Organic Farming is Future of Agriculture

Organic farming is often referred to as ecological farming or biological farming. Organic farming is agriculture that is based on nature and is considered the future of agriculture. Since the dawn of history, this practice has been known and practised throughout India. If you read Vrikshayurveda, the Indian science of plant life, you will find mention of nature-based agricultural approaches. It thoroughly explains how to practice sustainable agriculture that does not affect the environment or humans. Until the 18th century, most people relied on natural agriculture techniques.

Present Scenario In India

Organic farming is the way of the future. Because it holds the answers to many of our development and climate change-related problems. Organic farming refers to agricultural production practices that aim to preserve and improve the health of ecosystems and soil biodiversity. The NITI Aayog prefers the phrase “natural farming”, while some specialists prefer “chemical-free agriculture”, and NGOs in the area are enthusiastic about the term “zero-budget farming.” Our country was organic by default. Then modernization and the Green Revolution pushed us into industrial agriculture. The change did help us achieve food security, but it came at a high cost.

The impact of India’s transformational transition towards organic farming is palpable. Organic farming is being promoted as a viable alternative to traditional methods as more people become aware of the dangers of artificial fertilizers and pesticides. It supports sustainable farming practices, reduces carbon footprints, ensures food security, and ushers in India’s new era of farming. Organic farming uses natural inputs such as compost, manure, and crop rotation to control pests and diseases and maintain soil fertility. It is more time-consuming and labour-intensive than traditional farming, but the potential benefits are enormous. Investing in organic agriculture is an investment in a prosperous future.

What Are The Benefits Of Organic Farming?

• It is a soil-friendly farming approach that is environmentally friendly. It can prevent soil degradation, acidity, infertility, and ‘criminalization.’
• It improves soil fertility as well as biological variety and protects the land and the environment from pollutants. Drought is further exacerbated by a lack of organic matter in the soil. Traditional farming must consider the long-term impact on soil quality, causing challenges for future generations.
• It is a more natural approach to using resources when they are recycled. Organic farming tries to enhance the soil through crop rotation, using animal dung, compost, and natural by-products, rather than importing chemical fertilizers by buying.
• It is an integrated farming system where livestock and waste can be used as manure. Animals in conventional farming are frequently kept in close quarters and are routinely given antibiotics. It provides nutritious food and maintains the health of the food chain.
• Though it may appear to be expensive at first, it is tremendously beneficial in the long run for human and environmental health and has indirect economic benefits. It reduces farmers’ external costs, such as insecticides, fertilizers, and manure.

  Future of Agriculture and Organic Farming

  According to WHO, the worldwide organic food sector is worth roughly $37 billion. Herbal plants and medications account for $14 billion of this $14 billion market, which is anticipated to grow to $5 trillion by 2050. India has around 15,000 certified organic farms, according to the International Fund for Agriculture and Development (IFAD). Organic farms are often more profitable and environmentally benign because they utilize fewer chemicals and produce less chemical-intensive residue. Organic food provides several environmental benefits in addition to providing nutritional nourishment.

  According to various research, practising organic systems over a lengthy period can outperform conventional approaches. It should be applied by all organizations involved in the organic food industry; they must raise knowledge about the benefits of organic products. Cultivation is a natural state. Meghalaya, another northeast Indian state, plans to convert 200,000 hectares of land to organic farming by 2030. More than 100,000 farmers in Kerala are converting to organic farming practices.