Introduction
Organic farming, which originated in the early 20th century, is also known as ecological or biological farming is a process of farming that uses completely natural and plant/animal-based fertilizers and pest controls instead of chemically manufactured ones. This type of farming uses ecologically produced products to boost crop yield derived from plants and animal wastes and nitrogen-fixing cover crops. It emphasizes on techniques like crop rotation (a method of growing a series of various types of crops in the same area based on the sequence of growing seasons) and companion planting (a form of polyculture that denotes planting of different crops in proximity due to various reasons like pest control, pollination, etc.) certified organic farming has seen its rapid growth due to change in farming practices and currently covers over 170 million acres globally with over half of the total in Australia alone.
History
Agriculture in India started thousands of years ago, during the New Stone Age but evidently without the use of any artificial or synthetic fertilizers or pesticides. Chemically-generated pesticides and other crop-yielding boosters came into being in the mid-19th century. From easy manufacture and supplies in the bulk of these artificially generated fertilizers to the production of chemical pesticides in 1940, the whole decade has been referred to as the “pesticide era”. But the fact of these pesticides and fertilizers being harmful and having a long-term effect on the environment got completely ignored due to their rapid effectiveness. These, not only hamper the soil fertility but also causes health deterioration of consumers by entering food supplies.
The organic movement first saw the light in the 1920s when Albert Howard and Gabrielle Howard, two successful and accomplished botanists, founded an Institute of Plant Industry to improve traditional farming methods in India.
Methods of Organic Farming
The methods of organic farming primarily include steps to protect the environment along with maintaining scientific norms to protect ecology and practicing the traditional methods of farming. The principal methods of organic farming include crop rotation, green manures and compost, biological pest control and mechanical cultivation. These methods have been implemented to boost agricultural productivity without causing damage to the ecology.
• Crop diversity- The idea of using one land for various crops has come out to be very beneficial as it is promoted by organic farming and helps lessen the wastage of fertile land. Also, planting a variety of crops together supports a wide range of beneficial insects and microorganisms that help in overall farm health.
• Soil Management- Farmers use a variety of processes like crop rotation, cover cropping, reduced tillage, etc to keep the soil in check.
• Weed Management- By promoting weed suppression rather than weed elimination, it enhances crop competition and phytotoxic effects on weeds.
• Controlling other organisms- Practices include the elimination of other harmful organisms like arthropods, nematodes, bacteria, and fungi.
How organic farming advantages Indian Economy
Though results have shown mixed effects of organic farming on the economy, experts find it surprisingly consistent since it appears to be more efficient on the economic system by increasing profit and reducing ecological stress which cuts down the hidden costs that are to be paid on the long-term practice of artificial and chemical modes of farming.
By debunking one of the most consistent myths of organic farming being incapable of reaching the same yield as a conventional mode of farming, research has shown that organic farming can produce the same amount of yield as the conventional mode of farming along with less use of fossil fuels, expensive inputs, and annual loans, making it less stressful to financial market fluctuations.
Steps Towards a Healthy Future
Food quality and health safety have always been the primary concerns of the nation and its people. The harmful effects of the conventional mode of farming have been highlighted in the recent past which has surely urged the government to take drastic measures and turn to the practice of organic farming. Organic farming has proven to improve biodiversity by 34% which ensures the conservation of ecology. The system improves three main objectives of environmental health, economic profitability, and socio-economic equity.
Along with the government, the private sector have also taken initiatives and contributed to promoting organic farming in India.
