Saturday, April 1, 2023

Organic Farming

 


Organic farming is a system which avoids or largely excludes the use of synthetic inputs (such as fertilizers, pesticides, hormones, feed additives etc) and to the maximum extent feasible rely upon crop rotations, crop residues, animal manures, off-farm organic waste, mineral grade rock additives and biological system of nutrient mobilization and plant protection.

Need of Organic Farming

Ø  Increase in population make compulsion to stabilize agricultural production, but to, increase it further, in sustainable manner.

Ø  Natural balance needs to be maintained at all cost for existence of life and property.

Ø  Agrochemicals which are produced from fossil fuel and are not renewable and are diminishing in availability.

Key Characteristics

Ø  Protecting the long term fertility of soils by maintaining organic matter levels, encouraging soil biological activity and careful mechanical intervention.

Ø  Providing crop nutrients indirectly using relatively insoluble nutrient sources which are made available to the plant by the action of soil micro-organisms.

Basic Steps of Organic Farming

Organic farming approach involves following five principles:

 1. Conversion of land from conventional management to organic management

 2. Management of the entire surrounding system to ensure biodiversity and sustainability of the system

 3. Crop production with the use of alternative sources of nutrients such as crop rotation, residue management, organic manures and biological inputs.

4. Management of weeds and pests by better management practices, physical and cultural means and by biological control system

5. Maintenance of live stock in tandem with organic concept and make them an integral part of the entire system

Advantages of Organic Farming

         Farmers can reduce their production costs because they do not need to buy expensive chemicals and fertilizers.

         Healthier farm workers.

         They improve plant growth and physiological activities of plants.

         In the long term, organic farms save energy and protect the environment.

         It can slow down global warming.

         There is an increasing consumer are willing to pay more for organic foods.

         Fewer residues in food.

         More animals and plants can live in the same place in a natural way. This is called biodiversity.

         Pollution of ground water is stopped.

         They reduce the need for purchased inputs.

         Poison-free

         Food Tastes Better

         Food Keeps Longer

         Organic fertilizer is considered as complete plant food.

         Organic manures produce optimal condition in the soil for high yields and good quality crops.

Disadvantages of Organic Farming

         Organic food is more expensive because farmers do not get as much out of their land as conventional farmers do. Organic products may cost up to 40% more.

         Production costs are higher because farmers need more workers.

         Marketing and distribution is not efficient because organic food is produced in smaller amounts.

         Food illnesses may happen more often.

         Organic farming cannot produce enough food that the world’s population needs to survive. This could lead to starvation in countries that produce enough food today.

 


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