Can Organic Farming Sustain Indian Agriculture?
Agriculture consumes around 70% of the world’s freshwater supply, and water managers are under increasing pressure to produce more food and fiber for a growing population while also reducing water waste and pollution and adapting to climate change. In response to these issues, more farmers are implementing novel water management practices, such as creative irrigation systems and scheduling, as well as methods to increase soil health. The Pacific Institute conducts research and collaborates with innovative agricultural partners to identify and implement ideas for better water management, a thriving agricultural sector, and global food security. Can Organic Farming Sustain Indian Agriculture?
Can Organic Farming Sustain Indian Agriculture?
Environmentally Beneficial
Organic farming refers to a set of agricultural production practices that aim to preserve and improve the health of ecosystems and soil biodiversity. It is accomplished by the use of various species, crop rotations, and natural pest management strategies. Chemical pesticides and fertilizers are not permitted in organic farming. Organic agriculture contributes to lower greenhouse gas emissions and has a favorable effect on climate change.
Organic farming is expected to increase biodiversity by 34% and abundance by 50% on a global scale. Organic farming plays an important part in environmental conservation. It focuses on natural processes, biodiversity, and cycles that are tailored to local conditions rather than manufactured inputs. This approach frequently combines three major goals: environmental health, economic profitability, and social responsibility.
Consumers gain from the standpoints of health and quality | Sustain Indian Agriculture
People are increasingly concerned about their health and what they consume as a result of the global pandemic. People are curious about where their food comes from and how it is grown. Chemical and pesticide residues in modern agriculture can be blamed for declining immunity, and dangerous diseases such as cancer, food allergies, hormone imbalances, PCOS, and much more, all of which can be avoided by eating organic food.
Organic food is frequently thought to be healthier because it is free of hazardous chemicals and pesticides. The growing consumption of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and plant-based proteins has raised the demand for and sale of organic products.
Concentrate on GDP growth
The organic food market is expanding due to consumer health awareness, lifestyle changes, and an increase in income levels. Organic agriculture has the potential to considerably contribute to the Indian economy.
The sector has a favorable impact on GDP growth, job creation, and export revenues. It also improves long-term development. The agricultural industry accounts for approximately 14% of the GDP and employs 42% of the workforce. The country has the potential to become a global leader in organic agriculture, which may considerably contribute to GDP growth.
Concerning soil health
Healthy soil is the foundation for healthy food production. Furthermore, the AI-NPOF experiment demonstrates that the organic approach is superior in terms of soil macro- and micronutrients, organic carbon, and rhizosphere microbiota. While mean organic carbon is highest in 91% of organic cropping systems, macronutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium are greater in 42% of organic cropping systems.
Concerning soil health
Natural farming and Zero Budget Natural Farming improve soil health and fertility, macro and micronutrients, soil organic carbon, soil enzymes, earthworms, soil respiration, and microbial biomass (ZBNF). Natural farming also increases crop resilience to unfavorable weather conditions and increases energy and water efficiency. It may also help to minimize carbon emissions.
Concerning food quality
Organic food quality and nutrition are determined to be superior to inorganic, and marginally superior to integrated. Evidence from various scientific studies shows that the organic approach in vegetables and fruits increases quality criteria such as total carotenoids, total soluble solids, vitamin C, total sugars, and lycopene.
Organically cultivated maize, strawberries, and marionberries have much greater quantities of cancer-fighting antioxidants (about 30%). In the instance of papaya, organic yielded superior quality indicators than the recommended dose of fertilizer. Taro is grown organically have a higher nutritious content. Organic farming improves the physical properties of vegetables including cabbage, tomato, and cowpea. Organically farmed rice had higher nutritional qualities than conventionally grown rice.
Conclusion | Sustain Indian Agriculture
Some people believe that seed soaking with liquid manure, mulching, and intercropping all play a good role in organic farming. Crops such as wheat, maize, rice, cluster bean, sesame, cumin, and psyllium husk need several years to generate a comparable or greater output than inorganic, while crops such as potato take a year, according to the data.
FAQ
- Can organic farming sustain Indian agriculture?
Yes, organic farming has the potential to sustain Indian agriculture. It is a more sustainable and eco-friendly way of farming that can reduce the negative impact of agriculture on the environment and ensure the long-term productivity of the land.
2. What are the benefits of organic farming in India?
The benefits of organic farming in India include better soil health, improved water quality, reduced use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, increased biodiversity, and higher profits for farmers.
3. What are the challenges of organic farming in India?
Some of the challenges of organic farming in India include lack of awareness and knowledge among farmers, limited availability of organic inputs, high certification costs, and inadequate government support.
4. How does organic farming benefit the environment?
Organic farming benefits the environment by reducing soil erosion, increasing soil fertility and biodiversity, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving water quality, and reducing the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides.
5. How can farmers transition to organic farming in India?
Farmers can transition to organic farming in India by using organic farming practices such as crop rotation, composting, and intercropping, obtaining organic certification and connecting with organic farming networks and markets.
6. Is organic farming more profitable than conventional farming in India?
A. Yes, organic farming can be more profitable than conventional farming in India, especially for small and marginal farmers. Organic produce often commands a higher price in the market and reduces input costs, leading to higher profits.
7. What role can the government play in promoting organic farming in India?
The government can play a crucial role in promoting organic farming in India by providing financial incentives and subsidies for organic farming, promoting organic farming education and training, and creating a supportive policy and regulatory environment for organic farming.