Organic Farming: Its Scope And Importance In India
Organic production is a holistic system designed to optimize the productivity and fitness of diverse communities within the agro-ecosystem, including soil organisms, plants, livestock and people.
The principal goal of organic production is to develop enterprises that are sustainable and harmonious with the environment. Organic farming promotes the use of crop rotations and cover crops, and encourages balanced host/predator relationships. Organic residues and nutrients produced on the farm are recycled back to the soil.This system merits consideration on the ground that most of the ills of modern day agriculture are avoided. Use of agro chemical is forbidden. There is emphasis on build up or organic matter in the soil, there by activating biological activity. Soil is treated as a living organism. Maintenance of favorable soil structure and development and use of crop rotation that improve soil fertility, control pest and diseases, pests and weeds are adopted.
The major difference between organic and conventional farming is the almost exclusive reliance of the organic farmer on organic matter for supply of nutrients. Integrated pest and weed management, and soil conservation systems are valuable tools on an organic farm. The food items that are grown by the methods of organic farming are tastier and healthier. The most important nutrients that humans get from fruits, vegetable and other food items are – calcium, protein, carbohydrates, vitamins etc.
Organic farming preserves the nutrients of the food item, which makes us healthier. The impact of organic agriculture on natural resources favours interactions within the agro-ecosystem those are vital for both agricultural production and nature conservation. Ecological services derived include soil forming and conditioning, soil stabilization, waste recycling, carbon sequestration, nutrients cycling, predation, pollination and habitats. By opting for organic products, the consumer through his/her purchasing power promotes a less polluting agricultural system. The hidden costs of agriculture to the environment in terms of natural resource degradation are reduced.