Editor,
The news report regarding a program where the State Chief Minister launched a scheme on organic plantation of Agar and Bamboo under Ranikor Block (ST September 9, 2015) is interesting. While I have heard of organic farming of fruits, vegetables and other field crops and of the health benefits of the produce, the concept of organic plantation of Agar or Bamboo and its benefits are new to me. The internet could not provide sound information on this either. Nevertheless, it seems that the craze for organic farming is gaining momentum in the State with a report sometime back stating that the Chief Minister announcing that his Government aims to convert all forms of farming in the state into organic farming. Undoubtedly organic farming has its advantages as it improves soil condition, enhances bio-diversity, conserves water, increases food nutrient density, and reduces toxic loads in food.
It can arrest environmental deterioration which input-intensive prevalent agriculture is often believed to cause. The quality of organic farm products is held to be superior to those produced under existing farming conditions. But it has its disadvantages too. Organic farming is labour-intensive, inadaptable with some crops and local conditions, susceptible to wideranging damage during disease and pest outbreaks etc., But the biggest challenge towards expansion of organic farming is to make it economically viable because of the low yield. The premium price of organic products to compensate for the low yield will shrink the market demand. This would discourage farmers from readily shifting to organic farming.
A massive dose of subsidy will reduce the cost but will not increase the yield. This also puts food security at risk. On the other hand poor yield during the transition period (from inorganic to organic) requires huge compensation to be made to farmers to sustain them. This may be another barrier towards expanding organic farming. At the end of it all we cannot be sure if the produce is really organic unless proper monitoring and stringent certification processes are ensured. Overall, unless there is more research on organic cultivation to substantially raise yields closer to that of prevalent cultivation it may not be a viable option for farmers. On the other hand, going by the statement of the All Meghalaya Farmers Union in their memorandum to the Chief Minister (ST 29th August 2015), agriculture in the present form is no longer remunerative due to low productivity. Whether what the Union stated is true and whether it has the credibility to speak on behalf of the farmers of Meghalaya has to be ascertained. However, the mainstream media reported the same sentiments expressed by millions of farmers across the country where a large number of them have abandoned farming because of the overwhelming problems they face. Experts fears that the trend might continue with the availability of other income sources and tolerance level of farmers reaching its peak. A sizeable percentage has shown increasing apathy towards agriculture. Many don’t want their children to become farmers.
The disillusionment is however largely because of economic considerations, though, many would prefer to remain in the profession provided the problems they face on the ground are addressed. While farmers in Meghalaya may not face such a situation because of government efforts to improve agriculture here, nevertheless, the statement of the ‘Farmers Body’ cannot be overlooked. Any disillusionment towards the profession here can adversely affect the economy, employment opportunities and livelihood security of almost 70% of the state’s rural population who still depend on agriculture for their mainstay. The state which is already reeling from unemployment problems cannot afford this. Moreover, a prosperous agricultural sector in the state is absolutely essential for maintaining food security. Thus while the plan of bringing in large scale organic farming in Meghalaya may need further thinking, the present state of agriculture needs to be assessed too for determining the approach to rejuvenate it so that it continues to be a rewarding profession for those involved in it.
Yours etc., K.L.Tariang,
Via emai