Organic farming also known as ecological agriculture8 or biodynamic agriculture and works in harmony with nature i.e. the agricultural practices followed in organic agriculture do not cause any harm to the Environment. Due to eco-friendly nature of the organic farming it is considered as an viable alternative in comparison to chemical based farming, in a scenario where excessive use of chemical based Fertilizers and pesticides have raised the concerns for ecotoxicity and Health hazards. Nutrient management in organic agriculture is based on agronomic practices like crop rotations, Soil-fertility/”>Soil fertility building via nitrogen and nutrient recycling using organic material like crop residues, farmyard manure and minimization of use of chemical based fertilizers.Control of pest populations in organic farming relies on use of resistant crops, Crop Rotation, increase in predators for natural control of the pests and increase in Genetic diversity along with the judicious use of water Resources and Animal Husbandry.
While extensive use of pesticides and fertilisers increase crop production, they also create the burning issues relevant to food quality. That’s why, the modern world has begun to focus on food quality not quantity, and is shifting towards organic agriculture.
Organic agriculture is a holistic production management system which promotes and improves health of agro ecosystem including Biodiversity-2/”>Biodiversity, biological cycles, and soil biological activity.Organic fertilisers include animal and green manure, fish and Bone Meal, and compost.
And the organic pest management focuses on prevention through such method as: growing resistant varieties of crops and in the proper season of the variety; improving soil health to resist soil pathogens and promote plant Growth; rotating crops; encouraging natural biological agents for control of disease, insects and Weeds; using physical barriers for protection from insects, birds and animals; modifying habitat to encourage pollinators and natural enemies of pests etc.
Today, insect pest management in organic agriculture involves the adoption of scientifically based and ecologically Sound strategies as specified by the international and national organic production standards. These include a ban on synthetic insecticides and, more recently, on growing curbs on genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
The General Assembly of the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements has approved four principles of organic agriculture: health, ECOLOGY, fairness and care.
Principles apply to agriculture in the broadest sense, including the way people tend soils, water, Plants and animals in order to produce, prepare and distribute goods. They are concerned the way people interact with living landscapes, relate to one another and shape the legacy of future generations. Each principle is followed by an action oriented explanation.
Various techniques are utilised for farming organically, some extensively, others rarely. Biodynamic farming Stress biological methods in regard to humane treatment of animals, food quality and soil health (such as green manures, cover crops and composting).
The other method is natural farming. There is no water, no pesticide, no fertiliser and no herbicide utilisation except seed sowing. It is also known as ecological farming solely established by a Japanese farmer. Another farming practice is principally ‘bio intensive,’ which uses low energy input, fosters healthy soils, and conserves space, while maximising yields and increasing sustainability. Some others are Permaculture, no-tilling and holistic management etc.
The issue has also to be seen in the context of gross domestic product (GDP) which is supposed to measure the wealth of nations and has emerged as the dominant concept in our times. However, economic growth hides the POVERTY it creates through the destruction of nature, which, in turn, tends to deprive communities of the capacity to provide livelihood for themselves.
Organic products are usually more expensive than ‘conventional’ agricultural products because there is an ‘extra cost’, called ‘organic premium’ to be paid in addition to the ‘reference price’. Some of the key factors that make organic products expensive include health and nutritional concerns, superior taste, food-safety concerns, and environmental friendliness. Consumer’s willingness to pay more represents a price premium for environmental quality and health.
However, when a farmer starts organic farming, the land, soil and the environment is not as good as it should be. With the organic Farming practices over time, the land and environment becomes poison-free and totally healthy for growing of healthy crops, and farmer also acquires experience of organic farming.
