Recent Trends In Organic Farming And Farm Mechanization

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Recent trends in Organic Farming and farm mechanization

organic farming

Organic farming also known as ecological agriculture8 or biodynamic agriculture,9 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.

Farm mechanization

The agriculture sector in India has witnessed a considerable decline in the use of animal and human power in agriculture related activities. The trend has paved a way for a range of agricultural tools. A large number of these are driven by fossil fuel operated Though, farm mechanization in India stands at about 40%-45%, which is still low when compared to countries such as the U.S. (95%), Brazil (75%) and China (57%). While the level of mechanization lags behind other developed countries, it has seen strong growth through the last decade.The farm power availability on Indian farms has grown from 1.47 kW/ha in 2005-06 to 2.02 kW/ha in 2013-14.

In India, the level of mechanization varies greatly by region. States in the north such as Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh have high level of mechanization due to the highly productive land in the region as well as a declining labor force. The state governments in these states have also provided timely support in promoting mechanization of farms.

 

 

 

 


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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.

Farm mechanization is the use of machines to perform tasks that were formerly done by hand or with animal power. Farm mechanization has had a major impact on agriculture, increasing productivity and reducing the need for labor. However, it has also led to some environmental problems, such as soil erosion and Water Pollution.

Here are some of the recent trends in organic farming and farm mechanization:

These are just a few of the recent trends in organic farming and farm mechanization. As the world’s Population continues to grow, it is likely that these trends will continue to evolve.

One of the most important trends in organic farming is the use of cover crops. Cover crops are plants that are grown between cash crops to improve soil health and prevent erosion. Cover crops help to keep the soil covered, which prevents it from being eroded by wind and water. They also help to improve soil fertility by adding organic matter and nutrients. In addition, cover crops can help to suppress weeds and pests.

Another important trend in organic farming is the use of no-till farming. No-till farming is a method of planting crops without disturbing the soil. This helps to conserve water and reduce erosion. No-till farming also helps to improve soil health by keeping the Soil Structure intact.

Precision agriculture is another trend that is becoming more common in both organic and conventional farming. Precision agriculture uses technology to collect data about soil conditions, crop yields, and other factors. This data can then be used to make more informed decisions about farming practices. Precision agriculture can help to improve crop yields, reduce costs, and protect the environment.

The use of renewable energy sources is also becoming more common on farms. Renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, can help to reduce farm costs and improve energy efficiency. Renewable energy sources can also help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The use of robotics is another trend that is becoming more common on farms. Robots can be used to perform a variety of tasks, such as harvesting crops and milking cows. This can help to reduce labor costs and improve efficiency. Robots can also help to reduce the risk of injury to farm workers.

Vertical farming is a method of growing crops in vertically stacked layers. This can help to conserve space and water. Vertical farming can also be used to grow crops in urban areas, where land is scarce.

Aquaponics is a system that combines aquaculture (fish farming) and hydroponics (soilless plant cultivation). This system can help to reduce water usage and improve crop yields. Aquaponics can also be used to produce high-value crops, such as fish and vegetables.

Regenerative agriculture is a system of farming that focuses on restoring and maintaining soil health. This system can help to improve crop yields and reduce the need for pesticides and fertilizers. Regenerative agriculture can also help to sequester carbon dioxide from the Atmosphere.

What is organic farming?

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.

What are the benefits of organic farming?

There are many benefits to organic farming, including:

What are the challenges of organic farming?

There are some challenges associated with organic farming, including:

What is farm mechanization?

Farm mechanization is the use of machines to perform tasks that were previously done by hand. This includes tasks such as planting, harvesting, and tilling. Farm mechanization has a number of benefits, including:

What are the challenges of farm mechanization?

There are some challenges associated with farm mechanization, including:

What is the future of organic farming and farm mechanization?

The future of organic farming and farm mechanization is uncertain. Some experts believe that organic farming will become more popular as consumers become more concerned about the environment and food safety. Others believe that farm mechanization will continue to increase, as farmers look for ways to reduce costs and improve efficiency.

  1. Which of the following is not a benefit of organic farming?
    (A) Reduced use of pesticides and herbicides
    (B) Increased soil health
    (C) Higher yields
    (D) Improved animal welfare

  2. Which of the following is a challenge of organic farming?
    (A) Increased costs
    (B) Lower yields
    (C) Difficulty finding organic certified products
    (D) All of the above

  3. Which of the following is a type of farm mechanization?
    (A) Tractors
    (B) Combine harvesters
    (C) Irrigation systems
    (D) All of the above

  4. Which of the following is a benefit of farm mechanization?
    (A) Increased yields
    (B) Reduced labor costs
    (C) Improved efficiency
    (D) All of the above

  5. Which of the following is a challenge of farm mechanization?
    (A) Increased costs
    (B) Environmental impact
    (C) Social impact
    (D) All of the above

  6. Which of the following is a type of organic farming practice?
    (A) Crop rotation
    (B) Cover Cropping
    (C) No-till farming
    (D) All of the above

  7. Which of the following is a benefit of organic farming practices?
    (A) Reduced use of pesticides and herbicides
    (B) Increased soil health
    (C) Improved water quality
    (D) All of the above

  8. Which of the following is a challenge of organic farming practices?
    (A) Increased costs
    (B) Lower yields
    (C) Difficulty finding organic certified products
    (D) All of the above

  9. Which of the following is a type of farm management practice?
    (A) Record keeping
    (B) Financial management
    (C) Marketing
    (D) All of the above

  10. Which of the following is a benefit of good farm management practices?
    (A) Increased profitability
    (B) Reduced risk
    (C) Improved efficiency
    (D) All of the above

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