ISSN- 2394-5125 VOL 7, ISSUE 12, 2020 INNOVATIONS IN NATURAL FARMING THROUGH VS. CHEMICAL FARMING: AN EMPIRICAL STUDY ON OF ODISHA

Mr. Prakash Jha1 , Dr. Manjusmita Dash2

1Research Scholar - Department of Business Administration, Utkal University, Vani Vihar – 751004, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India

2Faculty - Department of Business Administration, Utkal University, Vani Vihar – 751004, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India

Received: 14 March 2020 Revised and Accepted: 8 July 2020

ABSTRACT: Being the largest private sector ‗‘ enjoys a very important position in Indian economy. As it is having link from various sectors like production, processing and marketing; agriculture continuously dominate to change in the India. Agriculture is the main occupation in India as large population is living in the rural areas and having agriculture as their livelihood. Natural farming through organic farming development in the agriculture sector aims to increase the productivity, efficiency and level of employment and further aims to protect and preserve the natural resources by the over utilization of . The paper aims to study the significance of the natural farming through organic cultivation and a comparison with chemical farming in the field of agriculture.

KEYWORDS: Natural farming, Organic, , Biodiversity, Economic Sustainability, Social Sustainability.

I. INTRODUCTION

Agriculture occupies the most important position in Indian economy. The role of agricultural sector in Indian economy can be seen during its contribution to GDP (Gross domestic Product) and employment. This sector also contributes much to sustainable economic development of the country. The development of every country depends upon the judicious mix of their available natural resources. The big objective for the improvement of agriculture sector can be realize through rapid growth of agriculture which depends upon increasing the area of cultivation, cropping intensity and productivity. Although for a country like India, increasing productivity is more important than the rest of the two. This is simply because of increasing urbanization, industrialization and the limited land size of the country.

We can grow healthful food without depending too much on toxic chemicals and chemical with Natural Organic and Biological Farming systems. The knowledge and simple but practical technology in this manuscript can save crops and help to earn more from the garden and . Let‘s return to the ―Natural‖ ways. The growing market demand is for safe organically grown fruits and vegetables. It is not the intention of this paper to entirely eliminate the use of beneficial agricultural chemicals and fertilizers that help to suppress and control destructive pest and diseases and provide food nutrients to the plants.

Useful and predators of pests are killed together with the pests with the wide and intensive use of toxic agricultural chemicals. The surviving pest finds no natural enemies; thus, they increase rapidly resulting in more destructive infestation with more resistant pest to chemical control. We have to recognize the natural laws, governing and balance of nature, its biodiversity and life itself. These simplified guides can help farmers reduce their production cost and become self-reliant with renewable crop protection products they can grow and formulate in their own , together with their commercial crops and . They can also make their own fertilizers and soil amendments that will turn their land into productive farms. This can make farmers self-reliant and self-sustaining. Through Natural Farming, we can feed the increasing population of the world with healthful food free from toxic chemical residue.

