1. United Nations Forum on Forests

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change is organising a Country-Led Initiative (CLI) event as part of the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF) from 26-28 October, 2023 at the Forest Research Institute (FRI), Dehradun, Uttarakhand.

United Nations Forum on Forests

• It promotes the management, conservation, and sustainable development of all types of forests.
• It was established in 2000 by the UN Economic and Social Council of the United Nations (ECOSOC).
• The Forum meets annually at the UN Headquarters in New York, bringing together representatives of all member states and forest-related agencies for high-level dialogue on technical matters in odd years and policy matters in even years.
• The forum has universal membership, and is composed of all Member States of the United Nations and specialized agencies.
• India is a founding member of UNFF. 

Country-Led Initiative (CLI)

• Its primary goal is to contribute to the discussions of UNFF regarding the implementation of Sustainable Forest Management and the UN Strategic Plan for Forests.
• It also aims to facilitate the sharing of best practises among UNFF member States for the implementation of SFM and UNSPF.
• This year, CLI will discuss thematic areas involving forest fires and forest certification.

2. National Cooperative Organics Limited

• The NCOL is a multipurpose initiative that aims to provide a platform to all the farmers doing natural farming across the country and to make arrangements for marketing of their products.
• It has been established under the Multi State Cooperative Societies Act, 2002 in 2023.
• It is headquartered at Anand, Gujarat.
• It will sell the organic products in India and later will market in other countries.
• About 50% of profits from sale of organic products through NCOL will be transferred directly to member farmers.
• It is being promoted by National Dairy Development Board.
• It covers the entire supply chain of organic products via activities ranging from aggregation, certification, production, testing, procurement, storage, processing, branding, packaging, labeling, marketing, etc for the ultimate benefit of farmer members.
• It is one of the three new cooperatives the government has set up, the other two cooperatives work in the field of certified seeds and exports.

Organic agriculture

Organic farming is a method of agriculture that relies on natural inputs and processes to produce crops without the use of synthetic chemicals, genetically modified organisms, hormones or antibiotics. Organic farming aims to enhance soil health, biodiversity, animal welfare and ecological balance, while minimizing environmental pollution and health risks.

In 2002, the government launched the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP), which aims to promote organic farming and increase the area under organic cultivation. As a result of these efforts, the area under organic cultivation in India has been increasing steadily. In 2019, the area under organic cultivation was 2.3 million hectares.

Benefits of organic farming in India

• Prevention of soil and water pollution due to elimination of use of chemicals that can leach into groundwater and surface water and contaminate the food chain.

• Conservation of disease-free and healthy biodiversity by maintaining a variety of crops, animals and microorganisms that can resist pests and diseases naturally, and provide ecosystem services such as pollination, nutrient cycling and pest control.
• Cost effectiveness due to the use of natural products such as animal manures, composts, biofertilizers, biopesticides and crop residues that are locally available and cheaper than synthetic inputs.

• It also reduces the dependence on external inputs and markets and increases the bargaining power of farmers.

• Maximisation of resource utilisation, thus high efficiency of this type of farming. Organic farming optimizes land, water, energy & labour with practices like crop rotation, intercropping, mulching, rainwater harvesting, vermicomposting & agroforestry, enhancing soil fertility, water retention, carbon sequestration & biomass production.
• Increased nutritional content of food by producing crops that have higher levels of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals than conventionally grown foods.

• Organic foods also have lower levels of pesticide residues, nitrates, heavy metals, hormones and antibiotics that can cause adverse health effects.

• Maintenance of soil fertility by improving the physical, chemical and biological properties of soil through organic matter addition, microbial activity, humus formation and soil structure improvement.

• Organic farming also prevents soil erosion, salinization and acidification that can degrade soil quality and productivity.

