Drivers for the behavioural receptiveness and non-receptiveness of farmers towards organic cultivation system

2.1 Advantages related to the eco-friendly organic strategies

2.2 A differential spectrum of organic and conventional farming

In recent decades, organic agriculture has led to controversy, primarily because it offers an opportunity to highlight the darker side of conventional chemical-intensive farming (Thatcher and Sharp, 2008). There is now strong evidence that organic agriculture is more eco-friendly: Organic production has more benefits as a result of improved soil health (Ding et al., 2019; Naguib, 2011), and fertility, organic matter and carbon content and biological activities; decreased frequency of soil erosion; reduced nutrient and pesticides pollution and improved biodiversity for plants and animals.The significant difference between organic and inorganic farming is the organic agricultural goods which are flavourful, nutritious and chemicals-free while inorganic food products are less nutritious, and can contain chemicals, toxic pesticide residues (Thippeswamy, 2013; Museanescu, 2013).

2.3 Barriers to organic farming: dual perspective of a single coin

3.1 Case studies: farmer's perception of organic farming

3.1.1

3.1.1 Case 1: Tamil Nadu

The following study was recently conducted in three districts of Tamil Nadu, where 20 certified organic farmers were picked from each district, emphasizing their perception of organic practices (Table 2) Scenario 1: Presents that 50.55% of farmers certified under organic farming had a high level of perception of environment-friendly practices. Followed by low (26.11%) and medium of (23.34%). The reason may be since most of them had the right level of educational status with an average level of constant direction. Scenario 2: Depicts that 53.33% of organic farmers had a medium level of view on the utilization of organic manures with a high (31.67%) and low (15.00%) extent of perception on uses of organic manures. Scenario 3: Shows that (59.44%) a high number of organic farmers had an average amount of perception of organic farming leading to profits, with a high (23.89%) and low (16.67%) grade of perception in organic farming amounting to profits (Philip and Sivaraj, 2018) (Fig. 1).

Table 2 Statistical analysis of certified organic farmers based on perception (Philip and Sivaraj, 2018).

Different response of respondents towards utilization of Organic manures
Statistical analysis of certified organic farmers based on perception (Philip and Sivaraj, 2018)	Category	Number	Percent
Scenario 1: Respondents distribution on eco-friendly activities according to their understanding.	Low	47	26
	Medium	42	23
	High	91	50
	Total	180	100
Scenario 2: Respondents distribution based on their perception of organic manures.	Low	26	15
	Medium	97	53
	High	56	31
	Total	1801	100
Scenario 3: Distribution of respondents on the profitability of organic manures.	Low	30	16
	Medium	104	59
	High	43	23
	Total	180	100

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Fig. 1

Geographical Locations and significance of the Indian States and their Contribution in the Expansion of Organic Farming.

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4.1 Strength factor

Based on the quantitative significance to the overall future of organic dairy production among organic producers, “abundance of organic manure and water” with a universal preference of 0.144 was the most critical element under stress. Uttarakhand and Tamil Nadu though present different climatic variation like the former is lavish in forest coverage (64% of the total area), and water resources (the upper catchment of snow-fed Ganga and >1000 mm of annual rainfall), but the primary inputs and strategies thus remain similar for organic farming sustainability. Both case studies have abundant forest leaf litter which is primarily used as bedding material in livestock sheds and courtyards as well as litter-livestock excreta mixture as manure in farmyards. The second most significant aspect was the “Community based credential program along with other support services” (global priority score 0.081). The provision of a community-based certification system as follows by UOCB, the state's leading. Organic farming certification agency is beneficial, particularly for small and marginal farmers who predominate in the state. The next important factors were found to be “the rich. The base of indigenous knowledge of the local population” (score 0.060) and Self-reliant, low-cost adaptive crop-farming integrated agriculture (score 0.030).

