Organic farming has been a tradition in India for a long time. Our scriptures mention Lord Krishna and Balaram, also known as Gopal and Haladhar, who not only practiced agriculture but also engaged in animal husbandry. This approach was beneficial not only for animals but also for the environment.
The tradition of organic farming continued in India until the time of independence. However, the population explosion later increased the pressure to enhance production, leading the country towards chemical farming. Now, the adverse effects of chemical farming are becoming evident. Let's explore what organic farming is and why farmers should consider it through this article.
Chemical farming is not only harmful but also expensive, leading to an increase in the cost of crop production. Therefore, the country is now turning towards organic farming because it is sustainable, cost-effective, and self-reliant. Let's understand what organic farming is and why farmers should consider it.
The Primary Contribution of Earthworms to Soil Health Improvement
We all know that earthworms found in the soil are highly beneficial for humans. Earthworms in the soil convert the residues of plants and organic matter into nutrient-rich humus by consuming them, which serves as natural fertilizer for plants.
Earthworms play a vital role in improving soil health. They transform organic residues into vermicompost, a nutrient-rich fertilizer that enhances soil fertility. Vermicompost can be produced on a large scale in just two months using earthworms.
The process requires easily available materials such as organic residues, soil, and earthworms. Let's explore how earthworms contribute to making the soil healthy.
Rhizobium also fix atmospheric nitrogen into soil through root nodules
The incorporation of decomposing plant leftovers into the soil during bio-cultivation improves the soil's capacity to retain moisture and increases crop productivity. Because rhizobium bio-cultivation occurs in the roots of leguminous plants, chemical fertilizers are frequently avoided when growing leguminous crops.
Commonly found in the root nodules of leguminous plants, rhizobium helps the soil absorb nitrogen from the atmosphere and becomes more nutrient-rich. But the roots of other crops do not contain rhizobium. Using leguminous plant roots in other crops is one way to overcome the nitrogen deficiency in crops.
This contributes to meeting the nitrogen needs of leguminous crops, which makes bio-cultivation a viable and efficient technique for enhancing soil fertility and raising agricultural yields.
Organic methods of pests and diseases control
The excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides in agriculture is leading to increased diseases and costs. Adopting organic farming can reduce costs and mitigate diseases. For this, farmers need to produce homemade organic fertilizers and natural pesticides instead of using chemicals.
Farmers should be aware of the process of preparing manure and pesticides at home. Therefore, farmers have developed the process of making liquid organic fertilizer from cow dung, jaggery and cow urine, Which is explained in our other article (Methods of preparing organic fertilizers and natural pesticides).
Organic fertilizer are rich in nutrients
Crop productivity depends on the quantity of nutrients in the soil. When there is a deficiency of nutrients in the soil, it needs to be supplemented from external sources. While these nutrients can be easily obtained in chemical form, the cost of production becomes higher.
Therefore, it is advisable to use natural manure. Understanding the levels of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium and other nutrients in organic fertilizers is crucial. That is why farmers have brought information on nutrient content in all manures.
Organic certification is mandatory For Organic Farming
Farmers should be registered for organic farming to ensure good prices for crops and fruits. The central government has initiated the certification of organic farming. For this purpose, a government institution has been established in the state.
Private institutions across the country have also been involved. With regulations, this institution provides organic certification to any farmer
How to Get organic certification
If a farmer practices organic farming or tries to do so, he should get organic certification because not having certification results in lower crop prices for the farmer. Without proper documentation indicating whether the crop is organic or conventional, farmers face challenges in selling their produce at a fair value. Recognizing this issue, the agriculture department has provided complete information about organic certification. Farmers can register one hectare by spending Rs. 1400.
In conclusion, adopting organic farming methods is critical to the health of the ecosystem and sustainable agriculture. In addition to minimizing the use of artificial chemicals, organic farming preserves biodiversity and improves soil health. Farmers lessen the ecological footprint of agriculture and support healthier ecosystems by using natural and organic inputs. Furthermore, by preventing the residues of dangerous pesticides and artificial fertilizers in produce, organic farming improves food safety. All things considered, the importance of organic farming rests in its all-encompassing strategy, which puts the health of the earth, farmers, and customers first.
