In this blog, we will talk about organic farming and its importance. Friends, do you know that Sikkim in India is the first organic farming state. There are lots of advantages of organic farming for our health, environment, and of course, our future generations.

What is Organic Farming?

Organic farming is a long-term agricultural practice that avoids the use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), and other potentially dangerous chemicals. Organic farmers, on the other hand, rely on natural ways to preserve soil fertility and plant health, such as crop rotation, composting, and biological pest management. Organic farming's major purpose is to produce healthy, high-quality food while minimizing environmental damage and supporting biodiversity.

The principles of ecological balance, biodiversity, and natural resource conservation underlying organic farming. Organic farmers adopt strategies that work with, rather than against, the natural environment. Organic farmers, for example, rely on compost and natural sources of nutrients such as animal dung or green manure to deliver nutrients to their crops rather than commercial fertilizers.

Farms must follow a set of exacting standards established by government agencies or recognized third-party organizations in order to be certified as organic. Farmers are normally required to use organic methods for a minimum of three years before they can be certified under these criteria. Regular inspections are also conducted on organic farmers to ensure that they are meeting the guidelines.

How is Organic Farming Done?

Organic farming is growing more popular as consumers search out healthy, nutritious foods that are produced in an environmentally responsible and sustainable manner.

Soil Preparation: To begin, organic farmers prepare the soil for planting. This involves using natural methods to improve soil fertility and structure, such as crop rotation, cover crops, and composting. Cover crops are sown to protect the soil from erosion, and compost is added to supply plant nutrients.

Selecting Quality Seeds: Organic farmers select seeds that are specially adapted to local growing circumstances and free of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and synthetic pesticides. Organic farmers may also conserve crop seeds for future use.

Planting: Organic farmers use natural methods such as hand planting or machine planting to plant their crops. They might additionally use natural pest management strategies such as companion planting, which involves growing various crops beside one another to dissuade pests.

Weed control: Organic farmers use natural methods to control weeds, such as mulching, manual weeding, and crop rotation. Natural herbicides such as vinegar or maize gluten may also be used.

Pest control: To combat pests, organic farmers utilize natural methods such as crop rotation, companion planting, and biological control methods such as releasing beneficial insects that feast on pest insects.

Harvesting: Organic farmers harvest their crops naturally, such as by hand or machine harvesting. To retain the quality of their crops, they may also use natural post-harvest treatments such as washing and chilling.

Marketing: Organic farmers offer their produce to consumers directly or through farmers' markets, local food co-ops, or other direct marketing methods. They may also sell to organic food processors. or big manufacturing companies.

What Are the Benefits of Organic Farming?

Organic farming has several benefits both for our health and healthy environment and organic farming is very important for sustainable future. Here are some of the benefits of organic farming –

Soil Health and Biodiversity

Organic farming approaches emphasize soil fertility building through natural means such as crop rotation, cover cropping, and composting. These strategies contribute to soil health by boosting nutrient and organic matter availability, minimising soil erosion, and improving water retention. This, in turn, encourages the establishment of healthy crops and the diversity of soil microbes, both of which are necessary for healthy soil. Organic farmers help to maintain the ecosystem's balance of natural predators and prey by adopting natural pest management methods such as crop rotation, companion planting, and biological control methods.

Produces food that contains no trace of synthetic chemicals and genetically modified organisms (GMOs)

Organic farming produces food that does not contain synthetic chemicals and genetically modified organisms (GMOs), which is one of its key advantages. Organic farmers avoid the use of synthetic pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers, which can be hazardous to human health and the environment. Instead, organic farmers use natural methods to manage pests and encourage healthy crop growth, such as crop rotation, companion planting, and biological control measures. Organic food provides consumers with the assurance that they are eating food that is devoid of hazardous chemicals and GMOs.

Boost Local Food System

Organic farming promotes the production and consumption of locally cultivated food, which benefits local food systems. Organic farmers often offer their produce to consumers directly, or through local farmers' markets, food co-ops, or other direct marketing methods. This benefits local economies while lowering the carbon footprint associated with transportation and distribution. Furthermore, by providing an alternative to large-scale industrial agriculture, organic farming helps small-scale farming and family farms. Consumers can contribute to promote sustainable agriculture practices and lessen their environmental effect by supporting local food systems and small-scale farmers.

Animal Welfare is Promoted and it’s a Great Nobel Job

Organic farming increases animal welfare by forcing organic livestock farmers to offer outside grass for their animals and barring the use of growth hormones and antibiotics. Organic livestock farmers must feed their animals a natural diet free of toxic pesticides and herbicides. The ultimate benefits is of having fresh and nutritious food products.

Improves Environment for a Brighter Future

Organic farming helps in the prevention of water contamination and the improvement of water quality. It encourages the use of natural fertilizers and minimizing the demand for synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, organic agricultural practices help to minimize greenhouse gas emissions. Organic farming can assist to alleviate the consequences of climate change and promote a more sustainable future by lowering the environmental impact of agriculture.

Food that is nourishing and healthful

Organic farming promotes the use of natural methods and materials to enhance healthy crop development, resulting in nutritious and healthful food. Organic foods have more nutrients such vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants than conventionally farmed foods.

Organic Farming 

Demerits of Organic Farming

• ·      Lower Yields
• ·      Higher Labour Cost
• ·      Higher Prices
• ·      Pest and Diseases Management
• ·      Greater Land Use
• ·      Difficult Weed Management
• ·      Transportation Emissions

How Organic Farming is different from Conventional Farming?

Organic farming differs from conventional farming in a number of important ways. To begin, organic farming does not use synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, or genetically modified organisms (GMOs), but conventional farming does in order to maximize yields and combat pests and diseases. Second, organic farming prioritizes soil health and fertility through practices such as crop rotation, composting, and the use of organic materials, whereas conventional farming frequently uses synthetic fertilizers, which can have long-term implications on soil quality. Organic farming uses natural pest and weed management methods such as biological controls and mechanical removal, whereas conventional farming uses chemical pesticides and herbicides.

So, I hope you have understood organic farming and its importance. In India, states like Maharashtra, Sikkim, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, and more are actively promoting organic farming for a healthy tomorrow. This is the responsibility of all or us to support this good cause.