Did you know that there will be more than 9.5 billion human beings on this planet by the year 2050? A survey of the United Nations has reported so.
But, what about the food security of such a huge population? And do you know which sector supplies food to the market?
Yes, you guessed it right. The farmers provide the population with much-needed food products through farming.
To cope with the growing population, the farmers need to produce food crops at a higher rate. They use artificial chemicals, pesticides, weeds, pest control, etc. for better yield. However, these practices affect the environment negatively.
That is the reason why agricultural scientists focus more on practicing organic methods of farming and sustainable agricultural practices. Here comes the importance of organic farming.
Let’s discuss the details of this farming technique, how it works, the requirements, types, benefits, and challenges. So, stay hooked for more!
What is Organic Farming All About?
This farming process produces agricultural crop products organically and with minimal use of natural resources. Specifically, organic farmers do not use any type of artificial chemicals like pesticides and fertilizers for crop production.
Also, they do not use Genetically Modified Organisms that can have adverse effects on the environment. Above all, the aim is to produce healthy food crops rich in organic nutrition. Not only that, the sole objective is to protect the environmental aspects such as water, air, soil, etc.
History of Organic Farming
The concept of this farming technique was developed by a group of naturalists. Sir Albert Howard, Rudolf Steiner, F.H. King, etc. invented the concept of organic farming in the early 1900s.
According to them, using animal manure and techniques like cover cropping, crop rotation, etc can lead to the production of organic crops. Sir Howard worked in India as an agricultural researcher and wanted to introduce farming practices to the West.
The concept of this farming technique got wide popularity throughout the world in the late 20th century. To be precise, the global population is now aware of the health and environmental benefits of producing organic crops. Because of this greater demand, the price of organic crops is also higher.
Now, let’s discuss the objectives of this organic agricultural practice to know its importance in global sustenance.
The Goals of Organic Farming
Maintaining Biodiversity
Organic farmers try to maintain a healthy balance of the soil and fauna. They practice ecosystem-friendly farming processes that promote the birth of other bio-elements like earthworms. Also, the zero use of artificial pesticides creates sustainable habitats for other wild species and thus it maintains biodiversity.
Enhancing Soil Fertility
Organic farmers aim to increase soil fertility by using animal manure as soil fertilizers. Also, the crops produced by them prevent the top layer of the soil from wearing off. In turn, it prevents soil erosion.
Maintaining Water Quality
The farmers do not use chemical fertilizers, weedicides, or pesticides for crop production. As a result, the chance of water pollution or water contamination is very low. Also, the farmers use farming techniques that keep water in the soil level resulting in reduced evaporation.
Reducing Toxic Material Exposure
Due to the usage of fewer artificial pesticides and fertilizers, this farming process results in reduced contamination in the environment. Also, the produced crops and vegetables do not carry any toxic components that might harm human health and nature.
How Is Organic Crop Production A Sustainable Practice?
Due to the unlimited usage of natural farming resources, scientists these days focus on practicing sustainable farming practices. Organic farming is such a farming method that promotes the practice of sustainable agricultural processes.
The farmers not only avoid synthetic chemicals or pesticides but also, try to recycle farming waste and limit the natural resource usage.
Additionally, the farming process promotes soil health due to the usage of green manure, compost systems, and crop rotation. Also, the process conserves water sources and supports & maintains biodiversity.
The organic method of farming is a sustainable practice as it sustains the health of the global population and the ecosystem.
2 Types of Organic Farming
Depending on the type of farming inputs, there are two types of farming methods.
Integrated Farming
In this farming process, farmers incorporate artificial pest and nutrition management systems to some extent. Mostly, they do this to supply food crops to the market on a large scale.
Pure Farming
In this process, farmers do not use any type of chemical farming inputs for crop production. They use animal manure, crop waste, or green manure as fertilizers. Also, they use pesticides obtained from bone or blood meal to ensure organic crop production.
The Popular Organic Farming Practices
Crop Rotation & Residues
Farmers often grow different crops in a particular farmland each year. However, this rotational practice of crop production lets the soil replenish its lost vital components from the farmed crops. Most importantly, it is an excellent way to produce better yields. Also, it maintains the health of the soil & air quality and biodiversity.
Crop residues are parts of plants left in the farmland after the process of harvesting. It acts as a vital source of nutrients for microorganisms or organic animal feed. Not only that; it also prevents soil erosion, improves the quality, and produces biofuel.
Animal & Green Manure
Organic farmers use animal manure as excellent fertilizers for organic food production. Moreover, crops like legumes, clovers, and grasses planted between the main crops act as green manure. Above all, this type of manure naturally controls weed growth and improves environmental health.
