Farming is the most important human activity that provides us with food but it largely contributes to global pollution. The farm practices lead to loss of diversity and erosion of soil and water. To avoid such farm practices one step that the farmers can take is to shift to the sustainable methods of organic farming.
In organic farming, the production of food is done without using any pesticides, herbicides, or modified organisms. Instead, organic fertilizers are used such as manure and compost that result in reduced pollution and a better environment. These methods have been adopted by many farmers lately and it is spreading across very fast.
Principles Of Organic Farming
Organic methods are based on four main principles that build the spirit of organic methods. Organic farmers work to achieve these four principles each day and try to bring new ways to enhance the principles of organic methods. The four main principles that are the basis of organic methods are as follows:
- Health- The farmers strive to maintain better health of people by providing the best quality food.
- Ecology- Organic farmers focus on using methods of farming that aim to improve the environment in every possible way.
- Fairness- The methods used also try to make it fair for the farmers in terms of wages. The organic methods focus on giving more profits to the farmers and provide them a better standard of living.
- Care- Organic farmers follow the principle of taking care of the environment and the health of people as a top priority. They mainly focus on the precautionary measures that should be taken to encourage future farmers to improve the techniques.
Benefits Of Organic Farming
Organic farming has many benefits that can help in many different ways. The following are the list of advantages organic farming has:
Biodiversity
The use of natural fertilizers along with crop rotation improves soil fertility. This in turn allows raising animals in a natural environment adding to biodiversity. This promotes better health for all living species and improves the ecosystem.
Reduced Farm Pollution
Traditional farming methods lead to pollution of soil and water due to the extensive use of chemicals and pesticides. Organic fertilizers eliminate these harmful chemicals and improve the soil condition with time. As the natural manure seeps into the groundwater it improves the water that was contaminated and also enhances the fertility of the soil.
Better Food
Organic food is much tastier than food from conventional farming methods. The primary reason for this is that the natural manure used has lower nitrate content. This results in sweeter fruits and higher antioxidants levels that benefit living species. Organic food is also free of any artificial color or preservative that eliminates all health risks.
Better Environment
The organic methods of farming do not have any harmful chemicals and benefits the soil and water quality that leads to a better environment reducing soil and water pollution.
Job Creation
Organic farming is more profitable than traditional methods. The methods used to add value to the product increases the price of the food. This results in more income and as it requires more work the organic farmers can employ more people to work for that leads to job creation.
Lower Costs
The natural fertilizers used by organic farmers are of very low cost compared to the fertilizers used in the conventional methods as they are used for natural products. This reduces the investment of the farmer giving more benefits and profits.
Global Warming
The use of natural fertilizers by the farmers reduces the emission of carbon dioxide that leads to slow climate change. This can benefit the environment immensely.
Water Conservation
A major threat to the water bodies is from the chemicals used in conventional farms that pollute the water. Organic farming keeps the water supply clean and does not let the water contaminate. It also saves water as the amount of water needed for conventional farming is much more than the amount of water used by organic methods.
Supports Animal Health And Welfare
The insect’s birds and fishes experience problems when humans destroy their natural habitat. Organic methods help preserve their natural habitat and encourage the birds and fishes to live happily.
Food is common for every culture around the world. Organic farming promotes biodiversity and better health for people. It removes the toxins from the environment and makes a better place to live. We should encourage more people to follow natural methods and use organic fertilizers.
