Module - 3

ORGANIC FARMING:
Organic farming, also known as ecological farming or biological farming,[1][2]

[3][4][5] is an agricultural system that uses fertilizers of organic origin such as
compost manure, green manure, and bone meal and places emphasis on
techniques such as crop rotation and companion planting. It originated early in
the 20th century in reaction to rapidly changing farming practices. Certified
organic agriculture accounts for 70 million hectares (170 million acres)
globally, with over half of that total in Australia.[6] Biological pest control,
mixed cropping, and the fostering of insect predators are encouraged. Organic
standards are designed to allow the use of naturally-occurring substances while
prohibiting or strictly limiting synthetic substances.[7] For instance, naturally-
occurring pesticides such as pyrethrin are permitted, while synthetic fertilizers
and pesticides are generally prohibited. Synthetic substances that are allowed
include, for example, copper sulfate, elemental sulfur, and veterinary drugs.
Genetically modified organisms, nanomaterials, human sewage sludge, plant
growth regulators, hormones, and antibiotic use in livestock husbandry are
prohibited.[8][9] Organic farming advocates claim advantages in sustainability,
[10][11] openness, self-sufficiency, autonomy and independence,[11] health,
food security, and food safety.
Organic agricultural methods are internationally regulated and legally enforced

by transnational organizations (as European Union) and many nations, based in
large part on the standards set by the International Federation of Organic
Agriculture Movements (IFOAM), an international umbrella organization for
organic farming organizations established in 1972.[12] Organic agriculture can
be defined as "an integrated farming system that strives for sustainability, the
enhancement of soil fertility and biological diversity while, with rare
exceptions, prohibiting synthetic pesticides, antibiotics, synthetic fertilizers,
genetically modified organisms, and growth hormones".[13][14][15][16]
Since 1990, the market for organic food and other products has grown rapidly,
reaching $63 billion worldwide in 2012.[17]: 25 This demand has driven a
similar increase in organically managed farmland that grew from 2001 to 2011
at a compounding rate of 8.9% per year.[18] As of 2020, approximately
75,000,000 hectares (190,000,000 acres) worldwide were farmed organically,
representing approximately 1.6% of total world farmland.[19]
Organic farming can be beneficial on biodiversity and environmental protection

at local level. However, because organic farming has sometimes lower yields
compared to intensive farming, additional agricultural land is needed elsewhere
in the world, which means that natural and forest land has to be converted into
agricultural land. This can cause loss of biodiversity and negative climate
effects that sometimes outweigh the local environmental gains achieved. This
lower yields does not include dry lands.[20] Food waste of industrial agriculture
must be take into account.
Organic farming can be defined as an agricultural process that uses biological

fertilisers and pest control acquired from animal or plant waste. Organic farming was
actually initiated as an answer to the environmental sufferings caused by the use of
chemical pesticides and synthetic fertilisers. In other words, organic farming is a new
system of farming or agriculture that repairs, maintains, and improves the ecological
balance.
Advantages of Organic Farming

Economical: In organic farming, no expensive fertilisers, pesticides, or HYV seeds
are required for the plantation of crops. Therefore, there is no extra expense.
Good return on Investment: With the usage of cheaper and local inputs, a farmer
can make a good return on investment.
High demand: There is a huge demand for organic products in India and across the
globe, which generates more income through export.
Nutritional: As compared to chemical and fertiliser-utilised products, organic

products are more nutritional, tasty, and good for health.
Environment-friendly: The farming of organic products is free of chemicals and

fertilisers, so it does not harm the environment.
Advantages of organic farming
1. It helps to maintain environment health by reducing the level of pollution.

2. It reduces human and animal health hazards by reducing the level of residues in the
product.
3. It helps in keeping agricultural production at a sustainable level.
4. It reduces the cost of agricultural production and also improves the soil health.
5. It ensures optimum utilization of natural resources for short-term benefit and helps in
conserving them for future generation.
6. It not only saves energy for both animal and machine, but also reduces risk of crop
failure.
7. It improves the soil physical properties such as granulation, good tilth, good aeration,
easy root penetration and improves water-holding capacity and reduces erosion.
8. It improves the soil’s chemical properties such as supply and retention of soil nutrients,
reduces nutrient loss into water bodies and environment and promotes favourable
chemical reactions.
Disadvantages of Organic Farming

