Section A -
Q - Define NPOP ?
A - National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) - This program provides a national standard for organic production and provides certification for organic products.
Q - What is the use of Neen seed kernal extract ?
A - Neem seed kernel extract (NSKE) has a variety of uses across different fields.
1. **Natural Pesticide**: NSKE is widely used in agriculture as a natural pesticide. It contains azadirachtin, which is effective against a broad range of pests by disrupting their growth and reproduction.
2. **Antifungal and Antibacterial Agent**: The extract has strong antifungal and antibacterial properties, making it useful in treating various infections in both plants and humans, including skin conditions like acne and athlete's foot.
3. **Soil Fertility Enhancer**: NSKE acts as a biofertilizer, improving soil health and fertility by promoting beneficial microorganisms and providing essential nutrients.
4. **Skincare and Haircare**: In personal care, NSKE is used in products like soaps, lotions, and shampoos due to its ability to treat skin conditions, promote healthy skin, and improve scalp health.
5. **Veterinary Medicine**: The extract is used in veterinary applications to treat external parasites and skin conditions in animals, benefiting their overall health.
Q - Define Organic ecosystem ?
A - An **organic ecosystem** is a self-sustaining and balanced environment where all living organisms and their physical surroundings interact naturally without the use of synthetic chemicals. This type of ecosystem relies on natural processes, biodiversity, and ecological interactions to maintain soil fertility, control pests, and promote plant and animal health. It emphasizes sustainability, conservation of resources, and minimal environmental impact.
SECTION B
Q - Define INS and where it is used with product example ?
A - **INS (International Numbering System)** is a system used to identify food additives with a unique code. It standardizes the labeling of additives across different countries, facilitating international trade and consumer awareness.
### Where it is used:
- **Food products**: INS numbers are found on labels of processed foods to indicate the presence of specific additives.
### Product example:
- **INS 300 (Ascorbic Acid)**: Commonly found in products like fruit juices and baked goods as an antioxidant and preservative.
Q - Explain Organic Supply chain ?
A - An **organic supply chain** refers to the series of processes involved in the production, processing, distribution, and sale of organic products. Each step in this chain adheres to organic farming and production standards, which emphasize sustainability, environmental preservation, and the exclusion of synthetic chemicals.
### Key Components of an Organic Supply Chain:
1. **Organic Farming**:
- **Cultivation**: Crops are grown using natural methods without synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers. Livestock are raised without antibiotics or synthetic growth hormones.
- **Soil Management**: Practices such as crop rotation, composting, and green manure are used to maintain soil health and fertility.
2. **Processing**:
- **Handling**: Organic products are processed in facilities that prevent contamination with non-organic substances. This includes using organic-approved cleaning agents and pest control methods.
- **Certification**: Processors must obtain organic certification to ensure compliance with organic standards, which involves regular inspections and adherence to strict guidelines.
3. **Packaging**:
- **Materials**: Packaging materials are often environmentally friendly, recyclable, or biodegradable, and must prevent contamination of the organic product.
- **Labeling**: Products are labeled with organic certification marks and must list all ingredients and processing aids that meet organic standards.
4. **Distribution**:
- **Transportation**: Organic products are transported in a way that prevents contamination with non-organic products, often requiring dedicated transport or thorough cleaning of shared vehicles.
- **Storage**: Organic goods are stored separately from non-organic goods to maintain their integrity and prevent cross-contamination.
5. **Retail**:
- **Sales**: Retailers selling organic products must ensure that they are clearly identified and separated from non-organic products. This includes proper signage and dedicated shelf space.
- **Consumer Information**: Retailers often provide information about the benefits of organic products and the standards they meet to educate consumers.
### Example:
- **Organic Vegetables**:
- **Farm**: Organic vegetables are grown using natural fertilizers and pest control methods.
- **Processing**: They are washed and packaged in facilities that maintain organic integrity.
- **Packaging**: Vegetables are packed in recyclable or biodegradable materials with organic certification labels.
- **Distribution**: Transported in clean, dedicated trucks to prevent contamination.
- **Retail**: Sold in stores with clear organic labeling and separated from conventional vegetables to maintain certification compliance.
Q - What is labelling in organic farming ? Explain in points .
A - Labeling in organic farming refers to the process of certifying and marking products to indicate they meet organic standards. This helps consumers identify and trust that the products they purchase adhere to specific organic practices. Here are key points explaining labeling in organic farming:
### Key Points of Labeling in Organic Farming
1. **Certification Marks**:
- **Organic Certification Logos**: Products carry logos from certifying bodies (e.g., USDA Organic, EU Organic) indicating they meet organic standards.
2. **Ingredient Disclosure**:
- **Full Ingredient List**: All ingredients used in organic products must be listed, with organic ingredients clearly identified.
- **Percentage of Organic Ingredients**: Labels often show the percentage of organic ingredients in multi-ingredient products.
