Organic farming involving pulse crops and its systems for ecological sustainability
Keywords:
Nutrition, Organic farming, Pulse productivity, Soil health, SustainabilityAbstract
The modern and faulty farming practices involving greater use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides raise serious concerns over national food security due to stagnation or even decline in crop yields. They affect our environment, namely soil erosion, nutrient cycle, and carbon sequestration, causing a decrease in factor productivity and escalating production costs, rendering agriculture a non-profitable enterprise. The world is now aware of the significance of highquality food that is uncontaminated by artificial inputs, such as fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides used in crop production, as well as hormones and other animal feed additives used in the livestock industry. The sustainability of Indian agriculture is affected by these problems, which may be improved by adopting organic farming. Organic farming is a form of agriculture with the use of only local resources and organic inputs for the supply of nutrients and management of pests and diseases. Pulses are mostly rainfed crops and are grown with the use of low chemical inputs. In this situation, organic farming could be the solution to improve the sustainability of the ecosystem. Organic farming plays a crucial role in reducing the environmental and ecological impact of agriculture while promoting sustainable development. It enhances soil health by stimulating microbial activity, improving nutrient availability, and addressing deficiencies in secondary and micronutrients. The use of adequate organic inputs in pulse cultivation leads to higher crop yields, reduced pest and disease incidence, and minimized environmental harm. To maximize pulse productivity, greater emphasis should be placed on developing and promoting organic pulse production technologies to encourage widespread adoption among farmers.
References
Journal of Food Legumes
(Special issue - NC Pulses 2026): 106-114, 2026
Journal of Food Legumes 39 (Special issue - NC Pulses 2026), 2026 DOI: 10.53550/jfl.v39.ncpspl.328
Review Paper
Organic farming involving pulse crops and its systems for ecological sustainability
Mohammad Hashim1*, Narendra Kumar1, KK Hazra1, CP Nath1, Adarsh Kumar1, Vishal Dinkar1, Raghavendra Singh2 and M M Deo1
ICAR- Indian Institute of Pulses Research, Kanpur- 208024, Uttar Pradesh
ICAR- Indian Institute of Farming System Research, Modipuram, Meerut- 250110, Uttar Pradesh
*Corresponding author e-mail: [email protected]
INTRODUCTION
ABSTRACT
The modern and faulty farming practices involving greater use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides raise serious concerns over national food security due to stagnation or even decline in crop yields. They affect our environment, namely soil erosion, nutrient cycle, and carbon sequestration, causing a decrease in factor productivity and escalating production costs, rendering agriculture a non-profitable enterprise. The world is now aware of the significance of high quality food that is uncontaminated by artificial inputs, such as fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides used in crop production, as well as hormones and other animal feed additives used in the livestock industry. The sustainability of Indian agriculture is affected by these problems, which may be improved by adopting organic farming. Organic farming is a form of agriculture with the use of only local resources and organic inputs for the supply of nutrients and management of pests and diseases. Pulses are mostly rainfed crops and are grown with the use of low chemical inputs. In this situation, organic farming could be the solution to improve the sustainability of the ecosystem. Organic farming plays a crucial role in reducing the environmental and ecological impact of agriculture while promoting sustainable development. It enhances soil health by stimulating microbial activity, improving nutrient availability, and addressing deficiencies in secondary and micronutrients. The use of adequate organic inputs in pulse cultivation leads to higher crop yields, reduced pest and disease incidence, and minimized environmental harm. To maximize pulse productivity, greater emphasis should be placed on developing and promoting organic pulse production technologies to encourage widespread adoption among farmers.
