Question

With reference to organic farming, state the following:

Main characteristics of organic farming.

What are the main characteristics of organic farming?

Answer 1

1. Protecting the long term fertility of soils by maintaining organic matter levels and creating optimized conditions for biological activity within the soil.
2. Providing crop nutrients indirectly using relatively insoluble nutrient sources which are made available to the plant by the action of soil microorganisms.
3. Maintaining nitrogen self-sufficiency through the use of legumes and biological nitrogen fixation, as well as effective recycling of organic materials including crop residues and livestock manures.
4. Preventing weeds, disease, and pests by relying primarily on crop rotations, natural predators, diversity, organic manuring, resistant varieties, and limited (preferably minimal) thermal, biological, and chemical intervention.
5. Providing attentive care and management of livestock, paying full regard to their evolutionary adaptations, behavioural needs, and animal welfare issues, with respect to nutrition, housing, health, breeding and rearing.
6. Careful attention to the impact of the farming system on the wider environment and the conservation of wildlife and natural habitats.

Answer 2

1. Economical: Organic farming eliminates the need for costly fertilisers, pesticides, and hybrid seeds when planting crops, resulting in no additional expenses.
2. Good return on Investment: Using low-cost, locally sourced inputs can lead to a profitable farmer investment.
3. High Demand: Organic products are in high demand both in India and globally, leading to increased exports.
4. Nutritional: Organic items are more nutritious, flavourful, and beneficial to health compared to those produced with chemicals and fertilisers.
5. Environment-Friendly: Organic farming eliminates the use of chemicals and fertilisers, minimising environmental impact.