3. **Non-GMO Declaration**:
- **Non-GMO Statement**: Labels indicate that genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are not used in the production process, as per organic standards.
4. **No Synthetic Chemicals**:
- **Pesticide-Free**: Labels state that no synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers are used.
- **Additive-Free**: Products do not contain synthetic additives or preservatives.
5. **Animal Welfare**:
- **Humane Treatment**: Labels on organic animal products indicate that animals are raised without antibiotics or synthetic growth hormones and in humane conditions.
6. **Eco-Friendly Practices**:
- **Sustainable Farming**: Labels often highlight that organic farming practices promote environmental sustainability, such as soil health and biodiversity.
- **Packaging**: Packaging materials are often noted as recyclable or biodegradable.
7. **Traceability and Transparency**:
- **Source Information**: Labels may include information about the farm or producer to ensure traceability and transparency.
- **Certification Body**: The name of the certifying organization is often included for consumer reference.
8. **Compliance with Standards**:
- **Regulatory Compliance**: Labels ensure the product complies with national or international organic standards, which are regularly updated and enforced.
### Example:
- **USDA Organic Label**:
- Products with the USDA Organic label must contain at least 95% organically produced ingredients. The remaining 5% must be on the USDA's approved list, ensuring no GMOs or prohibited substances are used.
Q - What are the factors to considered while choosing crops for organic farming ?
A - Choosing crops for organic farming involves careful consideration of several factors to ensure sustainability, productivity, and compliance with organic standards. Here are the key factors to consider:
### 1. **Climate and Soil Conditions**
- **Climate Suitability**: Select crops that are well-suited to the local climate, including temperature, rainfall, and humidity levels.
- **Soil Health**: Assess soil type, pH, fertility, and drainage capacity. Crops should be compatible with the existing soil conditions or be able to improve soil health through organic practices.
### 2. **Pest and Disease Resistance**
- **Natural Resistance**: Choose crop varieties that are naturally resistant to common pests and diseases in the region, reducing the need for organic pesticides.
- **Diversity**: Planting a diverse range of crops can help minimize the spread of pests and diseases through crop rotation and intercropping.
### 3. **Market Demand**
- **Consumer Preferences**: Grow crops that have a high demand in local and regional markets, ensuring a good return on investment.
- **Value-Added Potential**: Consider crops that can be processed or marketed as value-added products, such as organic herbs, spices, or specialty vegetables.
### 4. **Nutrient Requirements**
- **Nutrient Management**: Select crops with manageable nutrient requirements that can be met through organic fertilizers, compost, and green manures.
- **Complementary Crops**: Use companion planting to maximize nutrient use efficiency and improve soil fertility.
### 5. **Crop Rotation and Soil Health**
- **Rotation Plans**: Choose crops that fit well into a crop rotation plan, which helps in maintaining soil health, reducing pest and disease cycles, and improving soil fertility.
- **Cover Crops**: Include cover crops that can enrich the soil, prevent erosion, and manage weed growth.
### 6. **Water Availability**
- **Irrigation Needs**: Select crops that match the available water resources, considering both quantity and quality.
- **Drought Tolerance**: In areas with limited water, choose drought-tolerant crops to ensure sustainable farming practices.
### 7. **Compliance with Organic Standards**
- **Approved Varieties**: Ensure the selected crop varieties are approved under organic certification standards and have not been genetically modified.
- **Input Requirements**: Choose crops that require inputs (seeds, fertilizers, pest control) that are readily available and compliant with organic regulations.
### 8. **Economic Viability**
- **Cost of Production**: Consider the cost of seeds, labor, organic inputs, and other production expenses relative to the expected yield and market price.
- **Profitability**: Analyze the potential profitability based on market trends, demand, and potential price premiums for organic products.
### 9. **Labor and Management**
- **Labor Intensity**: Some crops may require more manual labor for planting, maintenance, and harvesting, which needs to be considered based on available labor resources.
- **Skill and Knowledge**: Select crops that align with the farmer’s expertise and knowledge, ensuring proper management practices can be applied.
### 10. **Environmental Impact**
- **Biodiversity**: Opt for crops that support local biodiversity and contribute positively to the surrounding ecosystem.
- **Ecosystem Services**: Consider crops that provide ecosystem services such as pollination, habitat for beneficial insects, and soil stabilization.
### Example:
- **Tomatoes in Organic Farming**:
- **Climate**: Warm-season crop, suitable for regions with long growing seasons.
- **Soil**: Requires well-drained, fertile soil with high organic matter.
- **Pest Resistance**: Select disease-resistant varieties to reduce the need for organic pesticides.
- **Market Demand**: High demand for fresh, organic tomatoes and potential for value-added products like organic tomato sauce.
- **Nutrient Management**: Requires regular feeding with compost and organic fertilizers.
- **Water Needs**: Needs consistent watering, suitable for areas with reliable water supply.
