A Multidimentional Study on Organic Farming in the State of Manipur

Abstract

The present study was conducted during the year 2022-2023 in Imphal East and Churachandpur districts of Manipur. A total of 160 organic farmers and 20 officials from various institutions involved in organic farming promotion were surveyed through personal interview method. The study revealed that the majority of the organic farmers belonged to middle age group (52.50%), had primary level of education (33.12%) and were living in a joint family system (55.00%). The majority of the respondents had medium size family (37.50%), engaged in agriculture and allied activities (32.50%), were marginal farmer (52.50 %) and had area upto 1 ha under organic farming (75.62 %). Majority of the organic farmers were having medium material possession (45.00 %) as well as livestock possession (52.50 %). Most of the organic farmers (50.68 %) had membership in one organization. Additionally, majority of the organic farmers had medium level of mass media exposure (50.00 %), belonged to medium category of training received in organic farming (43.75 %) and were having medium level of experience in organic farming (60.00 %). They belonged to the medium annual income category (60.63 %) and had high level of achievement motivation (43.75 %). However, most of the farmers had medium level of extension orientation (49.38 %), innovativeness (47.50 %), economic motivation (50.00 %), risk orientation (51.87 %) and management orientation (41.88 %). The reason ‘care for the health of the soil, plants, animals, humans and the environment as a whole’ was perceived as the most important reason for converting to organic farming by majority of the respondents. The majority of the organic farmers were having medium level of knowledge (54.38%) and adoption (46.88%) regarding organic farming practices. The various institutions actively involved in promotion of organic farming in study were conducting training programs for farmers, providing quality planting materials, developed organic farming technologies, offers financial support, created infrastructure for organic farming etc. The majority (58.13 %) of the organic farmers were having medium level of impact of organic farming. Some of the major constraints faced by the organic farmers were low yield and profit during conversion period, inadequate availability of quality seeds and planting materials, lack of local certification agencies, non-availability of off farm organic inputs and lack of specialized markets for selling organic produce. The major suggestions given by the organic farmers includes provision of government assistance and financial support during the conversion period, provision for minimum support price for organic produce, awareness programs on organic farming and its products to producer and consumers. etc. The recommendations provided by organic farmers can serve as a guide for policymakers and institutions in promoting and facilitating the wider adoption of organic farming in the state.