Comparative Economic Analysis of Organic and Conventional Farming in Karnataka

Abstract

Farmers adopted organic farming, a sustainable agriculture method, considering economic, environmental and health concerns. Economic analysis of organic and conventional farming was carried out, focussing on ragi and maize. Conventional farming showed a higher yield per acre (ragi 16 and maize 19 q) as compared to organic farming (ragi 14 and maize 17 q), but the difference was marginal. Costs and returns analysis showed a return-cost ratio of 2.32 for ragi under organic farming and 2.88 for conventional. The ratio for maize was 1.96 and 1.84, respectively, under organic and conventional farming. Considering the marginal difference of returns and accruing environmental benefits, organic farming needs to be promoted for achieving sustainable agriculture