Bhopal’s Organic Farming is Booming as Farmers Hope for Market Expansion

Madhya Pradesh is witnessing an increase in organic farming, though in a gradual manner. Farmers are now becoming increasingly interested in implementing organic farming methods. Since a sizable portion of consumers prefers to eat organic food to stay healthy, the state government is also making every effort to promote organic farming.

What's more intriguing is that the state is making ripples in organic farming practices even at the national level. At the national level, there is a huge demand for the state's organic products. Wheat cultivated organically is growing in popularity among consumers.

According to the agricultural department's website, a movement was started in the state in 2001–2002 to start organic farming in one village in each development block and district. These villages were known as "Organic Villages."

Organic farming was practiced in 1565 villages throughout the state by 2003–2004. Later, an upward trend in the number of villages practicing organic farming was visible. The state government had even established a policy on organic farming to entice farmers to adopt the newest type of farming.

In the meantime, farmer leaders are concerned about the viability of organic farming since they claim it's challenging for organic farmers to find a suitable market. Anil Yadav, the leader of the Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU), told Free Press that the government must give farmers access to a platform for the marketing of organic products so that they may at least receive the appropriate price.

Farmers typically use fertilizers to achieve bumper crop yield. Production rates decline with organic farming. Farmers therefore want the government to develop a strong organic farming policy so that the tillers won't have to jump through hoops to get the prices they want for their organic products.

Organic farming techniques give farmers access to higher-quality, more plentiful products that can fetch a higher price. Due to this, they were also able to reduce their farming expenses. In a nutshell, it's the most successful and long-term strategy for farmers to advance.