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| ORGANIC DAIRY FARMING |
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- Organic Dairy farming means raising animals on organic feed (i.e. pastures cultivated without the use of fertilizers or pesticides), have access to pasture or outside, along with the restricted usage of antibiotics and hormones.
- Products obtained from Organic dairy farm are the organic dairy products. Organic farming is a system of production, a set of goal-based regulations that allow farmers to manage their own particular situations individually, while maintaining organic integrity.
Regulations:
- Cows and calves are fed 100% organic feed.
- Organic crops, hay, and pasture are grown without the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides that have not been carefully screened and approved for organic use.
- Non-natural feed additives and supplements such as vitamins and minerals must also be approved for use in organic.
- Genetically modified organisms (GMOs, called “Excluded Methods” in the regulation) are strictly forbidden.
- Land used to grow organic crops must be free of all prohibited materials for at least three years prior to the first organic harvest.
- Synthetic milk replacers are prohibited. Calves must be fed organic milk.
- All animals must have access to the outdoors, weather permitting.
Animals over six months of age must have access to pasture during the growing season.
- Only approved health care products can be used. Many of these are restricted in how and when they can be used.
Antibiotics are not allowed.
- Organic animals may not be fed ANY slaughter by-products, urea, or manure.
- The welfare of the animals must be attended to. Certain procedures, such as tail docking, are prohibited. Other procedures, such as dehorning, must be done so as to minimize the stress to the animal.
- An organic farmer must keep sufficient records to verify his or her compliance with the standards.
- Each farm is inspected and audited every year. Any farm can be inspected unannounced at any time.
If you are a dairy farmer considering transitioning to organic, there are a few things that we would like to stress as you climb in:
1. Find a Mentor or Two:
You should not and do not have to start, or transition to, organic production alone. The organic dairy movement has grown significantly in the past ten-plus years, creating an infrastructure and network of support. It is important to understand that organic certification agencies and their inspectors are prohibited under the regulations from giving advice in order to overcome a specific noncompliance. They can and do, however, readily direct their clients toward resources where they can find answers and information.
2. A New Paradigm:
Advances in alternative cultivation methods and medical treatments, coupled with a sophisticated understanding of biology, animal nutrition, and soil science, have advanced organic farming practices. Still, the decision to switch to certified organic farming can be intimidating. Perhaps the most difficult adjustment for new organic farmers is the fact that you will find yourself forming new relationships. To varying degrees, organic farmers find themselves drifting away from long-established suppliers in order to find new seed- and input providers, new buyers, different people to discuss and troubleshoot problems, and perhaps a different veterinarian.
3. Choosing Your Certifier:
Certification in India is done by INDOCERT, which is a nationally and internationally operating, certification body established in India. It is accredited by National Accreditation Body (NAB), Government of India, as per National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP).
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Developed by :
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Jaspal Singh
(Ex. M.V.Sc Scholar ) |
Dr. Pranav Kumar
(Assistant Professor)
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Amandeep Singh
(Final Year B.V.Sc & AH student) |
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Division of Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Extension Education
Faculty of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, R.S. Pura, SKUAST Jammu |
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