<<–2/”>a >a href=”https://exam.pscnotes.com/organic-farming-2/”>Organic Farming system in India is not new and is being followed from ancient time. It is a method of farming system which primarily aimed at cultivating the land and raising crops in such a way, as to keep the Soil alive and in good Health by use of organic wastes (crop, animal and farm wastes, aquatic wastes) and other biological materials along with beneficial microbes (biofertilizers) to release nutrients to crops for increased sustainable production in an eco friendly pollution free Environment.
organic farming is a system which avoids or largely excludes the use of synthetic inputs (such as Fertilizers, pesticides, HORMONES, feed additives etc and to the maximum extent feasible rely upon crop rotations, crop residues, animal manures, off-farm organic waste, mineral grade rock additives and biological system of nutrient mobilization and plant protection.
The key characteristics of organic farming include
- Protecting the long term fertility of soils by maintaining organic matter levels, encouraging soil biological activity, and careful mechanical intervention
- Providing crop nutrients indirectly using relatively insoluble nutrient sources which are made available to the plant by the action of soil micro-organisms
- Nitrogen self-sufficiency through the use of legumes and biological nitrogen fixation, as well as effective recycling of organic materials including crop residues and Livestock manures
- Weed, disease and pest control relying primarily on crop rotations, natural predators, diversity, organic manuring, resistant varieties and limited (preferably minimal) thermal, biological and chemical intervention
- The extensive management of livestock, paying full regard to their evolutionary adaptations, behavioural needs and animal welfare issues with respect to Nutrition, housing, health, breeding and rearing
- Careful attention to the impact of the farming system on the wider environment and the conservation of wildlife and natural habitats
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Organic agriculture is a method of crop and livestock production that involves much more than choosing not to use pesticides, fertilizers, genetically modified organisms, antibiotics and Growth hormones. Organic production is a holistic system designed to optimize the productivity and fitness of diverse communities within the agro-ecosystem, including soil organisms, Plants, livestock and people. The principal goal of organic production is to develop enterprises that are sustainable and harmonious with the environment.
Organic agriculture is a rapidly growing sector of the global food system. In 2017, organic farmland worldwide reached 71 million hectares, up from 11 million hectares in 1999. Organic food sales reached $80 billion in 2016, up from $23 billion in 1999.
The history of organic agriculture can be traced back to the early 20th century, when a group of farmers and scientists in the United States began to experiment with alternative methods of crop and livestock production. These early pioneers were concerned about the negative impacts of conventional agriculture on the environment and human health. They believed that it was possible to produce food in a way that was both sustainable and healthy.
The principles of organic agriculture are based on the following:
- Health: Organic production is designed to promote the health of soil, plants, livestock and people.
- ECOLOGY: Organic production is designed to be ecologically based and harmonious with the environment.
- Fairness: Organic production is designed to be fair to all participants in the food system, including farmers, workers, consumers and the environment.
- Care: Organic production is designed to be practiced with care and respect for the earth, its creatures and its people.
The practices of organic agriculture include the following:
- Crop Rotation: Organic farmers rotate crops to prevent the build-up of pests and diseases.
- Cover Cropping: Organic farmers use cover crops to improve soil health and prevent erosion.
- Composting: Organic farmers use compost to improve Soil fertility and structure.
- Integrated pest management: Organic farmers use a variety of methods to control pests, including biological controls, cultural controls and mechanical controls.
- Natural livestock management: Organic farmers use natural methods to manage livestock, including grazing management, pasture rotation and humane slaughter.
Organic certification and labeling is a system that ensures that products meet the standards of organic production. Organic products must be certified by a third-party organization to be labeled as organic. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) administers the National Organic Program (NOP), which sets the standards for organic production and certification in the United States.
The economics of organic agriculture are complex. Organic production can be more expensive than conventional production, due to the higher costs of organic inputs and the lower yields of organic crops. However, organic farmers can often command a premium price for their products, which can offset the higher costs of production. The long-term economic viability of organic agriculture is uncertain, as it is dependent on a number of factors, including consumer demand, government policy and the cost of organic inputs.
The environmental impacts of organic agriculture are generally positive. Organic production can help to reduce soil erosion, improve water quality and protect Biodiversity-2/”>Biodiversity. Organic farming can also help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, as it does not use synthetic fertilizers or pesticides. However, there are some potential environmental impacts of organic agriculture, such as the use of manure and the potential for increased water use.