So, on the start of almost fifth year, organic farming gives outcomes comparable with modern synthetic agricultural practices. If we critically compare the inputs, we come to know, as no synthetic fertiliser and pesticide is added, the organic farming requires less cost. On the other hand, due to its premium quality, it is sold at 3-4 times higher prices than other produces and farmers earn 3-4 times more profit.,
Organic farming 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 farming practices include crop rotation, cover Cropping, mulching, composting, biological pest control, integrated pest management, beneficial insects, natural enemies, predators, parasites, diseases, weeds, soil health, water management, Energy Efficiency, animal welfare, social Justice, environmental sustainability, economic viability, Food Security, Nutrition, taste, safety, labeling, certification, regulation, policy, research, Education, outreach, advocacy, history, and future.
Crop rotation is the practice of growing different crops in the same field in a planned sequence. This helps to prevent the build-up of pests and diseases, and to maintain soil fertility. Cover cropping is the practice of planting a cover crop, such as a legume or grass, between Cash Crops. Cover crops help to improve soil health, prevent erosion, and suppress weeds. Mulching is the practice of applying a layer of organic material, such as compost or straw, to the soil surface. Mulch helps to suppress weeds, conserve moisture, and improve Soil Structure. Composting is the process of turning organic materials, such as food scraps, yard waste, and manure, into a valuable soil amendment. Compost helps to improve soil fertility, water retention, and drainage.
Biological pest control is the use of natural enemies, such as predators, parasites, and diseases, to control pests. Integrated pest management (IPM) is a system of pest control that uses a combination of methods, including biological pest control, cultural practices, and chemical pesticides, to reduce pest populations to levels that do not cause economic or environmental harm. Beneficial insects are insects that help to control pests. Natural enemies are organisms that prey on or parasitize pests. Predators are animals that eat other animals. Parasites are organisms that live on or in other organisms and feed on their Tissues. Diseases are caused by pathogens, such as viruses, bacteria, Fungi, and parasites. Weeds are plants that grow where they are not wanted.
Soil health is the condition of the soil that affects its ability to support plant growth. Soil health is influenced by factors such as soil organic matter, soil structure, soil pH, and soil fertility. Water management is the practice of managing Water Resources to meet the needs of people, plants, and animals. Water management includes Irrigation, drainage, and flood control. Energy efficiency is the use of Energy Resources in a way that minimizes waste. Animal welfare is the state of well-being of animals. Social justice is the fair treatment of all people, regardless of their race, religion, gender, or sexual orientation. Environmental sustainability is the ability to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Economic viability is the ability of a business to operate profitably. Food security is the availability of sufficient, safe, and nutritious food for all people at all times. Nutrition is the process of providing or obtaining the nutrients necessary for health. Taste is the sensation of flavor experienced when food or drink is in the mouth. Safety is the condition of being protected from or not exposed to danger or risk. Labeling is the process of providing information about a product, such as its ingredients, nutritional value, and country of origin. Certification is the process of verifying that a product or service meets certain standards. Regulation is the act of controlling or directing something by means of rules and laws. Policy is a course of action or principle adopted or pursued by a government, party, business, or individual. Research is the systematic investigation into and study of materials and sources in order to establish facts and reach new conclusions. Education is the process of facilitating Learning, or the acquisition of knowledge, skills, values, beliefs, and habits. Outreach is the act of reaching out to people in order to provide them with information or Services. Advocacy is the act of supporting or recommending a particular cause or policy. History is the study of the past as recorded in documents. Future is the time that is to come.
Organic farming is a complex and multifaceted system that encompasses a wide range of practices. It is a system that is constantly evolving as new research and technologies are developed. Organic farming is a system that is based on the principles of sustainability, health, and justice. It is a system that has the potential to provide a safe, healthy, and environmentally friendly food supply for all people.
What is Sustainable Agriculture?
Sustainable agriculture is a system of agriculture that focuses on long-term environmental health and productivity. It uses practices that protect the environment, conserve resources, and promote social and economic Equity.
What are the benefits of sustainable agriculture?
There are many benefits to sustainable agriculture, including:
- Improved soil health: Sustainable agriculture practices can help to improve soil health by reducing erosion, increasing organic matter, and promoting biodiversity.
- Reduced water use: Sustainable agriculture practices can help to reduce water use by using Drip Irrigation, mulching, and cover crops.
