Organic Farming (1+1)

Concepts of Organic Farming

• Modern agriculture largely depends on the use of fossil fuels based inputs such as chemical fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides and labour saving but energy intensive farm machinery while, application of such high input technologies has undoubtedly increased production and labour efficiency, there is a growing concern about the adverse effects on soil productivity and environmental quality.
• The generally accepted organic rules prohibit the use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, growth regulators, livestock feed additives and stress on long term soil management. Use local resources for nutrient supply and control of pests and diseases restricting external inputs to the bare minimum.
• It is soil-building mechanisms to keep soil alive. Keeping soil alive is the primary concern of organic farming. In OF, soil and not the crop are fed. It is conversion of soil from non-living to living.
• Plants can absorb nutrients only in the form of minerals irrespective of the source of manure. OF seeks to avoid direct use of readily soluble chemicals Eg-Muriate of potash is a natural rock and is not permitted because it is readily soluble. On the other hand, basic slag which is a product of iron ore is insoluble in water and hence, it is allowed.