Introduction of Tamil Nadu Organic Farming Policy 2023
A Comprehensive Approach to Organic Farming
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has officially launched the Tamil Nadu Organic Farming Policy 2023 in Chennai, marking a significant step towards promoting sustainable agriculture in the state. This new policy is designed to nurture soil health, agro-ecology, and biodiversity while ensuring the provision of safe, healthy, and eco-friendly food.
Expanding Organic Certification
The Tamil Nadu Organic Certification Department (TNOCD) is set to broaden its accreditation scope, now encompassing not just farm produce but also livestock and poultry products, beekeeping, aquaculture, mushroom cultivation, and greenhouse production. The policy introduces a streamlined single-window system to simplify the certification process for organic products, promoting easier access and broader adoption of organic practices.
Establishment of a State Gene/Germplasm Bank
A crucial feature of the policy is the formation of a State gene/germplasm bank dedicated to preserving traditional cultivar seeds across various crops. This move addresses growing health concerns attributed to agrochemical residues in the food chain, underlining the importance of an environmentally-safe food supply system.
Objectives of the Organic Farming Policy
The policy is committed to supporting chemical-free organic agriculture throughout Tamil Nadu, focusing on:
- Conservation of soil health, agro-ecology, and biodiversity
- Delivery of safe, nutritious, and environment-friendly food
- Promotion of organic farming awareness and practices
- Enhancement of certification systems and residue testing protocols
- Encouragement of local organic inputs like farmyard manure and vermicompost
- Development of market and certification advisories
- Expansion of organic product exports
- Advancement of organic farming in educational and research sectors
Tamil Nadu’s Position in Organic Agriculture
Tamil Nadu ranks 14th nationally in terms of organic agriculture land, encompassing over 31,629 hectares, which includes both certified organic areas and lands under conversion. The districts of Dharmapuri and Krishnagiri are leading in terms of total organic area. In 2020-21, Tamil Nadu exported 4,223 metric tons of organic products, generating revenue of ₹108 crore.
Policy Release Event
The first copy of the policy was presented to Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister M.R.K. Panneerselvam by the Chief Minister. The event, held at the Secretariat, was attended by Chief Secretary V. Irai Anbu and other senior officials, symbolizing a collective commitment to ushering in a new era of sustainable agriculture in Tamil Nadu.