Raising animals and growing plants have always been an organic practice over centuries of civilization. Chemicals were introduced in the agricultural industry only as late as the 20th century. However, the adverse health effects that these chemicals can have, both on the crops and the soil are pushing farmers to embrace the traditional organic farming methods. Organic farming is a small but powerful step towards constructing the framework for healthy, highly nutrient-inclusive, efficient, and sustainable food systems. Organic farming utilizes biological materials and avoids synthetic substances. It helps maintain soil fertility and ecological balance and consequently minimizes wastage and pollution. This type of farming relies heavily on the ecologically balanced principles of agriculture such as green manure, crop rotation, organic waste, biological pest control, mineral, and rock additives. The implications of switching to such practices are huge, and the switch requires the involvement of a holistic approach to address the challenges and make the most of opportunities in the agriculture industry.
Why is Organic Farming Important?
The skyrocketing world population is making it tougher for companies in the agricultural industry to meet the food requirements. Ergo, sustainable cultivation and production of adequate crops is the need of the hour in the agricultural industry. The use of peptides and chemicals in the agricultural industry has been facing flak from health experts and the public due to the adverse effects it can have on human health and the environment. Here are some of the key advantages of adopting organic farming methods:
Nutrient-Rich Food
Organic farms are ideally managed and nourished using sustainable practices. Therefore, food crops produced organically are loaded with nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and other micro-nutrients as compared to those from conventional farms that use chemicals for cultivation. Crops from commercial or conventional farms have a comparatively lower nutrient content as most of the nutrients get destroyed by the use of harmful chemicals that are used to keep the produce fresh and pest-free.
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Enhances Soil Nourishment
Organic farming effectively addresses soil management. Organic farming methods such as crop rotation, inter-cropping techniques, and the extensive use of green manure can even help to farm on damaged soil, subject to erosion and salinity. The absence of chemicals in organic farming does not kill microbes, which increases the nourishment of the soil. This, in turn, also ensures that the crop remains nutrient-rich.
Conserve Agricultural Diversity
Did you know that in the last century, approximately 75% of the agricultural diversity of crops have been wiped out? Sticking to only a single form of farming is a recipe for disaster. Pests can knock out several species of a crop in this case. Organic farming methods on the other hand help produce disease and pest-resistant crops to guarantee a sustainable future.
Lower Growing Cost
Organic farming is a great way for players in the agricultural industry to ensure maximum production at minimum costs. The economics of organic farming is characterized by raising profit margins through lesser water usage, increased retention of topsoil, and lower expenditure on fertilizer and energy.