India is encouraging the agricultural sector to identify organic farming methods that are more considerate of nature in light of many environmental concerns such as climate change, global warming, and soil, water, and air conservation. The issue of “pollution” has also been exacerbated by the overuse of chemical fertilisers and artificial growth regulators. Non-renewable, organic, and environmentally friendly agro-farming techniques have become more significant because fossil fuels are becoming extinct.
Agriculture should be a natural component of the cycle, which is the foundation of organic farming. It makes agriculture sustainable as it preserves biodiversity while enriching, maintaining, and protecting the soil. Organic Farming, commonly referred to as ecological farming or biological farming, emphasises methods like crop rotation and symbiotic planting and uses organic fertilisers including compost, green manure, and bone meal. As a reaction to rapidly evolving agricultural practices, it got its start in the early 20th century.
Techniques In Organic Farming
Crop rotation, using organic manures, mixed farming, preserving natural habitats, rainwater conservation, soil enrichment, and weed management are some techniques used in Organic Farming.
Features of Organic Farming
- safeguarding soil fertility
- keeping the level of organic matter constant
- fostering soil microbial activity
- Providing nutrients using microbial action.
- using legumes to meet the soil’s needs for nitrogen.
- Organic waste, such as crop leftovers and manures, is recycled
- By utilising methods like organic manuring, crop rotation, maintaining variety, breeding resistant types, and using natural predators to control diseases, pests, and weeds.
- Effective cattle management by paying close attention to their dietary needs, housing, breeding, raising, etc.
Types of organic farming
1. Pure Organic Farming
Pure organic farming is characterised as using no synthetic, poisonous, or harmful chemicals in any way during the farming process. In these agricultural practices, fertilisers and pest control agents are sourced from natural and organic sources, such as greens, dung, dead plant and animal remnants, etc.
2. Integrated organic farming
Integrated organic farming refers to agricultural methods that combine natural and artificial ingredients to create fertilisers and pesticides.
Organic Farming Vs.Conventional Farming
The Green Revolution laid the foundation for conventional agriculture, the most extensively used agricultural method worldwide. It was a programme designed to boost agricultural output. Increasing production is, therefore, the cornerstone of conventional agriculture. Conventional agriculture methods heavily rely on external inputs like GMOs, herbicides, insecticides, and chemical fertilisers to achieve this purpose. The philosophy of Conventional agriculture prioritises economic gain and maximum exploitation. Environmental, ecological, and social implications are completely disregarded.
Contrarily, organic farming attempts to raise crops in a way that is ecologically and environmentally conscientious. It rejects the idea of just seeking financial gain. Instead, it focuses on healthier and more in harmony with the world’s natural cycle crop production. Organic farming attempts to preserve natural resources, improve biodiversity, the quality of the land and water, and ecological equilibrium. Chemical fertilisers and synthetic insecticides are strictly forbidden in organic farming. The usage of GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms) is prohibited. Instead, composting and the usage of organic and natural fertilisers are encouraged. Additionally, it emphasises crop rotation and replenishing natural resources.
The basic principle is to achieve balance with nature, accept what is needed, and adopt means that regenerate and rejuvenate Nature. Organic farming opposes the idea of pursuing solely material prosperity. It offers an environmentally responsible technique for creating wholesome foods instead. Man has obligations as a social being and has to comprehend the earth. We can get habituated to living sustainably if we better understand the soil. On the other hand, if we exploit nature, we will undoubtedly have to be prepared to deal with various natural calamities.