Question

What is organic farming? Write 4 advantages of organic farming.

Answer 1

Hint:-Organic farming has gained importance in the modern generation when the increased use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides caused adverse effects on the soil biology, soil erosion, natural microbial population in the soil and health of people consuming the food products. The use of organic matter, formed by the decay of plants and animals, to increase the fertility of soil gave rise to the term organic farming.

Complete Answer:-
Organic farming is a method of agriculture in which manures and pesticides of organic origin are only used. It is an eco-friendly practice which has gained importance in the 20th century, due to the rapid use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides in farming. Biological weapons like biological pest control methods are also encouraged in organic farming.
There are many advantages of organic farming.
1. The natural physiology of the soil is maintained. The use of chemical fertilizer disrupts the normal level of minerals present in the soil, which is balanced by organic matters.
2. Better health can be achieved by using organic food products. The increased number of cases of cancer and other diseases are greatly related to the intake of chemical pesticides via food products. This chemical intake can be prevented by using organic fertilizers and biological pest control methods.
3. The use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides have increased water pollution and affected freshwater reserves like rivers. The chemicals in the soil reach the water bodies through rain water and cause pollution. The availability of freshwater is also affected. The use of eco-friendly products avoids this kind of water pollution.
4. The main cause of climatic change is the increasing level of carbon compounds and greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Organic farming helps to fix more carbon in the soil . The manufacture of chemicals emits high amounts of greenhouse gases, which can also be prevented by organic farming.
Besides, better quality food products obtained by organic farming taste better.

Note:- Even though organic farming is highly promoted nowadays, there are several drawbacks to it. Agricultural practices need better skill and experience. Productivity rate will be less compared to modern farming methods. Organic farming consumes more time as it involves manual activities at a higher rate. Genetically modified crops are not cultivated in organic farming. Deforestation to obtain more agricultural land is also an argument raised against organic farming.