A comparative economic study of organic and chemical farming in Gujarat A case study of Navsari district of South Gujarat

Abstract

As against 1.56 per cent of females and 98.44 per cent of males engaged in organic farming, there were 0.67 per cent of females and 99.33 per cent of males engaged in chemical farming. Women seem to be the least engaged in both types of farming. However, they are considered as a close associate and seem to be participating and contributing to the great extent directly and indirectly. Meaning thereby, though working hand in hand; they are not considered as the owner of the occupation. Besides almost full-time engagement in household chores, they work as a labourer in the farm, cook food even for the household/helpers working on the farm, look after animals and carry meals to the farm and perform many other functions. There is not any significant difference between the two categories farmers as the household size, the literacy rate and social background are more or less same. The farmers in organic farming category make extensive use of seminars, consultation with agricultural scientists, N.G.O.s and other sources to get guidance about organic farming. Those in the chemical farming category get ideas and knowledge from government schemes, Krishi Melas, agricultural university, agro-based seminars, agricultural scientists and NGOs also. In the field area under study, among organic farming, the main food grain crops are wheat and paddy. Other crops are almost nil. Paddy crop needs black, mid-black or goradu land. Besides, in the area, there is a better irrigation facility. Even climate is conducive to the paddy crop and wheat crop. That is why these crops are prominently seen among organic farmers. The respondents in the organic category of farming usually take paddy and wheat as food grain crops. Those in the chemical category of farming also include paddy, wheat, maize and millet. As regards food grain crops, the farmers in the Organic category mainly take wheat and paddy whereas those in the chemical category take wheat, paddy, millet, maize and jawar also. Among food grains, the respondents in organic category take the crops of wheat and paddy, similarly, those in the chemical category also mainly take the crops of Paddy and wheat; as also those of maize, millet, jawar etc.