Key words: Nutrition, Organic farming, Pulse productivity, Soil health, Sustainability
productivity for future generations, it is essential to
Modern farming depends on high-yield crops, synthetic fertilizers, irrigation systems, and pesticides to sustain increasing food demands. However, these advancements have also led to various environmental and man-made challenges. Traditional farming methods alone could not provide the required food for increasing population for the rapidly increasing population, prompting the development of new techniques that go beyond natural processes.1
Natural resources are limited, whereas human needs continue to grow endlessly. The excessive use of these resources, particularly in modern agriculture, has nearly depleted those available for further expansion, leading to significant environmental consequences. To ensure sustainable
adopt alternative agricultural methods that operate within an eco-friendly system. Organic farming is considered one of the most effective alternatives for providing essential nutrients to plants, managing pests and diseases, and also maintaining the soil quality and health. This farming method relies on natural nutrient sources like compost, manure, green manure, and bone meal, along with practices such as crop rotation and companion planting. It largely excludes the use of synthetic fertilizers, chemical pesticides, hormones, and artificial additives etc. It relies on natural ecological processes, biodiversity, and cycles adapted to local conditions, rather than the use of inputs with adverse effects, and sustains the health of soils, ecosystems, and people. The true potential of organic farming lies in cultivating pulses, particularly under rainfed conditions, while
Hashim et al. : Organic farming involving pulse crops and its systems for ecological sustainability 107
maintaining soil, ecosystem, and human health (Avasthe et al. 2016). Organic farmers may achieve high yields and play a major role in providing a better future with an adequate and nutritious food supply (Suresh Reddy 2010).
Among the regions, Oceania had the most extensive organic farmland, covering 36.0 m ha (47 percent), followed by Europe, which ranked second with 17.8 m ha (23 %). In 2022, the number of organic producers reached 4.5 million, reflecting a nearly 26 % rise, largely driven by significant growth in India. India also remained the leading country in terms of organic producers, with 2.5 million in 2022. Organic farming was practiced in 187 countries, with total organic agricultural land, including areas under conversion, exceeding 76.4 m ha in 2021. Globally, organic farming accounted for 1.6 % of all agricultural land. Among different regions, the Oceania regions have the most extensive organic farmland, covering 36.0 m ha (47 %), followed by Europe, which ranked second with 17.8 m ha (23 %). In 2022, 4.5 million organic producers were reported, reflecting a nearly 26 % rise, largely driven by significant growth in India. India also remained the leading country in terms of organic producers, with 2.5 million in 2022 (FiBL survey, 2023).
The innovative and sustainable approach of organic farming enhances agricultural productivity while improving farmers’ quality of life in an environmentally friendly manner (Gamage et al.
. Organic farming eliminates the use of synthetic fertilizers, chemical pesticides, and genetically modified organisms and usually subscribes to the principle of sustainable farming. Consequently, organic farming creates safe, toxin-free food for consumers while preserving soil fertility and promoting ecological harmony. Organic growers face many challenges, such as lower crop yields, soil fertility management, certification processes, and market accessibility. To overcome these obstacles of organic farming, a combination of organic farming and modern technological advancements is essential. This review will explore new information and innovative technologies for organic farming.
WHAT IS ORGANIC FARMING?
Organic farming is an agricultural approach that minimizes reliance on synthetic inputs like chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and genetically modified organisms. It is based on the principles of sustainability, aiming to preserve and enhance the natural balance of the ecosystem, including
biodiversity, biological cycles, and soil health. Similarly, as defined by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the term organic farming refers to a system that significantly reduces or eliminates the use of artificial inputs such as synthetic fertilizers, chemical pesticides, hormones, feed additives, etc. It is an agricultural system that uses organic nutrient sources like compost, manure, green manure, and bone meal, along with practices such as crop rotation and companion planting (Seufert et al. 2017). Organic farming plays a vital role in promoting biodiversity, controlling pests and diseases naturally, enhancing natural resources, and supporting pollinators, all of which are crucial for a healthy environment and the production of healthy food (Merrigan et al. 2022).
The need and importance of pulses in organic farming
With the continuous growth of our population, it is crucial not only to maintain agricultural production but also to enhance it sustainably. While the Green Revolution enabled India to achieve self
sufficiency in food grains, it also brought certain challenges. Following its implementation, farmers began cultivating high-input responsive crops, relying heavily on external inputs for production. Increasing input costs and climate variability have led to more frequent crop failures in recent years (Avasthe et al. 2016). Adopting environmentally friendly organic farming practices is crucial to mitigating these negative impacts and ensuring food and nutritional security.
