Organic Farming For Sustainable Agricultural Production

Organic farming is an integrated system of agricultural production based on ecological principles, promotion of biodiversity, biological cycles and organic matter recycling to maintain and improve soil fertility and environmental sustainability. The regulations for organic crop cultivation prohibit the use of chemo-synthetic pesticides, mineral fertilizers, growth promoters and Genetically Modified Organism. Indiscriminate use of these chemicals in conventional farming poses a serious threat to the quality of produce as well as the environment. Concern about food safety and security and environmental sustainability is increasing among scientist, administrator and environmentalist. In view of this, the course is designed to train students on organic farming practices, quality analysis of the products, environmental impact assessment, health benefit of the organic food etc. After successful completion of the course, the students should be able to design resource efficient farming system for small and marginal farmers for improving their economy while meeting the quality food demand in a sustainable environment.INTENDED AUDIENCE :Undergraduates and Post graduates in Agricultural and Food Engineering, Agricultural Science and Environmental SciencePREREQUISITES : NIL

Week 1 : Organic Farming: Concepts and principles of organic farmingWeek 2 : Key indicators of sustainable agriculture, organic farming and climate changeWeek 3 : Input management; compost production, vermicomposting, Compost quality, Compost utilization and marketingWeek 4 : Organic crop management: field crops, horticulture and plantation cropsWeek 5 : Plant protection measures, biopesticides, natural predators, cultural practiceWeek 6 : Rotation design for organic system, Transition to organic agriculture, farming systemWeek 7 : Quality analysis of organic foods, Antioxidants and their natural source, organic food and human healthWeek 8 : Standards of organic food and marketing