4.2 Weakness factors

The essential factor regarded as weakness was “relatively lower organic crop productivity” with a global priority of 0.079. It is because of the prohibition of the use of synthetic chemical inputs along with a host of other restrictions in variety, irrigation and other activities that nit is always coupled with the loss of crop productivity. On average, organic farms yield 10–15 per cent less than conventional farms in maturity, which may be higher in the initial years of conversion. “Unsatisfactory premium prices for organic products” (score 0.069) and “insufficient availability of organic inputs and skilled labour” (score 0.027) were listed as the next two major deficiency factors. The domestic market consumes only about 8 per cent of the total organic product (Table 3). 95% of organic farmers faced the problem of lack of marketing knowledge, lack of an appropriate marketing network, lack of regular supply, unavailability of organic inputs such as bio-fertilizers and biopesticide. Eventually, the organic farmers considered “rigorous certification process and complex practices” (score 0.014) to be an essential factor in weakness. By this study, they concluded that Organic farming has a strong potential not only in Uttarakhand and Tamil Nadu, but also in different regions of India, particularly those that are relatively less involved in intensive organic farming dependent on high external inputs. With rich indigenous information, rich biodiversity, lower organic farming production costs and still undiscovered vast internal shift to organic production looks like a lucrative choice not only for Uttarakhand's and Tamil Nadu’s certified organic and other conventional farmers but also for farmers across India.

5.1 Preferences and perceptions of consumers towards choice of cultivation system

In a global circumstance where organic foods trending in the market by, 2018, have expanded substantially in markets, through stable and moderately fast progress being distinct, which are pre-dominantly health, the surroundings and a better understanding of particular components present in foods produced organically. In this statement, the OECD (2002) marked out the increasing demand for organic products globally (Lernoud and Willer, 2019; Adl et al., 2011), and the relationship between a consumer choice for products with low levels of pollutants and natural greener products during the product manufacturing process (Niggli et al., 2017) (Fig. 2). This growing event indeed initiated an increase in the retail trade and the growth of organic products (Basha et al., 2019). Consumers are generally attracted to organic produce due to two main reasons. Firstly, the incline towards health care and quality (Nandi et al., 2015; Maji and Meena, 2017; Singh and Verma, 2017; Boobalan and Nachimuthu, 2019; Ferella et al., 2019), where customers believe that organic goods are better and safer due to the small quantities of contaminants, while the second reason is the issues related to environmental sustainability and safety and (Okolle et al., 2016; Yanakittkul and Aungvaravong, 2020).

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Fig. 2

Conceptual model on the perception of Indian consumers towards organic products (Singh and Verma, 2017).

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According to a report by Tech. Sci, which recently pointed out in India, organic food was estimated to rise at a CAGR of over 25% during 2015–2020. In current scenario, there is tremendous demand for organic food for wellbeing. Additional factor such as income levels, better quality life, and convenient government initiatives adding impact in current organic farming systems with respect to new technical support & financial aid. The focus of the producers is diverted in reducing the prices due to widespread high market prices which hinders between differential prices of conventional and organic (Pandey et al., 2019) food products. Due to the hiking demand for organic products, it increases and resulting in hike in economy, decrease production cost, and eventually leading the growth of Indian organic food in the in near future (Kamath et al., 2021).

5.2 The considerations for the receptiveness of farmers towards organic farming

The attitude and readiness of farmers to adapt to organic farming are what matters even when the farmers are fully aware of the benefits of it. Farmers go through the stages of knowing and getting aware of organic agriculture and technology related to it. This leads to the formation of positive or negative views for organic farming and eventually elect whether to implement it or not. Several reported studies show that farmers have a positive attitude towards organic methods of agriculture (Alzaidi et al., 2013; Mohan and Helen, 2014; Dipeolu et al., 2006; Tratnik and Zutinic, 2009; Kashyap et al., 2017; Singh and George, 2012) with few of the farmers showing concerns regarding its long-term feasibility (Eyinadeand Akharume, 2018; Ulm et al., 2019; Yanakittkul et al., 2019). A study has reported that farmers have shown a healthy positive attitude and intent to accept organic agricultural methods in the coming five years (Issa and Hamm, 2017; Thakur, 2018). Also, as per a constructed framework, a farmer's behaviour and attitude towards organic farming are steered by five important considerations namely, familiarity with organic farming, associated cost, profits from organic farming, environmental features and public influences (Mader et al., 2002; Reddy, 2010; Thakur et al., 2017).

