Economic Viability Of Organic Farming:Insights From Kozhikode District

Abstract

In the decades following independence, India struggled to produce enough food to meet the needs of its growing population. Traditional agricultural practices, passed down through generations, proved inadequate. Heavy reliance on food imports and the politics of food aid prompted a push for self-sufficiency. The Green Revolution helped achieve this by modernizing agriculture and transforming India into a food-exporting nation.However, this success came at a significant ecological and social cost. The Western model of intensive farming led to environmental degradation, raising concerns about its long-term sustainability. The global movement for sustainable development has brought renewed focus on the need for sustainable agriculture.The FAO defines sustainable agriculture as the responsible management of resources to meet evolving human needs while preserving environmental quality and conserving natural resources. Among the approaches to achieve this, organic farming stands out as a viable solution. In Kerala, the shift from traditional to intensive farming over recent decades has negatively impacted the environment, economy, and social fabric. The widespread use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and machines has polluted air and water, degraded soil health, and introduced harmful residues into food. These side effects have sparked public concern and growing consumer demand for organic produce. Given this context, the present study explores the progress, current status, and importance of organic farming, with a specific focus on Kozhikode district.