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II. REVIEW OF LITERATURE

Fukuoka (1982) has explained the final principle of natural farming is NO PESTICIDES. As I've emphasized before, nature is in perfect balance when left alone. Of course, harmful insects and diseases are always present, but normally not to such an extent that poisonous chemicals are required to correct the situation. The only sensible approach to disease and insect control, I think, is to grow sturdy crops in a healthy environment. The ultimate goal of natural farming is not the growing of crops but the cultivation and perfection of human beings. Watson et al.,( 2008:3) Agricultural use of natural resources (soils, freshwater, air, carbon-derived energy)has, in some cases, caused significant and widespread degradation of land, freshwater, ocean and atmospheric resources. Estimates suggest that resource impairment negatively influences 2.6 billion people. Brussaard et al (2010:1) state that agriculture depends on natural capital invested in wild biodiversity and is enhanced by the interaction between human beings and the natural environment. They also reinforce that biodiversity is pivotal in sustaining agricultural production and the provision of services confirming the MEA (2005) proposition. This also supports the argument put forward by the Convention on Biological Diversity (2005) that biodiversity is a precursor and valuable component in agriculture for regulation of bioprocesses such as soil formation, nutrient cycling and pollination. Despite the crucial and essential value of biodiversity, UNEP (2007:12-13) points out that there is ―an increase in species extinction and reduction in agricultural genetic biodiversity‖. This is supported by Bartelmus (1994 citing McNeely et al., 1990) and UNEP (1992) Gliessmen (2007:13) points out that ―the loss of genetic diversity has occurred mainly because of conventional emphasis on short term productivity gains‖. It is clear that agriculture needs to adapt to ensure the regeneration and protection of . Gutierrez (2O11) discussed Natural farming uses local resources, but you have to give what the plants need, when they need it and in the right amounts." This system makes some inroads into decreasing our reliance on external inputs and improving the profitability of our local farms is important to consider. Mansata (2O14) has Natural farming is holistic and bio-diverse organic farming in harmony with nature. It is low-intervention, ecological and sustainable. In its purest advanced form, it is a ‗do-nothing‘ way of farming where nature does everything, or almost everything, so very little needs to be done by the . This can best be achieved in a progressive manner with tree crops. As Save explains, ―When a tree sapling planted by a farmer is still young and tender, it needs some attention. But as it matures, it can look after itself, and then it looks after the farmer.‖ Save (2006) addressed a detailed 8-page Open Letter (along with six annexes) to M.S. Swaminathan, then chairman of the National Commission on Farmers. This was at a time of an unrelenting wave of farmer suicides in various parts of India, particularly Vidarbha and Andhra Pradesh, but also Punjab, the frontline state of India‘s ‗‘, now turned black. Itoh(2018) highlighted that for a country that prides itself on a cuisine based on fresh, seasonal ingredients, the percentage of produce grown without the use of chemicals. Das(2010)support for ecologically sound measures that help increase the production of food commodities that are in short supply such as lentils, oilseeds and millet, through approaches like , will help rural communities address impoverishment. Agragamee‘s nascent initiatives in organic conservation agriculture with tribal farmers highlighted the farmer‘s interest and intuitive understanding of such an approach. Our early mistakes have only boosted enthusiasm amongst them to try again with deeper understanding, the next monsoon. This is where the support and partnership of government is required, for that will enable the positives from our experience to be of use in other parts of the country Dutt(2018) has elaborated natural farming is more cost effective and input efficient says Amarjeet Dhillon a small farmer from Dabrikhana village, who owns only two acres of land. For example, farmers having sugarcane and black gram in their farms have to spend virtually nothing on inputs asserts, Dhillon. He cites several examples where farmer had spend only Rs.100-200 on inputs for one acre as against Rs.3000 by a chemical farming farmer. "Some of us had stopped cash out flow to cities any more to purchase Urea, DAP and pesticides and thousands of others have reduced this out flow of cash in a big way", Wang, Duponte, Chang(2O12-2O13), the basic principle behind natural farming is to create a farming environment compatible with naturally occurring organisms in our farmland. Enhancement of indigenous microorganisms is more likely as compared to introducing alien beneficial organisms. Mendoza Transforming the practices of farmers, who are dependent on the use of synthetic chemical fertilizers and pesticides is not a simple, physical transformation. Farmers‘ awareness of the high cost of fertilizers and pesticides, the degradation of their soils, and the decline in their quality of life, has not provided sufficient motivation to shift from chemical-based farming to natural/organic farming practices. No studies have been done particularly related to my topic which I have selected for present research. It is a great challenge for me to collect sufficient data to fulfil my objectives.

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III. OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

Major objectives of this study include: a) To assess the current issues and challenges faced by the farmers in organic as well as chemical farming. b) To make a comparative study of agriculture based on fertilizers and plant protection through chemicals and organic farming. c) To study the effectiveness of natural (organic) farming for farmers in Odisha. d) To suggest the various innovative steps for natural (organic) farming.

IV. DATA ANALYSIS (Farmers and Chemists)

The data pertaining to the demographic profile of the farmer and chemists is relevant to an analysis of the understanding of respondents about the perceptions of innovations in natural farming -sustainable agriculture and management of natural resources. The demographic characteristics of the respondents are given in table 1. In gender, all the respondents are belongs to male i.e. 481 (100 percent). In Age, majority of age group are between 36 to 45 years i.e. 210 no.s (43.66) percent than coming 26 to 35 yrs i.e. 147 (30.56 percent) and less no. of respondents are coming below 25 yrs (2.49 percent) and above 55 yrs of age (1.87 percent). Further, in household size, majority of the respondents are having less than 3 256 (53.22 percent) than coming 3 to 5 i.e. 105 no.s(21.83 percent), then coming 5 to 9 i.e. 93 no.s(19.33 percent). Further, in education majority of the respondents are intermediate i.e. 379 no.s (78.79 percent), then coming post-graduation 57 no.s (11.85 percent).

In farming experience of farmers, the table reveals that majority of the farmers are having above 20 years of experience i.e. 233 no.s (48.44 percent), then coming 11 to 15 years i.e. 93 no.s (19.33 percent) and less number of farmers are having less htan 5 years farming experience i.e. 19 no.s (3.95 percent).