• Toxin-free food reduces health issues earlier caused by the absorption of toxins by crops. This improves the immunity, vitality and well-being of consumers who prefer organic foods for their safety and quality.
• Cheaper inputs, higher and more stable prices, and organization in farmer cooperatives. Organic farming reduces the input costs for farmers who can save on expensive chemicals and seeds.
• Helps in meeting twin challenges of food security and job creation, and poverty reduction. Organic farming can increase food production by improving crop yields and diversifying food sources. It can also create more employment opportunities for rural people by involving more labour-intensive activities such as weeding, composting and harvesting.

Challenges of organic farming in India

• Lack of awareness: Many farmers in India are not aware of the benefits of organic farming or how to transition to this method of production. This lack of awareness can make it difficult for farmers to adopt organic farming practices.

• High cost: The upfront costs of transitioning to organic farming can be high, as farmers may need to purchase new seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides. Additionally, organic farming may require more labour than conventional farming, which can also increase costs.
• Low yields: Organic farming typically produces lower yields than conventional farming, which can make it difficult for farmers to make a profit. This is because organic farming relies on natural processes to control pests and diseases, which can lead to crop losses.
• Market access: There is a limited market for organic produce in India, which can make it difficult for farmers to sell their products. This is because consumers are often not aware of the benefits of organic food or are willing to pay a premium for it.
• Government support: Though the government provides support for organic farming, which may not be adequate for adopting organic farming.

• It encounters a difficulty in certification, accreditation, labelling and marketing of organic products due to the lack of uniform standards, regulations and infrastructure.

• High transition period: It requires a transition period of at least three years to convert a conventional farm to an organic farm, during which the yield may decline.
• Lack of inputs availability: It suffers from a shortage of quality organic seeds, planting materials, bio-fertilizers, bio-pesticides and other organic inputs.

• It also faces a high risk of pest and disease outbreaks due to the absence of synthetic pesticides.

• Hard to compete with conventional farming: It competes with the conventional farming system, which is heavily subsidized and supported by the government policies and programs.

Measures to promote Organic farming

• Implementing organic farming policies in a staggered manner, with clear targets, incentives and regulations for organic production, certification and marketing.

• Strengthening soil health and guaranteeing water conservation system by using organic manures, bio-fertilizers, crop rotation, mulching, green manuring, composting and other techniques.
• Promoting organic farming and its benefits to the consumers through awareness programmes, labeling schemes, quality standards, price premiums, subsidies and market linkages.
• Supporting organic farmers through cluster-based approach, farmer producer organisations (FPOs), capacity building, post-harvest infrastructure, value chain development and export facilitation.
• Providing financial assistance for organic inputs, certification, mechanised compost production units and other components under various government schemes such as Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY), Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region (MOVCDNER), Capital Investment Subsidy Scheme (CISS) under Soil Health Management Scheme and National Food Security Mission (NFSM).

Indian Scenario Regarding Organic Farming

• Sikkim became the first State in the world to become fully organic in 2016.
• North East India has traditionally been organic and the consumption of chemicals is far less than the rest of the country.
• Similarly the tribal and island territories have been traditionally practicing organic farming.
• The major organic exports from India have been flax seeds, sesame, soybean, tea, medicinal plants, rice and pulses.
• There was an increase of nearly 50% in organic exports in 2018-19, touching Rs. 5151 crore.
• Commencement of exports from Assam, Mizoram, Manipur and Nagaland to UK, USA, Eswatini and Italy have proved the potential by increasing volumes and expanding to new destinations as the demand for health foods increases.
• Government Initiatives to Promote Organic Farming
• Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North East Region (MOVCD)
• Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North East Region (MOVCD-NER) is a Central Sector Scheme, a sub-mission under National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA)
• It was launched by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare in 2015 for implementation in the states of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim and Tripura.
• The scheme aims to develop certified organic production in a value chain mode to link growers with consumers and to support the development of the entire value chain.
• Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY)
• Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana, launched in 2015 is an elaborated component of Soil Health Management (SHM) of major project National Mission of Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA).
• Under PKVY, Organic farming is promoted through adoption of organic villages by cluster approach and Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) certification.
• Certification Schemes
• Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is the food regulator in the country and is also responsible for regulating organic food in the domestic market and imports.
• Participatory Guarantee System (PGS): PGS is a process of certifying organic products, which ensures that their production takes place in accordance with laid-down quality standards. PGS Green is given to chemical free produce under transition to ‘organic’ which takes 3 years. It is mainly for domestic purpose.
• National Program for Organic Production (NPOP): NPOP grants organic farming certification through a process of third party certification for export purposes.
• Soil Health Card Scheme has led to a decline of 8-10% in the use of chemical fertilizers and also raised productivity by 5-6%.
• Agri-export Policy 2018
• Focus on clusters and Marketing and promotion of “Produce of India” have positively impacted the organic farming in India
• One District - One Product (ODOP)
• The programme aims to encourage more visibility and sale of indigenous and specialized products/crafts of Uttar Pradesh, generating employment at the district level.
• The presence of aggregators is imperative to bring about economies of scale for the small and marginal farmers.
• PM Formalization of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PM FME)
• The Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) launched the PM FME scheme as a part of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan’.
• It aims to bring in new technology, apart from affordable credit to help small entrepreneurs penetrate new markets.
• Zero Budget Natural Farming
• Zero budget natural farming is a method of chemical-free agriculture drawing from traditional Indian practices.

