Organic agriculture is the system of
farming that sustains the health of soil, ecosystems and the people. Unlike
traditional techniques which cause a severe damage to the soil as well as the nature,
the organic farming relies on ecological processes, biodiversity and cycles
adapted to local conditions. Organic farming promotes fair
relationships, provide good and healthy quality of lifestyle to everyone
involved by combining innovation, tradition and science.
The organic farming works on following 3 principles:
1.
Principle of Health:
Health is the wholeness and integrity of
living systems. It is not simply the absence of illness, but the maintenance of
physical, mental, social and ecological well-being. Immunity, resilience, and
regeneration are key characteristics of health. The role of organic
agriculture, whether in farming, processing, distribution, or consumption, is
to sustain and enhance the health of ecosystems and organisms from the smallest
in the soil to human beings. In particular, organic agriculture is intended to
produce high quality, nutritious food that contributes to preventive health
care and well-being. In view of this, it should avoid the use of fertilizers,
pesticides, animal drugs and food additives that may have adverse health
effects.
2.
Principle of Ecology:
This principle roots
organic agriculture within living ecological systems. It states that production
is to be based on ecological processes, and recycling. Nourishment and
well-being are achieved through the ecology of the specific production
environment. For example, in the case of crops this is the living soil; for
animals it is the farm ecosystem; for fish and marine organisms, the aquatic
environment. Organic farming, pastoral and wild harvest systems should fit the
cycles and ecological balances in nature. These cycles are universal but their
operation is site-specific. Organic management must be adapted to local
conditions, ecology, culture and scale. Inputs should be reduced by reuse,
recycling and efficient management of materials and energy in order to maintain
and improve environmental quality and conserve resources. Organic agriculture
should attain ecological balance through the design of farming systems,
establishment of habitats and maintenance of genetic and agricultural
diversity. Those who produce, process, trade, or consume organic products
should protect and benefit the common environment including landscapes,
climate, habitats, biodiversity, air and water.
3.
Principle of Fairness:
Fairness is characterized
by equity, respect, justice and stewardship of the shared world, both among
people and in their relations to other living beings. This principle emphasizes
that those involved in organic agriculture should conduct human relationships
in a manner that ensures fairness at all levels and to all parties - farmers,
workers, processors, distributors, traders and consumers. Organic agriculture
should provide everyone involved with a good quality of life, and contribute to
food sovereignty and reduction of poverty. It aims to produce a sufficient
supply of good quality food and other products. This principle insists that
animals should be provided with the conditions and opportunities of life that
accord with their physiology, natural behavior and well-being. Natural and
environmental resources that are used for production and consumption should be
managed in a way that is socially and ecologically just and should be held in
trust for future generations. Fairness requires systems of production,
distribution and trade that are open and equitable and account for real
environmental and social costs.
Need for Organic Farming
With the increase in
population our compulsion would be not only to stabilize agricultural
production but to increase it further in sustainable manner. The scientists
have realized that the ‘Green Revolution’ with high input use has reached a
plateau and is now sustained with diminishing return of falling dividends.
Thus, a natural balance needs to be maintained at all cost for existence of
life and property. The obvious choice for that would be more relevant in the
present era, when these agro-chemicals which are produced from fossil fuel and
are not renewable and are diminishing in availability. It may also cost heavily
on our foreign exchange in future.
Advantages of Organic Farming
1. Farmers can reduce their production costs
because they do not need to buy expensive chemicals and fertilizers.
2.
Healthier farm workers.
3.
In the long term, organic farms save energy and
protect the environment.
5.
Fewer residues in food.
6.
More animals and plants can live in the same place in
a natural way. This is called biodiversity.
7.
Pollution of ground water is stopped.
Comments
Post a Comment