Organic Farming Courses: Eligibility, Colleges, Career & Benefits

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Organic Farming Course

Organic farming is not just about producing chemical-free products but also about farming that focuses on the betterment of nature. In a world where our actions are threatening nature itself, organic farming is one way of reducing our negative impact on the environment.

The best part about Organic Farming is that you don’t really need a big land to start and can start producing your own organic fruits and vegetables at home! Want to pursue a course in Organic Farming? Read this blog to know the top Organic Farming courses, colleges, and scope!

What is Organic Farming?

An agricultural method known as organic farming places a high priority on sustainability by avoiding or drastically lowering the use of synthetic inputs such as chemical fertilisers, pesticides, hormones, and feed additives.  In order to mobilise nutrients and safeguard plants as much as possible, it instead uses natural techniques such as crop rotations, animal manures, off-farm organic waste, mineral-grade rock additions, and biological systems.

Many people assume that this type of organic is just about using eco-friendly fertilisers and pesticides. But organic farming is much more than that. It’s an art in itself, and like every art, it needs to be learned. To put it simply, Organic Farming is a complex, sustainable method of farming which involves the use of various scientific techniques and methods aiming to increase productivity and also preserve the soil quality. 

Why Study Organic Farming

Studying organic farming helps you understand sustainable methods of food production while promoting health, environmental conservation, and profitability. It equips learners with practical skills to grow chemical-free crops, meet rising market demand, and build rewarding careers in agriculture and agribusiness.

Here we have added some major benefits of doing organic farming courses:

  • Healthier Food Production: Organic farming helps us to produce safe, chemical-free crops.
  • Environmental Sustainability: It helps us to reduce solid degradation of water, pollution, and carbon footprint. 
  • Career Opportunities: Pursuing an organic farming course opens a path in organic farming, agro-tourism, research, consultancy, and organic product businesses. 
  • Government Support: Many governments provide subsidies, training, and certifications for organic farmers.

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Types of Organic Farming Course

Organic farming courses are offered at various levels, from short-term certificate programs to full-fledged degrees. While short-term and certificate courses in Organic Farming are the most popular, there are various degree-level programs available, which you can also choose from!

Here are some of the different types of organic farming courses:

Diploma Courses Undergraduate Courses Postgraduate Courses 
Certificate in Organic Farming for Sustainable Agricultural ProductionSustainable agriculture and Food systems – Specialisation in applied agriculture (B.A)Master’s in Agricultural Economics
Short Course in Alternative FarmingAgribusiness (B.Sc.)Master’s in Food and Rural Development Research
Short Course in Soil ManagementBachelor’s in Sustainable Food and FarmingMaster’s in Food Safety
Short Course in MEDEA – Mediterranean diet, biodiversity and functional foodBachelor’s in Farm ManagementMaster’s in Agroecology
Short Course in Introduction to Organic FarmingSustainable Farm Management and Agribusiness (B.Sc.)Master’s in Multifunctional Agriculture
Inspection and Certification of organic produceBachelor’s in Land, farming and communityMaster’s in Horticulture, emphasis – Urban
Short Course in Renewable EnergyBachelor’s in Organic Agriculture SystemsMaster’s in Sustainable and Efficient Food
Short Course in Organic Production SystemBachelor’s in Horticulture Master’s in Plant and Soil Sciences
Economics and Marketing of Organic ProductsMaster’s in Environmental engineering and sustainable energy 

Several online platforms and universities offer organic farming courses that cover topics like soil management, organic fertilisers, pest control, and sustainable agriculture. These flexible programs are ideal for students, professionals, and aspiring farmers who want to learn at their own pace. Here are some of the popular online courses in organic farming:

Course Name Provider  Duration 
Best Sustainable Agriculture Course University of Florida20 hours 
Best Course on Organic FarmingNPTEL and IIT, Kharagpur20 hours 
Also Great Agribusiness CourseUniversità Bocconi5-6 hours 
Best Course for Beginners in Agricultural GISNPTEL and IIT, Bombay8 hours 
Best Digital Agriculture Technologies (DATs) CourseWorld Bank Group)10-15 hours 
Best Farming Course for BeginnersThe Dutch Farmer3-4 hours 

Major Subjects Covered in Organic Farming Courses 

Organic farming courses cover a wide range of topics, including soil fertility, composting, pest management, crop rotation, organic certification, and sustainable farm practices. These subjects help students gain both practical and theoretical knowledge to run successful organic farms. Here are some of the major subjects covered in organic farming courses: 

Introduction to Organic Agriculture Crop RotationCompanion Planting 
Soil Science Disease Management Composting
Soil Fertility Management Organic PestOrganic Certification Standard 
Sustainable Farm Management Marketing and Business Strategies for Organic Products Organic Fertilisers

Top Universities and Colleges for Organic Farming Course

In recent times, universities across the world have realised the importance of organic farming and therefore included related courses in their curriculum.

