Organic farming

Introduction

 It is agricultural production system which avoids or largely

excludes the use of synthetically compounded fertilizers,
pesticides, growth regulators and livestock feed additives.

 This process involves the use of biological materials,

avoiding synthetic substances to maintain soil fertility and
ecological balance thereby minimizing pollution and
wastage.
“Organic agriculture is a production system that sustains the health of
soils, ecosystems and people. It relies on ecological
processes, biodiversity and cycles adapted to local conditions, rather
than the use of inputs with adverse effects. Organic agriculture
combines tradition, innovation and science to benefit the shared
environment and promote fair relationships and a good quality of life
for all involved…”

- International Federation of Organic Agricultural Movements

 Objective of organic farming

(1) (2)
Produce food with higher Work with (3)
nutritional quality natural system Maintain and
increase soil
fertility

(7) Objectives of
Allow satisfaction
to agricultural
Organic Farming (4)
producer Use renewable
resources as far as
possible
(6) (5)
Wider social and
ecological impact of Avoid Pollution
farming system
Principles of Organic farming

 Principle of health
 Principle of fairness
 Principle of ecological balance
 Principle of care
Basic methods of Organic farming

 Crop diversity
 Soil management
 Weed management
 Controlling other organisms
 DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CONVENTIONAL AND ORGANIC FARMING
CONVENTIONAL
It is based on economical orientation
GMOs are used
Synthetic fertilizers are used
Weeds are controlled through herbicides
Pesticides and fungicides are used to control
diseases
Produce obtained will have chemical
accumulated in it
Air, water and soil pollution is common
Produce is carcinogenic and causes several
health problems
Low input: output ratio with pollution
Soil fertility is maintained for shorter period
Intensive irrigation is required
ORGANIC
It is based on ecological orientation
GMOs are not used here
Synthetic fertilizers are not used
Manually weeds are removed here
Pest and diseases are controlled biologically pest and
Produce is free from chemical residues residues
No such problem is observed
No such problems are observed here
Optimum input: output ratio with no pollution
Soil fertility is maintained on long term basis
Irrigation requirements are reduced
Advantages
 No need to buy expensive chemicals.
 Healthier farm workers.
 organic farms save energy and protect the environment.
 It can slow down global warming.
 More animals and plants can live in the same place in a
natural way. This is called biodiversity.
 Pollution of ground water is stopped.
Constraints
 Expensive food
 Production costs are higher because farmers need more
workers.
 Marketing and distribution is not efficient because organic
food is produced in smaller amounts.
 Cannot produce enough food for the population.
Suggestions to promote organic farming

 Developing appropriate and strong extension services.

 Developing strong linkage between producer and consumer.
 Reducing the cost of certification and easily approachable to
farmer.
 Making the organic inputs available to small holders like
bio-fertilizer and bio-pesticide.
 Developing the domestic market.
 Providing subsidies and other financial support.
 Improving infrastructural facilities like cold storage and
transportation.
 Enhancing linkages in the supply chain
promoting research on organic agricultural research
and development.
 Providing regular training on organic agriculture.
Thank you!!!