Murthy Mrk, Murali V

Research Associate, National Academy of Agricultural Research Management (NAARM). Research Scholar, JNTUH.

Abstract

Pests and pesticides contribute to the major economic and ecological problems affecting the farmers, crops and their living environment. Two decades of experience in Andhra Pradesh on Non Pesticide Management shows that pest is a symptom of ecological disturbance rather than a cause and can be effectively managed by using local resources and timely action. The sustainable agriculture shows that the new knowledge synthesized from traditional practices supplement with modern science can bring in ecological and economic benefits to the farmers. The cost of cultivation could be brought down significantly without reduction in yield. The Institutional base of Community Based Organizations like Federations of Women Self Help Groups (SHGs) provides a good platform for scaling up such ecological farming practices. This experience also shows how the grass root extension system when managed by the community can bring in change and help the farming community to come out of the crisis. The key issues emerging in organic farming include yield reduction in conversion to organic farm, soil fertility enhancement, integration of livestock, certification constraints, ecology, marketing and policy support. The potential for organic farming, especially in the dry land regions has been discussed. It has been argued that organic farming is productive and sustainable, but there is a need for strong support to it in the form of subsidies, agricultural extension services and research.