Article summary
Abstract
Organic farming has emerged as a global necessity in the face of escalating environmental degradation, declining soil fertility, biodiversity loss, and health concerns associated with chemical-intensive agriculture. This study aims to assess the level of awareness and understanding of organic farming practices among farmers in the Bulandshahr district of Uttar Pradesh and to analyse their perceptions regarding the opportunities and challenges associated with its adoption. Bulandshahr was purposively selected for its agricultural significance, and five out of seven tehsils were identified for data collection. A total of 250 farmers were chosen through a simple random sampling method. The research relied on both primary and secondary data sources. Primary data were collected using structured interviews to explore farmers’ behaviours, while secondary data were obtained from government publications, research articles, and other relevant literature. The findings reveal a generally positive outlook among farmers of Bulandshahr toward organic farming, with a majority recognizing its sustainability, benefits to soil health, and potential to reduce chemical usage. Farmers also acknowledged the growing market demand and environmental advantages of organic produce. However, only a small percentage expressed willingness to adopt organic farming without financial incentives, indicating significant concerns regarding market access, certification challenges, and economic viability. Trust in institutional support and awareness of technical knowledge were also notably limited. The study further identifies several opportunities, including favourable agro-climatic conditions, government support schemes, and strong community networks..