- Reduced greenhouse gas emissions: Sustainable agriculture practices can help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by using RENEWABLE ENERGY, planting trees, and reducing Tillage.
- Improved animal welfare: Sustainable agriculture practices can help to improve animal welfare by providing animals with access to pasture, fresh water, and natural Light.
- Increased food security: Sustainable agriculture practices can help to increase food security by producing more food with less land, water, and energy.
What are the challenges of sustainable agriculture?
There are some challenges to sustainable agriculture, including:
- Higher costs: Sustainable agriculture practices can be more expensive than conventional agriculture practices.
- Lower yields: Sustainable agriculture practices can sometimes lead to lower yields than conventional agriculture practices.
- Lack of research: There is less research on sustainable agriculture practices than on conventional agriculture practices.
- Lack of government support: There is less government support for sustainable agriculture than for conventional agriculture.
What are some examples of sustainable agriculture practices?
Some examples of sustainable agriculture practices include:
- Crop rotation: Crop rotation is a practice in which different crops are grown in the same field in different years. This helps to prevent soil erosion and improve soil health.
- Cover cropping: Cover cropping is a practice in which a cover crop is planted between cash crops. Cover crops help to improve soil health, prevent erosion, and suppress weeds.
- No-till farming: No-till farming is a practice in which the soil is not disturbed when planting crops. This helps to conserve soil and water.
- Integrated pest management: Integrated pest management is a system of pest control that uses a variety of methods, including biological control, cultural control, and chemical control. This helps to reduce the use of pesticides.
- Organic farming: Organic farming is a system of agriculture that does not use synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers. It uses natural methods to control pests and diseases, and to improve soil health.
What is the future of sustainable agriculture?
The future of sustainable agriculture is bright. There is a growing demand for sustainable food, and more and more farmers are adopting sustainable practices. With continued research and development, sustainable agriculture can play a major role in meeting the world’s food needs while protecting the environment.
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Which of the following is not a type of farming?
(A) Organic farming
(B) Conventional farming
(C) Sustainable farming
(D) Industrial farming -
Which of the following is the main difference between organic farming and conventional farming?
(A) Organic farming uses synthetic pesticides and herbicides, while conventional farming does not.
(B) Organic farming uses natural pesticides and herbicides, while conventional farming uses synthetic pesticides and herbicides.
(C) Organic farming does not use genetically modified organisms (GMOs), while conventional farming does.
(D) Organic farming is more sustainable than conventional farming. -
Which of the following is a benefit of organic farming?
(A) Organic farming produces food that is healthier for humans to eat.
(B) Organic farming is better for the environment than conventional farming.
(C) Organic farming is more sustainable than conventional farming.
(D) All of the above. -
Which of the following is a challenge of organic farming?
(A) Organic farming is more expensive than conventional farming.
(B) Organic farming requires more labor than conventional farming.
(C) Organic farming is not as productive as conventional farming.
(D) All of the above. -
Which of the following is a goal of organic farming?
(A) To produce food that is healthy for humans to eat.
(B) To protect the environment.
(C) To promote sustainability.
(D) All of the above. -
Which of the following is a principle of organic farming?
(A) Use of renewable resources and materials.
(B) Maintenance of soil fertility and biological diversity.
(C) Avoidance of the use of synthetic pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers.
(D) All of the above. -
Which of the following is a practice of organic farming?
(A) Crop rotation.
(B) Cover cropping.
(C) Composting.
(D) All of the above. -
Which of the following is a certification organization for organic products?
(A) The Organic Trade Association (OTA).
(B) The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
(C) The National Organic Program (NOP).
(D) All of the above. -
Which of the following is a country that has a large organic farming sector?
(A) The United States.
(B) Canada.
(C) Europe.
(D) All of the above. -
Which of the following is a trend in organic farming?
(A) Increasing demand for organic products.
(B) Increasing number of organic farms.
(C) Increasing area of land under organic cultivation.
(D) All of the above.