Organic farming and its importance are realized effectively by a group of farmers around the world for a long time. Policymakers, intellectuals, practitioners and academicians have also mentioned and talked about its positive aspects from time (Willer and Lernoud, 2019) to time. However, the preparation and inclination shown by the farming groups are what is required for the active implementation of this organic farming culture amongst different farming groups (Barnes et al., 2013; Yazdanpanah et al., 2022; Dang et al., 2014; Sobhana et al., 2019). The Policies made by the government which are constructed on the public as well as private sector's need is responsible for incentivizing farmer groups for obeying or behaving as per the policies. Morone et al. (2019) confirmed that the guidelines (funds and organizations, small scale farming) are the main driving forces for the model of sustainable food security. Dang et al. (2014) considered the variables used as incentives for policies in promoting the growth of various plant species and the policies for supporting the buying of rich hedgerows, without affecting the farmer's intentions. The identification of needs by the farmer according to his/her suitability is known as self–identification towards farming behaviour. Van Dijk et al. (2016) acknowledged farming groups as the group of people who save the environment and found an impact on the aim of not accepting the aid provided like- subsidies Alzaidi et al., 2013; Mohan and Helen, 2014; Dipeolu et al., 2006; Tratnik and Zutinic, 2009; Singh and George, 2012) (Eyinade and Akharume, 2018; Thakur, 2018; Thakur and Kumari, 2021). A study has reported that farmers have shown a healthy positive attitude and intent to accept organic agricultural methods in the coming five years (Issa and Hamm, 2017).

5.3 An interest inclined shift/behaviour towards organic farming by farmer groups

Agriculture based on the use of chemicals and irresponsible irrigation methods have shown several limitations in recent years, and this has caused a high attention shift on organic farming. A significant fall in the agricultural yield in certain areas due to excessive use of chemicals which leads to the decrease in soil fertility (Lampkin et al., 1994; Janjhua et al., 2019). The farmer groups have understood the need to encourage and adopt the new organic farming techniques due to the knowledge that, it can provide sustainable production of high-quality food items and products with almost no harm to the environment and humanity. The current agricultural methods are proving to be incapable of achieving these goals, and hence there is a need to encourage organic farming which is capable of delivering efficiently Scofield (1986). A statistically significant relationship was found between the producer's views on an organic system of farming and the factors like- labour, profits, age and level of education. The farmer groups with good education and training showed highly effective association towards organic farming methods (Rana et al., 2017). It has been noted that the farmers deciding ability to adopt organic farming was mainly driven by several complex factors like- comparison between the advantages and disadvantages of new and old practices of farming, resources required, social and economic status, demographic factors and awareness of official services available for their help (Pinthukas, 2015). Other features like land occupancy and irrigation facilities also displayed a positive sign for the implementation of organic farming by different farmer groups. Studies have reported that awareness regarding organic agriculture also has a significant effect on embracing organic farming techniques (Ullah et al., 2015; Dessart et al., 2019; Lapple, 2010). Agro-environmental interventions, cognitive strategies, such as behavioural techniques, have also been used to determine the response of producers to new environmental policy design. Also, the Concept of Planned Behavior (TPB), which focuses on the evaluation of social intentions determinants, has been widely used to explain and forecast the possible actions of farmers concerning environmental protection measures (Menozzi et al., 2015; Ghaffari et al., 2019).

5.4 The integrated conceptual frame: decision making process followed by the farmers

The conceptual structure describes the ecological approach of farmers in three dimensions: i) the decision-making process of individual farmers; ii) the decision-making context in which the farm exists, and iii) the decision-making process itself. The decision-making process of individual farmers defined in the extended framework is considered to be influenced by the context in which the farm exists (Hansen et al., 2019) (Table 4). Alongside a large number of theories and models related to farmer behavioral change have been studied. Similarly, a five-stage model (Table 5) prediction for assessing the cascade of choice-making criteria of farmers was raised by Sutherland and his coworkers in 2012. The Behavioral component is judged by three criteria (1) The first component contributes to specific behavior corresponding to the individual's values and social views (2) The second component highlights the standards about cultural aspects, which studies the diversion of a specific behavior (Department of Agriculture (DoA), 2016) from the corresponding peer group, (3) The final component is the perceived behavioral control, which decides the degree of decision-making ability of an individual towards selecting an appropriate type (Rose, 2018; Tiraieyari et al., 2017; Assis and Mohd Is, 2011; Paull, 2011; Mohamed Haris, 2019).

