Vol. 11, Issue 12 (2022)

Author(s):
Shivashankaragouda Patil, Suvarna, Amaregouda A and Veeresh H

Abstract:
In conventional agriculture (CA), there are many inappropriate agricultural practices such as excessive tillage and use of heavy machinery, excessive and unbalanced use of inorganic fertilizers, poor irrigation and water management techniques, pesticide overuse, inadequate crop residue and/or organic carbon inputs, and poor crop cycle planning etc. Conversely, from past few decades changes in agriculture practices being witnessed with many farmers showing inclinations towards organic farming practices. But organic farmers are using the varieties that were developed in the background of high inorganic fertilizer and crop protection inputs. In last 60 years, crops/ varieties have been specifically developed to produce high yields under potentially unlimited use of synthetic fertilisers and pesticides. These inputs are therefore necessary to achieve optimal yields in the farmer’s field. OA is one of the several approaches found to meet the objectives of sustainable agriculture. But, studies shown that varieties lack important traits required under organic and low-input production conditions. In this review the development of varieties / hybrids for organic and low-input production conditions are discussed.