Organic Farming Advantages & Limitations
Organic Farming: Concept
Organic farming can be defined as an agricultural process that uses organic fertilizers and pest control methods derived from animal or plant waste. Organic farming was initially started as a response to the environmental damage caused by chemical pesticides and synthetic fertilizers. In other words, organic farming is a new system of agriculture that aims to repair, maintain, and enhance ecological balance.
Benefits of Organic Farming
- Economical: Organic farming does not require expensive fertilizers, pesticides, or high-yielding variety (HYV) seeds for planting crops. Hence, there is no extra cost.
- Good Return on Investment: With the use of inexpensive and locally available inputs, farmers can earn a good return on investment.
- High Demand: There is a massive demand for organic products in India and globally, which generates higher income through exports.
- Nutritious: Compared to products grown with chemicals and fertilizers, organic products are more nutritious, tastier, and healthier.
- Environment Friendly: The cultivation of organic products is free from harmful chemicals and fertilizers, hence it does not harm the environment.
Drawbacks of Organic Farming
- Inefficiency: The main issue with organic farming is the lack of proper infrastructure and marketing for the products.
- Low Yield: In the initial years, the yield from organic farming is lower compared to chemical-based farming. Hence, it becomes difficult for farmers to scale up production.
- Short Shelf Life: Organic products tend to have more defects and a shorter shelf life compared to chemical-treated products.
- Limited Production: Off-season crops are limited, and there are fewer options available in organic farming.
Types of Organic Farming
Organic farming is divided into two types:
- Pure Organic Farming:
Pure organic farming means avoiding all unnatural chemicals. In this method, all fertilizers and pesticides are derived from natural sources like bone meal or blood meal. - Integrated Organic Farming:
Integrated organic farming involves the combination of pest management and nutrient management to meet ecological needs and demands.
Meaning and Importance of Organic Farming
Meaning:
Organic farming is a system of agriculture that uses organic inputs like green manure, cow dung, etc., for farming.
Need for Organic Farming:
- Excessive use of chemical fertilizers reduces soil fertility.
- Overuse of chemicals causes soil, water, and air pollution.
- To protect the ecosystem.
- To promote sustainable development.
- Cost-effective farming.
- Increased demand for organic products due to food safety concerns.
Advantages of Organic Farming
- Environmentally friendly
- Promotes sustainable development
- Healthy and tasty food
- Cost-effective process
- Uses organic inputs
- Generates income
- Income through exports
- Source of employment
- Organic farming is more labor-intensive, hence it generates more employment.
Limitations of Organic Farming
- Low output
- Higher prices
- Lack of awareness
- Organic products generally demand higher prices due to high demand
- Shorter shelf life due to the absence of artificial preservatives
Relevance of Organic Farming in India
- High nutritional value
- Maximum profits
- Employment opportunities