5.4.1

5.4.1 Comparative efficiency of behavior

The comparative efficiency of behavior is a factor that the farmers will precede towards a farming practice that finally boosts yield and productivity. The study conducted by Aubert et al. (2012) stressed on the advantages of incorporating technologies related to soil analysis for the suitable type of plant which has a strong influence on the perceived benefits of farmers leading to various technology applications. The previous literature also emphasized the selection Kirchmann et al. (2008) or acceptance of various environmental policies (Sattler and Nagel, 2010) by the farmers in terms of the risks associated with cost and time. Similarly, the urge for long-term benefits moved the farmer's interest in the utilization of renewable energy sources (The primary target of agriculture is to ensure food security with ecological safety. Further, the possible reasons for the reduction in organic yield were lower availability and efficient uptake of nutrients, weak weed and pest control and constraints related to methods to increase soil nutritional and health status (Warren et al., 2016; Yanakittkul and Aungvaravong, 2020). The ongoing debate with various views also showcases a probability regarding the inefficiency and inability of organic systems to feed the world successfully (e.g. Badgley and Perfecto, 2007; Cassman, 2007; O'Connor, 2008; Goulding et al., 2009). So, we need an extensive study of conventional system yields in order to state and predict the viability of organic methods and strategies to provide ample food in the future (De Ponti et al., 2012; Kirchmann et al., 2016). The studies also depict that a positive inclination is observed in the farmer's behavior, which shifts towards a more optimistic phase towards environment sustainability when continuing with organic farming in comparison to the farmers who are carrying out the traditional ways of farming. The reason for the increased positive attitude towards environment may be devoted to the organic values and utilizing natural resources judiciously (Lapple, 2012). However, in developed countries there are issues related to lower land- efficiency of organic agriculture so, the positive impact of organic farming is less noticeable. The short and long lengths of 12 flower petals are known to relate the success rate of the different sustainability measures qualitatively. The four adjoining circles generally depict the zones relating to 25, 50, 75 and 100 per cent sustainability dimensions. The different colors depict different parameters (purple petals represent the areas of production whereas, the brown petals represent areas of environmental sustainability, yellow petals present areas of economic sustainability and red petals represent areas of well-being respectively. The Petal lengths indicate that the organic cultivation system generally fits into the four zones of sustainability (Fig. 3).

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Fig. 3

A 12-petal diagram depicting the Comparative analysis of chemical and organic cultivation patterns based on 12 significant parameters and four zones of sustainable.

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5.5 Innovative theories and their diffusions

The judgment cycle for innovation begins with the awareness level, where the person discovers and is finding information about an innovation. As per Rogers, three forms of wisdom emerge here, namely: (1) understanding, (2) knowledge, and (3) pure knowledge. The perception of awareness demonstrates the presence of the innovations, and this will inspire to learn more about the innovations and thus to implement them. The understanding of how-to and theory offers further detail about inventions and explains further the structure and purpose of how an invention works. A person will possess all the required skills, but that does not ensure that the adoption will take place (Haris, 2019).

5.6 The risks associated with organic farming

Organic farming has arisen as a response to agricultural industrialization and its related environmental and social problems. However, the question of whether organic farming offers comprehensive advantages over conventional agriculture is controversial. Some say organic farming systems are more efficient and environmentally friendly, while others challenge the role of organic farming in sustainable food systems in the future. Many studies stressed the need for significant changes in the world's food system: farming must tackle the dual challenge of feeding a rising population; (Seufert et al., 2012; Reddy, 2017). Recent and continuing market globalization processes, changes in policy infrastructure, systemic shifts in the industry, new and rapidly evolving technology demonstrate that globalization creates not only positive developments but also threats and risks like never before. Therefore, Agricultural production has significant problems, including: (i) Unfavourable weather situations (ii) unenriched and fewer varieties of crops (iii) inadequate management of crop practices (iv) bugs, insects and disease (v) Obstacles to technological adoption (vi) external (viii) Low and reducing soil fertility (Phiri et al., 2012; Darnhofer et al., 2005).Discussing the problems of globalization processes concerning the quality and protection of food and agricultural non-food products, the issues on secure production conditions and the prospects for international trade should be addressed taking into account the fact that there are higher risks (Table 6)and more significant benefits.