Pulses are highly versatile and can be integrated into organic farming through crop rotations, intercropping, ley farming, and cover cropping. Their natural ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen and release phosphorus enhances soil fertility, promotes sustainable agriculture, and supports environmental well-being, making them essential in organic farming systems. Pulses form a symbiotic relationship with specific bacteria in their root nodules, enabling them to convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form that enriches the soil. Incorporating pulses into crop rotations is essential for maintaining soil fertility and ensuring sustainable production on the same land. Additionally, their extensive root systems and dense canopies improve underground resource utilization, aid in weed suppression, and protect against pests and diseases in intercropping systems. The extensive root systems of pulses aid in preventing soil erosion and enhancing aeration. Additionally,
Journal of Food Legumes 39 (Special issue - NC Pulses 2026), 2026
pulses contribute to soil organic matter by shedding their leaves and roots, which improves soil structure, water retention, and microbial activity. Cultivating pulse crops helps lower greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change by reducing the reliance on synthetic fertilizers while also supporting carbon sequestration in the soil.
Status of pulses in India
Pulses are an essential source of protein and nutrients and hold a crucial position in the agricultural economy of the country. The status of pulses in India is as follows:
● India leads globally in both pulse production and consumption, accounting for 38% of the total cultivated area and 28% of global output.
● The primary pulse crops cultivated in India include chickpea (Cicer arietinum), pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan), mungbean (Vigna mungo), urdbean (Vigna radiata), lentil (Lens culinaris), and field pea (Pisum sativum).
● Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka are the top pulse-producing states in India. Over the past five years, the country’s pulse productivity has seen a notable rise.
● However, despite this growth, India’s average pulse yield remains significantly lower than the global average. In 2022, the country’s productivity stood at 766 kg/ha, whereas the global average was 1015 kg/ha, according to FAO statistics.
● In the same year, the total global area under pulse cultivation was approximately 959.68 lakh hectares, with a production of 973.92 lakh tonnes, resulting in an average productivity of 1015 kg/ha. Pulses are cultivated in 170 countries worldwide (FAO STAT 2022).
STATUS OF ORGANIC FARMING
The world status
In 2021, organic farming was practiced across 187 countries, with the total area of organic agricultural land, including areas under conversion, exceeding 76.4 m ha. Organic farming accounted for approximately 1.6 % of the world’s agricultural land. The Oceania region had the most extensive organic agricultural land area, covering 36.0 m ha, which represented 47 % of the global total. Europe
holds the second-largest share of global organic agricultural land, covering 17.8 m ha (23 %). Latin America follows with 9.9 m ha (13 %), while Asia accounts for 6.5 m ha (8.5 %). Northern America and Africa have smaller shares, with 3.5 m ha (4.6 %) and 2.7 m ha (3.5 %), respectively. Oceania has the highest %age of organic agricultural land at 9.7 %, followed by Europe at 3.6 %, with the European Union reaching 9.6 %. Among individual countries, Australia leads with 35.7 m ha dedicated to organic farming, followed by Argentina with 4.1 m ha and France with 2.8 m ha (FiBL survey, 2023).
Status in Asia and India
In 2021, Asia accounted for more than 6.5 m ha of land under organic farming and nearly 1.8 million farmers. India ranked first globally in the number of organic farmers and second in terms of organic agricultural land. Approximately 30% of the world’s organic producers are located in India. However, China leads in terms of organic farming area with 2.75 m ha, followed by India with over 2.66 m ha (FiBL & IFOAM Year Book 2024). In countries like India, Indonesia, Kyrgyzstan, the Philippines, and Vietnam, Participatory Guarantee Systems were increasingly recognized to meet domestic market demands. In Japan, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) launched the “Organic Village” initiative, aiming to grow the organic sector to 25 % by 2050 (FiBL survey 2023).
In India, Madhya Pradesh has the largest area designated for organic certification, with Maharashtra and Rajasthan following. Nonetheless, Maharashtra excels in organic farm production, followed by Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Karnataka, and Gujarat. In the 2023-24 period, India produced a total of 3,228,233.03 metric tons of organic farm products. In total, India exported 261,029.00 metric tons of organic products, which had a monetary value of 4,007.91 crore (approximately 494.80 million USD) during 2023-24 (APEDA 2023-24).
