Organic farming

 Organic farming 

agriculture

Also known as: organic agriculture, organic gardenin

organic farming, sustainable agricultural system that uses ecologically based pest controls and biological fertilizers derived largely from animal and plant wastes and nitrogen-fixing cover crops. Modern organic farming was developed as a response to the environmental harm caused by the use of chemical pesticides and synthetic fertilizers in conventional agriculture, and it has numerous ecological 

Compared with conventional agriculture, organic farming uses fewer pesticides, reduces soil erosion, decreases nitrate leaching into groundwater and surface water, and recycles animal wastes back into the farm. These benefits are counterbalanced by higher food costs for consumers and generally lower yields. Indeed, yields of organic crops have been found to be about 25 percent lower overall th

an conventionally grown crops, although this can vary considerably depending upon the type of crop. The challenge for future organic agriculture will be to maintain its environmental benefits, increase yields, and reduce prices while meeting the challenges of climate change and an increasing world population.

History

The concepts of organic agriculture were developed in the early 1900s by Sir Albert Howard, F.H. King, Rudolf Steiner, and others who believed that the use of animal manures (often made into compost), cover crops, crop rotation, and biologically based pest controls resulted in a better farming system. Howard, having worked in India as an agricultural researcher, gained much inspiration from the traditional and sustainable farming practices he encountered there and advocated for their adoption in the West. Such practices were further promoted by various advocates—such as J.I. Rodale and his son Robert, in the 1940s and onward, who published Organic Gardening and Farming magazine and a number of texts on organic farming. The demand for organic food was stimulated in the 1960s by the publication of Silent Spring, by Rachel Carson, which documented the extent of environmental damage caused by insecticides.

Organic food sales increased steadily from the late 20th century. Greater environmental awareness, coupled with concerns over the health impacts of pesticide residues and consumption of genetically modified (GMO) crops, fostered the growth of the organic sector. In the United States retail sales increased from $20.39 billion in 2008 to $47.9 billion in 2019, while sales in Europe reached more than $52 billion (€45 billion) in 2019.

The price of organic food is generally higher than that of conventionally grown food. Depending on the product, the season, and the vagaries of supply and demand, the price of organic food can be anywhere from less than 10 percent below to more than 100 percent above that of conventionally grown produce.

Regulation

certified organicThe organic seal of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Organic agriculture is defined formally by governments. Farmers must be certified for their produce and products to be labeled “organic,” and there are specific organic standards for crops, animals, and wild-crafted products and for the processing of agricultural products. Organic standards in the European Union (EU) and the United States, for example, prohibit the use of synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, ionizing radiation, sewage sludge, and genetically engineered plants or products. In the EU, organic certification and inspection is carried out by approved organic control bodies according to EU standards. Organic farming has been defined by the National Organic Standards of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) since 2000, and there are many accredited organic certifiers across the country.

Although most countries have their own programs for organic certification, certifiers in the EU or the United States can inspect and certify growers and processors for other countries. This is especially useful when products grown organically in Mexico, for example, are exported to the United States

compostFarmer managing a compost pile in France. Compost adds rich organic matter and beneficial microbes to the soil

Since synthetic fertilizers are not used, building and maintaining a rich, living soil through the addition of organic matter is a priority for organic farmers. Organic matter can be applied through the application of manure, compost, and animal by-products, such as feather meal or blood meal. Due to the potential for harbouring human pathogens, the USDA National Organic Standards mandate that raw manure must be applied no later than 90 or 120 days before harvest, depending on whether the harvested part of the crop is in contact with the ground. Composted manure that has been turned 5 times in 15 days and reached temperatures between 55 and 77.2 °C (131 and 171 °F) has no restrictions on application times. Compost adds organic matter, providing a wide range of nutrients for plants, and adds beneficial microbes to the soil. Given that these nutrients are mostly in an unmineralized form that cannot be taken up by plants, soil microbes are needed to break down organic matter and transform nutrients into a bioavailable “mineralized” state. In comparison, synthetic fertilizers are already in mineralized form and can be taken up by plants directly.

Understand how crop rotation in organic farming benefits the farmers as well as the environment and particularly the advantages of growing lentils

Understand how crop rotation in organic farming benefits the farmers as well as the environment and particularly the advantages of growing lentilsA discussion of organic farming and the benefits of growing crops such as lentils.

