#organic farming #sustainable #agriculture #natural #India
Organic farming is a sustainable agricultural practice that focuses on producing crops and livestock without the use of synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, genetically modified organisms, or growth hormones. Instead, organic farmers rely on natural methods like crop rotation, composting, and biological pest control to maintain soil health and manage pests. This method of farming promotes biodiversity, reduces pollution, and produces food that is free from harmful chemicals.
Organic farming was being practiced in India years ago till the British ruled it. In traditional India, agriculture was practiced by using organic techniques, where the fertilizers, pesticides etc. were obtained from plant and animal products. Organic farming was the backbone of the Indian economy. Ploughing was done by bullocks and cow dung was used as manure. During 1950s and 1960s, the ever increasing population of India and several natural calamities led to a severe food crisis. As a result, the government was forced to import food grains from foreign countries, to increase food security the government had increase production, and then hybrid seeds were introduced.
Natural and organic fertilizers were replaced by chemical fertilizers and locally made products replaced by chemical products. Extensive dependence on inorganic farming has led to loss of fertility of land; increased costs of farming led farmers in debt trap of moneylenders who then exploits them and because of this majority of farmers commit suicide.
At present people now gradually shifting back to organic farming in India. It is believed by many that organic farming is healthier and consumers are ready to pay high amount for the same. Majority of farmers are shifting back to organic farming because of increasing demand of organic products in domestic and international markets by consumers.
Today more than 2.5 million hectares of land is under organic farming in India and there are over 15000 certified organic farms in India. India is one of the most important suppliers of organic food to the developed nations.
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