When you hear about organic farming, what comes to your mind first? You will probably say that it is a method of farming that does not use chemical pesticides, insecticides, and fertilizers to boost the production of crops and other food products. While the primary difference between conventional farming and organic farming is this, it`s much more than that.
Organic farming in short is low input farming. This means that natural sources of nutrients like compost, crop residues, manure, and several other natural methods of crop and weed control are opted for instead of relying on synthetic and inorganic agrochemicals. Organic farming helps in enhancing genetic diversity, promotes usage of natural pesticides, builds good soil structure and fertility, and also helps in controlling pests, weeds, and diseases.
Organic farming can be classified into two namely- pure organic farming and integrated organic farming. Pure organic farming encourages the use of manure and bio-pesticides with complete avoidance of inorganic chemicals. In integrated organic farming, a combination of nutrients management and pest management is incorporated.
The four main techniques used in organic farming are crop rotation, green manure, biological pest control, and compost. The growing of different kinds of crops sequentially depending on the season is known as Crop Rotation. Green Manure refers to dead plants being turned into the soil to act as fertilizer. Biological pest control encourages the use of living organisms to control the infestation of pests. This method may or may not include the use of chemicals. Compost is recycled matter that is widely used as fertilizer and is high in nutrients.
Let’s have a sneak peek at some of the benefits that come with organic farming-
· Rapid growth of organic food industry guarantees high profitability
Current market trends reveal that organic products are being widely accepted across the globe. The rising variety of consumers has led to the increase in demand for organically grown products and turn made it the fastest-growing agricultural sector. People continue to receive awareness regarding the significance of organic farming and food products, transforming the agricultural sector into an attractive economic alternative.
· Promotes environmental sustainability and food security
Promotion of organically grown food products can intensify yield production, especially in poor countries where conventional agriculture is expensive and therefore not affordable. This can lead to improved food security. Organic farming also helps save energy as all the methods incorporated are energy efficient when compared to conventional farming methods.
· Enhancement of human health
Organic products are the safest for human consumption when compared to any other food products available in the market. They contain a lower level of chemicals and also do not contain modified ingredients like conventional farming methods. Organic products also help reduce public health risks at all levels. Organic produce also help improve human health by alleviating risks related to diseases like cancer, infertility, immunodeficiency disease.
· Powerhouse of essential nutrients
When compared to conventionally grown products, organic products are rich in nutrients like Vitamin C, Iron, Magnesium, and Phosphorus with minimal exposure to nitrates and pesticide residues. Organic farming also enhances the soil nutrient content which is passed onto the plants and animals. https://www.keralaspicesonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Homemade-Cashew-Cream-Recipe-1.jpg Kerala organic black pepper from keralaspicesonline.com.
· Rich taste of organic produce
The quality of the food you consume is also determined by its taste. Organic food tastes better than other food because of its authentic nature. The sugar content in organically grown fruits and vegetables renders them with extra taste. https://www.keralaspicesonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Homemade-Cashew-Cream-Recipe-1.jpg Kerala organic clove from keralaspicesonline.com.
· Analytical authentication assures the quality of products
The stringent quality checks and investigations assure consumers that they are getting real organic foods. This test rules out quacks who are committing fraud to benefit from the organic food label by replacing them with commercially produced foods.
Highlights of Organic Farming
The key features of organic farming include-
· Natural livestock and poultry production
· Natural crop production
· Organic weed and pest control
· Soil management
· Buffer zones and record-keeping
· Maintenance of ecological balance
· Ensuring fairness
In short, organic farming is the need of the hour as the minimum use of synthetic chemicals and inputs helps preserve, replenish, and enhance ecological stability. Organic farming comes with a host of benefits as it helps sustain the environment and renders healthy food options to consumers. Environmentalists are encouraging the shift to organic farming from conventional farming as they believe that by this farming method natural habitats are less threatened because of the non-usage of chemical pesticides and fertilizers. Produce grown from organic farming are healthy and more nutritious as the soil is not contaminated by chemical and synthetic substances.
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