Comparative Analysis of Organic and Modern Agriculture Systems: A Critical Assessment of Technical Efficiency

By : Siddaraju V. G, M. Indira

Page No: 35-42

Abstract
Organic agriculture is not a new concept to India. Organic farming is one of the several approaches found to meet the objectives of sustainable agriculture. Many techniques used in organic farming like inter-cropping, mulching and integration of crops and livestock are not alien to various agriculture systems including the traditional agriculture practiced in India. Technical efficiency indicates the ratio between actual and potential output of any production unit. In this context, the present study estimates the technical efficiency of organic agriculture and modern agriculture systems and to study the factors influencing technical efficiency in organic farming. Technical efficiency shows that there is marginal difference in the technical efficiency under both farming systems in the case of Coconut and Areca nut. However, in the case of Paddy and Sugarcane more farmers practicing organic farming attained higher levels of efficiency. Training modules should include, technical aspects of organic farming, information about ecology, eco-systems, the relationship between production process and eco-systems and Cost of cultivation/budgeting.

Authors :
Siddaraju V. G. : Associate Professor cum Deputy Director, Centre for Study of Social Exclusion and Inclusive Policy, Manasagangothri, University of Mysore, 
M. Indira : Professor of Economics, Department of Studies in Economics and Cooperation, Manasagangothri, University of Mysore, Mysore, Karnataka, India.