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Medicinal and aromatic plants constitute a precious resource for mankind. Since time immemorial these plants have been put to medicinal use by Hakims, Vaidas, Ayurvedic practioners and of course the common man (Gupta et al. 2016). It is because these plants possess a lot of qualities for curing the most common or dreaded diseases without any side effects (Gupta et al. 2016). Unfortunately, with the onslaught of human population explosion, industrialization, fertilization and deforestation, the rich medicinal plants wealth has suffered a massive damage. A large number of medicinal plants are now at the verge of extinction which requires their preservation.

India which stands blessed well vast medicinal plants diversity is estimated to have about 30,000 different plant species world over having accepted medicinal value in Ayurveda, Unani, Homeopathy, Allopathy, Tibetan etc. In fact, out of the 18 hot spots in the world with regard to occurrence of medicinal plants two are confined to India. These two hot spots are represented by the Eastern and the North western Himalayas, and the western Ghats with very high degree of endemism. These are indeed the treasure house of about 30,000 or around 45,000 medicinal and aromatic plant species pertaining to medicinal culture (Gupta et al. 2016). Out of these nearly 6000-7500 plant species have been very much exploited for the last 5,000 years traditional system to medicines and are likely to extinct.

India is the second largest producer of vegetables after China. The diverse agro climatic conditions of India offer an immense scope for production of organic vegetables throughout the year. The increase in area, production and productivity associated with nutrition and health security awareness demands lot of promotion of organic vegetables cultivation in the region since these products sell at the premium prices in the domestic and overseas market (Sandhu and Khera, 2008). It is because the major contribution of vegetables to human health is the large amount of Vitamin C and A as well as folic acid and good number of dietary fibres and minerals (Sanwal, 2008). Apart from this, the phytochemicals in vegetables protect the human body from cancers and cardiovascular diseases. Under organic mode of cultivation one can get an average yield of 25-30 tonnes of good quality potato vegetable crop per hectare (Sachan et al. 2008). It is worthwhile to mention that the potato is a key world food vegetable crop which is produced in 130 nations. It is grown from sea level to 3900 m elevation and its edible dry matter accounts for a higher volume of the food consumed in the world than fish and meat combined together (Sachan et al. 2008). More potatoes are consumed by the world’s population than any other vegetables.

Organic farming in India started receiving focused attention from the year 2004-2005 when National Project on Organic farming (NPOF) was launched during 2004, the area under organic farming was 42,000 hectares (Srimathi and Jency, 2014). By March, 2010, it was reached to 1.08 million hectares. In addition to these, 3.40 million hectares was wild forest harvest collection area. Thus, total area under organic certification process by March,2010 was 4.48 million hectares which was increased by 25 folds during last 6 years. In cultivated organic land 7.56 lakh hectares was certified while 3.2 lakh hectares was under conversion. In India, States such as Orissa, Jharkhand, Uttarakhand (Uttaranchal), Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh have been categorized as low or negligible fertilizers consuming states of the country.

Historical Perspective

Organic Farming was initiated in about 10,000 years back when ancient farmers started cultivation depending on natural sources only. There is a brief mention of several organic inputs in our ancient literature like Rigveda, Ramayana, Mahabharata, Kautilya Arthashastra etc. In fact, organic agriculture has its roots in traditional agricultural practices that evolved in countless villages and farming communities over the millennium.

