While westerners has popularly adopted organic farming in their own mini kitchen gardens, this concept of organic farming is gradually creeping in India as well. With government setting budget aside for organic farming at central level along with several major steps that state government of Sikkim, Kerala and Gujarat has taken, it appears that we are moving towards organic farming.
The diet conscious urbanites have already showed their inclination towards organic farming however, a major chunk of consumers still have not readily accepted organic products due the availability issues as well as high prices. On recognising this issue researchers and agriculturists suggest that the outbreak of organic farming in every part of the state tends to ease out the demand and supply curve letting the rates drop down to normal.
So, what are the various methods in which organic farming is done?
1. CROP DIVERSITY – Farmers indulged into organic farming opt for crop diversity. The sowing of multiple crops keep the soil fertile and enhances it with multiple nutrients. The organic farming highly encourages crop diversity. The variety of crops tend to be beneficial to microorganisms as well. Sowing only one type of crops makes the soil less fertile since the crops avail only the type of nutrients that are essential to it.
2. SOIL MANAGEMENT – Managing soil is another aspect of organic farming. Here the organic farmer replenishes the soil with nutrients through the methods like compositing and green manures. This biological process driven by microorganisms replenishes the soil with nutrients essential for the growth of various crops.
3. WEED MANAGEMENT – Weed management is another integral part of organic farming. Organic farming promotes the suppression of weed plants rather than elimination. The crop rotation practiced by organic farmers also discourages the growth of weed plants. Some of the weed controlling method include –
- Hand weeding
- Cover crops
- Cover flamers
Organic farming effectively enhances the nutritional content of the soil. In the long run it is highly economical and friendly towards the environment. The pesticides carried by non-organic products harm our system much before the visible symptoms. Hence, always prefer organically grown food items for a safer and healthier today and tomorrow!