Organic Farming for Sustainable Horticulture

Horticulture is fast emerging as a major commercial venture, because of higher remuneration per unit area and the realization that consumption of fruits and vegetables is essential for health and nutrition. In the last one decade, export potential of horticultural crops has significantly increased attracting even multinationals into floriculture, processing and value added products. Since the horticultural produce especially fruits and vegetables are consumed afresh, consumers expect residue-free produce. In modern society where consumers are becoming increasingly health conscious and envioronmentally aware, a major market for organic foods has developed. The organic sector, in particular, has sprung back into life to become one of the most dynamic sectors in the international food market. The present book is an attempt which comprehensively deals with both principles and practices. It is divided into two parts. The first part deals with the principles of organic farming covering aspects such as enrichment of soil with organic matter, cropping systems, bio-fertilizers, weed management and pest management. The second part of the book deals with package of practice for organic farming in fruits, vegetables, ornamentals, medicinal, aromatic, plantation, spice and tuber crops. Three aspects, namely – nutrient management, weed management and pest management are dealt with separately for each crop. An entire chapter is devoted for sources of critical inputs used for organic farming which would be very much useful to the organic farmers to procure the same. This book is a practical guide to practicing organic farmers of horticulture crops. Further, it is a useful reference to policy makers, research workers and students. The material can also be used for teaching undergraduate and post-graduate courses.