Organic Movement

The organic movement began in the 1930s and 1940s as a reaction to agriculture’s growing reliance on synthetic fertilizers. Artificial fertilizers had been created during the 18th century, initially with superphosphates and then ammonia derived fertilizers mass-produced using the Haber-Bosch process developed during World War I. These early fertilizers were cheap, powerful, and easy to transport in bulk. The 1940s has been referred to as the ‘pesticide era’. Sir Albert Howard is widely considered to be the father of organic farming. Rudolf Steiner, an Austrian philosopher, made important strides in the earliest organic theory with his biodynamic agriculture. More work was done by J.I. Rodale in the United States, Lady Eve Balfour in the United Kingdom, and many others across the world. As a percentage of total agricultural output, organic farming has remained tiny since its beginning. As environmental awareness and concern increased, the originally supply-driven movement became demand driven. Standardized certification brought premium prices, and in some cases government subsidies attracted many farmers converting into organic farming. In the developing world, many farmers started organic farming according to traditional methods but are not certified. In other cases, farmers in the developing world have converted out of necessity. As a proportion of total global agricultural output, organic output remains small, but it has been growing rapidly in many countries, notably in Europe.

History

The history of organic farming is largely based upon the history of organic movement which came to fore as a reaction against the large-scale use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides in agriculture. This movement can be traced back to England during 1920, when individuals started speaking against a variety of agricultural “innovation”.

One of the earlier pioneers of Organic Farming, Sir Albert Howard, is often referred to as the father of the modern “Organic Farming”. He began to work as a British botanist and served as an agriculture advisor in India, where he observed traditional Indian farming practices and came to respect them as superior to his conventional agriculture science. He documented and developed these organic farming practices/methods. His writings and notably the 1940 book, An Agricultural Testament, have influenced many scientists and farmers of the day.

In Germany Dr. Rudolf Steiner developed biodynamic agriculture which was probably the first comprehensive farming system. In America, the agronomist F.H. King had toured China, Korea and Japan in early 1990s, closely studied the fertilization, tillage and general farming practices being followed there. He published his findings in his book Farmers of Forty Centuries (1911). King probably did not impart any view himself as part of the movement, whether Organic Farming movement or by some other name. However, in the later years, some scientists within the organic farming movement thought, about what King had encountered in Asia as kindred approach.

Although after independence, the use of hybrid and composite seeds of various crops, especially of rice and wheat resulted in an increase in the Indian agricultural output leading to “Green Revolution”. This Green Revolution came to fore during the late “Nineteen Hundred and Sixty”. In fact, during the era of “Green Revolution”, introduction of high yielding varieties of rice and wheat crops were grown which responded to more use of fertilizers, pesticides as well as water.

There is no doubt that “Green Revolution” made the country-India, self- sufficient in food grains production, particularly of rice and wheat. As a matter of fact, the “Green Revolution” created a buffer stock at times exceeding to 60 million tonnes, which made the nation or the country very proud (Mahajan and Gupta, 2009). However, continuous use of chemical fertilizers as well as inorganic pesticides and totally neglect of organic manures and botanical pesticides prepared from various plant species like Neem (Azadirachta indica) and Drek (Melia azedarach) for controlling of insects came totally to stand still. So very soon, the deleterious or ill effects of the “Green Revolution” the so called the chemical-based farming or “Industrial agriculture,” came to fore, which briefly stand discussed below

Introduction

Tea is the most popular and cheapest beverage consumed by two-thirds of the world population. The stimulative effect of tea is due to the presence of caffeine (1.25–4.5 %). Panthothenic acid, caffeine and theophylline present in tea stimulate the nerves and are good for the heart. Tea is grown in 50 countries, predominantly in Asia, Africa and Europe. Of the major tea producers, India, China, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Russia and Indonesia contribute the maximum share to global production. Though the share of India in global tea production has declined over the years, it still retains its status as the largest tea producer with 30 % of world output (2,780 million kg). India can also boast of producing many varieties of tea. Well-known varieties like Darjeeling, Assam and Nilgiris are well-known for their distinctive characters. Assam (24.86 %), West Bengal (15.20 %), Tamil Nadu (6.28 %) and Kerala (2.28 %) are major tea producing states in the country.

