Organic Farming

1. Organic Farming is a method of farming system which primarily aimed at cultivating the land and raising
crops in such a way, as to keep the soil alive and in good health by use of organic wastes (crop, animal
and farm wastes, aquatic wastes) and other biological materials along with beneficial microbes (bio-
fertilizers) to release nutrients to crops for increased sustainable production in an eco friendly pollution
free environment.
“Organic farming is a system which avoids or largely excludes the use of synthetic inputs (such as
fertilizers, pesticides, hormones, feed additives etc) and to the maximum extent feasible rely upon crop
rotations, crop residues, animal manures, off-farm organic waste, mineral grade rock additives and
biological system of nutrient mobilization and plant protection” (USDA).
Organic farming is an age old practice in India. Organic manure has been practiced in Indian agriculture
since the Vedic period.
It is a way of farming which excludes the use of off-farm inputs such as chemical fertilizer, pesticides,
insecticides etc., and is primarily based on the principle: use of natural organic inputs and biological
plant protection measures.
Properly managed organic farming reduces or eliminates soil and water pollution and helps to conserve
water and soil on the farm, thereby enhances sustainability and agro-biodiversity.
Organic farming is based upon an integrated relationship among soil, minerals, water, plants, micro
flora, insects, animals and human beings. It creates productive landscapes and successfully reconciles
food production and environmental conservation.
By reducing dependence on off-farm inputs and creating more balanced nutrient and energy flows,
ecosystem resilience is strengthened, food security is increased and additional income is generated.
One of the biggest rewards of organic farming is healthy soil that is alive with beneficial organisms.
These healthy microbes, fungi and bacteria check the population of harmful bacteria and fungi that
cause diseases.
Organic farmers, working with nature, build soil that protects their crops from diseases. They also
depend on crop rotation.
Excessive application of pesticides and fertilizers has caused damage to the soil and environment
besides affecting crop production. The consumption of pesticides and fertilizer over the period of time
has increased substantially.
Fertilizers have a short term positive effect on productivity but a long term negative effect on the
environment where they remain for years after leaching and running off, contaminating ground water
and water bodies.