Table 1: Demographic Profile of farmers and chemists (N = 481) Cumulative Particulars Frequency Percent Percent Gender Male 481 100.0 100.0 Total 481 Age below 25 yrs 12 2.49 2.49 26 - 35 yrs 147 30.56 33.05 36 - 45 yrs 210 43.66 76.71 46 - 55 yrs 103 21.41 98.12 Above 55 yrs 9 1.87 100 Total 481 100 Household size less than 3 256 53.22 53.22 3-5 105 21.83 75.05 5-9 93 19.33 94.38 9 and more 27 5.61 100 Total 481 100 Qualification Intermediate 379 78.79 78.79 Graduation 39 8.11 86.9 Post-Graduation 57 11.85 98.75 Others 6 1.25 100 Total 481 100

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ISSN- 2394-5125 VOL 7, ISSUE 12, 2020 Work Experience less than 5 yrs 19 3.95 3.95 5 to 10 yrs 74 15.38 19.33 11 to 15 yrs 93 19.33 38.66 16 to 20 yrs 62 12.89 51.55 above 20 yrs 233 48.44 100 Total 481 100 Source: developed from the collected data

4.1. Type of cropping seasons The following table shows the number of respondents doing cultivation for kharif and rabi season. The results shows maximum of the respondents are doing cultivation to both kharif and rabi (92.10 percent), then coming kharif (6.20 percent ) and rabi (1.70 percent).

Table 2: Type of cropping seasons (farmers)

Particulars Frequency Percent Valid Percent

Kharif 30 6.20 6.20 Rabi 8 1.70 7.90 Kharif & Rabi 443 92.10 100.00 Total 481 100.0 Source: developed from the collected data

Source: developed from the collected data Fig. 1: Type of cropping seasons (farmers) 4.2. Products raised in cropping seasons (Paddy) The following table shows the number of products raised during kharif and rabi seasons. In kharif, majority of crops raised is between 5 to 10 no.s (37.10 percent), then coming less than 5 no.s (31.80 percent), less number of crops raised is more than 20 (10.70 percent). Table 3: No of products raised in Cropping Seasons Sl. Particulars No.s % Cum (%) Kharif < 5 148 31.80 31.80 5 - 10 173 37.10 68.90 1 10 - 15 71 15.20 84.10 15 - 20 24 5.20 89.30

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ISSN- 2394-5125 VOL 7, ISSUE 12, 2020 >20 50 10.70 100.00 Total 466 100.0 Rabi < 5 135 29.09 29.09 5 - 10 162 34.91 64.01 2 10 - 15 70 15.09 79.09 15 - 20 28 6.03 85.13 >20 69 14.87 100.00 Total 464 100.00 Source: developed from the collected data 40 37.1 34.91 35 31.8 29.09 30

25

20

15.2 15.09 14.87 15 10.7 10 6.03 5.2 5

0 Kharif 1 Total Rabi 2

Particulars %

Source: developed from the collected data Fig.2: Products raised in cropping seasons In rabi season, majority of the crops raised is also 5 to 10 no.s (34.91 percent), than coming less than 5 no.s (29.09 percent), 10 to 15 no.s (15.09 percent) and 15 to 20 no.s (6.03 percent).

4.3. Area of cultivation in Acres in both seasons Profit gained in farming (Natural and Chemical) The following table shows the result of profit gained in both natural and chemical farming. Table 4: Profit gained in farming (Natural and Chemical) Sl. Particulars No.s % Cum (%) Chemical farming Below 5000 419.0 87.1 87.1 5000 – 10000 4 0.8 87.9 1 10000 – 15000 34 7.1 95.0

15000 > 24.0 5.0 100.0

Total 481.0 100.0

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Natural farming

Below 5000 94.0 19.5 19.5

5000 – 10000 189 39.3 58.8 2 10000 – 15000 150 31.2 90.0 15000 > 48.0 10.0 100.0

Total 481.0 100.0 Source: developed from the collected data 100 87.1 90 80 70 60 50 39.3 40 31.2 30 19.5 20 7.1 10 10 5 0.8 0 Below 5000 5000 – 10000 – 15000 > Below 5000 5000 – 10000 – 15000 > 10000 15000 10000 15000 Chemical farming Natural farming

Source: developed from the collected data Fig.3: Profit gained in farming (Natural & Chemical) In natural farming, farmers are getting maximum profit above 15000 rupees (10.0 percent) in comparison to chemical farming in the same range. Similarly, with the range of profit from 5000 to 10000 (39.30 percent) and 10000 to 15000 rupees (31.20 percent) respectively. To make a comparative study of agriculture based on fertilizers and plant protection chemicals and natural farming.

Table 5: Comparison between chemical based farming and natural farming Area of cultivation Profit earned in ROI Sl. Type of farming in Acres in both Investment amount (Rs.) (%) seasons

1 Natural farming 262 336500 644500 192%

2 Chemical farming 4274 5258300 3584800 68%

Total 4536 5594800 4229300 260%

Source: compiled from the collected data The above table shows the return on investment in percent earned by the farmers in natural farming and chemical farming. The response ware collected from 481 number of farmers. The table shows that farmers earned percent in ROI in natural farming in comparison to chemical. Though the profit earned in chemical farming is more, but ROI is coming more in natural farming because investment is less. Also, chemical farming creates environment pollution and different types of disease to the human being. This leads to more cost of expenditure. Whereas, in natural farming though profit is less but it saves the environment from pollution. This reveals natural farming gives more return on investment in comparison to chemical farming. So, awareness should be created and should be spread.