ORGANIC PULSE PRODUCTION STATISTICS
Global statistics
In 2021, approximately 7.33 lakh hectares, representing 0.8% of the global dry pulse cultivation area, were under organic farming methods. Europe leads in organic pulse production, with 5.69 lakh hectares under cultivation, followed by North America with 1.11 lakh ha, Asia with 30,230 ha,
Hashim et al. : Organic farming involving pulse crops and its systems for ecological sustainability 109
Latin America with 17,918 ha, and Africa with 3,563 ha. Among various crops, dry pulses have the highest organic share, making up nearly one-fourth of the total dry pulse farming area in the European Union. In organic farming, pulses play a vital role in crop rotation and animal feed. Among them, peas dominate, covering approximately 18.06% of the cultivated area, followed by beans at 10.85%, lentils at 6.56%, and chickpeas at 2.97%. Vetches make up the smallest share, occupying only 0.16% of the total area (IFOAM 2023). France leads in organic pulse cultivation with 156,782 ha, followed by Canada with 80,121 ha and Germany with 71,000 ha. In terms of organic land share, Australia ranks first at 81.04%, followed by Denmark at 53.37%, France at 42.27%, Italy at 42.24%, and Sweden at 38.60% (FiBL survey 2023).
Organic pulse production Statistics of India
In the year 2021-22, India produced 73,765.369 metric tonnes of organic pulses. The export volume of organic pulses was 8,781.97 metric tonnes in 2020-21, which declined to approximately 5,433.505 metric tonnes in 2021-22 (FiBL survey of 2023). In the 2022-23 period, the country’s total pulse production reached 26.06 million tonnes. Among the states, Madhya Pradesh led with 6.27 million tonnes, followed by Maharashtra with 4.64 million tonnes (Table 1).
GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES TO PROMOTE ORGANIC FARMING IN INDIA
With the rising demand for organic agricultural
Table 1: State-wise pulse production statistics in the country (top 10 states)
S. N. State Production (m t)
Madhya Pradesh 6.27 2 Maharashtra 4.64 3 Rajasthan 3.62 4 Uttar Pradesh 2.84 5 Gujarat 1.79 6 Karnataka 1.76 7 Andhra Pradesh 1.08 8 Jharkhand 0.76 9 Tamil Nadu 0.50 10 Telangana 0.50 All India 26.06
(Source: Economics, Statistics & Evaluation Division, DA&FW, 2022-23)
products, the Government of India has introduced various initiatives and policies to promote organic farming across the country. Some of the key schemes and programs are presented in Table 2.
Strategies for growing pulses under organic farming
To successfully cultivate pulses in organic farming, the following strategies should be considered.
Crop rotation and intercropping
Instead of growing the same crops year after year under organic farming, crop rotation should be practiced, involving pulses. It improves soil fertility and structure, helps break the cycles of pests and diseases, reduces the likelihood of infestations,
Table 2. Government schemes to promote organic farming in India S. N. Name of scheme Key features of the scheme
Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY)
Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojna (RKVY)
National Mission on Oilseeds and Oil Palm (NMOOP)
Mission Organic Value Chain Development for
North Eastern Region
(MOVCDNER)
National Project on Organic farming (NPOF)
This scheme has been launched in 2015 to promotes cluster based organic farming with Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) certification. It supports various aspects, including marketing, cluster formation, training, and certification.
This program is designed at the district level to maximize returns for organic farmers. Its objective is to enhance nutritional benefits from organic produce while offering states financial flexibility to support organic farming according to regional requirements. Launched by the Government of India in August 2021, this initiative aims to boost domestic production of edible oils, particularly oil palm, and lessen dependence on imports. The scheme focuses on expanding oil palm cultivation and enhancing edible oil production. The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India, introduced this initiative in the 2015-16 period. Since its launch, the scheme has been actively implemented across all eight northeastern states i.e. Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura. This initiative aims to establish organic value chains by integrating various stages, including input supply, seed selection, certification, infrastructure development for collection and aggregation, processing, marketing, and brand promotion.
This program was launched to support organic farming across the country by providing essential organic inputs like bio-fertilizers, bio-pesticides, and compost made from fruit and vegetable waste.
Journal of Food Legumes 39 (Special issue - NC Pulses 2026), 2026
lowers weed pressure, and optimizes resource use. Pulse crops are typically cycled with cereals
Table 3: Nitrogen economy due to inclusion of pulses in sequential cropping
to minimize the usage of nitrogenous fertilizers (Babu et al. 2016). Pulse crops return little residue
Preceding pulse crop
Following cereal
Fertilizer N-equivalent (kg N/ha)
to the soil; it is unknown how they might impact soil quality (Singh et al. 2021a). Pulse crops are often grown in rotation with cereals to optimize the financial gains, reduce the requirement for nitrogen fertilizer, and supply a higher-grade plant protein (Singh et al. 2021b).