5.7 Globalization and climatic challenges

The problems of small-scale farming have increased with globalization. Developed country policy on massive subsidies and policies of protection has adverse repercussions for small farmers in developing countries. If small farms are not supported, globalization can benefit large farmers. Trade liberalization has harmed agricultural economies in areas where crops like seeds, cotton and oilseed are essential. The efficiency issues become very important through liberalization in terms of competition faced by domestic production. The country needs to reduce various post-collection costs to compete in the world market and undertake appropriate reforms in order to increase the efficiency of domestic markets and systems of supply. The adverse effects on the farmers, which are generally encountered, are the low prices and output volatility for main cash crops.

The changing climatic patterns and the fluctuating weather conditions pose the biggest challenge to the rural population in terms of agriculture, environment, food safety and security. These Climate changes have been reported to adversely affect the living environment of the poor, food deficient small landholders due to the immediate risk of crop failure, loss of livestock and forest products. However, Adapting and mitigating agriculture may provide smallholder farmers with benefits.

The net zero green chemistry concepts drive in the major goals of sustainable energy sources and reduction in the emission rates of GHG’S (Green House Gases). The greatest challenge has been faced by the human race in terms of global warming and exceeding climatic turnovers and emissions. To achieve a net zero concept by 2050 we need to go for sustainable transformations in terms of transport, produce and energy. Organic farming can help in terms of systemic approach to reduce the GHG’S emission linked to consumption and food production strategies. Net zero strategies would help the Agri-sectors to adapt to the climate change keeping in view the parameters related to food security and finally to progress towards Sustainable Development Goals, keeping in view the protection and restoration of ecosystem and ecology (Northrup et al., 2021). A sole focus of using organic strategies is to overcome the obstacles like farmers livelihood and environmental trade-offs. A sustainable farming system related to organic would reduce the cumulative greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture by 8–9% through increased carbon sequestration (5–6%) and further reduction in nitrogen fertilizer application rates. It would further reduce the emission patterns related to mineral and chemical fertilizers and would bring out sustainable benefits like improving biodiversity, a balanced system resilience, soil health and fertility, reduction in algal blooms/eutrophication, improvement in food safety and security sections and the most important improving the farmers sovereignty. Further the use of organic manures and local resources would reduce burdens on imported feed and hence would reduce the emissions linked to feed production and land use patterns (Leger et al., 2021; Billen et al., 2021).

5.8 Government organic farming programs and boosting schemes: the present and future scenario

Sikkim and Uttarakhand have been designated as organic states and ∼five lakh ha land have been cultivated in the state of Maharashtra since 2003 (of 1,8 crore hectares of cultivable land). The organic sapota, coconut and banana production were more profitable in Gujarat, although crops had lower input and returns. 1513 ha were in organic farming certified in Karnataka and 4750 ha in organic agriculture non-certified by 2005. The main reasons behind the shift to organic farming include sustainable soil fertility, low farm costs, higher quality of products, long-term returns, easy input available and a reduction in pest and disease attacks. In 2004, the Karnataka government issued a government policy on organic farming. The majority of the area is for organic farming in the northeastern states. 3000 ha of Nagaland is organically cultivated. States such as Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Kerala and Tamil Nadu vigorously promote organic farming (Reddy, 2010).

The various organizations, like “Chetna”, have been established for the commercialization of organic products. Specific problems identified are failure to pay off high price value for those products due to the transition, lack of inventory facilities for stored products with paid cash. Therefore, it is essential to direct rural banks to simplify the credit process to provide a supporting hand to give organic farmers. It is argued that the intensive process of organic agriculture is, constrained mainly to the farmers of precious resources and the export market, is heavily dependent on external price support systems, market research (Table 7) and product certification among other things.

