As our state pursues the vision of becoming a Vikashit Odisha by 2047, the sustainability of its agricultural sector has become a matter of national importance. Agriculture today is expected to produce more food while conserving natural resources, improving farmers’ incomes and addressing climate change. Achieving all these objectives through conventional farming alone is becoming increasingly difficult.
In this context, organic farming is no longer a niche movement; it is emerging as a strategic pathway towards sustainable agricultural development.
For Odisha, the transition carries particular significance. With its rich biodiversity, diverse agro-climatic zones and a long tradition of low-input farming, the state possesses many of the natural advantages required for expanding organic agriculture. If supported by appropriate policies, market linkages and scientific interventions, organic farming can become a key driver of rural prosperity and contribute meaningfully to the vision of a Vikashit Odisha.
Before the widespread use of synthetic fertilisers and pesticides, farming in Odisha depended largely on locally available resources. Farmyard manure, compost, crop residues, green manuring and traditional botanical formulations sustained soil fertility and protected crops from pests. These practices not only maintained ecological balance but also preserved soil health, groundwater quality and biodiversity. More importantly, they produced food with minimal environmental impact.
The market dynamics are equally encouraging. Consumer demand for safe and residue-free food has grown rapidly in India and across international markets. Organic products command premium prices, creating opportunities for farmers to improve their incomes through value addition and niche marketing. According to an official estimate, India had around 10.17 million hectares under organic production during 2023-24, making it one of the world’s leading countries in terms of organically managed area. The domestic organic food market is also expanding steadily as urban consumers increasingly prioritise health and nutrition.
Organic Certification remains one of the most crucial components of organic agriculture. Consumers are willing to pay a premium only when they trust that products genuinely meet recognised organic standards. India’s National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) provides internationally accepted certification through accredited certification bodies , while the Participatory Guarantee System (PGS-India) enables groups of small farmers to certify produce for domestic markets through Regional Councils. Strengthening awareness about these systems and reducing certification costs can significantly improve farmers’ access to premium markets.
Odisha can address this gap by establishing dedicated organic markets, supporting Farmer Producer Organisations, encouraging farmer cooperatives, strengthening processing and packaging facilities, and creating reliable branding for certified organic products. Digital platforms and e-commerce can further connect farmers directly with consumers, reducing dependence on intermediaries.
The participation of young entrepreneurs, startups present another promising opportunity. Across Odisha, many youth are establishing enterprises producing vermicompost, biofertilisers, organic pesticides and value-added organic foods. Such rural enterprises generate employment while reducing dependence on external agricultural inputs. With appropriate financial support, incubation facilities and skill development programmes, these enterprises can become engines of rural economic growth.
The future of Odisha’s agriculture will ultimately depend not only on how much it produces but also on how sustainably it produces. Healthy soils, clean water, biodiversity conservation and safe food must become central indicators of agricultural success. Organic farming provides an opportunity to achieve these goals while creating new markets, generating rural employment and enhancing farmers’ incomes. Vikashit Odisha cannot be built without prosperous villages, and prosperous villages require sustainable agriculture. By investing in organic farming, strengthening certification systems, improving market access and empowering farmers through science and innovation, Odisha can position itself as a national leader in sustainable agriculture. In doing so, the state would demonstrate that economic growth and environmental stewardship are not competing objectives but complementary pillars of long-term development.
(Views expressed by the columnist are personal and do not necessarily reflect the opinion or policy of the news portal)