Introduction of cover crops in certain crop rotations protects the soil from erosion by increasing soil cover (Dogliotti et al. 2004 and Watson et al. 2002), and soil structural stability, boosting soil fertility and carbon content, and promoting soil biological activity. Crop rotation involving pulses is also an effective method of reducing weed invasion with their ability to cover soil quickly, which puts them in conflict with weeds for resources like light and soil. Legumes can fix atmospheric nitrogen and easily absorb nitrogen for other crops in the rotation (Birkhofer et al. 2008). Pulse crops release large amounts of labile carbon molecules that improve soil structure and promote microbial growth (Shepherd et al. 2002). Crop rotation is an effective strategy for improving climate resilience and decreasing the vulnerability of agricultural systems (Mudgal 2010; Yu et al. 2022). Additionally, practices such as mixed cropping, intercropping, and cover cropping etc. play crucial roles in ensuring successful production in organic farming (Delang, 2018; Li et al. 2019; Yu et al. 2022).
Intercropping of pulses with compatible crops can optimize space, enhance resource use efficiency and biodiversity, and increase overall productivity. Intercropping also usually results in increased soil cover, which protects the soil from erosion and lessens soil crusting (Le Bissonnais et al. 2004). Intercropping systems effectively optimize the use of resources such as water, soil nutrients, and light, leading to enhanced productivity (Ghanbari et al. 2010; Zhang et al. 2011).
Incorporating pulses into the rice-wheat cropping system enhanced the system productivity and boosted soil fertility. Likewise, the yield of wheat was improved significantly following the cultivation of Kharif legumes such as mungbean, soybean, and groundnut, compared to maize (IIPR Annual Report 2010-11). Kharif pulses (cowpea and pigeonpea + urdbean/mungbean) contributed an equivalent of 40 kg N/ha to subsequent cereal crops (Table 3). Growing short-duration mungbean in the
Chickpea Maize 60 Chickpea Rice 40 Pigeonpea Wheat 40 Mungbean Rice 40 Urdbean/mungbean Wheat 30 Lentil Maize 30 Fieldpea Maize 25 Rajmash Rice 10 Cowpea Rice 40 Cowpea Wheat 43 Source: Subbarao, 1988
summer can increase nitrogen economy in the rice crop that follows by 40-60 kg N/ha in a rice–wheat rotation (Praharaj et al. 2021).
Selection of suitable crop varieties
Choose pulse varieties based on their suitability to the region, local climate, and soil conditions, ensuring they are resistant to pests, diseases, and environmental stresses such as drought or salinity. Genetically modified crop varieties, as well as planting materials like transgenic plants, tissue culture, and pollen culture, should be avoided in organic farming, as they are not permitted (Avasthe et al. 2016). Pulse crops have distinct features that could respond to changing environmental conditions as a result of shifting climatic patterns. Nine mungbean and four urdbean varieties were evaluated under both organic and inorganic sources at ICAR-IIPR. Among different mungbean genotypes, significantly higher grain yield was recorded in IPM 2-14 and IPM 410-3 over other varieties under organic nutrient management compared to inorganic nutrient. Among different varieties of urdbean, significantly higher grain yield was recorded in IPU 2-43 over other genotypes under organic nutrient management compared to inorganic nutrient management (IIPR Annual Report 2023).
