Introduction
Organic farming is a holistic strategy for crop production that maintains soil biological activity, the overall agro-ecosystem and biodiversity. This approach is widely studied in agriculture and life science programs offered by a best bsc biotech college in Jaipur, where students learn about sustainable farming systems and biological inputs.Organic farming emphasizes the use of management techniques rather than off-farm inputs, keeping in mind that regional systems are necessary due to regional characteristics. This is accomplished by using, where possible, agronomic, biological, and mechanical methods, as opposed to using synthetic materials, to fulfill any specific function within the system. Organic farming, as commonly perceived by most people, does not merely involve the use of inputs prepared from wastes or natural products.
The over-simplified meaning of organic farming in terms of the use of manures, composts, biofertilizers, and biopesticides does not really cover the holistic meaning of organic farming. Sustainable agriculture practices include farming practices related to domestic food security. However, concerns have been expressed at the policy level regarding the effectiveness of organic farming in feeding the vast population, especially in densely populated nations like South Asia.
Natural inputs and sustainable practices like natural compost and biological pest control methods are required for organic farming.
Economic Benefits of Organic Farming
Organic farming methods are cost-effective as compared to chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Farmers use locally accessible inputs such as cow dung and green manure, which reduces their dependency on costly chemical fertilizers. Pest management costs are also reduced due to the use of organic chemicals and natural predators.
Consumers nowadays are more aware of healthy food products. Chemical fertilizers and pesticides are carcinogenic. Organic farming is economically more beneficial for farmers because the market price of organic crops is higher as compared to traditional crops. Numerous research studies have shown that organic farming significantly reduces agricultural yields, while other studies have shown that crop yield variability increases. Some studies have noted that in order to meet food demand, forest land must be diverted for agriculture due to the low yields of organic farming, which may have a detrimental effect on the ecosystem.
Agro-ecosystem health, soil fertility, input reduction, and locally adaptable farming practices are the cornerstones of organic farming, making it a comprehensive approach to agriculture and food systems. Following World War I, Europe established the first organic farming concepts as an alternative to traditional agricultural systems. This led to significant social and environmental changes in rural communities.
With almost 370 million hectares already under certified organic management and a turnover of organic products worth 60 billion US dollars, organic farming is expanding rapidly worldwide. Organic farming is gaining importance as people become more aware of the harmful effects of chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
In India, initiatives supporting organic farming are receiving strong government backing due to the focus on reducing chemical usage in agriculture.
Limitations of Organic Farming
In India, unsustainable agricultural productivity, environmental degradation, health issues, and sanitation problems are consequences of conventional farming methods. Organic farming is emerging as a popular alternative to the current system.
Between two to ten percent of farmland in several countries has been converted to organic farming. In developed nations, the demand for organic products is increasing at an annual rate of around 20%. However, India still lags behind in the widespread adoption of organic farming.
Relevance of Organic Farming in India
To promote organic farming, governments at the central, state, and local levels must provide substantial financial support. Government subsidies have played a crucial role in the development of organic farming in leading countries.
In India, subsidies largely support conventional farming rather than organic practices. Financial support for organic farmers is essential due to their low risk-bearing capacity, the initial productivity loss during transition, and the lack of well-established marketing channels for organic products.
Blog By:
Dr. Anita Mishra
Assistant professor,Department of Science
Biyani Girls College,Jaipur