जैविक खेती में सूक्ष्मजीव नवाचार: रुझान और भविष्य की संभावनाएं

Organic farming in India is growing rapidly, driven by global demand for sustainable agriculture and healthier food. This shift supports environmental conservation, biodiversity, and increasing consumer awareness of health benefits.

As consumer demand for organic products increases and farmers recognize the long-term advantages of organic practices, the adoption of organic farming is anticipated to speed up. Microbial innovations are transforming organic farming by providing natural solutions for improving soil health, nutrient cycling, and pest/disease control, ultimately supporting sustainable and resilient agricultural.

Organic Farming in India: Present and Future

India's organic farming has deep roots in traditional sustainable practices. However, the Green Revolution popularized chemical inputs, boosting productivity but causing soil degradation and pollution. Growing awareness of these issues has led to a renewed interest in organic farming, focusing on natural inputs, biodiversity, and ecological balance.

The Indian government has been promoting the organic farming practices through initiatives like the National project on organic farming (NPOF), Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North East Region (MOVCD) and   Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY). These programs encourage farmers to embrace sustainable practices and minimize dependence on chemical inputs. March 2025, India has 1.76 million hectares under organic farming, with 3.63 million hectares in the process of conversion, and ranks sixth globally in terms of total area under organic farming cultivation, highest number of organic producers. Sikkim is the first fully organic state, and Madhya Pradesh leads in certified organic area. The growth of organic farming in India is driven by rising consumer awareness, government support, export opportunities, and environmental concerns. Health-conscious consumers, especially in urban areas, are increasing demand for chemical-free food. The government promotes organic agriculture through subsidies, training, and certification programs, with states like Sikkim and Kerala leading the way. India’s strong position in organic exports, particularly in spices, tea, coffee, and cotton, offers lucrative opportunities for farmers. Additionally, the shift to organic practices helps restore soil fertility, reduce pollution, and support biodiversity conservation (Figure 1).

Key Trends in organic farming:

• ·    Expansion of Organic Farmland – More states, like Sikkim, are increasing organic cultivation, with more farmers adopting organic practices.
• ·    Technological Innovations – Precision agriculture and mobile apps are improving farm efficiency and productivity.
• ·     Organic Certification and Branding – Certification boosts consumer trust, and branding helps farmers access premium markets.
• ·  Integration of Traditional Knowledge – Traditional practices like crop rotation and natural fertilizers are being combined with modern techniques for sustainability.
• ·    Collaborative Farming Models – Cooperative farming is gaining popularity, helping small farmers pool resources and strengthen rural communities.

Advancements Shaping the Future of Organic Farming

The future of organic farming in India is being transformed by innovative advancements that enhance accessibility, efficiency, and profitability:

• ·   Biofertilizers and Biopesticides – Natural inputs derived from microorganisms, plants, and minerals are replacing chemical fertilizers and pesticides. These solutions provide essential nutrients and protect crops without harming the environment. 
• ·   Humic Acid Solutions – Humic acid plays a vital role in organic farming by improving nutrient absorption, enhancing soil structure, and promoting plant growth.
• ·   Mycorrhizae and Trichoderma – Beneficial microorganisms like mycorrhizal fungi and Trichoderma support plant growth by enhancing nutrient uptake and protecting against soil-borne diseases. Their integration into organic farming practices strengthens crop resilience and productivity.
• ·  Organic Seeds and Planting Materials – The development of high-quality, disease-resistant organic seeds ensures better crop performance and sustainability. Advances in organic seed breeding and preservation are enabling farmers to cultivate resilient crops suited to local conditions.
• ·  Sustainable Water Management – Water-efficient practices such as drip irrigation, rainwater harvesting, and organic mulching are helping organic farmers optimize water use and reduce dependency on external sources, addressing water scarcity challenges in agriculture.
• ·   Digital Market Access – Online marketplaces, mobile apps, and e-commerce platforms are bridging the gap between organic farmers and consumers. These platforms provide direct sales opportunities, real-time market insights, and training resources, empowering farmers to secure better prices and expand their market reach.

Microbial Formulation in organic farming

Microbial formulations are essential in organic farming, enhancing soil health, stimulating plant growth, and minimizing dependence on synthetic chemicals. These formulations contain beneficial microorganisms that support sustainable and eco-friendly agricultural practices.

Biofertilizers, comprising Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) such as nitrogen-fixing bacteria (Rhizobium) and mycorrhizal fungi, form symbiotic associations with plant roots. These beneficial microbes promote plant growth through nutrient solubilization, pathogen suppression, and hormone production. By improving soil fertility, increasing crop yields, and protecting against pests and diseases, PGPR play a vital role in sustainable agriculture (Figure 2).

Key Benefits of Microbial Formulations in Organic Farming

1.      Enhanced Nutrient Availability & Soil Fertility

2.      Improved Plant Growth & Yield

3.      Natural Disease Control (Biocontrol)

4.      Soil Health Improvement

5.      Increased Stress Resilience

6.      Eco-Friendly & Sustainable Agriculture

7.      Cost-Effective Solution

8.      Bioremediation & Soil Restoration

Conclusion Future Prospects

Organic farming sustainable and eco- friendly alternative to conventional agriculture. Emphasizing soil health, animal welfare, biodiversity and reduce the chemical use. Its advantages, such as healthier produce, enhanced environmental health, and increased soil fertility. Addressing global food security and environmental issues. However Organic farming still faces challenges such as reduced yield. Higher production costs and limited access to certification.  To address these difficulties, innovation and research required to increase productivity and lower costs while preserving biological integrity. The future of organic farming appears hopeful, driven by growing consumer demand for health. Pesticides free food and awareness of environment suitability. Innovation in organic techniques, and supportive government policies and improved crop varieties and boost productivity and resilience.  As the globe deals with climate change soils degradation and biodiversity loss. organic farming is important role in creating a more resilient and sustainable agricultural system.

Reference

1.      Adetunji, C. O., Anani, O. A., Olaniyan, O. T., Inobeme, A., Olisaka, F. N., Uwadiae, E. O., & Obayagbona, O. N. (2021). Recent trends in organic farming. In Microbiological activity for soil and plant health management (pp. 507-545).

2.      Basu, A., Prasad, P., Das, S. N., Kalam, S., Sayyed, R. Z., Reddy, M. S., & El Enshasy, H. (2021). Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) as green bioinoculants: recent developments, constraints, and prospects. Sustainability, 13(3), 1140.

3.      Behl, K., Jaiswal, P., & Pabbi, S. (2024). Recent advances in microbial and nano-formulations for effective delivery and agriculture sustainability. Biocatalysis and Agricultural Biotechnology, 103180.

4.      Humic Factory (2024, Sep 10). The Future of Organic Farming in India: Trends and Innovations. Humic Factory. https://humicfactory.com/the-future-of-organic-farming-in-india-trends-and-innovations?srsltid=AfmBOorgTz4Gje70nsD38D-xP7jYU6yn1QfX3NVeZbmz5ttqqHdyon_-

Authors:

Jaygendra Kumar¹, Ritik Kushwaha¹, Jyotsana Tilgam^1*

¹ICAR-National Bureau of Agriculturally Important Microorganisms, Maunath Bhanjan, Uttar Pradesh 275103

*Corresponding author – This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.