Resources, demography and motives driving Organic Farming

Organic farming is emerging as an alternative production system due to increasing demand for organic products in the market, for improving the soil health, environment and well-being of society. Understanding of the multidimensional aspects of organic farming is needed to formulate appropriate policies. Present study was undertaken in Karnataka as it was one of the early states to have a policy that influenced farmers to pursue organic farming. We found that the farmers had either fully organic or mostly organic farms but without certification, only those farmers who were driven by economic motives had organic farming certification. Ecological concern appeared to be the primary motive for majority farmers. The outcome of the study provides key inputs for strengthening extension services particularly certification and marketing of organic produce, capacity building and input availability supported by organic farming policy-making.