Cash crops are also called commercial crops. These are the crops that are cultivated to be sold in markets to earn profit. Most of the cash crops grown worldwide today are cultivated for selling in national and international markets.
These are the crops that need low maintenance and produce high returns for the farmers. Cash crops grown in organic farming have medicinal, therapeutic, and aromatic characteristics. Organic food is in high demand in the national and international markets as well.
States like Kerala and Sikkim have the leading number of organic farms and are largely producing trending foods like coffee, mandarin oranges, sugarcane, cotton, etc.
Here are 6 amazing crops that are specifically grown in organic farms and generate high returns at low maintenance. These are suitable to grow especially in small organic farms. In India, they are growing at a higher rate having huge demand.
Cash Crops for Small Organic Farms in India
Coffee
Coffee is among the traditionally grown beverages in India. The cultivation of coffee is popular in the Eastern, north-eastern, and Southern parts of India as well. Having a robust demand, coffee is one of the most profitable crops which is exported abroad due to its massive demand. Coffee is a classic example of a traditional crop that gives outstanding returns.
Cotton
Cotton is the most important fibre crop in India. It contributes highly to the industrial and agricultural economy of the country. The crop provides livelihood to about 6 million farmers in India. Approx 40 to 50 million people are employed in the processing and trade of cotton.
Cardamom
Cardamom has two types one is green, and another one is black. Both types of organically grown cardamom hold immense value. But the black cardamom has scarce producers in the international market. Whereas Sikkim is the state that holds huge economic value as a cultivator of this crop as it grows 90% of the black cardamom. The selling price of this cardamom has crossed 1600 per kg in the past few years.
Mandarin Orange
It is one of the most commonly grown fruits in India. It is specifically grown in the organic farms of Sikkim. It is also known as Kinnow and Punjab is the popular producer of organic Kinnow. Profit margins of Organically grown Kinnow are much higher than the inorganic ones. These fruits are highly in demand in food processing and export markets.
Ginger
Due to the increasing awareness about the health benefits of Asian vegetables and spices, they are in high demand across the world. Organic ginger also has immense health benefits like anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. Dried products of ginger have a huge market.
Turmeric
It is also another demanding organic farm root vegetable. It is generally used in its powdered form as a spice. It is being used commonly as a part of daily meal preparations. It is gaining popularity as an ingredient in herbal teas and potions. Also, it has wound or ailments healing properties, for which it is popular across the world. Organically grown turmeric is in high demand as it is widely used for health and beauty purposes.
Conclusion
After reading the whole article you will be able to understand the demand and needs of various cash crops. You can also understand the economic value and status of these crops in India. These crops can be grown easily in small organic farms and have high demand across the world. These are some earning and beneficial crops for small organic farmers.
Apart from these crops, there are other organic crops that you can grow at low space and budget. These are baby corn, green vegetables, lentils, and legumes. These organic crops also have constant demand and less maintenance.