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ISSN- 2394-5125 VOL 7, ISSUE 12, 2020 V. CONCLUSION

The needs to move from production oriented to profit oriented sustainable farming. The conditions for development of sustainable agriculture are becoming more and more favourable. New opportunities are opening the eyes of farmers, development workers, researchers and policy makers like Agri related businesses, , castle farming and fisheries through natural firming. To conclude, a small-farm management to improve productivity. Since the key question is how to use agriculture in support of a structural transformation of the economy, we began by examining the role played by agriculture in the development process and its interactions with other sectors.

The possibility of further land expansion to increase agricultural output will soon be exhausted and intensification will be the only way to increase productivity in the future. For its Green Revolution, India therefore needs high-yielding varieties that are adapted to local conditions. In addition, to guarantee adoption of such crop varieties and integrate small farmers into modern value chains, existing barriers—such as low education, missing infrastructure, lack of credit, and insurance markets—and insecure property rights have to be addressed. Also, new methods of disseminating information and learning, such as the use of communications technology in extension services, could foster adoption and profitable cultivation among farmers. Increasing productivity among small holders in developing countries would also be an instrument to guarantee food security in the long run.

VI. SUGGESTIONS

The issue of innovations in natural (organic) farming can be studied under three broad areas farming system which consist- traditional production system, modern agriculture system and sustainable agriculture system. Further we can compare them by three dimensions, ecological, economic and social sustainability. Ecological Sustainability under this we can say that most of the traditional practices are not ecologically sustainable. It does not use natural resources properly, reducing the fertility of soil which causes problem of . The innovations in natural farming in agricultural sector has come up to with major advantages to reduce the effect of these causes. Soil Erosion is the major problem in the agricultural sector. This can be rectified with the practices of natural (organic) farming. Major percentage of the fresh water is used in the irrigation purpose and and pesticides contaminate both surface and ground water. Natural farming facilitates to increase the quality of top soil, by facilitating to store and retain the rain water.

But still the challenges coming in adoption of such innovative approaches, like …

 Absence of risk-taking abilities among farmers.  Understanding of Value proposition long term benefit  Big data-based research to back the approach.  Absence of market linkage, Cold storage, infrastructure etc

These Challenges are to be addressed by adopting long term micro level planning for segmented pockets , like small marginal farmers to big commercial growers and efficient execution by extension of innovation experiences of their own through establishing some Metaphor based innovative marketing communication tools

In this area, exploring our own rich traditional knowledge based innovative approach being successfully presented by Sri Sri Natural Farming and Zero budget Agriculture by Subhash Palekar is gaining farmers trust over adopting natural ( Organic farming ). Even Govt of India has added and advocating this approach to double farming income in coming years.

VII. REFERENCES

[1] Bartelmus, P. Environment, Growth and Development. The Concepts and Strategies of Sustainability. Routeledge, London. Chapter 1.,1994.

[2] Brusssard, L. Caron, P., Campbell, B. Lipper, L., Mainka, S., Rudy, R. Babin, D. and Pulleman, M. (2010). Reconciling Biodiversity Conservation and Food Security: Scientific Challenges for New Agriculture. Current Opinion in Environmental Sustainability, Vol. 2, pp.1-9.

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ISSN- 2394-5125 VOL 7, ISSUE 12, 2020 [3] David Gutierrez (2011), Natural farming increases yields over conventional Natural farming increases yields over conventional, March 11, 2011.

[4] Dutt, S. (2018). : The of Sustainable Food Systems, 2nd Edition. [5] Gliessman, S. 2007. Agroecology:The Ecology of Sustainable Food Systems, 2nd Edition.CRC Press. New York [6] Gutierrez, M.C. (2011). Eco-agriculture: A review of its History and Philosophy. Biological Agriculture & Horticulture 1: 181–210.

[7] Itoh, S. (2018) Agroecology: Ecological Processes in Sustainable Agriculture. Ann Arbor Press, Michigan. [8] Mansata, P. (2014). Agricultural Intensification and Ecosystem Properties. Science 277(5325): 504–509. [9] Save, N., (2006). The concept of Agricultural Sustainability. Agriculture, Ecosystem and Environment. 46, 89–97.

[10] Vidhya Das (2010), Natural farming, tribal farming Info change & Features Agenda.

[11] Watson, R.T., Wakhungu, J. & Herren, H.R. (2008), International Assessment of Agricultural, Science and Technology for Development (IAASTD).

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