Organic farming is a sustainable and profitable alternative to conventional farming that can benefit the environment, the farmers and the consumers. However, organic farming also faces many challenges that need to be addressed by the government and other stakeholders. By providing adequate support and incentives, the government can promote organic farming in India and make it a viable and feasible option for the future of agriculture.

3. National Efficient Cooking Programme

Recently, the Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) launched its groundbreaking National Efficient Cooking Programme (NECP) and Energy Efficient Fans Programme (EEFP).

• It is a subset of the Clean Cooking Scheme.
• It focuses on Non-Solar/Electricity-based Induction Cookstoves, aligning with the Go- electric initiative by the Ministry of Power.
• This programme introduces induction-based cookstoves.
• Target: To deploy 20 Lakh Induction cook-stoves across India.
• EESL seeks to reduce the environmental impact of cooking methods, ensuring cleaner air and improved health for citizens.
• EESL has also partnered with Modern Energy Cooking Services (MECS) for the large-scale deployment of induction cooktops.
• The deployment is expected to accelerate the acceptance and large-scale adoption of modern electric cooking devices in Indian kitchens.
• Benefit: It offers a cost advantage of 25-30% over traditional cooking methods, promising both energy savings and cost-effective cooking solutions.

Key Facts about Energy Efficiency Services Limited

• It is promoted by the Ministry of Power, Government of India, as a Joint Venture of four reputed public-sector undertakings NTPC Limited, Power Finance Corporation Limited, REC Limited and POWERGRID Corporation of India Limited.
• It is registered under the Companies Act, 1956 on 10th December 2009.
• It was formed to create and sustain market access to energy efficient technologies, particularly in public facilities like municipalities, buildings, agriculture, industry etc. and to implement several schemes of the Bureau of Energy Efficiency, Ministry of Power and Ministry of New & Renewable Energy, Government of India.
• It is also leading the market-related activities of the National Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency (NMEEE).

PYQs

1. In the context of India, which of the following is/are considered to be practice(s) of eco-friendly agriculture? [2020]

1. Crop diversification
2. Legume intensification
3. Tensiometer use
4. Vertical farming
Select the correct answer using the code given below:

a) 1, 2 and 3 only
b) 3 only
c) 4 only
d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

2. With references to organic farming in India, consider the following statements: [2018]

1. ‘The National Programme for Organic Production''(NPOP) is operated under the guidelines and directions of the Union Ministry Of the Rural Development.
2. ‘The Agricultural and Processed and Products Export Development Authority''(APEDA) functions as the Secretariat for the implementation of NPOP.
3. Sikkim has become India’s first fully organic State.
Which of the following given above is/are correct?

a) 1 and 2 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3

3. Which one of the following agricultural practices is eco-friendly? [1999]

a) Organic farming
b) Shifting cultivation
c) Cultivation of high-yielding varieties
d) Growing plants in glass-houses