ORGANIC FARMING :ITS IMPORTANCE
WHAT IS ORGANIC FARMING ?
Organic farming can be defined as an agricultural process that uses biological fertilisers and pest control acquired from animal or plant waste. Organic farming was actually initiated as an answer to the environmental sufferings caused by the use of chemical pesticides and synthetic fertilisers.
WHY IS ORGANIC FARMING IMPORTANT ?
Organic farming is well known for being profitable, healthful, and an ethical decision. Beyond the many benefits that come with it, organic farming has shown to
the health of ecosystems, soils, and people. Here is a list of 10 arguments in favor of the assertion.
1. Reduces the effects of chemicals and pesticides
As a concept, organic farming heavily utilises eco-friendly, sustainable, and raw ingredients to grow secure, healthy products that help a variety of ecosystems. The following are used to support this:
- Green manures are crop remnants that have been uprooted or sowed and have since faded, acting as mulch for your crop.
- Compost is made of recent farm and residential waste that is stacked high, moist, and occasionally stirred to allow for air and slow decomposition by lowering the carbon: nitrogen ratio.
2. Improves and replenishes the soil's health
By eliminating artificial growth stimulants, the soil is given an opportunity to breathe freely and recover naturally. The composition of mulch and soil organic matter (SOM) grows quickly as a result of green manures and composts, resulting in a nutrient-rich soil composition.
3. Reduces soil erosion to a smaller extent
A method used mostly in organic farming, shallow tilling, minimises disruption that is no deeper than 3-6 inches. The top layer of the soil eventually becomes rich in SOM and has a greater ability to retain water as a result of increased soil thickness and cyclical additions of animal and plant-based growth boosters.
4. reduces the negative consequences of climate change
Recent research has demonstrated a direct relationship between nitrogen fertilizer application rates in traditional agricultural models and nitrous oxide emissions. Organic farming has greatly aided in combating climate change worldwide, thanks to farming communities finding their way back to their roots.
The amount of nitrogen per acre is greatly reduced in organic farming because synthetic fertilizers and pesticides are not used. This helps create a system of food production that is safe, yields more food, and does it with less harm to the environment.
5. Promotes water health and conservation
Groundwater is recharged as a result of planting cover crops, applying thick layers of organic mulch, and establishing perennial patches of plants and crops. Due to the avoidance of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, the refilled water sources actually contain little to no chemical alternatives, paving the way for safer, cleaner, and more dependable watersheds.
6. Improves the produce's nutritional worth
Produce grown organically has less exposure to the heavy metals found in fertilizers and pesticides, making it rich in antioxidants. Additionally, organic produce differs greatly from conventionally produced food in terms of its sugar and mineral composition. Vegetables and fruits produced as a result are of a greater quality overall and are tastier, healthier, and more aromatic.
- Environmental freindly
- Rich in Nutrition
- Healthy and tasty food.
- Inexpensive process.
- It uses organic inputs.
- Generates income.
- Generates income through exports
- Source of employment
2. Livestock-Based Organic Farming: This type of organic agriculture emphasizes raising animals in an environmentally friendly and humane manner. Livestock are provided with organic feed, and access to open pasture, and are not treated with growth hormones or antibiotics.
3. Mixed Organic Farming: Many organic farms employ both crop and livestock-based methods, creating a balanced and sustainable system. Crop residues and livestock manure contribute to a closed-loop nutrient cycle, enriching the soil and reducing waste.
4. Traditional Farming Practices: In this organic farming examples many Indian farmers follow age-old practices that align with organic principles, such as using cow dung and organic manure for soil enrichment, crop rotation, and pest control through natural means.
5. Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF): ZBNF, popularized by Subhash Palekar, encourages minimal external inputs and relies on natural resources and farm-sourced materials. It emphasizes the use of locally available resources and indigenous seeds.
6. Organic Horticulture: India is a major producer of fruits and vegetables, and organic horticulture has gained traction. This method focuses on organic orchards and gardens, producing chemical-free and healthier produce.
• Reduced chemical usage, which helps in preserving soil quality and preventing water contamination.
• Enhanced biodiversity and wildlife habitat, as organic farms promote the existence of various species.
• Carbon sequestration through healthier soil management practices.
Health Benefits:
• Organic foods are free from synthetic pesticides, herbicides, and GMOs, reducing health risks associated with chemical residues.
• Higher nutritional value in organic produce due to better soil quality.
Taste and Quality:
• Organic produce is often considered to have superior taste and quality due to the absence of chemical additives.
Sustainability:
• Organic kheti practices help to maintain long-term soil fertility and overall ecosystem health.
