Tamil Nadu Organic Farming Policy 2023: Promoting Sustainable Agriculture

The policy emphasizes the need for an environmentally-safe food supply system, acknowledging the harmful effects of agrochemical residues on human and animal health. By promoting organic farming practices, the policy aims to eliminate the use of pesticides and other harmful chemicals, thereby providing safe and healthy food for the people of Tamil Nadu.

In line with its objective of promoting organic agriculture, the policy focuses on conserving and protecting soil health, agroecology, and biodiversity. It also seeks to raise awareness about organic farming and encourage the adoption of organic farming practices among farmers. Strengthening certification systems and residue testing protocols, promoting locally-produced inputs like farmyard manure and vermicompost, and creating market advisories and certification advisories are among the other goals of the policy.

Simplifying Certification Procedures with a Single-Window System

One of the key features of the Tamil Nadu Organic Farming Policy 2023 is the implementation of a single-window system to simplify the certification procedure for organic farming. This move aims to streamline the process and make it easier for farmers to obtain organic certification for their produce. By reducing bureaucratic hurdles, farmers can focus more on sustainable farming practices and meet the growing demand for organic products.

Conserving Agricultural Biodiversity through a Gene/Germplasm Bank

The policy highlights the establishment of a State gene/germplasm bank to preserve traditional cultivar seeds of all crops, ensuring the conservation of agricultural biodiversity. This gene bank will play a crucial role in safeguarding native plant varieties, protecting them from extinction, and promoting crop diversity. By preserving these seeds, Tamil Nadu can maintain its rich agricultural heritage and contribute to global efforts in biodiversity conservation.

Promoting Soil Health and Agroecology

Tamil Nadu’s Organic Farming Policy 2023 places a strong emphasis on conserving and protecting soil health. The policy recognizes that healthy soil is the foundation of sustainable agriculture and promotes the use of organic fertilizers such as farmyard manure and vermicompost. By adopting agroecological practices, such as crop rotation, cover cropping, and natural pest control, farmers can enhance soil fertility, reduce erosion, and promote a balanced ecosystem on their farms.

Encouraging Adoption of Organic Farming Practices

The Tamil Nadu Organic Farming Policy 2023 aims to raise awareness about organic farming and encourage farmers to adopt sustainable practices. Through training programs, workshops, and knowledge-sharing platforms, farmers will have access to information on organic farming techniques, market opportunities, and the benefits of sustainable agriculture. By empowering farmers with the necessary knowledge and resources, Tamil Nadu can accelerate the transition towards a more sustainable and resilient agricultural sector.

Expanding Organic Farming in Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu currently ranks 14th in the country in terms of organic agriculture land, with 31,629 hectares dedicated to organic farming. The districts of Dharmapuri and Krishnagiri lead the way in terms of the total area dedicated to organic farming. In the year 2020-21, Tamil Nadu exported 4,223 metric tons of organic products, earning a revenue of ₹108 crore.

With the implementation of the Tamil Nadu Organic Farming Policy 2023, the state aims to further expand organic farming practices. By prioritizing environmental sustainability, soil health, and the production of safe and healthy food, Tamil Nadu is taking a proactive approach towards creating a more sustainable and resilient agricultural sector.