Organic farming can be defined as an agricultural process that uses biological fertilisers and pest control acquired from animal or plant waste. Organic farming was actually initiated as an answer to the environmental sufferings caused by the use of chemical pesticides and synthetic fertilisers. In other words, organic farming is a new system of farming or agriculture that repairs, maintains, and improves the ecological balance.
Advantages of Organic Farming
Economical: In organic farming, no expensive fertilisers, pesticides, or HYV seeds are required for the plantation of crops. Therefore, there is no extra expense.
Good return on Investment: With the usage of cheaper and local inputs, a farmer can make a good return on investment.
High demand: There is a huge demand for organic products in India and across the globe, which generates more income through export.
Nutritional: As compared to chemical and fertiliser-utilised products, organic products are more nutritional, tasty, and good for health.
Environment-friendly: The farming of organic products is free of chemicals and fertilisers, so it does not harm the environment.
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Incompetent: The major issue of organic farming is the lack of inadequate infrastructure and marketing of the product.
Less production: The products obtained through organic farming are less in the initial years as compared to that in chemical products. So, farmers find it difficult to accommodate large-scale production.
Shorter shelf life: Organic products have more flaws and a shorter shelf life than that of chemical products.
Limited production: Off-season crops are limited and have fewer options in organic farming.
Types of Organic Farming
Organic farming is divided into two types, namely:
- Integrated organic farming
- Pure organic farming
Pure organic farming means avoiding all unnatural chemicals. In this process of farming, all the fertilisers and pesticides are obtained from natural sources such as bone meal or blood meal.
Integrated organic farming includes the integration of pest management and nutrients management to achieve ecological requirements and demands.
Meaning and Importance of Organic Farming
Meaning of organic farming
System of farming that uses organic inputs like green manures, cow dung, etc., for cultivation.
Need of organic farming
- Excessive use of chemical fertilisers reduces the fertility of soil.
- Excessive use of chemicals has led to soil, water, and air pollution.
- To conserve ecosystem.
- To promote sustainable development.
- Inexpensive farming.
- Increased demand of organic products due to safety of food.
Benefits of Organic Farming
Benefits of organic farming
- Environment-friendly.
- Promotes sustainable development.
- Healthy and tasty food.
- Inexpensive process.
- It uses organic inputs.
- Generates income.
- Generates income through exports.
- Source of employment.
- Organic farming is more labour intensive. Hence, it generates more employment.
Limitations of Organic Farming
Limitations of organic farming
- Less output.
- Higher price.
- The lack of awareness.
- Organic products generally demand a higher price due to a higher demand.
- Shorter shelf life.
- Organic products have a shorter shelf life due to the absence of artificial preservatives.
The relevance of Organic Farming
Relevance of organic farming in India
- High nutritional value.
- Maximum profit.
- Employment opportunity.
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FAQs
Compared with conventional agriculture, organic farming uses fewer pesticides, reduces soil erosion, decreases nitrate leaching into groundwater and surface water, and recycles animal wastes back into the farm. These benefits are counterbalanced by higher food costs for consumers and generally lower yields.
What is the meaning of organic farming? ›
Organic farming is a method of agricultural production that excludes the use of synthetic substances, such as pesticides, synthetic medicines or fertilisers, and genetically modified organisms.
Why is organic farming important or is it important? ›
Importance of Organic Agriculture
Maintain and improve fertility, soil structure and biodiversity, and reduce erosion. Reduce the risks of human, animal, and environmental exposure to toxic materials. Fine-tune farming practices to meet local production conditions and satisfy local markets.
What is farming? ›
Farming is the act or process of working the ground, planting seeds, and growing edible plants. You can also describe raising animals for milk or meat as farming. Farming is a great way to describe the lifestyle and work of people whose jobs are in the agriculture industry.
What are the advantages of organic farming? ›
Compared with conventional agriculture, organic farming uses fewer pesticides, reduces soil erosion, decreases nitrate leaching into groundwater and surface water, and recycles animal wastes back into the farm. These benefits are counterbalanced by higher food costs for consumers and generally lower yields.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of farming? ›
Advantages of traditional farming include improved soil fertility, carbon sequestration, and biodiversity maintenance. Disadvantages include negative implications of slash-and-burn activities in shifting agriculture.
What are the main characteristics of organic farming? ›
Organic farming is a system of farming which avoids or largely excludes the use of synthetic inputs and to a large extent rely upon crop rotations, crop residues, animal manures, etc. Its characteristics are: Use of organic materials as pesticides and insecticides. protecting the long-term fertility of the soil.
What are the inputs for organic farming? ›
For nutrient management and soil fertility build up crop residue, animal dung, forest leaf litter, bone meal, slaughter house waste, blood meal and green manures are important organic sources. All such organic material needs to be composted properly for appropriate impact.
What are the downsides of organic food? ›
Are there downsides to buying organic? One common concern with organic food is cost. Organic foods often cost more than similar foods grown using usual (conventional) methods. Higher prices are due, in part, to more costly ways of farming.
Why do people buy organic? ›
Organic foods promote more humane treatment of animals, as well as providing meat that is free from hormones and antibiotics. Also, some people worry about the long-term health, economic and environmental consequences of GM foods and choose organic foods in support of an industry that does not use GM techniques.
And while organic foods have a reputation for being healthy and nutritious, studies show that there is actually very little difference in nutritional value between organic and conventional foods.
Does farming make money? ›
Median total household income among all farm households ($95,418) exceeded the median total household income for all U.S. households ($74,580) in 2022. Median household income and income from farming increased with farm size and most households earned some income from off-farm employment.
Why is farming so important? ›
Agricultural products contribute to the manufacturing of a huge variety of goods, including food and beverage products, textiles, cleaning and personal products, construction materials, fuels, and more.
What are female farmers called? ›
Called “farmerettes,” the women were trained to cultivate and harvest crops used to feed those on the home front and abroad.
What is an example of organic farming? ›
Organic farming methods use natural interventions for pest control and conservation of land. Examples of farming techniques include the prohibited use of chemical pesticides, crop rotation for fertilizing soil, and the use of natural compost and/or manure.
Is organic farming healthy? ›
Not only does organic production help reduce public health risks, mounting evidence shows that food grown organically are rich in nutrients, such as Vitamin C, iron, magnesium, and phosphorus, with less exposure to nitrates and pesticide residues in organically grown fruits, vegetables, and grains when compared to ...
Is organic farming really better? ›
Conventional agriculture causes increased greenhouse gas emissions, soil erosion, water pollution, and threatens human health. Organic farming has a smaller carbon footprint, conserves and builds soil health, replenishes natural ecosystems for cleaner water and air, all without toxic pesticide residues.
Is organic agriculture good or bad? ›
Organic farming is widely considered to be a far more sustainable alternative when it comes to food production. The lack of pesticides and wider variety of plants enhances biodiversity and results in better soil quality and reduced pollution from fertilizer or pesticide run-off.