Soil is maintained by planting and then tilling in cover crops, which help protect the soil from erosion off-season and provide additional organic matter. The tilling in of nitrogen-fixing cover crops, such as clover or alfalfa, also adds nitrogen to the soil. Cover crops are commonly planted before or after the cash crop season or in conjunction with crop rotation and can also be planted between the rows of some crops, such as tree fruits. Researchers and growers are working to develop organic farming “no-till” and reduced-tillage practices in order to further reduce erosion.

Pest control

Organic pesticides are derived from naturally occurring sources. These include living organisms such as the bacteria Bacillus thuringiensis, which is used to control caterpillar pests, or plant derivatives such as pyrethrins (from the dried flower heads of Chrysanthemum cinerariifolium) or neem oil (from the seeds of Azadirachta indica). Mineral-based inorganic pesticides such as sulfur and copper are also allowed.

Common ladybug

Common ladybugA common, or seven-spotted, ladybug (Coccinella septempunctata) on a leaf.

In addition to pesticides, organic pest control integrates biological, cultural, and genetic controls to minimize pest damage. Biological control utilizes the natural enemies of pests, such as predatory insects (e.g., ladybugs) or parasitoids (e.g., certain wasps) to attack insect pests. Pest cycles can be disrupted with cultural controls, of which crop rotation is the most widely used. Finally, traditional plant breeding has produced numerous crop varieties that are resistant to specific pests. The use of such varieties and the planting of genetically diverse crops provide genetic control against pests and many plant diseases.

Agriculture marketing

 Agriculture marketing

Agricultural marketing is the process of moving agricultural products from farms to consumers. It involves planning, organizing, and handling the produce to meet the needs of farmers, consumers, and intermediaries. 

Steps in agricultural marketingCollecting the produce after harvest

Gathering

Preparing the produce

Grading: Sorting the produce based on quality

Packaging: Wrapping the product based on the buyer's preferences

Storing: Keeping the product for future sale

Selling: Selling the product when the market demand is favorable 

Marketing strategies

Marketing mix

A strategy that focuses on four levels of decision making: product, price, place, and promotion 

Marketing plan

A strategic document that outlines how to promote products or services to target customers 

E-marketing

A web application that allows farmers to sell their products online and get ideas to improve agricultural productivity 

Agriculture recent updates

 Here are some recent updates on agriculture:

Wheat sowing

Wheat sowing is up 2.28% in the ongoing winters, while oilseeds acreage is down 4.34%. 

India's meat production

In 2023-24, India's meat production reached 10.25 million tonnes, a 4.95% increase from the previous year. 

India's rapeseed and mustard production

India's rapeseed and mustard production is likely to fall due to high temperatures. 

Soil degradation

India's Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan voiced concerns about soil degradation affecting 30% of the nation's land. 

Edible Oil Mission

The government's 100 days program may include launching the Edible Oil Mission. 

PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Scheme

PM Modi released ₹20,000 crore for 9.26 crore farmers under this scheme. 

Corn outlook

There is a bearish outlook for corn due to lower exports. 

FCI's wheat and rice purchases

FCI's wheat and rice purchases have slowed due to lower arrival, moisture, and firm prices. 

India will swap conventional urea with nano urea

India will swap 2.5 million tonnes of conventional urea with nano urea in FY24. 

Sustainable agriculture

 Sustainable agriculture practices are important because they help to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to do the same. Sustainable agriculture practices can: 

Protect the environment

Sustainable agriculture practices can reduce water pollution, erosion, and the loss of food diversity. They can also help to protect the health of the soil and water quality. 

Reduce the chemical use

Sustainable agriculture practices can reduce the use of pesticides, industrial fertilizers, and antibiotics. This can make the environment healthier and safer for farm workers and consumers. 

Improve soil health

Sustainable agriculture practices can improve soil health through practices like crop rotation, which involves planting different crops in a sequence. Crop rotation can help to reduce soil compaction, add organic matter, and stimulate soil biota activity. 

Protect farmworkers

Sustainable agriculture practices can help to protect the health and safety of farmworkers. 

Maximize efficiency

Sustainable agriculture practices can help farmers to maximize yields and efficiency. 

Some examples of sustainable agriculture practices include:

Organic farming

This method of farming excludes the use of harmful chemicals like pesticides and fertilizers.

Permaculture

This method of farming focuses on designing farms to mimic natural ecosystems.

Agroforestry

This method of farming combines agriculture and forestry to create a sustainable land use system.

Precision agriculture

This method of farming helps farmers to maximize yields and efficiency while minimizing the adverse impacts on the environment. 

