Sunday 31 July 2022

Why is organic farming important and how does the Kisaan Helpline support farmers in it?

 


What is meant by organic farming?


A lot more goes into organic farming than simply deciding not to use pesticides, fertilisers, genetically modified organisms, antibiotics, or growth hormones when raising crops and livestock.


In order to maximise the productivity and fitness of many populations within the agro-ecosystem, including soil organisms, plants, livestock, and people, organic farming employs a comprehensive approach. Creating businesses that are environmentally friendly and sustainable is the main objective of organic production.

 

The following are the basic tenets of organic production —


• Safeguard the environment, reduce soil erosion and degradation, lessen pollution, increase biological production, and advance a healthy lifestyle.

• By improving the circumstances for biological activity inside the soil, you may preserve long-term soil fertility and keep the system's biological variety.

• Recycling materials and resources inside the company to the fullest degree possible.

• Provide cattle with the careful attention that supports their well-being and satisfies their behavioural demands.

• Prepare organic products, focusing on careful handling and processing techniques to preserve the organic purity and essential attributes of the products throughout the whole manufacturing process.

• Rely on locally coordinated agriculture systems that use renewable resources.

 

What is meant by "certified organic"?


Products produced in accordance with organic standards and recognised as such by one of the certifying bodies are referred to as "certified organic." A producer who wants their farm to be certified organic must submit an application to a certifying agency asking for an impartial examination to confirm that the farm complies with the organic requirements. Farmers, processors, and merchants are all required to preserve the product's organic integrity and to keep a paper trail for auditing purposes. Products are marketed and labelled as "certified organic" when they come from certified organic farms.

 

List of NPOP-Accredited Certification Bodies


1) Bureau Veritas Certification India (BVCI) Pvt. Ltd., based in Mumbai

2) Aurangabad's ECOCERT India Pvt. Ltd.

I. M. O. Control Pvt. Ltd.

4) Organic Certification Agency of India (INDOCERT)

5) Thiruvalla's Lacon Quality Certification Pvt. Ltd. (Kerala)

 

What is Indian organic farming?


In India, organic farming is a kind of agriculture that uses animal or plant waste and organic manure for pest control. The environmental harm brought on by chemical pesticides and synthetic fertilisers prompted the beginning of this farming. It is a brand-new approach to agriculture that improves, preserves, and fixes the ecological equilibrium. Organic farming uses green manures, cow dung, and other organic inputs.

 

Indian Organic Farming Principles


These concepts help organic agriculture expand and prosper. These might help the development of organic farming globally.


The following are the four guiding principles of organic farming:


• Health principles: the well-being of individuals, groups, and communities

• Fairness rules, as do healthy interpersonal interactions and a high standard of living.

• Care Principles: Considering the present and future environments

 

Various Forms of Organic Farming


The two forms of organic farming Take a peek at the organic agricultural practices used in India below.


(a) Pure organic farming - Pure organic farming abstains from using any synthetic chemicals. Pesticides and fertilizers are obtained from natural sources in the process of clean farming. They refer to it as a pure form of organic farming. For maximum output, pure organic farming is recommended.


(b) Organic farming that is integrated -  Integrated organic farming includes both integrated nutrition management and integrated pest management.

 

Techniques for Organic Agriculture


There are certain methods used in organic farming in India.


1) Soil Management: The main method of organic farming in India is soil management. The nutrients in the soil are lost during cultivation, and the fertilizer content decreases. Soil management is the process through which soil is replenished with all the required nutrients. The fertility of the soil is increased naturally through organic farming. It makes use of microorganisms found in animal faeces. The microorganisms contribute to the soil's increased productivity and fertility. The first approach listed under organic farming is soil management.


2) Weed Management: The primary goal of organic farming is to eradicate weeds. Unwanted plants that grow alongside the crop are known as weeds. Weeds The production of the crops was impacted by soil nutrients.


There are two methods for getting rid of the weed.


• Cut the cannabis throughout this procedure if you're moving it.

• Farmers use plastic film or plant debris as mulch to prevent weed development by covering the soil's surface with it.

 

3) Chemical Management in Farming: Farms that are used for agriculture are home to both beneficial and detrimental creatures. Controlling the proliferation of organisms is necessary to protect soil and agricultural crops. To preserve the soil and the crops, natural or less toxic insecticides and herbicides are used in this procedure. To keep other species under control, the environment needs proper upkeep.

 

4) Crop Diversity: These days, a new practice known as "polyculture" is popular. To meet the rising demand for food products throughout the world, polyculture allows for the simultaneous cultivation of a number of crops.


Traditional farmers, on the other hand, were accustomed to using "monoculture," or the cultivation of only one type of crop in a certain area.


In addition to increasing productivity, the polyculture farming technique also aids in the creation of essential soil microbes.

 

5) Biological pest control: Many creatures live on agricultural soil. Some of these creatures aid in the production of crops, while others are detrimental to the crop because they interfere with it.


To keep the soil fertile and ensure the safety of the crops, we also need to restrict the growth and population of hazardous organisms. So, to control pests naturally, organic farmers can employ gentle (containing fewer chemicals) or natural herbicides and insecticides. To effectively prevent hazardous organisms in the field, farmers may also adequately clean the farm.

 

The Advantages of Organic Farming


• In India, organic farming is particularly cost-effective since it doesn't use pricey pesticides, fertilisers, or HYV seeds to grow the crops. It incurs no costs.

• A farmer can have a strong return on investment by using inexpensive and nearby inputs. One of the most significant advantages of organic farming in India is this.

• The demand for organic products is quite high in India and around the globe, and exporting them might increase revenue.

• Compared to items made with chemicals and fertilisers, organic foods are more nutritive, palatable, and healthy.

• In India, organic farming is particularly environmentally beneficial because it doesn't use pesticides or fertilizers.

 

How can Kisaan Helpline assist farmers in utilising organic agricultural practices?


1. Farmers can pick up new agricultural and marketing methods.

2. The strategies for protecting crops from the 100+ organic approaches that are already accessible.

3. Information about crop insurance.

4. Nearby shops, support services, and research facilities.

5. Commodity prices on a daily basis.

6. Different organic farming methods Numerous bug species that harm crops and pests that affect several crops obscure natural phenomena.

7. Predictions for the weather in the region where the farms are situated.

8. A facility for farmers to chat and get help.

9. Organic farmer's success tales.

 

Conclusion


These details about organic farming in India include its various forms, techniques, and benefits. We hope you enjoy reading this site and learn everything there is to know about organic farming methods.


If you want to learn more about how organic farming is carried out, the many forms of organic farming, and organic farming in India, you must continue to contact us for further details. Follow the Kisaan Helpline for further details.

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