Analyzing sustainability of organic farming practices in chamba block of Tehri Garhwal district, Uttarakhand

As global agricultural practices evolve, organic farming emerges as a sustainable alternative, promoting environmental, economic, and social well-being. Food security and sustainable farming practices are critical in the face of a rapidly changing climate. This research delves into the intricate fabric of organic farming practices in the Chamba block of Tehri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand, exploring their impact on sustainable agricultural development. Situated in the foothills of the Himalayas, Chamba is 1676 meters above sea level. For the selection of 40 responders, a purposeful random sample technique has been used. The Tehri Garhwal District Chief Agriculture Officer in Uttarakhand provided a list of all organic farmers. Employing a comprehensive survey instrument, the study evaluates farmer perceptions using a five-point Likert scale to measure the sustainability of organic farming practices. This research highlights the multifaceted dimensions of environmental protection, economic feasibility, and social equity inherent in organic farming. The results showed that the majority of the respondents were male (70%), maximum number of farmers were in the age group of 36-50 years (55%). Forty percent of respondents were illiterate and a majority (40%) had 20-30 years of farming experience. The study found that the perception of farmers towards three different dimensions of sustainability (environmental, economic, and Social) of organic farming was quite positive. However, there are also some concerns about weed, pest, and disease control in organic farming, lesser yields and through organic farming feed the people of the world is a significant challenge. The conclusion brings together these findings, emphasizing the complex interplay of environmental, economic, and social factors within organic farming practices.