Volume 12, No. 4, 2023

Abstract

Organic farming is vital in rural development and food production by promoting sustainable agriculture. The research study aimed to investigate the prospects and challenges of organic agriculture in Pothwar. For the research study, districts Chakwal, Rawalpindi and Islamabad were selected. 60 farmers from Chakwal, 60 from Rawalpindi, and 30 from Islamabad were chosen randomly for research for a sample size of 150 respondents. The interview schedule was prepared based on the literature review, and study objectives and interviews with the respondents were conducted in the native language. The majority, 64% of respondents, were owners of the land. The majority, 73.3% of respondents, use animals for land reclamation. 62% of respondents did not adopt a conservation tillage method. 74% of respondents implement crop diversification. 79% of respondents use the reforestation method. 81% of respondents have no knowledge or adoption of organic food safety. 94% respondents know cover crop manuring. The majority, 83% of respondents, know about organic farming, which is chemical and pathogen free. 82% of respondents know organic products with a high level of nutrients. The majority, 90% of respondents, know about organic farming increasing soil health. 58% of respondents have not adopted the organic certification guidelines. 51% of respondents have not adopted organic farming protection of soil. The majority 78% of respondents have not use bio fertilizer, a major component of organic farming. The majority, 77% of respondents, have adopted organic agriculture to increase soil health. Organic farming is not a better option for the Pothwar region of Punjab, according to 44.7% of respondents. 47% respondent agree that organic agriculture promotes biodiversity. 54% of respondents claimed that organic farming requires low input. 38% of respondents said that organic farming does not use machines. 34% of respondents strongly agree with a lack of input in organic farming. 41% of respondents agree less information about organic farming. 37% of respondents disagree that the production of organic farming is costly. Most organic farmers are aware of the requirements for organic certification, organic markets, the use of manure as fertilizer, the safety and quality of organic food, and the restricted variety of organic farming, but the admission rate of responders is meager. The benefits of organic agriculture include promoting biodiversity, increasing export possibilities, and lowering human health risks. High consumer demand for organic products, the need for few inputs in organic farming, and the aim of chemical-free agriculture are some supporting factors.