Organic Production of Horticultural Crops in North East Region of India

In the world, 160 countries are practicing organic agriculture with a certified organic cultivated area of 37 million ha and non-agriculture organic area (wild harvest) of 41.9 million ha. India has the largest number certified organic producers over 67,725 with 3.95 million ha under organic farming. During 2010, India accounted for 1,624,339 MT of certified organic produce. India is the second largest producer of fruits and vegetables in the world and occupies first position in the production of fruits like mango, banana, papaya, sapota, pomegranate, acid lime and aonla and vegetables like peas and okra. It is next only to China in production of many vegetables like potato, tomato, onion, brinjal, cabbage, cauliflower and broccoli etc. In terms of its contribution to the national production, the North East (NE) region accounts for about 5.1% (fruits) and 4.5% for vegetables. In India, Uttaranchal, North-East States, Chhatishgarh have taken initiatives for promoting organic farming meeting with IFOAM standards. The potential organic sources of plant nutrients are green manure crops, crop rotation, crop residues, organic manures, farm yard manure (FYM), night soil, sludges, oilcakes, blood meal, compost, phospho-compost, vermin-compost, biogass slurry, agricultural wastes, press mud, biodynamic preparations, biofertilizers etc. Major organic produce dominate exports for developing countries include tea, coffee, spices, high value fresh and processed fruits and vegetables, oilseeds, cotton, cereals, pulses and meat/poultry and fish products. A number of horticulture based farming systems are prevalent for employment generation and sustainable livelihood of people of the region.