Minimum Tillage
The organic farming process is a sustainable practice that causes minimal soil disturbance during plantation. To be precise, this conservational agricultural practice improves crop productivity. This not only uses minimal water usage but also, demands less involvement of human labor and input cost.
Intercropping
Organic farmers grow more than one crop in proximity. Precisely, the farmers do this to utilize the most out of a particular farmland. Also, they want to make limited use of natural farming resources.
Nitrogen-Fixing Plants
These plants share a symbiotic relationship with soil bacteria. In turn, these bacteria can convert the essential nitrogen component into ammonia. The plant species are excellent for replenishing the soil with the lost nitrogen and helping other plants to grow faster.
Natural Pest Control
Organic farmers do not use any artificial pest control components. Rather, they rely on natural remedies or food chain systems. The cultivation of marigolds and garlic can help them keep harmful insects at bay due to their strong odor. Also, the farmers use essential oils and fry or insect traps for effective pest control.
5 Benefits of Organic Farming
Good ROI
Organic farmers use local and cheaper farming inputs. Also, they do not use expensive chemical fertilizers or HYV seeds. In turn, they earn a good profit after selling the food crops.
Huge Market Demand
Organic food products are in high market demand due to their zero negative effect on human health.
Food Security
Organically farmed products are not only nutritious but also, maintain much-needed food security. The constant supply of food products to the local market helps the nation’s population to avoid crises like food shortages.
Environment-Friendly
Since the farmers do not use any chemical fertilizer or pesticide, it does not affect the environmental balance or biodiversity.
Reduce Soil Erosion
The farming process prevents soil erosion by preventing the top layer from being washed away.
4 Challenges of Organic Farming
High Capital Investment
The producers must invest a huge capital to purchase farmlands and a few basic farming equipment. Moreover, they might invest initially to manage the water resources.
Lack of Infrastructure
The lack of proper farming infrastructure and awareness might pose challenges to the farmers to sell the farmed products.
Short Shelf Life
Organic food products do not contain any preservative component resulting in some flaws and shorter shelf life.
Limited Production
In this farming process, the production of off-season food crops is limited. Also, the farmers do not have a lot of farming input options to explore resulting in limited crop production.
The Requirements for Organic Farming
The organic method of farming demands much less use of inputs. However, here we will look into the basic requirements needed for initiating the farming process.
Soil Management
Organic farmers make use of composting techniques and crop rotation systems. Also, mulching can help them manage plant nutrition & soil. It is the process of covering the soil with a layer of organic material.
Disease Management
The farmers use thermic weed control or physical pest control systems.
Water Access
Farmers need to have access to natural water systems. However, in the absence of natural water resources, they can focus on scheduled irrigation systems.
Organic Fertilizer
Organic farmers need to use organic fertilizers like animal manure, compost, and other animal by-products.
Equipment
The farmers also need basic farming equipment like plows and tractors.
The Importance of Organic Farming: Biodynamic & Natural Agriculture
Organic agriculture produces naturally farmed food crops while maintaining soil quality & minimal resource usage. Overall, the practice is beneficial for human health as well as the environment.
There are two types of organic farming concepts based on different ideologies. According to Rudolf Steiner, a German philosopher, the farmland is a living being. Additionally, each and every organ of it interacts with each other for holistic benefits.
However, a Japanese biologist, Masanobu Fukuoka promotes zero intervention with the natural farming process such as ploughing, or pruning.
Regardless, this farming process creates a well-balanced ecosystem full of diversity. It also takes a holistic approach by ensuring food security for the population and maintaining environmental balance.
Should You Invest in Organic Farming?
This farming process can be highly beneficial for the environment as well as the diverse species. If you want to get high marginal profits, consider investing in this type of farming. Because organic food products have high market demand.
If you have access to larger farmlands you can start the organic practice of farming. However, you need to purchase the needed farming equipment, organic seeds & fertilizers, etc. Above all, you need to have the right technical knowledge and permit to start an organic farm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What are the main types of integrated organic farming?
Ans: The five main types of integrated organic agriculture are permaculture, polyculture, hydroponics, agroforestry, and aquaponics.
Q2. What are the 4 crucial pillars of the organic method of farming?
Ans: The four principles of organic agricultural practice are health, ecology, fairness, and most importantly, care. This farming technique focuses on maintaining the health of the living species on the earth and the ecological balance. Moreover, the farmers use fair means of farming organic food products without harming the population and nature.
Q3. Which country is considered the first organic country?
Ans: Bhutan is the world’s first organic country due to its holistic approach to maintaining the well-being of the population. Also, the country’s people practice sustainable agricultural methods and emphasize the conservation of environmental resources.
Q4. Can you name a famous organic farmer?
Ans: Anantha Ramakrishna from Tamil Nadu is widely popular across the globe due to his innovative ideas for organic methods of farming.