Is organic agriculture viable for large scale cultivation

[pskrishnan]

We are developing a 70 acre plantation in Southern Tamil Nadu. We are evaluating between cultivation techniques [incl inputs] using organic methods vs inorganic methods. We have visited several large farms over the last few years to study their practices and learn from their experiences. The feedback we have received from large farm owners is that organic based cultivation is not viable for large scale commercial farming [50 acres and above], and that it is viable only for small acreages / farms.

The feedback we have received from large scale plantation / farm owners are

1. They face issues in plant growth [slower growth as compared to inorganic], lower yield, and more importantly inability to control diseases & pests when cultivated under organic methods
2. Difficulty in generating vast quantum of organic inputs to manage a large scale farm. They find it easier to utilise inorganic inputs where the input requirements are not as demanding [in quantity] as compared to organic inputs
3. Where organic inputs could be potentially generated within the farm, we have also received feedback from some of the large farm owners that it is also very labour intensive to manage the process of collection & generation of organic inputs

I would like to seek the opinion of practising experts on your opinion on the commercial viability of running a larger scale farm / plantation using organic methods & inputs. It will also be useful to receive suggestions & experiences of others in the forum practising organic methods of cultivation, incl usage of organic inputs

I will also be interested in receiving suggestions from members in this forum on examples of commercial success of large farms / plantations using organic cultivation methods, practices & inputs

I look forward to hearing from you

Regards


P S KRISHNAN

 

[Ashwini]

Hello Sir,

If you are in the verge of converting inorganic lands to organic lands, then yes you would require large quantities of FYM, compost . If previously you have used sufficient organic material and the land is rich in organic matter, then each year you need not apply loads of compost or farm yard manure. There are a lot of farmers who are cultivating organically/. The other main point is it all depends on what do you want to cultivate??. For fruit plantations it is easy on large acres of land and for vegetables it is a little difficult to source manure. Another suggestionb would be, you can have your own farm yard pits, vermi pits, biodigesters.

Regards
Ashwini