Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
From districts as far north as Wayanad to Kerala's central Palakkad
District, such changes in individual perceptions of organic agriculture,
as well as state priorities themselves, can be documented. Wayanad is,
in fact, where Kerala's organic export movement and organic certifica-
tion institutions have their roots. With the aid of the Indian Farmers
Movement (INFA M), hundreds of farmers in this district started grow-
ing organic spices and crops before the finalization of the 2010 organic
farming policy. These farmers are certified organic for export by a third-
party certifier, Indocert, an India-based certification agency. Third-party
certification has allowed these farmers to meet organic standards in the
European Union and the United States and to market their foodstuffs
at premium prices in foreign markets. Over fifteen thousand farmers are
now either already certified or in the process of becoming so throughout
the state.5 Organic agriculture has therefore not been an alien concept in
Kerala or among its farmers, a circumstance that facilitated the adoption
of the new policy.
Together, Kerala's organic farming policy, along with its certified or-
ganic export movement, represent transformations occurring in the
state's agricultural system. The new policy has been a catalyst for shifts in
Kerala's agricultural governance to further engage organic farmers, local
and state officials, and NGOs in local-level decision making. This policy
has also stimulated significant conversations about the norms of an ag-
ricultural system that has historically prioritized yields and chemicals.
The state's Agriculture Department now has several staff, materials, and
programs dedicated to organic farming—novel developments.
Furthermore, Indian farmers are now participating in globalized or-
ganic markets on favorable terms, thanks to the advent of India-based
certification. Working with Indian certifiers that charge less money for
inspections and share farmers' cultural background has facilitated the
greater involvement of Indian agriculturalists in organic food chains. Or-
ganic certification has also enabled farmers to earn greater income from
their crops, money they are investing in scholarships and farm improve-
ments. These and other outcomes of organic farming are the result of
a political and social culture in Kerala that has supported development