Agriculture

Agriculture is the science, art, and practice of cultivating soil, growing crops, and raising animals for food, fiber, medicinal plants, and other products used to sustain and enhance human life. It is one of the oldest and most vital sectors of human society, playing a central role in providing the food, raw materials, and economic resources that sustain populations around the world.

The Importance of Agriculture

Agriculture is fundamental to the survival and development of societies. It supplies food, which is essential for human survival, as well as clothing, shelter, and raw materials for industries. Beyond providing basic human needs, agriculture is a major driver of economic development, particularly in rural areas. It creates jobs, supports livelihoods, and contributes significantly to the global economy.

1. Food Production: The most obvious role of agriculture is to provide food. As the global population continues to grow, the demand for food production rises, making efficient agricultural practices more critical than ever.

2. Economic Contribution: Agriculture is a major economic driver, particularly in developing nations. In many countries, a large portion of the population depends on farming and related industries for their livelihood.

3. Cultural Significance: Farming practices, traditions, and rituals are often deeply embedded in the cultural fabric of societies, shaping cuisines, customs, and lifestyles.

4. Environmental Impact: Agriculture also plays a vital role in managing and protecting natural resources. When practiced sustainably, it can contribute to biodiversity, soil conservation, water management, and climate regulation.

Branches of Agriculture

Agriculture is a broad field that encompasses many disciplines and activities. The major branches of agriculture include:

1. Crop Production (Arable Farming): This involves the cultivation of crops such as cereals, vegetables, fruits, and legumes. The primary focus is on improving crop yield, pest control, soil health, and water management.

2. Animal Husbandry (Livestock Farming): This branch deals with the breeding and care of animals such as cattle, sheep, poultry, and pigs for food, fiber (wool, silk), and other products (milk, eggs, leather).

3. Horticulture: Horticulture involves the cultivation of fruits, vegetables, flowers, and ornamental plants. This is a highly specialized sector that focuses on plant care, pest management, and plant breeding.

4. Agroforestry: Agroforestry is the integration of trees and shrubs into agricultural landscapes, providing ecological benefits like soil protection, biodiversity, and carbon sequestration.

5. Aquaculture: This is the farming of aquatic organisms such as fish, crustaceans, and shellfish, primarily for food, but also for medicinal and industrial purposes.

6. Agricultural Engineering: This field focuses on the development and application of technology to improve farming efficiency, including farm machinery, irrigation systems, and renewable energy sources.

7. Agronomy: Agronomy is the study of soil and plant sciences, focusing on how different crops grow, interact with the environment, and can be optimized for higher yields and sustainability.

Key Challenges in Agriculture

Agriculture faces numerous challenges that require innovative solutions and sustainable practices:

1. Climate Change: Changes in weather patterns, droughts, floods, and extreme temperatures can have devastating effects on crop yields and livestock health.

2. Population Growth: The global population is expected to reach nearly 10 billion by 2050, increasing demand for food and agricultural products. This puts pressure on agricultural systems to produce more with fewer resources.

3. Soil Degradation: Over-farming, deforestation, and poor land management practices lead to soil erosion, depletion of nutrients, and loss of arable land.

4. Water Scarcity: Agriculture is a major consumer of water, and many regions around the world are facing water shortages due to over-extraction, pollution, and climate variability.

5. Pests and Diseases: Crop diseases, pests, and pathogens continue to challenge agriculture, causing significant economic losses and food security risks.

6. Sustainability: There is increasing pressure on the agricultural sector to adopt sustainable practices that minimize environmental impact, conserve resources, and protect biodiversity.

The Future of Agriculture

The future of agriculture is being shaped by technological advances and a growing awareness of sustainability. Key trends and innovations include:

1. Precision Agriculture: This uses data, sensors, and technology to monitor and manage field variability in crops and livestock. Precision farming techniques help optimize resources, reduce waste, and increase yields.

2. Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs): Genetic engineering has the potential to improve crop resistance to pests, diseases, and harsh environmental conditions, enhancing food security.

3. Vertical Farming: Urban farming methods like vertical farming are becoming more popular as a way to grow crops in controlled environments with limited space, reducing transportation costs and environmental impact.

4. Automation and Robotics: Advances in robotics and automation are transforming farm labor, from autonomous tractors to drone-based crop monitoring, making farming more efficient and reducing labor costs.

5. Sustainable Practices: As environmental concerns grow, there is a shift toward regenerative agriculture, which focuses on soil health, biodiversity, and carbon sequestration to ensure long-term sustainability.

6. Alternative Proteins: With growing concerns about the environmental impact of meat production, there is increasing interest in plant-based and lab-grown proteins as sustainable alternatives.