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The over use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers poses serious problems for India's agriculture, especially in places like Rajasthan. These actions have resulted in health risks, soil fertility loss, and environmental deterioration. With an emphasis on water-scarce areas like Rajasthan, this thesis examines the potential of organic farming to increase production and cost effectiveness. Using natural fertilizers and soil additives, organic farming provides a sustainable substitute for conventional farming practices. In order to examine the technical efficiency of organic farming, this study uses Stochastic Frontier Analysis (SFA) to analyse production and cost metrics across several farmer groups.
Rajasthan, which is known for its arid and semi-arid climate and frequently receives less than 500 mm of rainfall annually, is facing serious difficulties to its agricultural output that are made worse by climate change. Traditional farming methods have made problems like soil salinization, desertification, and water scarcity worse. Water resources are conserved and less frequent irrigation is required thanks to organic farming's improved soil structure and water retention. Furthermore, using organic farming techniques reduces the need for pricey chemical pesticides and fertilizers, improving farming's economic viability—particularly for small and marginal farmers.
The advantages of organic farming are emphasized by this study, which include lowered health risks from chemical residues, continued soil fertility, and lower input costs. Because organic methods make use of locally accessible resources, they are both economical and environmentally sound. Farmers are further encouraged to embrace organic practices by government support in the form of legislation and subsidies, as well as rising consumer demand for organic food.
Organic farming can reach equivalent or better productivity levels while dramatically lowering production costs, according to empirical analysis of production and cost efficiency. According to the study, using organic methods improves soil health, increases resource efficiency, and increases resistance to climate change. Reduction of health hazards, biodiversity restoration, and less water pollution are some of the social and environmental advantages of organic farming.
The significance of legislative assistance in advancing organic farming is also emphasized in the thesis. The development of infrastructure for the certification and marketing of organic produce, as well as the provision of subsidies for organic inputs and farmer education and training, are among the policy recommendations. Community-based methods are essential for exchanging information and resources, which improves the efficiency and long-term viability of organic agricultural projects.
This thesis concludes by highlighting the potential of organic farming to tackle important issues facing the agricultural industry, especially in areas like Rajasthan that lack water. Organic farming provides an environmentally friendly and financially feasible substitute for traditional methods by increasing production and cost effectiveness. The results point to the necessity of encouraging laws and neighbourhood-based strategies to support organic farming, paving the way for a more resilient and sustainable agricultural future.
Key Words: Organic farming, productivity, cost efficiency, sustainable agriculture, water conservation, soil fertility, economic analysis, policy recommendations, Rajasthan, Stochastic Frontier Analysis, environmental sustainability, community-based farming, biodiversity, climate resilience.
