Integrated Organic Farming System

The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare developed Integrated Organic Farming System (IOFS) for the benefit of farmers. IOFS is a model that consists of providing crop, cropping systems and one acre of land. The model was developed under the scheme All India Network Program on Organic Farming (AL-NPOF). The program was developed by the Indian Institute of Farming Systems Research and shall be used in different States in India.

Need for Organic Farming

Organic farming is a holistic approach that sustainably enhances productivity. The idea of organic farming is not new to India. However, after the rise of synthetic fertilisers and pesticides, the organic farming method faded away. The use of synthetic farming method produced a bulk amount of food grains but decreased soil health. To create sustained fertility for the soil, organic farming methods should be shifted in place of synthetic methods.

To increase the fertility of crop growth, the organic farming method can be used. This method of farming will also benefit the farmers by bringing them a premium price for crops. The organic produce will also help the farmers to fetch International price up to 200% in favour of the farmers. Through IOFS, GoI provides opportunities for the states in India as per the production needs. The IOFS can be used especially by the North Eastern States of the country.

Scope of Organic farming

Organic farming methods act as an alternative source for pesticides, growth regulators, and synthetic fertilisers. It has facilitated the farmers with new measures related to soil health. It also helps to reduce the diseases created because of the artificial production of vegetables and fruits.

This will have a scope to increase soil fertility and more fertile lands for farming with the production of a good amount of organic products. The fertility of the soil will be maintained by returning all the nutrients through composts. This would enhance the fertility of the soil and will produce natural nutrients to the growing plant.

Pest management and disease management in organic farming methods will help to avoid the use of pesticides to grow crops. Through organic farming, the following practices shall be followed:

The rotational growing of crops, mixed growing of crops such as rice and pulses, soybean and ginger, maize, beans and other crops.
Manuring the soil with organic composts to increase the fertility of the soil.
Before cropping selection of crops, disease-resistant crops shall be selected for planting.
Naturally occurring extracts of the plant and minerals should be used for biological control methods.

Different regions in India have a variety of scope for the green revolution through integrated organic farming methods. IOFS adopted in different regions is explained as follows.

Integrated Organic farming in Kerala

The following are the crops included for the IOFS model for the state of Kerala:

S. No.	Crops
1	Turmeric
2	Coconut
3	Yam
4	Vegetable cowpea
5	Fodder
6	Banana and
7	Tapioca

IOFS model also covers livestock (2 cows) for Calicut in Kerala. The model has aimed to generate a net income of Rs. 1,23,00 lakhs per acre. It has also aimed to cover 89% of the seeds used for planting, other planting materials and nutrients required for the soil and plants.

Integrated Organic Farming in Meghalaya

The following are the crops, vegetables and fruits included for the IOFS model for the state of Meghalaya on the one-acre land:

Crops:

S. No.	Crops
1	Rice-lentil
2	Rice-pea
3	Maize
4	Soybean
5	French bean

Vegetables:

S. No.	Vegetables
1	Tomato
2	Cabbage
3	Cauliflower
4	Broccoli
5	Brinjal
6	Chilli
7	Spinach
8	Carrot
9	Pumpkin
10	Bitter gourd

Fruits:

S. No.	Fruits
1	Assam lemon
2	Papaya
3	Peach
4	Guava

For livestock, the IOFS model includes one milch cow & 1 calf. IOFS model for fishery includes 0.046 hectares of land, and it has been established Umiam, Meghalaya. The IOFS model has recorded a net income of Rs.73,903 per year. The IOFS model also includes 80% of the seeds, planting materials required for cropping and nutrients for the soil.

Integrated Organic Farming in Sikkim

In Sikkim, a 1.25 acre of land has been used for the integrated organic farming model. The following are the crops produced in Sikkim:

S. No.	Crops
1	Rice
2	Pea
3	Potato
4	Toria
5	Maize
6	Soybean
7	Coriander
8	Radish
9	Broccoli
10	Fenugreek
11	Cauliflower
12	Beetroot
13	Spinach
14	Buckwheat

For livestock, IOFS model includes two cows and 50 poultry birds. Through the IOFS model, the net income has been aimed at Rs.1,37,000 per year.

Integrated Organic farming in Tamil Nadu

In Tamil Nadu, one acre Integrated Organic Farming System model is used for the following crops and fruit:

S. No.	Crops
1	Okra
2	Coriander
3	Maize
4	Cotton
5	Fodder grasses (CoCN4 and Desmanthus)
6	Banana

For livestock, the IOFS model includes two cows, vermicomposting and boundary plantations. The model shall aim to produce a return of Rs.1,68,669 per acre. Hence the system generates about 84% of the organic products, seeds used, nutrients, and other botanical formulations for disease-free crops.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Integrated Organic Farming System.

The Integrated Organic Farming System (IOFS) is a model developed by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare, Government of India, for the benefit of farmers. It consists of providing crop, cropping systems, and one acre of land for organic farming practices. The model aims to enhance productivity through sustainable and holistic organic farming methods.

Organic farming is a holistic approach that sustainably enhances productivity while maintaining soil health. It serves as an alternative to synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, which can degrade soil fertility over time. Organic farming methods help create sustained fertility for the soil, increase crop growth, and fetch premium prices for farmers in the domestic and international markets.

Some of the key practices followed in organic farming under IOFS include rotational and mixed cropping, using organic composts for soil fertility, selecting disease-resistant crop varieties, and utilizing naturally occurring plant extracts and minerals for biological control of pests and diseases.

IOFS provides opportunities for different states in India based on their production needs and regional conditions. For example, the IOFS model in Kerala focuses on crops like turmeric, coconut, yam, and livestock. In Meghalaya, it includes rice, lentils, vegetables, fruits, and fishery. The model in Sikkim encompasses a diverse range of crops, along with livestock and poultry.

Organic farming methods help maintain soil fertility by returning all the nutrients through composts, enhancing the fertility of the soil and providing natural nutrients to the growing plants. It also offers alternatives for pest management and disease management, avoiding the use of synthetic pesticides, which can be harmful to the environment and human health.

IOFS models aim to generate substantial net income for farmers through organic farming practices. For instance, the IOFS model in Kerala targets a net income of Rs. 1,23,00 lakhs per acre, while in Sikkim, the goal is to achieve a net income of Rs. 1,37,000 per year from a 1.25-acre land.

Organic farming methods are crucial for India's agriculture sector as they offer a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to conventional farming practices that rely heavily on synthetic inputs. Organic farming can help address issues like soil degradation, water pollution, and the impact of chemical residues on human health.

IOFS models aim to provide farmers with a significant portion of the seeds, planting materials, and nutrients required for organic farming practices. For example, the IOFS model in Kerala covers 89% of the seeds, planting materials, and nutrients, while in Meghalaya, it includes 80% of these inputs.

Many IOFS models incorporate livestock, such as cows, poultry, and calves, as part of the integrated farming system. Livestock can contribute to organic manure production, income generation through dairy and poultry products, and overall farm sustainability.

Farmers interested in adopting IOFS practices can seek guidance and support from government agencies, agricultural universities, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) working in the field of organic farming. Additionally, they can attend training programs, workshops, and demonstrations organized by these institutions to gain practical knowledge and skills.