Organic farming is a technique which involves the use of biological materials and avoidance of chemical substances (chemical fertilizers and pesticides) to maintain the natural health of soil. And as a result, organic farming gives less pollution, preserve the fertility of soil and maintain ecological balance and conserve biodiversity.
AIM OF ORGANIC FARMING:
- To provide the population with quality and nutritional stuff.
- Effective utilization of natural resources.
- Reduce/ avoid all types of pollution that occurs due to agriculture.
- To reduce input cost.
- To maintain long term fertility of soil.
BENEFITS OF ORGANICALLY GROWN FOOD ITEMS
- As no chemicals are used, organic food maintains overall health.
- Antioxidant content gets increased in organic food which prevents from many heart disease, vision issues, premature ageing.
- Taste is far better than that of grown by conventinal methods.
- Organic food improves the functioning of immune system.
- Food produced by organic farming is more nutritious and toxins free.
METHODS/TECHNIQUES OF ORGANIC FARMING
- Crop rotation: A technique to grow various kinds of crops in the same area, according to different seasons, in a sequential manner.
2. Green manure: Green manure refers to the dying plants that are uprooted and stuffed into the soil in order to make them act as nutrient for the soil to increase its quality.
- Mulching: It is a process of covering the soil and making more favourable condition for the growth, development of the plant. It helps in conserving the moisture and retards the weed growth.
- Organic manure/Compost: It is obtained from animal component and kitchen waste.
- Bio-fertilizer: There are the substances which contain living organisms which, when applied to seeds, plant surfaces, or soil, colonize the rhizosphere or the interior of the plant and promotes growth by increasing the supply or availability of primary nutrients to the host plant.
- Vermicompost: It is the product of the composting process using various species of worms, wigglers, white worms, and other earthworms, to create a mixture of decomposing vegetable or food wastes, bedding materials and vermicast.
ADVANTAGES OF ORGANIC FARMING
- Less/no depletion of soil nutrients, maintain better health of soil.
- Helps in reducing toxic substances in the environment.
- Creates job opportunities for the peoples.
- It helps in preserving agriculture.
- It leads to reduction in farm waste as the farm waste is recycled and used for making organic fertilizer of it.
- Promotes inclusion of animal component in the farm/ houses.
DISADVANTAGES OF ORGANIC FARMING
- Requires knowledge of making and using effectively organic manures.
- More time is required to obtain results of organic farming.
- Reduction in crop yield.
- It requires more workers for managing the farm.
WHAT MAKES AN ORGANIC FARMER SUCCESSFULL?
- Identify your resources
While starting the organic farming, firstly identify your resources as they will serve for you. Try to gain the knowledge from existing organic farmers and mentors about your land type and best suitable crop for it.
- Plan good crop rotation
This is the important tool in managing organic farming. Choose crops wisely according to the climatic conditions and soil and it will impact the fertility of soil.
- Look on pests and methods to control
Pests are one of the major challenges in organic farming. Choose methods to control them according to the crops grown and proper plough in the starting and use of manures and mulching can remove pest growth.
e.g. bio-fertilizers, oil spray, cultural practices, physical control etc.
- Be ready for new options Giving a chance to new trials is not a bad idea. After some research and proper planning, you can give a try to new methods also.
At last, we can conclude that there is real need to go forward for organic farming in order to maintain plant, environment and human health.
“Let’s get on organic farming and food, which gives us a healthy and prosperous life…….”
