Have you ever considered if organic farming could feed the world without aggravating the situation? Get insights on this article to discover the impact of organic farming on sustainability.
Organic farming is a system that avoids using artificial inputs" (e.g., fertilizers, pesticides, hormones, feed additives, etc in farm practices. ~USDA
Unlike conventional farming, which depends on synthetic fertilizers, chemical pesticides, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), and intensive monoculture practices, organic farming depends on crop rotation, crop residue, animal manures, off-farm organic waste, mineral-grade rock addiction, and other practices.
The shift from conventional farming to organic farming has been slow but clear, as many people have grown more concerned about the health effects these pesticides and chemicals have on their food products.
Organic farming's main goal is to enable us to move from the high consumption of food items with lesser nutrients and contamination from fertilizer and pesticide usage due to how they are grown to a much healthier option free of health hazards.
Organic farming uses nutrients of organic origin, such as green manure, compost manure, and bone meal, instead of synthetic fertilizers that damage the land and compromise health. Organic farming methods, including crop rotation and companion farming, also help the land recover fertility and structure. Organic farming is among the key methods on that list for producing food that nourishes and preserves Mother Earth.
Difference between conventional and organic farming
Why do we need organic farming?
What connects all organic farming practices is their ultimate goal: to build and improve the soil, quite literally the foundation of our food system and our lives.
The impact of organic farming extends beyond sustainable agriculture, contributing to healthier food systems and environmental well-being. As a farmer, you and everyone else who consumes your farm produce will see an improvement in the nutritional value of the food you consume. This is because organic crops are planted on a soil that is biologically healthy and safe. You are also able to avoid the major health issues associated with conventional farming, such as Asthma, birth defects, neurological effects, cancer, Hormone disruption, and Parkinson's disease. Organic farming also helps solve the problem of inorganic fertilizers contaminating wells and water bodies with nitrate nitrogen. According to a study done in Kalpitiya, it was noticed that based on WHO standards, only about 56% of the wells in that area contained safe drinking water. This is due to their high nitrate presence (Liyanage et al., 2000). The same report also pointed out the huge amount of nitrate in vegetables planted there. The practices in organic farming help the environment in the long run because they aim to improve soil formation and structure, enhance soil productivity, and help with soil erosion control(FOA)
What is organic farming for?
Organic farming works in harmony with nature.
The impact of organic farming is profound, offering a sustainable solution for farmers committed to the environment and the well-being of their consumers. It does not matter whether you are into hobby farming, small farm holders, or have a large agribusiness; as long as you are concerned about the health of your consumers, the health of your soil, and the health of the environment, you would find organic farming a perfect fit for you. Even if you used to practice conventional farming before reading this, it is also possible to transition to organic farming on the same land. It will take your commitment to the transition practices, and you can be assured of seeing results. Organic farming is perfect for you if you value quality over quantity and are ready to begin to be the change you want to see in your environment. Trying all the practices simultaneously may prove overwhelming when transitioning from conventional to organic farming. Rather, start one practice at a time until the checklist is organized. Organic farmers must find new means to fight insects, diseases, and weeds and produce plentiful food as they do not use synthetic fertilizers, genetically modified organisms, or pesticides. As much as a farmer is committed to learning, no conventional farm practice does not have a better organic alternative method of achieving even better results. People usually ask a common question about whether lesser yield from organic farming can still sustain food security. The short answer is that. Yes, organic farming will sustain food security. The long answer: Food security is not just about the amount of food being produced but also the amount of food that can be accessed by all. Organic farmers can increase food production by managing local resources without relying on external inputs or food distribution systems over which they have little control and/or access.
Organic farming is something we can all partake of and benefit from. When we demand organic, we are demanding poison-free food. We are demanding clean air. We are demanding pure, fresh water." – Maria Rodale
References
- https://www.fao.org/organicag/oa-faq/oa-faq7/en/
- https://www.fao.org/4/X0075e/X0075e.htm#P86_4004
- InstituteInstitute explaining organic farming https://rodaleinstitute.org/why-organic/organic-farming-practices/
- State of the Planet explaining If organic foods are good for the environment https://news.climate.columbia.edu/2019/10/22/organic-food-better-environment/
- Hit doon explaining why we should prefer organic farming https://hitdoon.com/blog/why-should-we-prefer-organic-farming/
- A study done in Kalpitiya https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2949911923000059#bib71