• Reduced reliance on fossil fuels as organic farms typically use less energy-intensive methods.
Support for Local Economies:
• Many organic farms are smaller and local, supporting rural communities and providing fresh, seasonal produce.
• Traditional organic manures like cow dung, vermicompost, and poultry litter are widely used in Indian organic agriculture. These organic sources improve soil fertility and provide essential nutrients to crops.
• Vermicomposting, in particular, is gaining popularity as it involves earthworms breaking down organic matter into rich, nutrient-laden compost.
Biofertilizers and Microbial Inoculants:
• Biofertilizers, such as rhizobium for legumes and mycorrhizal fungi, are used to enhance nutrient availability to plants.
• Microbial inoculants like Trichoderma and Pseudomonas are employed to protect plants from diseases and promote growth.
Crop Diversity and Polyculture:
• Indian organic farms often practice diverse cropping systems and polyculture. This reduces the risk of pests and diseases, enhances soil fertility, and promotes biodiversity.
• Mixed cropping, intercropping, and agroforestry systems are common methods used to maximize land use and minimize environmental impact.
Natural Pest and Disease Management:
• Indian organic farmers employ various methods for pest and disease control, including the use of neem-based pesticides, biopesticides, and biological control agents like ladybugs and spiders.
• Companion planting and trap cropping are also used to deter pests naturally.
Seed Saving and Heirloom Varieties:
• Many Indian organic farmers focus on saving and preserving traditional, heirloom seed varieties. These seeds are adapted to local conditions and maintain genetic diversity.
• Community seed banks and initiatives encourage the exchange and conservation of traditional seeds.
Organic Livestock Integration:
• Organic farming in India often involves integrating livestock into the agricultural system. Cow dung and urine are valuable inputs, and the practice of cow-based farming (Gauvansh) is gaining traction.
• Organic livestock farming methods, such as raising indigenous and non-exotic breeds, emphasize humane treatment and organic feed.
Conservation Agriculture:
• Conservation tillage practices, like zero tillage and minimum tillage, help reduce soil erosion and improve moisture retention in arid regions.
• Organic mulch and cover cropping are essential components of conservation
What happens when you integrate livestock to a farm?
Mixed farming is an age-old practice and our ancestors were really cognizant of the linkage between livestock and farming. That is why they lived a life closely connected to nature and its simple processes. For instance, the simple natural process of feeding cattle on a farm and utilising their waste there itself.
Due to such operations, keeping livestock on their farm actually turned out to be the right way to maintain the balance in the ecosystem. To know how, let us look at the details.
Organic manure and organic matter
The farmer who has integrated livestock in his organic farm will never need to buy extra soil-incorporation materials. Livestock waste can be utilised as simply as manure on the farm. Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) has stated that manures, such as those from dairy and poultry, have liming effects and actually counteract acidification. It also states that incorporating eco-friendly, farm-based animal manures could prove vital in many ways.
For example, it helps in improving soil structure and leads to increased water infiltration, better water-holding capacity, good nutrient retention and improves microbial diversity. Cat-ion exchange capacity and soil pH get influenced positively.
- Agroforestry
This method has been in practice for a very long time. Agroforestry combines the principles of agriculture and forestry. The concept of this method lies in the fostering of trees that can provide suitable climatic conditions for the crops around them. It regulates the temperature, controls sunlight, and wind. On our Cow Farm In Chennai, we benefit from this practice as we can avoid soil erosion and enhance soil quality. This method creates an apt micro-climate for the crops to boost their production. - Crop Rotation
Crop rotation is the process of growing diverse crops on the same field depending on the season. This form of agriculture increases the productivity of the land. We can boost our yield without any chemicals or pesticides. When we keep switching the crop (normally two or three crops are rotated), the nutrients in the soil are revitalized. It also effectively combats pests and weed formation. - Mixed Cropping
Sometimes, the soil may not be utilized to its fullest potential. Therefore, mixed cropping is used in such cases. Two or more crops are planted collectively on the farms. Farmers may also do row croppings where a single crop is grown in each row on the farms. - Poly Culture
In this method, a farmer grows a variety of crops on the same farm. It protects biodiversity and stabilizes the yield. The soil becomes more fertile for use in this case. This method allows for better control of weeds and pests that may hinder production.
He is an agricultural scientist who pioneered the concept of Natural Farming in the country. Palekar drew his inspiration from ancient Indian farming techniques, at the heart of which are cow dung and cow urine.
Back in 2003, Sikkim officially took the decision to go organic. In the coming years, Sikkim made a transformational shift from using Chemicals and Pesticides, to imposing a complete ban on them. In January 2016, Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared Sikkim as India's first, fully organic state
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