Soil, Society, and Sustainability: A Case Study of Dr. Atul Gupta's Organic Farming Mission

Abstract: Dr Atul Gupta, Director of Sunrise Argo Land, is a pioneer in organic farming. He has contributed towards strengthening of Indian agriculture sector by helping the nation to overcome the twin problems i.e. food security and public health. With the rapid rise in population, attaining self sufficiency in food grains was the nation’s priority and that led to the adoption of chemical fertilizers in the farming sector in the 1960s which led to soil degradation and serious health hazards. The excessive use of chemical fertilizers has helped India to increase the food cultivation manifold but has also given rise many challenges. Dr Atul had challenged the conventional ways of increasing food grain cultivation and has championed organic farming as a sustainable alternative. He has promoted organic ways of farming as a viable solution to the problem of agriculture without adversely affecting humans and the environment. The present case explores the journey of the visionary Dr Atul Gupta and highlights the challenges and opportunities in the agriculture market which is dominated by chemicals today. Keywords: Sunrise Agro Land, Chemical Fertilizer, Food Grain Cultivation, India