10 Facts About Organic Farming

To accommodate growing food demand due to the ever-increasing population worldwide, agricultural systems have adopted various unsustainable practices to obtain higher yields.

It includes the extensive use of chemicals. As a result, multiple global issues have emerged, such as climate change, soil degradation, soil erosion, water and soil pollution, and loss of biodiversity.

Organic farming has emerged as a great alternative that can help in meeting sustainable agriculture and food security goals.

Organic Farming

Organic farming can be understood as a natural, sustainable, and eco-friendly practice of farming in which the output is healthy for the consumers and economically beneficial for the farming communities.

This food production system tries to limit or completely avoid external inputs like pesticides, additives, artificial fertilizers, etc.

Various scientific studies and modern innovations, such as the use of plant growth promoters and biostimulants, have paved the way for the successful adoption of organic farming practices.

Also, agricultural land under organic farming is continuously increasing, although at a slow rate.

Here are 10 Facts about Organic Farming You Should Know

1. Organic Farming History – It is interesting to note that the movement supporting organic farming began seven decades back in the 1940s against the growing chemical-based farming across the world. Gradually, by the 1970s, the interest in organic farming grew in countries like the US. Today, with more awareness and demand for safe and healthy food, organic farming is growing in popularity worldwide.
2. Rising Demand – According to the Research Institute of Organic Agriculture – FiBL 2020 report, there are approximately 2.8 million organic farmers in more than 180 countries. India has the most number of organic producers. As per the market research company Ecovia Intelligence, the organic food market crossed 100 billion US dollars in 2018 for the first time.

Organic Farming Principles

Some of the commonly followed organic farming principles and practices are discussed.

1. Health – The principle of health is integral to organic farming as it aims to protect all living organisms from soil microbes to the human population.
2. Environment – Organic farming has grown in popularity due to the principle of saving the environment, which includes different components such as soil, water, land, climate, etc.
3. Food Security with Responsibility – Organic farming is a sustainable method that promotes the importance of meeting food security objectives with responsibility. It includes quality food production along with increasing quantity without compromising sustainability.

Organic Farming: Benefits to the Environment

1. Chemicals and Pesticides – Ever since the green revolution began, farmers have resorted to extensive use of chemicals and pesticides to increase farm productivity. However, the prolonged use of chemicals has eliminated beneficial microbes in the soil, degrading its quality and destroying its natural characteristics. Moreover, chemical use at large has caused pollution of water bodies, making them unhealthy for human consumption. Similarly, pesticides can contaminate soil, water, and air. Also, some pesticides remain for decades, which is dangerous for the environment.
2. Healthy Soil – Organic farming is one of the best ways to reverse the effects of chemicals on soil. Thus, organic farming practices and the use of innovations like biological seed treatment can make the soil healthy again and help natural microbes thrive. Consequently, it can support plant care. According to a study carried out in the US, soil in organic farms had higher soil organic matter, fulvic acid, humic acid, and sequestration rates than traditional farms.
3. Water Health and Algal Blooms – Agricultural activities and the use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers are major sources of water pollution. The run-off from farms reaches water bodies, resulting in algal blooms. It deeply impacts the aquatic ecosystem, leading to dead zones and fish kills. Organic farming, on the other hand, eliminates all these issues.
4. Crop Yield and Feeding the Population – It is predicted that food production will need to be doubled from the current rate by the year 2050. However, there is a growing demand for sustainable and eco-friendly food products from consumers. Thus, organic farming, with the help of the latest technology and solutions, can be the best food production model to boost crop yield and feeding the population in the future.
5. Nutrients – Various research and studies have shown significant nutritional differences between organic farming and traditional farming crops. The concentration of different elements, such as antioxidants, is found to be available more in organically grown foods. Evidence shows a low presence of heavy metals as well.

Biostimulants used in agriculture can help boost nutrient uptake, fight against abiotic stress, and improve crop yield.

Natural and eco-friendly solutions are redefining farming practices worldwide, carving out the path for sustainable agriculture.

Organica Biotech is a leading company with advanced solutions for sustainable agriculture.

The Magic Gro range of products consists of plant growth promoters, microbial biostimulants, and soil conditioners.

Made using advanced biosensors, microbiome replenishment technology, and biotechnology, the products help in increasing soil quality and farming productivity.

It can help in meeting food production goals sustainably. For more details, contact us today!