Introduction

The rubber tree is the most important commercial source of natural rubber, an industrial raw material of strategic importance, recovered from its latex. Hevea was first used as a source of rubber by the French. The name rubber is derived from the quality of material in rubbing pencial marks. It was introduced to tropical Asia in 1876 through Kew Garden in the UK with seeds brought from Brazil by Sir Henry Wickham. It is now distributed in the tropical regions of Asia, Africa and America. The major rubber-growing countries are Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Cote d’Ivoire, China and India Thailand has the maximum area under rubber, but China has taken the credit for maximum rubber production. India is the second largest producer and consumer of natural rubber in the world. In India, rubber is grown over an area of 7.57 lakh hectares with a production of 12.57 lakh tonnes, 9% of the total world natural rubber output. In India, Kerala is the predominant rubber-growing state. International Rubber Research and Development Board (IRRDB), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

• Association of Natural Rubber Producing Countries (ANRPC), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
• Rubber Research Institute of India (RRII-1955) is located at Kottayam, Kerala

Introduction

The palmyrah is believed to be a native of tropical Africa. It grows extensively in drier parts of India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia and Indonesia. It is recognised as the state tree of Tamil Nadu in 1978, recognising its importance. It has been estimated that there are about 8.6 crores of Palmyra palms existing in India, of which 5.02 crores of palms are alone spread over Tamil Nadu and the remaining 3.58 crores of palms are in Andra Pradesh.

Introduction

Oil palm is recognized as the highest and cheapest edible oil-yielding crop. Palm oil is extracted from the fruit’s fleshy mesocarp, which contains 45-55 percent oil. The crop is unique in producing 2 distinct types of oil palm oil and palm kernel oil, which are used for culinary and industrial purposes. Being rich in beta carotene, palm oil contributes substantially to the nutritional and energy requirements of the masses. It is also grown in India Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Mizorum, Orissa.

Introduction

Coffee is the second important beverage, ranking second among traded commodities. Its dried beans are roasted, ground, and brewed to make a stimulating and refreshing beverage. Arabica coffee originated in Ethiopia, from a place called Caffa. The word “coffee” is derived from a place called “Caffa.” Here it occurs naturally in the forest between 1,400 to 1,800 feet of elevation. Nearly 80 percent of the world’s coffee is produced by Coffea Arabica. Robusta coffee is thought to have originated in Central Africa (Congo and Zaire). Arabica coffee was introduced in 1670 by Muslim pilgrim Baba Budan. He brought seven seeds from Yemen and cultivated them in Chikmagalur, Karnataka. The original seeds he brought were probably Mokka seeds. Robusta coffee was introduced from the Indochina region at the close of the 19^th century for planting in the states of lower elevations. World: Brazil, Vietnam, Colombia, Indonesia, India, Ethiopia, Peru, Mexico, Guatemala and Honduras. It is also growing in India in Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Orissa.

Introduction

It is considered as Kalpavriksha as it provides the basic necessities of life. Coco- Spanish word meaning monkey face (probably refers to the three scars on the base of the shell resembling two eyes and a nose on a monkey’s face). World Vietnam, India, Guyana, Jamaica, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Malaysia, Fiji, etc. Vietnam has the highest productivity. In India, coconut is mainly grown in Kerala, which stands first in India in both area and production of coconut, while productivity is highest in Tamil Nadu.

• World Coconut Germplasm (WCG) is located at Sipoghat, Andaman Nicobar Islands
• Coconut Development Board (CDB) is located at Cochin, Kerala
• CDB comes under Ministry of Agriculture established at Kochi in 1981, Kerala

Introduction

The Greek names Theos and Broma mean “Gods” and “Food,” respectively. Cocoa consumption is in temperate countries. Cocoa is a beverage crop introduced for cultivation in India in the early 1965. The cocoa plant is a perennial dicotyledonous which has been under cultivation since pre-historic times. shade-loving and evergreen trees. It is native to the Amazon valley of South America and is now cultivated largely in Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Nigeria, Indonesia, Peru, Sierra Leon Cameroon, Equator, West Indies and Malaysia. In India, cocoa is mainly grown in Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka and. It is a rich source of fat (37%) and protein (7%). It also produces theobromin. Cocoa is used in manufacturing chocolate, cocoa powder, cocoa butter and other nutritious foods.

