The present population is exposed to newer and newer diseases and our immune system is becoming weaker and weaker. The main reason for the weaker immune system is environmental pollutions. The consumed food, water and air all are contaminated with pollutants and poisons. The application of pesticides and chemical fertilizers to increase the crop production, though resulted in the higher crop production in terms of quantity, but reduced the quality of food. Though we ate the same food as compared to our previous generations, our body is not getting all the required micro and macro nutrients. This is because of our present day's agricultural practice, which focuses mainly on the quantity, example: increased sugar content in sugarcane, increase starch content in rice, increased crop production, etc. With focused approach for increase of quantity, we are slowly eliminating the unseen beneficiary effect of each crop. Organic farming can become remedy for this situation.
Organic farming is the practice of avoiding non synthetic products such as chemical fertilizers, insect pesticides, hormones etc., in cultivation of crops and to use the eco friendly methods such as crop rotation, biofertilizers, animal manures, mixed crops, organic wastes, vermicomposts, etc., to preserve soil texture and biodiversity. Organic farming is a unique crop management technique which enhances overall crop production with respect to quantity and quality. Organic farming utilizes plants that are not genetically modified and hence preserves the biodiversity. Organic farming focuses primarily on enhancing the health of crops, animals, humans and soil. The healthy ecosystem produces healthy food which culminates in good health of animals and humans. Organic farming aims to produce nutritious high quality food that helps in well-being of the end users.
Organic farming focuses on living harmonious with nature and not disturbing ecological cycles. It believes in production based on recycling. It aims to adapt the local ecological conditions and culture to harvest maximum benefit. It also protects the natural environment like landscapes, habitats, climate and biodiversity. It preserves the genetic diversity of the crops there by eliminating monopoly of hybrid crops. Natural resources used in agricultural activities should be used in a manner that it will be preserved for future generations and exploitation of any kind like environment or air or water etc., is avoided. Organic farming transition requires many changes. In the initial years the organic farming will results in less production, which the farmer has to bear in order to reap the future benefits. The conventional farming with application of pesticides and chemical fertilizers though results in initial high yield but turns the entire agricultural land unfit for agricultural activities later.
Organic farming gives more value for the practical experience and accumulated wisdom that is tested over time and rejects the new scientific inventions that are unpredictable like genetic engineering. Organic farming is knowledge based, farmers has to make their own trials and has to learn from other farmers and workshop events. Prevention is the main component of organic farming as it doesn't have remedies for immediate problems. Therefore farmers who are already practicing organic farming become valuable knowledge for the new starters. The farmer who practices organic farming has to assume everything in the agricultural field is useful including the insect pests or the unwanted plants other than crops. The farmer has to understand that the aim of organic farming is not to eliminate all unwanted insects and weeds, but to use appropriate methodologies to bring their number in acceptable range there by harnessing the benefit even they could provide in farming. For example, weeds provide protection to soil erosion and can also be used as green manure or fodder for animals. The success of the organic farming depends on the knowledge to cultivate crops that are suited for the local habitat.
Organic farming results are observed over a period and gives benefit to both humans and Mother Nature. It achieves soil fertility and controls harmful agricultural insects and disease in an eco friendly way. Organic farming ensures the water bodies remains clean and healthy. Very importantly, farmer's who practices organic farming relies on resources which are locally available and hence reduces the cost of cultivation and makes the farmer more economically strong. Finally, organic farming produces healthier nutritious food for animal and human, which will results in improved health for all.
About Author / Additional Info:
An enthuiastic author from India