Organic Cotton in Maharashtra

In Maharashtra, how many farmers committed land to grow cotton organically on IFOAM standards?

Correct Answer Explanation

As many as 130 farmers have committed 1,200 hectares of land to grow cotton organically on the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movement's (IFOAM) standards.

Key Points:

• Kisan Mehta of Prakruti (an NGO) first suggested organic cotton farming in 1995.
• The produce was tested by German Accredited Agency AGRECO and found to be of high quality.
• About 78% of Indian farmers are marginal farmers owning less than 0.8 hectare.
• For such farmers, organic agriculture is more profitable in terms of money and soil conservation.

Why Other Options Are Wrong

• A, B, D: The correct number is 130 farmers.