UNIT 2 BENEFITS AND SCOPE OF ORGANIC FARMING Structure 2.0 Objectives Introduction Organic Farming Approaches 2.2.1 Traditional Farming Approach 2.22 Organic Farming Approach 2.2.3 Sustainable Farming Approach 2.2.4 Biodynamic Farming Approach 2.2.5 Natural Farming Approach 2.2.6 Permaculture Approach 2.2.7 LEISA Farming Approach Benefits of Organic Farming 2.3.1 Economic Benefits 2.3.2 Ecological Benefits 2.3.3 Social Benefits Scope of Organic Farming Let Us Sum Up Key Words Further References 2.8 Model Answers We have seen that organic farming is not only farming practices without chepicals, but is also relevant to the environment, agricultural traditions, animal welfare, farming communities, sensible energy use and soil and water conservation. It also addresses each one of us, our family, our health and our welfare. In this Unit we will be examining the different organic farming approaches and the advantages of going in for organic farming. 2.1 INTRODUCTION Most of us pay least attention to the quality of the food we consume. Despite numerous and regular reports in the media about the presence of pesticides and other chemical contaminants in food and water, we have not yet started searching for and demanding food that is grown in a non-toxic way. The fact is that many of us are very much isolated from the food production process- either in the farm or in the industry where it is done. Some of us not even have the faintest idea about how the food that comes in front of us in packets and bottles are prepared. Agriculture is becoming more and more commercial oriented now. As a result, food produced by anybody in what ever way is now available in the market as an industrial product. These producers may be concerned only about the profitability, but not the food safety and quality. Organic Farming- An Traditional farmers are very much concerned about their farming activities. They Overview use local varieties of seed, manures and consider the planting time and season based on the local climate. Fanning is more nature friendly and the produce is more nutritious. The processing of produce is also done locally. The principle followed in these farming is to allow nature to provide us the food the way nature intended it. The soil is of central importance. Farmers nourish the soil and its biotic environment. They never force feed the plants with chemicals to grow unnaturally fast. With regard to animal husbandry, animals are treated with care and respect. There are no cages, animals move free, graze on grass and natural pastures. Such kinds of farming similar to organic farming was everywhere in the past. Some are still there. There are different approaches to organic farming. So let's examine one by one. 2.2 ORGANIC FARMING APPROACHES 2.2.1 Traditional Farming Approach Traditional farming in India dates back to the Neolithic age of 7,500-6,500 BC. The farmers of ancient India are known to have evolved nature friendly farming practices. They considered the Earth as a living being. Agriculture was not developed just as a production system, but as a culture. Great attention was paid to agricultural technologies and agronomic practices. Sophistication came in through genetic diversity, crop rotation and mixed cropping systems. Animal husbandry was an integral part of the farming practice. Classical Indian plant science, Vrikshayurveda (Science of Plants) and Mrgayuveda (Science of Animals) in the form of Sanskrit hymns are a corpus of rich textual knowledge. In Vrikshayurveda, practices related to collection, selection and storage of seeds, germination, sowing, various techniques of plant propagation, grafting, nursing and irrigation, testing and classification of soil, selection of soil suitable to various plantsltypes of plants, manuring, pest and disease management, preventive and promotive care to build up disease resistance and to cultivate healthy plants are detailed. Favourable and unfavourable meteorological conditions were taken care of. Plants were used as indicators of weather, water, minerals etc. This knowledge system is alive even today among millions of Indian farmers. Furthermore, it is kept alive in many forms, such as folk songs, rituals, proverbs and riddles. Traditional farming practices are very rarely seen among the modern farmers today. However, some farmers in a few farming communities still follow these practices. Today organic farmers make use of these indigenous knowledge systems and try to integrate them in the modern organic agricultural practices, thus making changes easier and more effective, eg., use of Panchagavya growth stimulant/ pest control .formula and Njattuvela crop calendar followed in Kerala. 