Integrated Organic Farming and Organic Milk Production: Opportunities and Challenges in India

摘要

Population growth, increasing urbanization and rising incomes are fuelling a massive increase in demand for food of animal origin (milk, meat and eggs) in developing countries (Das and Santra, 2006). India with its vast livestock population has emerged as the highest annual producer of milk globally. At the same time, an increasing number of people, even in poverty stricken developing countries, are looking for quality, healthy and natural foodstuffs and do not mind paying a little extra for qualityassurance (Chander, 2001). In addition, arguments for food that is produced as naturally as possible (organic farming) come primarily from today's consumers organizations worldwide. The organic movement is built on a fundamental principle: healthy soilslead to healthy crops, healthy animals, healthy humans and a healthyplanet. Organic livestock production is a means of food production with a large number of rules directed towards a high status of animal welfare, care for the environment, restricted use of medical drugs and the production of a healthy product without residues (pesticides or drugs).