Organic farming has been a healthy topic of debate lately, powered by two schools of thought. One that propagates this is a healthy, safe and improved farming method and the other that argues there's more bad than good in it. So, who do we count on? While it is still the subject of an in depth research, let's have a look at the different aspects of organic farming (positive and negative sides) to understand why it has been making headlines these days.
Definition Organic farming has been defined in different ways by food suppliers, intellectuals, environmentalist and critics. So, the topic has a wider perspective. In general, it means using the alternative farming methods in growing food crops. The methods may include crop rotation, compost, biological pest control, mechanical cultivation etc. It discourages the use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, engineered farming application, livestock feed additives etc. The farming method has earned success world over and the sales of organically produced foods have rocketed over the last ten years. The fact that around 37,000,000 hectares of land worldwide practice organic farming method is the testimony of its growing popularity.
What's good about it?
Transition from conventional farming to organic farming is not a time taking, difficult, tiresome process. A farmer can practice it without any difficulties
The farming method can help farmers realise a great deal of savings because they are not required to invest additional money in purchasing industrial fertilisers
Using compost, biological pest control, crop rotation etc improves the fertility of the soil whereas using pesticides and synthetic attributes only harms its quality.
Organic foods are enriched in mineral content so they promise improved nutritional value
As opposed to harmful chemicals, organic food is poison-free ensuring safer quality foods
The foods taste better because of improved techniques adopted in growing the plants
The organic foods are less likely to mold or rot quickly. They stay fresh for they are nourished naturally
By practicing this, a farmer can bring food self sufficiency. However, this is a detailed process which requires a systematic understanding of the resources and applying the right management approaches.
Comments