The social and ethical impacts of organic agriculture are also generally positive. Organic production can help to create jobs in rural areas and support sustainable livelihoods. Organic farming can also help to improve Food Security, as it can produce more food with less land and water. However, there are some potential social and ethical impacts of organic agriculture, such as the potential for increased social inequality and the potential for exploitation of workers.
The future of organic agriculture is uncertain. The growth of organic agriculture has slowed in recent years, due to a number of factors, including the high cost of organic production and the low price of conventional food. However, there is still strong consumer demand for organic products, and the potential for organic agriculture to play a significant role in the future of the food system.
What is Sustainable Agriculture?
Sustainable agriculture is a system of agriculture that uses practices that are environmentally friendly, socially just, and economically viable. It aims to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
What are the benefits of sustainable agriculture?
There are many benefits to sustainable agriculture, including:
- Improved soil health: Sustainable agriculture practices help to improve soil health by reducing erosion, increasing organic matter content, and promoting biodiversity.
- Reduced water use: Sustainable agriculture practices can help to reduce water use by using drip Irrigation, mulching, and cover cropping.
- Reduced greenhouse gas emissions: Sustainable agriculture practices can help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by using RENEWABLE ENERGY sources, reducing Tillage, and planting cover crops.
- Increased biodiversity: Sustainable agriculture practices help to increase biodiversity by planting a variety of crops, using cover crops, and providing habitat for wildlife.
- Improved food quality: Sustainable agriculture practices can help to improve food quality by reducing the use of pesticides and herbicides, and by using organic fertilizers.
- Increased farmer income: Sustainable agriculture practices can help to increase farmer income by reducing costs, increasing yields, and selling premium products.
What are the challenges of sustainable agriculture?
There are some challenges to sustainable agriculture, including:
- Higher initial costs: Sustainable agriculture practices can sometimes have higher initial costs, such as the cost of organic fertilizers or cover crops.
- Lower yields: Sustainable agriculture practices can sometimes result in lower yields, especially in the short term.
- Lack of market access: There is sometimes a lack of market access for sustainable agriculture products, which can make it difficult for farmers to sell their products.
- Government support: There is sometimes a lack of government support for sustainable agriculture, which can make it difficult for farmers to adopt sustainable practices.
What are some examples of sustainable agriculture practices?
Some examples of sustainable agriculture practices include:
- Organic farming: Organic farming is a system of agriculture that uses natural methods to produce food. Organic farmers do not use synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers.
- Biodynamic farming: Biodynamic farming is a system of agriculture that uses holistic methods to produce food. Biodynamic farmers use a variety of practices, such as composting, crop rotation, and planting according to the lunar calendar.
- Permaculture: Permaculture is a system of agriculture that designs agricultural systems that are sustainable and self-sufficient. Permaculture farmers use a variety of practices, such as rainwater harvesting, composting, and Intercropping.
- Agroforestry: Agroforestry is a system of agriculture that integrates trees and crops. Agroforestry farmers use a variety of practices, such as Alley Cropping, silvopasture, and windbreaks.
What is the future of sustainable agriculture?
The future of sustainable agriculture is bright. There is a growing demand for sustainable agriculture products, and there is a growing number of farmers who are adopting sustainable practices. With continued research and development, sustainable agriculture can play a major role in meeting the world’s food needs in a sustainable way.
Question 1
Which of the following is not a principle of organic agriculture?
(a) The use of natural methods to control pests and diseases
(b) The use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides
(c) The use of crop rotation and cover cropping
(d) The use of genetically modified organisms
Answer
(b)
Question 2
Which of the following is not a benefit of organic agriculture?
(a) Improved soil health
(b) Reduced Water Pollution
(c) Increased biodiversity
(d) Increased yields
Answer
(d)
Question 3
Which of the following is not a challenge of organic agriculture?
(a) Higher production costs
(b) Lower yields
(c) Reduced availability of organic products
(d) Increased risk of pests and diseases
Answer
(c)
Question 4
Which of the following is not a government policy that supports organic agriculture?
(a) Subsidies for organic farmers
(b) Research funding for organic agriculture
(c) Labeling requirements for organic products
(d) Trade barriers on imported organic products
Answer
(d)
Question 5
Which of the following is not a consumer concern about organic agriculture?
(a) The cost of organic products
(b) The availability of organic products
(c) The safety of organic products
(d) The effectiveness of organic farming methods
Answer
(d)