Best Indian Books On Organic Farming

Organic farming is the sustainable agricultural practice that involves growing of crops and rearing of animals in a natural manner, without the use of any chemicals. In this natural form of farming, the fertilisers and pesticides are replaced by living or biodegradable alternatives of biofertilisers, biopesticides, manure, etc. This practice works towards the increase in manure content of the soil and promotes its overall health and sustenance. Adding to it, organic farming helps in conservation of underground water levels as well as quality. As confirmed by several studies, this also helps in mitigating the effects of global water and climate change. Find some of the best books on the subject, penned by Indian authors.

Best Books On Organic Farming By Indian Authors

1. Organic Farming: Theory And Practice

As the unjust distribution of resources and pollution of agriculture escalates, the fate of food security of millions lies on a hinge. While it's impossible to completely give up chemicals in farming, a certain amount of regulation and alternative methods need to be incorporated. Even though, organic farming seems to be the best sustainable alternative, the air of confusion around the topic continues to exist. This book brings to the limelight, all the topics related to this practice in an easily understandable manner. The book contains chapters on organic manures (including green manures), recycling of organic wastes, vermiculture, biofertilizers, organic methods of pest and weed management, integrated nutrient management, farming systems and case studies of organic farming.

2. Organic Urban Farming, The Indian Way: Comprehensive Guide to Organic Gardening for Urban Spaces in India

With ever-increasing quantities of chemical in agriculture and subsequent dip in quality of food crops, many are shifting to growing their own food. While several books on this sustainable practice have been penned to those settled in urban and semi-urban areas, only a few talk exclusively in the Indian context. Read this book to get a comprehensive guide not only on how to start your own kitchen garden, but also several easy hacks and tricks for its maintenance. The book is backed by several photographs for reference.

3. Principles of Organic Farming by SR Reddy

This book has been specially been designed keeping in mind the syllabus specified by Indian Council Of Agricultural Research. The book gradually proceeds from the thorough explanation of types and components of farming systems to the evaluation of cropping systems and allied enterprises. As these concepts are seeded properly in the readers' minds, an extensive narrative on sustainable and conservation agriculture begins. The language has been kept lucid to be easily understood by the students.

4. Principles of Organic Farming by P L Maliwal

Besides the general aspects and principles of organic farming, this book has taken up topics related to the promotion of organic agriculture in India, certification process and standards of organic farming in India, processing and labelling of organic produce, the economic viability of organic farming, marketing and export potential of organic products. All the chapters have been designed in line with the syllabus released and approved by Indian Council Of Agriculture Research (ICAR)'s fifth dean committee. The language has been kept easy for students.

Benefits Of Organic Farming

• It promotes animal welfare and biodiversity. 

• It reduces the number of pesticide and chemical residues in soil. 

•  It ensures water conservation and removes the risk of groundwater pollution. 

• It produces better tasting food with lower nitrate levels and higher nutrient values. 

• It helps in the betterment of soil health and prevents soil pollution. It helps in mitigating the effects of global warming and climate change.