farming is revolutionizing agriculture in India by focusing on sustainable, chemical-free practices. Several states have taken the lead in this green movement, driving health, environmental benefits, and food security. Here are the top 10 states championing organic farming in India.
Sikkim: First Organic State of India
The first organic farming state in India is Sikkim, below all reports, a small Himachal state in the North East of India. It is famed for being India’s first fully organic state. Sikkim became the first state to go all organic in 2016, and after this, the whole of Sikkim has started to use organic farming methods in all agricultural lands of the region. The story of Sikkim is successful due to the favorable climate, the absence of industrial pollution, and government investment in the area. Sikkim’s commitment has not only changed the investment landscape of the state but also opened up new frontiers in tourism as more and more people keen to know about organic farming visit the state.
Sikkim is the frontrunner of organic farming in India. With over 75,000 hectares of area under organic farming in India set aside for organic farming. As a state, Sikkim has proved that with the right focus, economies can grow while remaining environmentally friendly.
Himachal Pradesh: A Pioneer in Organic Farming
Himachal Pradesh has also made important contributions to organic farming in India. The state is famous for trading apples and having very productive agriculture. With the addition of other advancements in the fruit and vegetable segments, they have also made strides towards organic farming. So, the state of Himachal Pradesh now has large areas of Kullu, Kangra, and Mandi districts practicing organic agriculture.
The combination of favorable climate and government assistance has promoted organic farming in the region. Now, the state aims to expand the organic farming area by 2025, advocate practices advantageous to soil health, and reduce chemical fertilizers.
Uttarakhand: State Promoting Organic Farming Ecosystem
Uttarakhand’s landscape is another reason it has strong competition in the organic farming sector of India; the rough terrain, along with abundant crops, aids in a perfect organic farming environment. The state is known for various organic fruits, vegetables, and medicinal crops. Like many other states, Uttarakhand has also joined the league in promoting organic farming by starting schemes to aid farmers.
Engagement in organic farming has sharply increased in Nainital and Almora, as with several organic farming regions. With the aid of government certification for organic farming, the farmers have easily accessed premium markets.
Kerala: From Science To Sustainable Farming Champion
Kerala is well-known for its business products, such as rubbers, spices, and coconuts. Over the years, Kerala has managed to position itself as an organic farming state as well. Specifically in these areas, the Wayanad and Idukki districts of Kerala are targeted for farming organic spices, vegetables, and fruits.
The State of Kerala has provided financial assistance for organic fertilizers and sponsored an organic certification to promote organic farming. This has increased the total area of land embraced in organic farms, and Kerala is poised to become the organic farming hub of South India.
Madhya Pradesh: A Developing Hub of Organic Farming
Because of the extensive agriculture, Madhya Pradesh is referred to as the Granary of India, and organic farming is starting to develop in MP. This region is known for bulk conventional farming but is now practiced in Jabalpur, Sehore, and Chhindwadi districts.
The organic sector in MP suffers from lags, and the government is trying to boost organic agriculture by training and encouraging the farmers to opt for new methods. There is optimism that with more organic farmers, the organic farming business in Madhya Pradesh will expand gradually.
Maharashtra: A Region Beginning to Embrace Organic Farming
Maharashtra, one in the top rank of India’s agricultural production, has also ventured into organic farming over the last few years. The state is famous for growing cotton, pulses, and vegetables and for making strides in developing organic farming in Maharashtra. The emphasis has been on producing organic cotton and vegetables in Nashik and Pune districts.
The government of Maharashtra is promoting organic farming through various schemes and taking all the necessary steps for its realization by farmers. For this purpose, numerous organic farming fairs are organized to facilitate farmers from different parts of the country to attend, look for sustainable techniques, and learn about organic certification.
Nagaland: State with Tremendous Potential In Organic Agriculture
From the Northeastern part of India, Nagaland has taken a great stride in organic farming. The state is known for its rich culture and traditional farming style. Most Naga farmers have employed techniques incorporating organic farming methods for decades. Currently, Nagaland is one of the leading states in the country in terms of quantity and quality of organic products produced.
Organic farming of rice, vegetables, and fruits has made the state’s organic farming practices stand out to the country. The state government has assisted organic farmers in India, which has led to a considerable increase in the country’s organic farming area by providing training and subsidies.
Bihar: A New Acclaimed Organic Farming Region
In recent years, Bihar has shown remarkable development in organic farming practices. The state has abundant water supply and fertile land, which provides a great opportunity for Organic farming. There is a steep increase in the interest of districts such as Patna, Gaya, and Bhagalpur towards organic farming.
In addition, the government of Bihar has introduced many measures to increase organic farming in Bihar, such as granting organic certification to farmers and financial assistance to promote organic farming methods.
Gujarat: The New Era of Organic Farming
Once solely identified with cotton and groundnut, Gujarat has also made remarkable progress in organic farming. With the farmers focusing more on organic farming endeavors like cotton, groundnuts, and vegetables, organic farming in Gujarat is gaining acceptance. Farmers are also being supported by purchasing organic fertilizers and training sessions, which significantly assist in bridging the gap.
Organic farming in Gujarat is further supported by private firms supplying organic inputs and certification services, contributing to the boost in state organic farming.
Rajasthan: Broadening The Scope Of Organic Farming
Rajasthan, widely known for its desert regions and dry areas, is now paying attention to organic farming because of soil erosion and water depletion. There has been an increase in organic farming in the state of Rajasthan concerning growing mustard, wheat, and pulses. The Rajasthan government has launched several schemes to promote the practice of organic farming in the state’s desert regions, which are incapable of supporting farming through traditional methods.
The initiatives aimed at promoting organic farming in the state have borne fruit as soil health management and water resource management have been embraced by more farmers.
Also, Read: Shifting Cultivation in India: An Traditional Practice in Modern Times