So, here is a list of the top universities from different parts of the world that offer a variety of courses in organic farming:

Institution NameLocation
Institute of TechnologyCarlow
Warnborough CollegeUnited Kingdom
Hame University of Applied SciencesFinland
University of HohenheimGermany
University of MilanoItaly
Washington State UniversityUSA
SRUC Scotland’s Rural CollegeScotland
Nord UniversityNorway
Purdue UniversityUSA
Aarhus UniversityDenmark
University of MassachusettsMassachusetts
Wageningen University & ResearchNetherlands

Top Colleges for Organic Farming Courses in India

Several reputed agricultural universities and institutes in India offer organic farming courses, running from certificate programs to advanced degrees. These colleges provide practical training, research opportunities, and exposure to sustainable framing practice.

Here we have mentioned the best colleges for organic farming courses in India:

University Location 
Indira Gandhi National Open University Delhi 
Gujarat Organic Agricultural UniversityGujrat 
Acharya NG Ranga Agricultural UniversityAndhra Pradesh
Global Open UniversityNagaland
University of Science and TechnologyMeghalaya
National Academy of Agricultural SciencesDelhi 

Eligibility Criteria

Like in every other course, admission into Organic farming courses in any university requires the fulfillment of certain criteria. Though the actual course requirements might vary as per the course and university, here are some general admission requirements for degree and diploma-level organic farming courses:

  1. 10+2 from a recognised board for diploma and bachelor’s level courses in Organic Farming.
  2. For master’s Courses: An undergraduate degree in the same or related field. 
  3. For MS and MSc courses in Organic Farming, you might be required to provide GRE scores.
  4. Candidates applying for Universities abroad must also provide scores of English proficiency exams like TOEFL and IELTS, along with SOP and LORs.

Document Required for Organic Farming Courses

When applying for organic farming courses, candidates need to submit certain documents during the admission process. The list of documents may vary depending on the institutes and level of the course, but generally includes:

  • Academic Certification 
  • Transfer Certificate (TC)
  • Proof of Identity
  • Passport-size 
  • Photographs
  • Statement of Purpose 
  • Letter of recommendation 
  • A valid visa

Career Options After Organic Farming Courses

After pursuing organic farming courses, the students will find themselves in the midst of a variety of opportunities. From the skills and interests developed during the course duration, one can decide which path to take.

Job Prospect and Average Salary 

Completing an organic farming course opens up a wide range of career opportunities in agriculture, research, entrepreneurship, and consultancy. With growing demand for organic products worldwide, professionals in this field have strong job prospects.

Here we have mentioned the job prospects with their average salary that you can explore after completing an organic farming course:

Career OptionAverage Salary in India  per yearAverage Salary Abroad per year 
Organic Farmer (Own venture)INR 3-6 LPA $30,000
Agricultural ConsultantINR 4-7 LPA $45,000- $70,000
Researcher/ScientistINR 5-8 LPA$50,000- $80,000
Argi-enterpreneureINR 6-12 LPA $40,000- $60,000
NGO/Government RoleINR 3-5 LPA $35,000- $55,000

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Books for Organic Farming

Books on organic farming provide in-depth knowledge of natural farming methods, soil health, pest management, and sustainable agriculture. They are a valuable resource for students and farmer enthusiasts looking to strengthen their understanding alongside formal courses. Here are some of the best books with their sources that you can consider to study organic farming.

Popular Books Online Link to Study 
The One‑Straw Revolution: An Introduction to Natural Farming by Masanobu Fukuokahttps://www.amazon.in/One-Straw-Revolution-Introduction-Natural-Classics/dp/1590173139
The Organic Farming Manual: A Comprehensive Guide to Starting and Running a Certified Organic Farm by Ann Larkin Hansenhttps://www.amazon.in/Organic-Farming-Manual-Larkin-Hansen/dp/1603424792
The Market Gardener: A Successful Grower’s Handbook for Small-Scale Organic Farming by Jean-Martin Fortier and Marie Bilodeauhttps://www.amazon.in/Market-Gardener-Successful-Handbook-Small-scale/dp/0865717656
Organic Farming: Everything You Need to Know by Peter V. Fosselhttps://www.amazon.in/Organic-Farming-Everything-Need-Know/dp/0760324697
The Holistic Orchard: Tree Fruits and Berries the Biological Way by Michael Phillipshttps://www.amazon.in/Holistic-Orchard-fruits-berries-biological/dp/1933392134
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FAQs

Q1: Which degree is best for organic farming?

The B.Sc. Organic Farming program is a specialised undergraduate program that emphasises sustainable farming practices free of genetically modified organisms, petrochemical pesticides, and fertilisers.

Q2: How to get certified for organic farming?

The accrediting body would grant the eligible operators the Certificate of Registration, Transaction Certificate, and Product Certificate upon compliance with the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP). The certification committee’s decision will determine whether or not this certificate is issued.

Q3: Which agriculture course is best?

B.Sc. Agronomy, B.Sc. Soil Science, and B.Sc. Plant Pathology is one of the best main agriculture courses to pursue. These courses are not only a graduate degree but also a complete course that helps you learn about agriculture.

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We hope that we provided you with all the necessary information regarding Organic farming courses. Want to study a course in Sustainable Agriculture abroad? Our Leverage Edu experts are here to guide you in cherry-picking the right course and university. Sign up for a free session with us today.

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