Organic vegetable farming involves the use of biological resources and avoiding the use of synthetic substances for maintaining soil productivity and ecological balance, thereby minimizing wastage and environmental pollution. This new book provides a comprehensive introduction and covers a wide range of topics on successful production of organic vegetable crops.

The book introduces the concepts, importance, and scope of organic farming, highlighting best practices and the do’s and don’ts. It then goes on to cover crucial topics on organic vegetable production, including methods for enhancing soil fertility, green manuring, role of biofertilizers, composting methods, agricultural waste, coir composting, biodynamic vegetable farming, botanical and biocontrol agents, and much more. The book also explores important subjects in organic farming such as the potential of zero-budget natural farming, nonconventional vermicomposting in organic farming, biodynamic vegetable farming, plant disease management, and processing and quality control for organic foods. In addition, the book discusses the export opportunities and challenges faced in organic farming.

M. K. Rana, PhD, is retired as Professor in the Department of Vegetable Science at CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, and as Lecturer of Agriculture at the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), Ajmer, Rajasthan, India. He is specialized in the field of abiotic stress, vegetable physiology, and postharvest technology and processing of fruits and vegetables. Dr. Rana has a broad experience of 34 years in the field of teaching at CCS Haryana Agricultural University, teaching more than 20 different courses. He delivered lectures in training programs and gave talks on radio as well as on television on topics related to vegetable science. A prolific writer, he has published many book chapters, review and research papers, and scientific articles. He also has written 18 books, 15 teaching manuals, two technical bulletins on spices, and has edited three symposia abstracts, two symposia proceedings, two issues of the Haryana Journal of Horticultural Sciences, and one compendium.

Dr. Rana served as an Executive Councilor and Editor of the Haryana Journal of Horticultural Sciences and as a joint secretary of the national symposium organized by the Horticultural Society of Haryana. He has been awarded an ICAR Team Research Award (1993–1994) in recognition of his outstanding research contributions in the field of abiotic stress. He also received a University Best Teacher Award (2004–2005) in recognition of his dedicated service rendered to the university.