Organic Farming in India: A Guide to Sustainable Agriculture

Organic farming

1)Concept of organic farming:

At present, the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides is increasing day by day due to the need for higher income in agriculture. The possibility of adverse impact on the quality of basic resources of nature due to theirexcessive use cannot be ruled out. 

As a matter of fact, the seeds of degradation of the basic natural resources associated with the agricultural production system are being sown directly or indirectly through the adoption of modern agricultural technology. 

E.g. Loss of organic carbon in the soil, loss of nutrients, imbalance in the amount of nutrients,pollution of soil and water, loss of beneficial bacteria in the soil and their diversity and thus increase in disease and pest problems etc.

In all these questions, the best option remains to balance the supply of organic carbon in the soil. As certain consistentlyhigh-yielding crops are grown in the same land year after year, the yield of the crop is reduced, but some new diseases and pests have appeared on the crops. Currently, the use of single fungicides and insecticides for disease and pest control has increased. As a result, resistance to pathogens and pests has increased, making it difficult to control themwith new drugs. As a solution to this, organic crop protection is being adopted. 

Against this backdrop,the concept of improved organic farming came forward. In the organic farming method, all kinds of chemical fertilizers and drugs are completely stopped and organic matter is used.

Organic farming management is based on the utilization of various elements of nature. In this method, the use of organic materials generated from agro-based industries is maximized and efficiently utilized by reducing the use of chemical fertilizers. For that, organic manure is produced by decomposing stick waste, stubble, weeds, animal excreta, residues etc., in the field or outside the field. Green crops like jute, dhaincha are sown in the fields and buried in the ground. Leguminous crops are incorporated into cropping systems as they result in high nitrogen fixation in the soil. Various bacterial cultures or biological fertilizers are used on the seeds of these crops to increase the amount of nitrogen fixation.

Organic farming is an integrated farming method that understands the living ecosystem and life cycle and avoids the use of chemicals. The Sikkim government has set a target to bring the entire state under organic farming by 2025. Organic farming is currently practiced in about 110 countries and its share and scale is increasing.

2)Principles of Organic Farming:

1) Principle of health:

 Organic farming aims to improve the health of soil, air, crops, animals, birds,humans and ecosystems. It is healthy as no chemical substance is used.

2) Ecological Principle:  

Organic elements are required according to age depending on the life cycle of nature. It should support life. This will not cause any pollution.

3) Principle of Fairness:

 Organic farming should not be biased towards any of the interactions in the life cycle of nature. Fairness should be ensured.

4) Principle of Nurturing:

All the components involved in this should be properly nurtured. As a result, the health and well-being of all in this and the next generation will be properly maintained.

3)Why is organic farming necessary?

1) Excessive use of chemical fertilizers and declining agricultural productivity has led to loss of agricultural land.

2) Agricultural production decreased and agricultural production cost started increasing.

3) Modern seeds started to destroy the traditional varieties of Chian.

4) When considering organic farming method, organic farming is based on basic requirements. For that, organic farming method should be understood and implemented by every farmer in the agriculture dominated country. 

5) The Green Revolution started in 1966 in the country due to the increase in agricultural productiondue to the use of newseeds and chemical fertilizers. At present, the expenditure on agricultural production is also increasing day by day.

4)Characteristics of Organic Farming

* Use of local materials and recyclable materials.

* Help maintain soil health.

* Recycling of nutrients and surrounding organic matter between crops and surrounding plants, 

* To maintain the balance of nature, not to use unnatural substances, organisms alien to nature.

* Gives the right to live a natural life to the creatures that depend on agriculture. Important role in environmental protection.

* Help to ensure food security and raise standard of living.

* Better financial planning by increasing financial income and reducing expenses.

* Traditional method is used in organic farming.

conclusion

To sum up, organic farming in India has great potential for achieving sustainable agriculture. It helps farmers and solves worldwide concerns about food safety and ecosystem preservation by emphasizing environmental conservation, healthy soil, and fewer chemical inputs. Notwithstanding obstacles, the increasing demand for organic farming methods represents a step in the right direction for India's agriculture in the future—one that is more sustainable and robust.