Question

Consider the following statements (A-D) about organic farming.
(A) Utilizes genetically modified crops like Bt cotton.
(B) Uses only naturally produced inputs like compost.
(C) Does not use pesticides and urea.
(D) Produces vegetables rich in vitamins and minerals.
Which of the above statements are correct?
i. (B), (C), and (D)
ii. (C) and (D) only
iii. (B) and (C) only
iv. (A) and (B) only

Answer 1

Hint: Organic farming is all about using nature-friendly things from inputs to outputs. Moreover, it is focused on reducing harmful chemical composition from the ecosystem.

Complete step by step answer: Organic farming is an approach to promoting sustainable and nature-friendly farming techniques. Farmers are focused to employ natural fertilizers like biofertilizers, manures, and compost for their soil and crops. Also, harmful chemicals like pesticides, insecticides are avoided to reduce the loss of fertility of the soil and to prevent the killing of beneficial insects.
Now, let us go through each option in detail to know which of the following statements are true about organic farming.
Statement A is that organic farming involves the usage of genetically modified crops or GMO crops. GMO crops are those that are engineered deliberately to make them drought-resistant or to enhance their characteristics. But organic farming employs only natural wild-type plants. So, this statement is not true.
Statement B says that organic farming utilizes only naturally produced inputs. So, the naturally produced inputs are those that do not involve the use of any artificial product or chemical synthesis. Products like composts, bio-fertilizers, and manure are produced totally in natural ways. They are products of decomposition by microbes. They are safe to use and are hundred percent organic. Thus, this statement is true.
Statement C is that organic farming does not use any pesticides and urea. Now, pesticides are made up of a mixture of many chemicals that are used to kill undesired pests or insects. But it is harmful to use them as they reduce soil fertility over years, they are toxic to human health, and they also kill beneficial insects sometimes. Urea is also used as fertilizer and as an additive in feed for animals. But it is also toxic and lethal to ingest and should not be used. As both of these products are chemical-based, organic farming does not employ them. Hence, it is also true.
Statement D is that organic farming produces vegetables rich in vitamins and minerals. The main goal of organic farming is safe and efficient production. It focuses on improving agricultural productivity and maintaining sustainable soil productivity. But it does not produce vegetables rich in vitamins and minerals particularly. So, this statement is wrong.
Hence, the correct answer is Option iii
Note: Over usage of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, insecticides, urea, and many other chemically synthesized products have damaged the soil productivity of fields. Also, they are causing harm to humans as well as animal life. Therefore, only organic products should be enhanced and advertised to be used in fields for safer and efficient crop production.