Orgamic Farming for Sustainable Agricultural Development in Karnataka - An Analysis

Agriculture is the major occupation in India. It provides livelihood opportunities to majority of the population. Increasing population demands more food for the people. Hence, increasing agricultural production and productivity is the need of the hour. Sustainable agriculture emphasizes ensured access to quality food, nutrient food, food security and soil health, conservation of the environment, minimizing hunger and poverty. In the present days, the contribution of agriculture to the GDP shows a decreasing trend. Hence to meet the demand for growing food to the increasing population, increased agricultural production and productivity should be the main thrust of the governments. The objectives of the present paper are to study the growth of agricultural production and productivity in Karnataka and to analyze the importance of organic farming in sustainable development of agriculture in the state. This paper is based on secondary data obtained from volumes, journal articles, reports, census reports, Economic Survey of Karnataka, and the e-sources. The study reveals that Organic Farming plays a pivotal role in sustainable agricultural development by way of being environment friendly and soil conservative. Organic Farming ensures quality of nutrient food and protects the biodiversity and enhances the agricultural production and productivity in Karnataka. The study concludes that government should come forward to provide the necessary steps through the Atma Nirbar Bharth Abhiyan Scheme by effective implementation in the rural areas to improve the agricultural production and productivity through organic farming so as to ensure the supply of food for the growing population in the future India.