Soil health and Crop nutrition
Pulses can fix nitrogen from the atmosphere through a symbiotic relationship with Rhizobium bacteria in their root nodules. This unique trait allows them to thrive with only a minimal initial nitrogen input, making them well-suited for organic farming (Avasthe et al. 2016). Biological nitrogen fixation transforms inert N2 into biologically useful NH3, reducing pulse dependence on external
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application of nitrogen. Their demand for adequate phosphorus, sulfur, iron, molybdenum, calcium, zinc, boron, and potassium is crucial (Banerjee et al. 2021). Different types of biofertilizers, such as Rhizobium, Azotobacter, Azospirillum, Acetobacter, Blue Green Algae (BGA), Azolla, and Phosphate Solubilizing Microorganisms (PSM), are widely used in India. Organic nutrient sources include all the necessary nutrients that plants need, along with several additional elements that either directly or indirectly promote plant growth. Crop nutrient requirements, however, might not be met by a single organic nutrient source (Singh et al. 2023). Well-decomposed farmyard manure or compost should be used to enhance soil fertility as it contains almost all the essential nutrients along with several additional elements that either directly or indirectly are involved in plant growth and development. However, their nutrient requirements might not be met by a single organic nutrient source (Singh et al. 2023). Biodegradable substances derived from microorganisms, plants, or animals, including compost, vermicompost, farmyard manure, mixed compost, enriched compost, etc., are key components of organic farming and should be applied as a nutrient source. Using agricultural and industrial by-products, which are rich in nutrients, for soil and crop nourishment through composting offers a sustainable method of waste management and organic farming (Garg et al. 2024). Incorporation of green manures improves soil organic matter, nitrogen content, and soil microbial condition for better growth and yield. Microbial consortia formulations blended with different beneficial bacteria can also be used in organic farming, as they can help in suppressing diseases and improving soil health. Nutrient-rich plant extracts can be added to organic fertilizer as supplements or bio stimulants to provide extra micronutrients and growth-promoting agents. Apart from that, calcium chloride, limestone, gypsum, and chalk can also be used as a nutrient source for crops under organic farming (Avasthe et al. 2016).
Insect-pests and disease management
In organic farming, insects and pests can be managed to some extent by raising trees in the farm, which attracts birds and kills pests of the crops. In organic farming, various products made on the farm using local resources like plants, animals, and microorganisms can be utilized to control pests and diseases. Secondary metabolites such as alkaloids, phenolics, and terpenoids act as natural biopesticides
against nematodes, insect pests, and fungi. Examples of these biopesticides include Pyrethrum, Nicotine, Neem, Margosa, and Rotenone (Santhosh kumar et al. 2017). Microbial biopesticides are also effective in pest management in organic farming. Additionally, some botanicals such as neem seed-kernel extract, cow-urine sprays, chromatic and mechanical traps, pheromone traps, repellents derived from plants, and vermiwash can help manage pests and insects in organic farming systems. Other insect pest management measures include crop rotation with a non-host crop, which is ideal to break the cycle of pest carry-over. Nowadays, the use of trap crops, pest-repellent plants, and biological control agents has become increasingly important (Owen et al. 2015; Thiviya et al. 2022). Deep ploughing should be adopted to expose hibernating stages of insects to hot summer temperatures.
Weed management in organic farming
Weeds are commonly identified as a major biotic challenge (Gopinath et al. 2009) and are regarded as a significant concern in organic farming (Röös et al. 2018). Effective weed management is essential for minimizing yield losses and ensuring high-quality production (Lundkvist and Verwijst 2011). Consequently, developing appropriate weed control strategies is vital for the success of organic farming (Gopinath et al. 2009). Weed management in organic farming based on preventive strategies, such as management of seedbanks and agronomic choices, while minimizing or eliminating the use of herbicides (Merfield and Sabu 2019). Agronomic strategies include crop rotation, selecting appropriate crops and cultivars, increasing planting density through higher seeding rates, adjusting row spacing for quicker canopy coverage, utilizing mechanical and physical methods for weed control, tillage, enhancing soil temperature through solar heating, inter-cropping, stale seed beds, mulching, hand weeding, and employing biological weed control and use of bioherbicides (Tahat et al. 2020). By following these strategies, farmers can enhance pulse productivity, ensure sustainability, and maintain healthier ecosystems under organic farming systems.
CHALLENGES IN ORGANIC PULSE PRODUCTION
Organic pulses, including lentils, chickpeas, and beans, are often cultivated under organic practices to meet the growing demand for organic food globally (Panneerselvam and Ravi 2020).