It is imperative to change methods to increase agricultural production in the country and meet the demands of the increasing population (Kristiansen et al., 2006). The national strategies are directed to encourage organic agriculture for crops with good market value such as fruit, spices, pulses, olive seeds, wheat and cotton, basmati, etc. Three key zones already happened to be identified as regards potential areas (Reddy, 2010).

The Government of Andhra Pradesh in combination with Agricultural and Horticultural Ministry has launched and implemented various organic farming programs. During 2008–09, the Agriculture Department of the AP had adopted several schematic measures with an Rs 18,29 crore expenditure to promote organic farming in the State. It has been observed that India lacks behind the adoption and acceptance of organic farming despite serious efforts by some NGOs. Specific issues require a severe makeover at the level of policymaking strategies by the Government to lay the groundwork for the extension of organic agriculture across the country. These include (a) consistent government financial support, essential for the promotion of organic agriculture; (b) market extension and development for organic production, which is the main factor to promote national sales; (c) Governmental support for the marketing of organic products in producer and consumer associations; (d) simplifying the certification process and (e) decreasing the cost of certification (Reddy, 2010). The National Agricultural Policy does not mention organic farming. Organic agriculture provides a convenient production method, which can be appropriately used for the benefit of some farmers. The governments of rocky mountains like Uttarakhand Mizoram and Sikkim have taken significant initiatives to practice organic on their land altogether. In Arunachal Pradesh Karnataka, Meghalaya, Madhya Pradesh, and Punjab state initiatives have also been taken in some form. Nevertheless, many studies have shown the productivity and sustainability nature of organic agriculture. Many people are supporting a selective conversion of farms to organic while endorsing organic farming, just so yield failures are taken into consideration as far as possible. At present, government subsidies or support are lacking to facilitate or reduce conversion to organic status. The questions of organic farm yield and economic viability are critical, and there is no Indian empirical study analyzing the economic returns of organic farms with non-organic farms. Organic agricultural policy has been neglected, so the government's aid to support organic farming is lower, since subsidies, agricultural extension and proper research are available on conventional agriculture. Given the right incentives, organic agriculture in India will make enormous progress (Reddy, 2010; Yanakittkul and Aungvaravong, 2018).

5.9 Economic benefits in adopting organic farming

One of the essential aspects of organic farming and which also encourages farming groups immensely are the economic benefits of this farming technique. One of the essential and impactful features of organic farming is the reduced cultivation cost that affects the decision-making process of farmers while adopting organic agricultural practices (Darnhofer et al., 2005; Landicho et al., 2014; Herath and Wijekoon, 2013). The reduction in borrowing and debt traps due to the availability of raw materials in their farm fields made them get higher profits from their harvested products in different markets (Surekha et al., 2011). Organic farming poses a slight risk and is high as compared to conventional farming practices (Grotti, 2015). Several factors significantly affect the decision of farmers regarding the adoption of organic farming namely, increased profits, reduced cost of raw materials and the prospect to get the most excellent price for the yield (Lyngboek et al., 2001; Mendoza, 2002; Gibbon and Bolwig, 2007; Lampkin et al., 1994).

5.10 A holistic law approach needs to be implemented for the farming system

The major loophole in the current farming system revolves around the marketing problems, Middle man inclusions, Minimum Support Price (MSP) and latest tech know-how. To resolve these major problems the three major bills in support of farming law was passed in by the Parliament in September 2020 which aims at.

1. Law 1/Bill 1: Promotion as well as Facilitation impacting the trade and commerce.

2. Law/Bill 2: Focus on protection and Empowerment of Farmers; the law highlights the important issues and Agreement related to MSP’S, Price Assurance and Farm Services

3. Law/Bill 3: Law focusing on upskilling farmers and improving their living standards

5.11 Drawback to implement the organic farming.

1. Drawback 1: The cost of organically Farmed Produce is at much higher grade.

2. Drawback 2: Technological know-how and well-Designed strategies/Methods are needed to compete with conventional Farming.

3. Drawback 3: A buffer zone corresponding to 7 m is needed to separate organic fields from the chemical fields and is basically more labor intensive in nature