Economic impact of organic farming in Kerala a micro level analysis

Abstract

The sustainability of farmer’s agriculture and economic condition has been worsening over the last few decades in Kerala. After the green revolution a dramatic changes in the agricultural sector. Over consumption of pesticides and fertilizers have increased the input cost of the farm production and deteriorated soil health. The input cost used in agricultural production seems crucial for small and marginal farmers. This dragged them into poverty trap and food security problems among the farmers in Kerala. Conversion of Kerala rural agriculture into sustainable agriculture, organic farming might panacea that can create a sustainable agriculture and reimburse the production and sustainability of soil. Most of the studies in this area rarely addressed the economic impact of organic farming in Kerala. In this context, the present study is a micro level study aimed with assessing the economic impact of organic farming in Kerala. The study conducted in the four districts such as Thriruvanthapuram, Thrissur, Alapuzha and Wayanad.The study used both quantitative and qualitative approaches for the collection and analysis of data. The study found that the foremost was the conviction of the farmers for conserving the agro-ecosystem and its sustainability and the capability of organic farming to reduce environment pollution and ill effects of pesticides and produce chemical free safe food. Crop diversity was very high in farms and homesteads. Four case studies revealed that the farmers groups helped in organizing the organic farmers groups and providing land holdings support in production, grading, marketing through organic bazaar, eco-shops. Kudumbashree units and self helps groups’ plays crucial role in promoting organic farming in Kerala. The productivity and profitability of Kerala organic farms are normal profits. The conversion period output was too low. The study revealed that organic farming is profitable in long run. The study found that there are various types of constraints faced by the organic farmers in Kerala. They are: (1) social constraints; (2) personal constraints; (3) ecological constraints; (4) technological constraints; (5) economic constraints; (6) certification constraints and (7) marketing constraints. The constraints faced by the organic farmers are lack of reliable package of practices of organic farming, Non-availability of organic farming input, lack of awareness of grading and food quality standards. The advocacy strategies suggested for implementing the organic farming in Kerala is through minimum common programmes guaranteed by the government. Organic farming is a best alternative measure to promote safe food to health and to conserve the nature. Based on these findings, the study argues that organic farmers should introduce innovative methods to survive and surmount in sustainable agriculture. Along with that government should initiate geographic and farmer specific policies to accelerate the growth of organic farming in Kerala.