Journal of Food Legumes 39 (Special issue - NC Pulses 2026), 2026
Because of their high protein content and nitrogen fixing abilities, pulses are pivotal for sustainable agriculture. However, several factors contribute to the volatility and concerns surrounding their organic cultivation. The demand for organic products as well as awareness about organic farming has been reported to have increased all over the world. Despite the positive trends and numerous advantages, challenges are limiting organic production in developing countries like India. Organic farming has a major disadvantage in that initial yields may be lower, but this is offset by the premium prices and reduced input costs associated with organic products. However, in India, while organic produce does fetch a higher price, the reduced yields can result in lower profits if sold locally. Additionally, organic farming demands extensive knowledge, particularly in managing weeds and pests. The challenge of controlling weeds without synthetic herbicides remains one of the biggest challenges in organic farming.
Although chemicals are not allowed in organic farming, organic growers often face challenges of managing weeds, pests, and diseases by using natural methods. However, the timely accessibility of these products due to limited local availability or high costs leads to yield losses. High initial costs of certification and a lack of a well-established market infrastructure for organic products are some of the hurdles that need to be addressed. Due to the high cost of organic certification, along with the need for paperwork and record-keeping, small scale farmers might find it financially burdensome to comply with the stringent requirements set by certifying bodies. As a result, farmers may be discouraged from transitioning to organic farming. A large number of farmers in India are small or marginal, making it essential for the government to invest in providing financial incentives to promote organic farming. These obstacles can hinder the expansion and adoption of organic farming practices, particularly in the pulse sector. The supply chain remains underdeveloped, and farmers situated in remote hilly areas or tribal regions often struggle to access markets. Additionally, the lack of proper warehouses and refrigerated transport leads to significant product spoilage. Therefore, a comprehensive and collaborative effort from all stakeholders, including policymakers, certifying organizations, farmers, and consumers, is needed to address these issues.
FUTURE STRATEGIES FOR ORGANIC PULSE PRODUCTION
To reduce heavy doses of chemical fertilizers and pesticides application and to improve crop output and quality of crops, organic farming is currently seen to be the greatest solution. Thus, some forward-looking organic agricultural strategies are needed for drawing up any future policy on organic farming in pulses.
● Research is needed to create high-yield organic pulse cultivars, develop organic nutrient management strategies tailored to various agro-ecological conditions, and innovate rapid composting methods for recycling available biomass and crop residues into quality organic fertilizers.
● To enhance cropping intensity in rainfed regions, it is essential to incorporate pulses into the prevalent cereal-based cropping systems.
● Emphasis should be placed on cultivating pulses in rice fallow areas and intercropping them with coarse cereals, oilseeds, and horticultural crops.
● Exploring innovative organic pest and disease management techniques in pulses through the use of botanical and biological control methods.
● Developing resilient pulse varieties will enhance the long-term sustainability of organic farming practices.
● Subsidies should be provided to farmers for the purchase of inputs and certification costs for organic farming.
● Efficient technology is required for processing, adding value, product development, storage, and transportation methods.
● Capacity building programme for the farmers and extension functionaries to educate about organic farming practices in pulses, certification processes, and market access.
● Schemes and policies should be strengthened to ensure high premium prices for pulses produced under organic farming which will create an environment conducive to the widespread adoption of organic practices in pulses.
● Strengthening and encouraging the collaborations and networking between
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farmers, government bodies, NGOs, pulse researchers, farmer-producer organizations (FPOs), and private and international organizations to make use of knowledge, technology, and investments in the field of organic pulse production.
● Empower the women farmers in organic agriculture by enhancing their skills, knowledge, and access to resources.
● Investing in research and development on farming techniques and better dissemination of knowledge to enhance the efficiency and profitability of organic farming in pulses.
CONCLUSION
Organic farming is a cost-effective and environmentally sustainable approach to agriculture. It presents a long-term solution for advancing the agricultural sector, ensuring food security, and minimizing environmental harm. Additionally, it helps mitigate financial risks, provides nutritious food, creates job opportunities, and enables organic farmers to earn higher market prices. Growing pulses organically offers numerous benefits, including the production of safe, nutritious food, reduced risk of crop failure, and higher net returns, which ultimately enhance farmers’ livelihoods. In nations such as India, organic farming has proven advantageous in various ways, such as promoting sustainable resource usage, increasing crop yields without excessive dependence on expensive external inputs, and contributing to environmental and biodiversity conservation. Organic pulse production contributes to environmental sustainability by promoting biodiversity, reducing chemical inputs, and fostering soil health and water conservation. By fostering innovation, encouraging research, and implementing supportive policies, the potential of organic pulse production can be maximized.
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