The goal of organic farming, as a comprehensive approach to farm management, is to establish a food production system that is socially, environmentally, and economically sustainable. Instead of relying on external farming inputs like pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, additives, and genetically engineered organisms, organic farming is more specifically oriented on maintaining the agroecosystem.
To put it another way, organic farming combines established agricultural techniques with cutting-edge research and technological advances. For instance, adopting organic soil disinfestation and manuring rather of synthetic fertilizers. True lifesavers, organic farmers put in a lot of effort to produce foods that are wholesome and nourishing. They also have a duty to safeguard the most valuable natural resources and engage in sustainable agriculture for the sake of future generations.
The beginnings of organic farming
The need for more sustainably produced food increased as the world’s population started to rise quickly. Unsustainable farming methods that are exclusively focused on increasing yields add to the burden on global problems like:
- A changing climate
- biodiversity loss
- Eroding soil
- The most valuable natural resources being polluted (soil and water)
The Fundamentals of Organic Agriculture
Each nation has specific laws governing organic farming. However, all organic farmers adhere to a few basic rules. These are listed below:
According to the notion of health, organic farming aspires to preserve and improve the health of all living things (this includes soil microorganisms, as well as humans)
Ecology’s fundamental tenet is that organic farming should preserve and enhance the environment (landscape, climate, natural habitats, biodiversity, air, water, and soil)
The fairness concept attempts to manage environmental resources in a socially and environmentally responsible manner, as well as to ensure an adequate supply of high-quality food and other items.
The care concept emphasizes responsibility and prudence as the main issues in managing organic farms.
Traditional farming methods are used in conjunction with cutting-edge scientific research and cutting-edge agricultural advances in organic farming. Using manuring and biological soil disinfestation, for instance.
Different Practices in Organic Farming
Of course, different countries have different regulations in order to govern organic farming. Based on it, various forms of organic farming incorporate different types of procedures. However, the majority of organic farmers use a few well-known farming techniques:
- Crop rotation is used to improve crop protection from various pests and to preserve soil fertility.
- The enhancement of soil organic matter through manuring, composting, or mulching is the foundation of organic nutrient management.
- Growing cover crops is a good way to manage weeds and insect pests, stop soil erosion, and increase the amount of nutrients in the soil.
- Preventative crop protection techniques, such as selecting resistant types, adapting planting or sowing techniques, and timing of harvest
- Using natural predators to guard against biological pests
- Weeding as a method of non-chemical weed control
- Anaerobic soil disinfestation that gets rid of or controls pests that are found in the soil
- adequate distances between crops
- cultivation of soil mechanically
- Recycling materials
- Relying on renewable resources
Making Money While Preserving the Environment
Profitability is a key issue of discussion when deciding whether to farm organically or conventionally. Farmers are primarily concerned about the production and profitability of each, despite the fact that the techniques of both can be contested. Crop qualities, soil type, weather, insect pests, and disease are just a few of the variables that affect farm productivity.
Organic farming is thought to be less productive than conventional farming. However, its profitability is impacted by increasing input prices and a reduced market price. Analyzing the yields in more detail reveals that organic farming is still less efficient than conventional farming. One explanation for this is that conventional farming prevents potential crop harm, whereas organic farming promotes crop growth.
There are some instances that demonstrate how organic farming has a big potential for producing acceptable yields. According to research by the Rodale Institute, during drought years, the yield of maize farmed organically is 31% higher than that of corn grown conventionally. Finally, despite often lower yields, organic farming has demonstrated to be a successful method. The higher market price that crops grown organically can get is one factor in the efficiency of organic farming. Public purchases of certified organic goods typically cost more than those of conventional goods.
The primary factor for this substantial price discrepancy is the scarcity of organic products, which has increased market demand. Organic farmers may attain a similar level of efficiency due to lower input costs, increased demand for organic products, and higher prices that can be offered. As a result, organic farmers are better equipped to compete on the market with conventional farmers.
Top Arguments for Organic Farming
Organic farming encompasses more than merely reverting to age-old practices. In actuality, numerous farming techniques from the past are still in use today. The most effective aspects of older, more conventional agricultural methods are combined with current scientific understanding in organic farming. So, should farmers adopt traditional farming practices or switch to organic farming?
The response largely depends on a number of variables. These include the farm’s configuration, its geographic setting, its crop, and its intended use. Check out our article on the twelve reasons to farm organically if you’ve taken into account all of these aspects but are still unsure.
Can conventional farming be replaced by organic farming?
Consumer concern over the production of organic foods and how modern farming practices affect the environment, particularly animal welfare, is growing everyday. Organic farming is becoming more and more popular among farmers. Bhutan is a superb illustration of the transition to organic farming. Bhutan has only 700,000 residents, the most of whom are farmers, making it the first nation in the world to go entirely to organic farming. However, since organic food is produced without the use of synthetic inputs, it is uncertain when traditional farming practices will actually be replaced by organic ones.
Difficulties and Benefits
Being an organic farmer is a difficult profession. But it also offers certain unique benefits and creates fresh opportunities for attaining sustainable agricultural production. Fortunately, the introduction of digital agriculture and farm management tools help a lot.
Can conventional farming be replaced by organic farming?
Consumer concern over the production of organic foods and how modern farming practices affect the environment, particularly animal welfare, is growing everyday. Organic farming is becoming more and more popular among farmers. Bhutan is a superb illustration of the transition to organic farming. Bhutan has only 700,000 residents, the most of whom are farmers, making it the first nation in the world to go entirely to organic farming. However, since organic food is produced without the use of synthetic inputs, it is uncertain when traditional farming practices will actually be replaced by organic ones.
.
