Elec19

Lecture notes covering organic farming principles, certification, nutrient and pest management, conservation agriculture, natural farming, and market-policy aspects as per ICAR 6th Deans' Committee 2024. Course Code: ELEC 19 | Credits: 4(3+1).

Definition, principles, history, major systems, and comparison of organic farming with conventional agriculture.

NPOP, PGS-India, USDA NOP, EU organic standards, certification process, conversion period, and labelling requirements.

FYM, compost methods (Berkely, Indore, NADEP), vermicompost, green manuring, biofertilizers, liquid manures, and nutrient management planning in organic systems.

Organic IPM pyramid, botanical pesticides, biocontrol agents, copper-sulphur fungicides, and mechanical/mulching/cover crop weed management strategies.

FAO definition, three pillars of CA, history, global and India adoption, benefits, challenges, and comparison of tillage systems.

Zero-till equipment (Happy Seeder, ZTFSD, strip-till), stubble burning problem, alternatives to burning, government schemes, and mulching in conservation agriculture.

Zero Budget Natural Farming four pillars (Beejamrit, Jeevamrit, Mulching, Waaphasa), Andhra Pradesh scaling, Fukuoka method, biodynamic farming, permaculture, and comparison of natural farming systems.

Transition economics, organic market structure, certification costs, government schemes, and policy support for organic and conservation-oriented farming.