Incompetent: The major issue of organic farming is the lack of inadequate
infrastructure and marketing of the product.
Less production: The products obtained through organic farming are less in the
initial years as compared to that in chemical products. So, farmers find it difficult to
accommodate large-scale production.
Shorter shelf life: Organic products have more flaws and a shorter shelf life than
that of chemical products.
Limited production: Off-season crops are limited and have fewer options in organic
farming.
Types of Organic Farming

Organic farming is divided into two types, namely:
1. Integrated organic farming

2. Pure organic farming
Pure organic farming means avoiding all unnatural chemicals. In this process of
farming, all the fertilisers and pesticides are obtained from natural sources such as
bone meal or blood meal.
Integrated organic farming includes the integration of pest management and
nutrients management to achieve ecological requirements and demands.
Meaning and Importance of Organic Farming
Meaning of organic farming
System of farming that uses organic inputs like green manures, cow dung, etc., for
cultivation.
Need of organic farming
 Excessive use of chemical fertilisers reduces the fertility of soil.

 Excessive use of chemicals has led to soil, water, and air pollution.
 To conserve ecosystem.
 To promote sustainable development.
 Inexpensive farming.
 Increased demand of organic products due to safety of food.
Benefits of Organic Farming

Benefits of organic farming
 Environment-friendly.
 Promotes sustainable development.
 Healthy and tasty food.
 Inexpensive process.
 It uses organic inputs.
 Generates income.
 Generates income through exports.
 Source of employment.
 Organic farming is more labour intensive. Hence, it generates more employment.
Limitations of Organic Farming
Limitations of organic farming
 Less output.
 Higher price.
 The lack of awareness.
 Organic products generally demand a higher price due to a higher demand.
 Shorter shelf life.
 Organic products have a shorter shelf life due to the absence of artificial preservatives.
The relevance of Organic Farming

EFFECTS OF ORGANIC FARMING ON CROP
PRODUCTIVITY
A combination of organic farming and new technologies is of utmost

importance to reduce the limitations and challenges of organic farming. The
innovative and sustainable approach of organic farming enhances the
agricultural productivity, and quality of life of many farmers in an
environmentally friendly way.
In market-marginalized areas, organic farmers can increase food production by

managing local resources without having to rely on external inputs or food
distribution systems over which they have little control and/or access.
Organic methods can increase farm productivity, repair decades of

environmental damage and knit small farm families into more sustainable
distribution networks leading to improved food security if they organize
themselves in production, certification and marketing. During last few
years an increasing number of farmers have shown lack of interest in
farming and the people who used to cultivate are migrating to other areas.
Organic farming is one way to promote either self-sufficiency or food
security. Use of massive inputs of chemical fertilizers and toxic pesticides
poisons the land and water heavily. The after-effects of this are severe
environmental consequences, including loss of topsoil, decrease in soil
fertility, surface and ground water contamination and loss of genetic
diversity.
Organic farming which is a holistic production management system that

promotes and enhances agro-ecosystem health, including biodiversity,
biological cycles, and soil biological activity is hence important. Many
studies have shown that organic farming methods can produce even
higher yields than conventional methods. Significant difference in soil
health indicators such as nitrogen mineralization potential and microbial
abundance and diversity, which were higher in the organic farms can also
be seen. The increased soil health in organic farms also resulted in
considerably lower insect and disease incidence. The emphasis on small-
scale integrated farming systems has the potential to revitalize rural areas
and their economies.

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ORGANIC FARMING:

Organic farming, also known as ecological farming or biological farming,[1][2]

Organic agricultural methods are internationally regulated and legally enforced

Organic farming can be beneficial on biodiversity and environmental protection

Organic farming can be defined as an agricultural process that uses biological

Advantages of Organic Farming

Nutritional: As compared to chemical and fertiliser-utilised products, organic

Environment-friendly: The farming of organic products is free of chemicals and

1. It helps to maintain environment health by reducing the level of pollution.

Disadvantages of Organic Farming

Types of Organic Farming

1. Integrated organic farming

Meaning and Importance of Organic Farming

Meaning of organic farming

Need of organic farming

 Excessive use of chemical fertilisers reduces the fertility of soil.

Benefits of Organic Farming

Limitations of organic farming

The relevance of Organic Farming

A combination of organic farming and new technologies is of utmost

In market-marginalized areas, organic farmers can increase food production by

Organic methods can increase farm productivity, repair decades of

Organic farming which is a holistic production management system that

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