Organic Farming ( இயற்கை வழி வேளாண்மை )

What is organic farming?

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.

As per the definition of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) study team on organic farming “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”.

FAO suggested that “Organic agriculture is a unique production management system which promotes and enhances agro-ecosystem health, including biodiversity, biological cycles and soil biological activity, and this is accomplished by using on-farm agronomic, biological and mechanical methods in exclusion of all synthetic off-farm inputs”.

One of the safest and most popular forms of agriculture today is organic farming. It utilizes various crop rotation techniques and green manure in propagating and maintaining soil health, as well as encouraging natural pest controlling on farms. Having the thought of all-natural concept, the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides are excluded in working on organic farms. Moreover, food additives, hormones, and other plant growth regulators are not allowed to be used in this form of farming.

According to the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements Authority, or IFOAM, organic farming is more economical and environment-friendly compared to conventional farming. This recognized organization is responsible for regulating and amending the activities of the various organic farms worldwide.

It is a known fact that certain harmful chemicals and synthetic fertilizers are proven harmful to use, although it is consumed indirectly through fruits and vegetables. Conventional and synthetic farming utilizes various artificial fertilizers, pesticides, insecticides and growth regulators in propagating food crops. Products that came from conventional farming can be quite dangerous to people and the environment. Meanwhile, organic products are produced without the aid of any artificial and synthetic fertilizer. It is essential that every individual should consume organic foods not just to stay healthy but also to promote pollution-free and clean environment.

Nevertheless, organic farming is all about using the safe traditional methods of farming while incorporating modern scientific knowledge in order to obtain environment-friendly and healthy food crops. There are several methods and materials used in managing an organic farm. In building and maintaining good soil health and fertility, farmers should utilize a compost containing recycled crop waste and animal manures. Other activities like the correction of soil cultivation at the right time, practice of crop rotation, the use of legumes and green manures, and mulching are effective means of regulating an organic farm. On the other hand, activities like the cautious use of water resources and animal husbandry are applied in some cases.

Organic farming features advantages to health and the environment. These benefits include reduction of soil erosion, maintenance of soil fertility, support in maintaining the continued existence of wildlife in the lowlands, improvement of the dairy industry as cattle grazing is one of the common activities that the method of farming prospers, the production of healthy and organic food products, prevention of pesticide and synthetic fertilizer use, and deterrence of health problems in the future.

To sum it all, organic farming is an environment friendly alternative in upholding the optimum health of every individual from different parts of the globe.