One of the biggest developments in the past years within the larger agricultural field can be exclusively attributed to the increasing concerns among customers over their health and the physical environment.
But what is organic farming? Organic farming as a total farming system and the process of producing food in a manner that is environmentally friendly and socially appropriate. That is to say, organic farming does not use synthetic inputs and uses amendments that promote and further the improvement of soil, ecosystems, and human health.
The following paper presents the historical background of organic agriculture, concepts, nuts and bolts, benefits, and challenges observed with the future of organic agriculture in face of current day agribusiness complexities.
History of Organic Farming
Understanding of organic agriculture in modern formal begins with a short history on the system, its principles and importance. It is very important in understanding the fact that the base of going organic is conceived from the ancient methods that was in practice before the discovery of chemical systems.
Traditional methods in use by the farmers were crop rotation, use of compost and inter cropping as a way of maintaining soil productivity.
The contemporaneous practice of organic farming dates back to early twentieth-century response to industrialization of agriculture. Sir Albert Howard predetermines the use of natural methods, which create favorable conditions for the growth of soil. His “An Agricultural Testament” published in 1940 has been used as core on which the organic developed. The need for organic farming as crucial for the health of people and the surrounds was again underpinned by Lady Eve Balfour in her seminal book, The Living Soil published in 1943.
After World War II, synthetic fertilizers and pesticides were introduced and applied largely and efficiently in increasing production however, they raise issue such as, the possibility of soil degradation for an extended period and further detriment to the environment.
The New Solidarities worried about these fears and the Organic farming movement caused to set up certification organisations in during 1970s and 1980s. Organic farming has become a common thing in the world today and it is business among small and little farming holders as well as among large establishments.
Principles of Organic Farming
Elements of organic farming comprise the foundations of this sustainable method to positively impact people, animals, and the planet. Key principles include:
1. Soil Health
Soil is always accredited as being the bedrock of organic farming and production. Some of the practices include crop intercropping, green manure, and the use of compost that improves fertility and structure of the soils. Instead organic inputs are used in the soil replacing the synthetic chemicals that interfere with the natural ecosystem of the soil.
2. Biodiversity
Organic farming practices put an emphasis on difference in production, both in plant and in cattle, to ensure balance. Inter cropping and three or more trees per hectare basis is used to encourage soil health and avoid risk landing on monoculture farm.
3. Use of Organic Inputs
There is no use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides and other chemical herbicides. Rather, they opt for compost and manure and non-chemical pest control hence the food produced is not contaminated with any form of hormone.
4. Animal Welfare
In organic farming, animals are reared under acceptable standards such as exercising freedom of space, feeding on organic products and having standards producers adequately supply clean water. It is an ethically right practice of animal farming where diseases and stress in the animals are reduced to the barest level.
5. Ecological Balance
The principle of Organic farming seeks to stem the degradation of water basins, lowered green-house gases emissions and encourages wildlife along with insectary habitats.
6. Social Responsibility
Elements of sustainability are not limited to the manner in which farming is conducted but also covers issues to do with worker treatment and the community as a whole.
Benefits of Organic Farming
The positive outcomes of organic farming are numerous, costly where the circle of its influence ranges from the farmer to the consumer and the planet. It is possible to divide these advantages by environmental, economical and health benefits.
1. Environmental Benefits
Soil Health: In organic farming substrates build-up of fertility is preserved to maintain soil fertility against erosion and effects of desertification.
Water Conservation: Some of the methods that ensure the conservation of water include shredding the leaves and proper watering that do not let water get wasted also does not cause pollution of the water bodies by chemicals.
Climate Change Mitigation: As mentioned previously, conventional organic practices also help minimize emissions of green house gases, as well as promoting crono sequestration in the soil.
Biodiversity Protection: Chemical free farming promotes the increase in the rate of biological organisms and supports the ecosystems.
2. Economic Benefits
Higher Market Value: Organic products are usually expensive, and this gives better income chances to the farmers.
Cost Efficiency: In the long run, the recommended methods decrease reliance on costly synthetic amendments, which makes costs of operation low.
Job Creation: Organic agriculture creates employment in the rural word since it is intensive in making use of labors.
3. Health Benefits
Chemical-Free Food: Organo grown foods are cultivated without the use of synthetic pesticides and chemical fertilizers, and therefore it has almost or any risks to the health of the consumer.
Nutrient-Rich Products: Feeding ourselves with information that organic food is very deficient in important nutrients and antioxidants.
Improved Farmer Health: Since chemical substance are prohibited in the production, consumption of organically grown foods reduce the adverse impact on the farmers and their families.
Challenges of Organic Farming
However, despite various benefits associated with the practice of organic farming, there are certain challenges. Solving the problems associated with driving organic farming is very important in an effort to have this system implemented in larger scale.
1. Lower Yields
The yields tend to be lower when practising organic farming than when using conventional techniques especially at the initial periods. It can make it very hard for farmers to meet the requirements of the market and to be profitable.
2. Certification Barriers
Organic certification is an elaborate, lengthy and costly exercise. Small farmers are likely to have a hard time in putting down their conservation measures as the requirements are very demanding.
3. High Initial Costs
Organic farming is not cheap since it needs training, expensive equipment, and, most importantly, organic production inputs that are expensive and untouchable by most resource-poor farmers.
4. Pest and Disease Control
In their production, organic farmers encounter difficulties in managing pests and diseases, hence productivity and accompanying risks lower here.
5. Limited Consumer Awareness
While organic food is on the market, most consumer are not aware of the benefits that comes with organic foods or cannot afford the expensive prices.
Solutions to Overcome Challenges
1. Yield Optimization
Precision agriculture, crop diversification, and testing soil fertility would go a long way in increasing the yield of organically grown crops.
2. Subsidies and Support
Governments and organisations can by assisted the farmers with any form of finance needed and training on how to adopt the methods.
3. Streamlined Certification
One way some of the barriers may be removed is to streamline the certification process and ensure producers offer subsidies come organic farming.
4. Research and Development
Using research for natural pest management and development of organic crop varieties can help overcome pests and diseases effects.
5. Consumer Education
Information, education, and persuasion initiatives regarding the efficacy of organic food can make individuals make decisions in a way that will support organic farming, this means demand pull.
Conclusion:
What is organic farming? It is not only the means of cultivation, but rather a complete concept of ecological approach to the agricultural practices that take into serious consideration tobiographic, egzobiografic and anthropogenic factors as well. Though there are some problems, the advantages of organic farming overcome those difficulties which prove its significance in the prevention of food insecurity and disharmony with the environment. Through the acceptance of its principles and the surmountal of its difficulties, organic farming brings new light and essence to the future of man.
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