Concerns about the use of chemicals in agriculture have impacted people's lives in various ways. Many individuals are now paying closer attention to the food they eat, wanting to make healthier choices. This has led to an increase in the consumption of organic products, which are grown without synthetic chemicals.
In India, organic farming has become increasingly popular over the past decade as more people focus on maintaining their health. In this guide, we will cover topics such as what is organic farming and an organic farming business plan that will help you start your organic farm. Let’s get started.
What is Organic Farming?
The appeal of organic farming is simple: it promises to provide food that is free from harmful chemicals, which can have positive effects on our health. As a result, both the demand for organic produce within the country and its exportation have grown rapidly. Entrepreneurs are also taking notice of this trend, attracted by the government's support and the industry's commitment to healthy practices. With more and more people becoming aware of the importance of a healthy lifestyle, the future of organic farming in India looks promising and profitable for those who choose to invest in it.
Nimbus Agro Farms’ Approach
Nimbus Agro Farms is committed to sustainable farming practices, ensuring minimal environmental impact while promoting soil health and biodiversity. By utilizing eco-friendly techniques and renewable resources, they strive to produce high-quality, organic products that benefit both consumers and the planet.
How to Make an Organic Farming Business Plan: Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Get Organic Certification
Obtaining organic certification is a crucial step in starting your organic farming business. Here's how to proceed, depending on whether you aim to export your produce or cater to the domestic market:
1. For Exporting Produce:
India Organic Certificate: This certificate, issued by The Agriculture and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), is internationally recognized and allows you to export your organic produce. The certification is based on the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP).
Application Process:
- Check the list of accredited certification bodies under NPOP on the APEDA website.
- Select an agency and contact them for detailed procedures or download the application form from their website.
- Submit the filled form along with supporting documents to the agency.
- The cost for certification is approximately Rs. 40,000 to 50,000 for 56 acres of land.
2. For Domestic Market:
PGS Organic Certificate: This free certificate, provided through regional councils under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, allows you to supply organic produce within India.
Application Process:
- Visit the PGS India website.
- If you are an individual farmer, join an existing local group or form a new group with at least 5 members.
- Register on the PGS India website and submit the required details.
- After approval, you will receive a PGS India Green certificate for the initial three years, followed by a full PGS India Organic certificate.
Other Licenses You Might Require
To legally operate an organic farming business in India, you'll need a few important licenses:
- GST Registration: This is like a permit for your business to exist, making sure you pay the right taxes.
- MSME Registration: By registering as a Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise (MSME), you can access special benefits and support from the government.
- FSSAI Registration: This is to ensure that your organic products meet safety standards set by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), which helps to keep your food safe to eat.
Step 2: Select Suitable Crops
Contrary to popular myths, a variety of crops can be grown organically. It is advisable to:
- Select crops based on geographical, soil, and environmental conditions.
- Observe what other farmers are growing in your area and consider market prices.
- Choose crops that fetch good prices to ensure profitability.
Step 3: Identify Markets
Having a clear idea of where to sell your organic produce is essential. Here are some options:
- APMCs (Agriculture Produce Market Committees): Visit APMCs to find traders dealing in organic products.
- Contract Farming: Collaborate with companies for a guaranteed buyback of your produce.
- Processing Units: Add value to your raw produce by processing it (e.g., making ketchup from organic tomatoes).
- Warehouses and Cold Storages: Store your produce if market prices are low at harvest time and sell later when prices improve.
Step 4: Fertilizer Application, Pest & Disease Management
Use organic fertilizers and pesticides to avoid adverse effects on the environment and human health. Here are some methods:
- Organic Fertilizers: Replace DAP with a mixture of cow dung, cow urine, jaggery, gram flour, and fertile soil. For micronutrients, use neem kernel powder, gram flour, jaggery, and waste decomposer liquid.
- Organic Pesticides: Make pesticides using neem tree branches or leaves and datura plants. Boil and dilute the mixture before spraying.
- Readymade Organic Inputs: Purchase pure organic fertilizers and pesticides from reliable companies if you prefer not to make them yourself.
Step 5: Harvesting and Marketing
Once your crops are ready, harvest them and use the identified market channels to sell your produce.
With careful planning and research, you'll be well on your way to starting a successful organic farming business.
Funding
Initial funding requirements for starting an organic farming venture in India typically range between ₹5 lakhs and ₹10 lakhs.
The government assists the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) in the form of capital investment subsidies for organic farming:
- A 25% subsidy is available for the purchase of pesticide units and biological fertilizers.
- A 33% subsidy is offered for organic farming of vegetables and fruits.
- Additionally, credit-linked subsidies are available to eligible farmers.
Membership in Various Organic Farming Groups
Becoming a member of different organic farming groups can boost your farming efforts. One important group to consider is part of the National Project on Organic Farming, set up by the government. This project has its main office in Ghaziabad, with additional support centers in Bangalore, Nagpur, Panchkula, Patna, Bhubaneswar, Imphal, and Jabalpur.
You can pick a nearby center and reach out to them for help. These centers are there to guide you on using biological methods to improve your farming. They can offer training and support, teaching you about quality standards, the latest technology, and where to get the right equipment. During training, you'll learn about different types of fertilizers and why it's important to test certain cultures before using them on your farm. Joining these groups can give you a real edge in your organic farming journey.
Conclusion
There’s a growing demand for organic products, and this trend shows that organic farming has a bright future in India. States like Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan are leading the way, offering great opportunities for new organic farmers. However, creating a proper organic business plan before you start is crucial. The profit margins are also quite attractive, ranging from 22% to 35% of what you earn. This makes organic farming a promising and profitable business to get into.