2.2.2 Organic Farming Approach The traditional wisdom gained and practices adopted by our farmers were passed down through generations and became ingrained in the cultural outlook of the society. Even today the belief system, the myths, rituals and religious Benefits and Scope of Organic Farming festivals of the Indians encompass these principles of soil, plant and animal health. The practices of seed selection, soil fertility and biodiversity are interwoven in the belief system. These practices were observed and documented by Sir Albert Howard (1873-1947), a British Botanist, and an organic farming pioneer. He was the principal figure in the early organic movement and acknowledged as the Father of Modern Organic Agriculture. He worked in India as Agricultural Advisor. He observed and supported the traditional Indian farming practices over that of modern agricultural science. Though he came to India to teach Western agricultural techniques, he found that the Indians could in fact teach him more. One important aspect he took notice of was the connection between healthy soil and the healthy populations, livestock and crop in villages. He was also called the "Father of modern composting", for his refinement of a traditional Indian composting system to what is now known as the Indore method. He went on to document and develop organic farming techniques and spread his knowledge through the UK-based Soil Association and the Rodale Institute in the US. His book, An Agricultural Testament, is a classic organic farming text. His work influenced and inspired many farmers and agricultural scientists to become part of the organic movement. Among them was Lady Eve Balfour (the Haughley, The Living Soil) and J.I. Rodale (Rodale Institute). In the past five decades, the traditional knowledge and organic principles were eroded because of the influx of modern scientific agriculture. However, this &nowledge has been sustained by some Indian communities especially in the Tribal and dryland areas. These areas are categorised as "organic by default". Such areas have come into focus after recent Government policy. Thousands of acres of land is cultivated by farmers in organic way. Their produce is either sold in the open market along with conventionally grown produce at the same price or at a nominal premium. Sometimes they sell their produce purely on goodwill and trust as "organic" through selected outlc's and regular specialist bazaars. These farmers are unable to get certification becadse of the costs involved as well as the extensive documentation that is required by 2.2.3 Sustainable Farming Approach It is estimated that about 65 percent of India's cropped area is rainfed. It is mostly seen in the dryland tracts. One speciality of this region is that high-input demanding crops are not grown on these lands. The fertiliser and pesticide use on these drylands is always much less. This is because the chemical fertilisers require sufficient water to respond. Also the economics of these hardy or "not- so profitable" crops will not permit expensive inputs. These areas though not "organic", can be considered as "sustainable farming" as the input use is less. However, produce from these areas cannot be sold as organic, as the certification agency will object to the application of certain chemicals even in smaller quantities. But farmers can opt for converting the farm to organic over a period by following certain guidelines. This approach exclusively rely on use of on farm resources. 25 This is a holistic system of agriculture that seeks to connect nature with cosmic creative forces. Bio-dynamic farming method has developed since 1922, on a foundation of advice and instruction given by Rudolf Steiner, a German Philosopher, known for his world view called Anthroposophy (Wisdom of man). The name 'Bio-dynamic7 refers to cosmic energies, that create and maintain life. This name was adopted by the first group of farmers inspired by Rudolf Steiner7s advice. The term was derived from two Greek words 'bios7 (life) and 'dynamics7 (energy). The use of the word 'method7 indicates that one is not dealing merely with the production of another fertilizer, which is organic, but rather, involves certain principles. These principles on practical application can provide healthy soil and healthy plants that in turn produces healthy food for man and animals. This approach has now become a distinct farming strategy of organic farming and the produces are certified as "DEMETER" Natural farming, also known as do-nothing farming or no-till farming was popularised by Masanobu Fukuoka, a Japanese agriculturist in 1940. He outlined his experience in his famous compilation, "The One-straw Revolution". The most essential aspect of natural farming is to let nature play a dominant role to the maximum extent possible. No-tillage, farm biodiversity, symbiotic farm inputs and protection of soil cover are given importance in this method of farming. The seed ball technique for sowing has also been highlighted by Fukuoka. The physical work and labour inputs are 80% less compared to other farming systems. Fukuoka proved that he can achieve yields similar to those of chemical farming. His methods have also been adapted to suit European conditions and many I farmers practice it there.