Introduction

Cashew is native to South Eastern Brazil, from where it was introduced to the Malabar coast of India in the sixteenth century to cover bare hills and for soil conservation. It gained commercial importance in 1920. African countries produce large quantities of cashew nuts, but they are not processed into consumable products because of difficulties in organizing the native labour. India imports raw cashew nuts which are processed and converted into cashew kernels and cashew shell liquid and re-exported to countries like the USA, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia and Russia. The cashew kernel of India is of the highest quality in the world. India is the largest producer and exporter of cashews in the world. India stands first in area and production in the world. Indian cashew export: 63 per cent of global cashew trade. The national average is 835 kg per ha (i.e., around 5.50 kg per tree) and this is far less than the achievable level of 2000 kg per ha (i.e., around 12.50 kg per tree). Maharashtra state is having the highest productivity of about 1337 kg per ha (mainly due to adoption of drip irrigation and mulching techniques), while productivity in West Bengal has come down (1140 kg/ha), mainly because of old plantations. Due to its nutritive value and commerce, it is designated as “zero cholesterol nut or white gold”. The cashew nut is a unique combination of fat (47 %), protein (21 %), carbohydrates (22 %) and vitamins (10 %). India contributes about 65 % of the world’s exports. The USA is the largest importer of cashew kernels.

Introduction

The betelvine is a perennial dioecious climber and is believed to have originated in Central and Eastern Malaysia. It is mainly cultivated in South East Asian countries, viz., India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Thailand, Philippines, etc. It is one of the important commercial crops grown mostly by small and marginal farmers in the states of Assam, West Bengal, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Kerala, Uttar Pradesh and Orissa with an estimated area of 53,539 ha (Ray, 2008). Annual production is worth Rs. 9000 million and estimated that about 20 million people earn their livelihood directly or indirectly partly or fully from production, processing, handling, transportation and marketing of betel leaves in India. Betel leaves worth 30-40 million rupees are exported to countries like Bahrain, Canada, Great Britain, Nepal, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and many other European countries.

Introduction

The Arecanut palm is cultivated primarily for its kernel obtained from the fruit, which is chewed when it is tender, ripe or processed. Despite being native to the Malayan Archipelago, the Philippines, and other East Indian Islands.Only in India is it under scientific cultivation. India is the world’s largest producer of arecanut, contributing nearly 74 % of world production. India is the world’s largest consumer of arecanut (accounting to 89 % of world production). Other uses for arecanut other than chewing are negligible. Its export prospects are also very limited. Therefore, the present policy is not to expand the area under arecanut but to adopt intensive cultivation and take up replanting of the aged and unproductive gardens. Inter and mixed cropping in arecanut gardens is advocated to augment the income from the existing arecanut groves. Alkaloids present in arecanut, Arecoline is the main and physiologically most active alkaloid present to an extent of 0.07 to 0.1 per cent.

Plantation crops: Plantation crop are a group of commercial crops that are perennial in nature, cultivated extensively in tropical and subtropical situations that need employment of labour throughout the year and whose products are usually consumed after processing. ex. Tea, Coffee, Coconut, Rubber, Cocoa, Areca Nut, and Oil Palm.

Introduction

The wild seedling of walnut has been found growing in west regions right from the Carpathian Mountains in Eastern Europe across Turkey, Iraq, Iran, Southern USSR and Afghanistan to the North-Western Himalayas. It is believed to have originated in Iran and the areas surrounding it. The Returning army of Alexander brought it to Europe from Iran. Almost all parts of the walnut tree are utilized. The fruit has excellent flavour and is mainly consumed as a dried fruit, eaten for table purposes. The kernels contain about 60–75% fat and oil, 16% carbohydrate, and 15% protein. Jammu and Kashmir is the largest walnut producing state in India and the USA is a leading producer of walnuts.