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Organic Farming: A Key To A Healthier Life
– Daniel Yumkham
“Organic Agriculture is much more than just a way to treat soil and plants naturally– it is a holistic paradigm for sustaining life on earth“.
– Liyana Hasnan, The Asean Post.
Introduction:
Agriculture is, in simple words, an activity which plays a vital role in producing the food we consume. It’s estimated that 90-95% of the world’s food supply comes from agriculture, including crops, livestock, and fisheries.
Commercial Farming:
Humans have been practicing agriculture since time immemorial, and the methods and motives of agriculture have changed and evolved over the centuries. From primitive subsistence agriculture, where the sole aim was to produce food crops for sustenance, to commercial farming, where profit maximization through selling these food crops is the main motive, agriculture has traversed a long path. In the latter, i.e., commercial farming, the use of higher doses of modern inputs, including chemical fertilizers, High Yielding Variety (HYV) seeds, pesticides, and insecticides, are its main characteristics. This is where the problem comes.
Organic Farming:
In recent years, awareness of the detrimental effects of chemical-based fertilizers and pesticides on human health has grown significantly. Conventional agriculture’s heavy reliance on these chemicals poses serious risks, some of them are as follows-
1) they contaminate the food supply,
2) pollute water sources,
3) harm livestock,
4) deplete soil health, and
5) devastate ecosystems.
To achieve sustainable development, it’s essential to develop eco-friendly technologies, and this is where organic farming comes into play.
Organic agriculture is a holistic farming system that restores, maintains, and enhances ecological balance. With the increasing demand for safer food options globally, organically grown produce is gaining popularity as a means to enhance food safety.
Methods of Organic Farming:
There are different methods of organic farming. Some of them are as follows:
1. Zero Budget Natural Farming: As the name implies, this refers to crop production with minimal external inputs, eliminating the use of fertilizers and other chemical products that significantly increase production costs.
2. Use of natural inputs: Instead of using costly chemical inputs, this method encourages farmers to use natural products like compost and manure, which are readily available and environmentally friendly.
3. Conservation agriculture: According to the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), it is “a farming system that promotes maintenance of a permanent soil cover, minimum soil disturbance, and diversification of plant species.”
Benefits of Organic Farming:
1. Replace costly agrarian inputs with products which are locally produced and cheaper:
Organic farming reduces dependence on expensive chemical fertilizers and pesticides by utilizing locally available, natural resources. This approach not only cuts costs but also promotes self-sufficiency and sustainability. By using organic inputs like compost, green manure, and biofertilizers, farmers can maintain soil health and productivity without breaking the bank.
2. Produces income through exports as there is a rising demand for crops which are organically grown:
The global demand for organic produce is increasing, driven by consumer awareness of health and environmental benefits. Organic farming offers a profitable opportunity for farmers to participate in this growing market, potentially earning higher incomes through exports. By certifying their produce as organic, farmers can access premium prices and expand their customer base.
3. Crops produced through organic farming have more nutritional value:
Organic produce is often richer in nutrients and antioxidants due to the farming practices used. Without the application of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, organic crops tend to have better flavour, texture, and nutritional profiles. This makes organic food a popular choice for health-conscious consumers seeking wholesome, nutritious options.
4. It also generates more employment:
Organic farming is often more labour-intensive than traditional farming, creating opportunities for rural employment and skill development. As organic farming practices like composting, crop rotation, and manual pest control require more human effort, it can help generate jobs and stimulate local economies.
5. Organically grown crops are pesticide-free and are also environmentally friendly:
Since organic farming prioritizes environmental sustainability and human health by avoiding the use of synthetic pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers, it ensures that the produce is free from toxic residues, making it a safer choice for consumers. Additionally, organic farming practices like crop rotation, cover cropping, and conservation tillage promote soil health, biodiversity, and efficient water use, contributing to a more sustainable food system.
It’s natural for a method or technique to have both merits and demerits, as they say, ‘every coin has two sides’. In the case of organic farming too, there are some disadvantages.
Disadvantages of Organic Farming:
1. Yields from organic farming are less than modern agricultural farming in the initial years:
Organic farming often experiences lower yields in the initial years due to the transition period from conventional farming methods. During this time, the soil may take a while to adjust to the new organic practices, leading to reduced crop productivity. Additionally, organic farming relies on natural processes like composting, crop rotation, and biological pest control, which can be slower-acting than synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. As a result, farmers may need to invest time and effort in building up soil health and fertility before seeing optimal yields.
2. Organic produce may also have more blemishes and a shorter shelf life than sprayed produce:
Organic produce can be more prone to blemishes and imperfections due to the absence of synthetic pesticides and wax coatings. Without these chemicals, fruits and vegetables may be more susceptible to pests, diseases, and environmental stressors, leading to cosmetic damage. Furthermore, organic produce often has a shorter shelf life because it doesn’t contain preservatives or artificial ripening agents. This can result in a higher rate of spoilage and reduced storage life, making it essential for organic farmers to develop effective post-harvest handling and storage practices.
3. Limited choice in production of crops which are not in season:
Organic farming often relies on natural climate and soil conditions, which can limit the production of off-season crops. Without the use of synthetic growth regulators and greenhouse technologies, organic farmers may struggle to extend the growing season or produce crops that are out of sync with the natural climate. This can restrict the range of crops that can be grown during certain times of the year, potentially limiting market opportunities and farmer income. However, some organic farmers are exploring innovative techniques like hoop houses, cold frames, and season extension strategies to overcome these challenges.
Way Forward:
In the present age, organic farming is a necessity to make the world a healthy place. To address this need, governments should play a crucial role in promoting it by providing subsidies, tax incentives, and supportive policies. Additionally, raising awareness about the benefits of organic farming among farmers and consumers is equally important. Continuous research and development in organic farming practices, technologies, and products will also be crucial in improving yields, reducing costs, and enhancing sustainability.
Conclusion:
Organic farming, irrespective of its demerits, can play a crucial role in creating a healthier and more sustainable food system for future generations, with the right support and policies in place.
By: Daniel Yumkham
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