Concept And Principles Of Organic Farming

Concept Of Organic Farming

The concept of organic farming is based on related aspects like ‘Organic Concept‘, ‘Holistic Concept‘, ‘Living Soil Concept‘, and ‘Healthy Plant Concept‘ where nature is perceived to be more than just an individual element. In this farming system, there is a dynamic interaction between soil, plant, human beings, animals, eco-system, and environment. It is more of a process-based farming approach where the quality of products is given importance. Farmers are encouraged to convert their existing farms into organic farms. A farmer willing to go in for organic farming should further understand the broad areas covering these concepts.

• Organic Concept

The term ‘Organic‘ is not directly related to the type of inputs [ fertilizers, HYV seeds, labor, etc. ] used, but refers to the concept of the farm as a living organism, in which all the supporting factors such as the soil, microorganism, living creatures, plants, animals and human beings – interact to create a healthy environment for the plants and animals to grow and produce healthy food for the human being. Every operation a farmer does on his farm is evaluated against ecological, economic, and social imperatives with an awareness of local and global implications.

• Holistic Concept

The ‘Holistic Concept’ is to view the agroecosystem as a whole in relation to the farm. Farmers are aware that their actions in one sphere can affect other parts of the ecosystem for better or worse. They take advantage of the biological cycles and interactions between animals, plants, soil, and climate. These are fundamental to enhancing the ecosystem’s productivity, health, and efficiency. Basically, organic farmers attempt to work with natural cycles rather than disrupting them.

• Living Soil Concept

The productive capacity of soil is linked with its health, which in turn is influenced by the ‘humus’ or ‘organic matter content’. The ‘humus’ is the most dynamic component of living soil. It plays an important role in shaping up the soil’s physical, chemical, and biological properties. Regular replenishment of ‘humus’ after harvest of a crop and its maintenance at optional levels are of primary importance into sustaining the productive function of the ‘living soil’. Apart from being a storehouse of many plant nutrients, the ‘humus’ improves the soil structure, activates soil life, minimizes the leaching loss of nutrients, and strengthens the natural resistance of plants against pests and diseases.

On the other hand, chemical fertilizers in the absence of ‘humus’ or inadequate levels of soil organic matter, will impair soil structure, disturb soil biotics, cause unfavorable changes in soil reaction and weaken the natural resistance of plants against adverse agro-climatic conditions and pest and disease attack.

• Healthy Plants Concept

In modern farming, the high yield varieties have displaced the diverse and locally adapted indigenous cultivars. As these high-yielding crop varieties are with narrow genetic base, they are more susceptible to pest and disease attacks compared to the local indigenous varieties. This has resulted in a spurt in the incidence of pests and diseases, necessitating the increased use of pesticides. Prolonged use of pesticides against a particular insect helps it in developing resistance to these chemicals. It also kills many of the naturally occurring predators and parasites, which are biological pest control agents. In many cases, pests that caused minor damages in the past have become a major threat in the absence of natural enemies. This is termed Pest Resurgence.

Similarly, in-plant diseases too, spraying of fungicides had resulted in the building up of resistance by harmful pathogens and microorganisms. The build-up of higher levels of these toxic chemical residues in the plant, food, atmosphere, soil, groundwater, and other water bodies is the most serious health and environmental problem associated with the continued use of chemicals.

Thus, organic farming is not the mere growing of plants and animals but it needs a thorough understanding of various principles and prudent management of on-farm resources and processes.

 

Principles Of Organic Farming

The Principles of Organic farming reflect the potential contribution this farming system could makes to the world, and hold out a vision of how all agricultural systems should function in the larger context.

The Four Principles As Delineated By IFOAM Are:

1. 1. The Principle of Health.
   2. The Principle of Ecology.
   3. The Principle of Fairness.
   4. The Principle of Care.

Each principle is articulated through a statement followed by an explanation. These principles are to be used as a whole. They are composed of ethical principles to inspire action.

• The Principle Of Health

Organic Agriculture should sustain and enhance the health of soil, plant, animals, humans, and the planet as a whole.

This principle underscores that the health of individuals and communities cannot be separated from the health of ecosystems. Healthy soil produces healthy crops that foster the health of animals and people. Health is the basis of the wholeness and integrity of living systems. It is not simply the absence of illness, but the maintenance of physical, mental, social, and ecological well-being. Immunity, resilience, and regeneration are key characteristics of health.

Organic agriculture enhances the health of ecosystems and organisms. In particular, it is intended to produce high-quality nutritious food that helps to ensure preventive healthcare and well-being. In view of this, it should avoid the use of harmful fertilizers, pesticides, animal growth drugs, and food additives that may have a bearing on health.

• The Principle Of Ecology

Organic Agriculture should be based on living ecological systems and cycles. It should also support and sustain the ecosystem and environment.

This principle anchors organic agriculture within living ecological systems. It states that production is to be based on ecological processes and recycling. Nourishment and well-being are achieved through the ecology of the specific production environment. For example, in the case of crops, this is the living soil; for animals, it is the farm ecosystem; for fish and marine organisms, the aquatic environment.

Organic farming and pastoral and wild harvest systems should fit in the cycles and ecological balances in nature. These cycles are universal but their operation is site-specific. Organic management must be adapted to local conditions, ecology, culture, and scale. Inputs should be reduced by reuse, recycling, and efficient management of materials and energy to maintain and improve environmental quality and conserve resources.

Organic agriculture should attain ecological balance through the design of farming systems, establishment of habitats, and maintenance of genetic and agricultural diversity. Those who produce, process, trade, or consume organic products should protect and nourish the common environment, including landscapes, climate, habitat, biodiversity, air, and water.

• The Principle Of Fairness

Organic Agriculture should build on relationships that ensure fairness with regard to the common environment and life opportunities.

Fairness is characterized by equity, respect, justice, and stewardship of the shared world, both among people and in their relations to other living beings.

This principle emphasizes that those involved in organic agriculture should conduct a human relationship in a manner that ensures fairness at all levels and to all parties – farmers, workers, processors, distributors, traders, and consumers. Organic agriculture should provide everyone involved with a good quality of life and contribute to food security and reduction of poverty. It aims to produce a sufficient quantity of good quality food and food products.

This principle would insist that animals should be provided with the conditions and opportunities of life that accord with their physiology, natural behavior, and well-being. Natural and environmental resources that are used for production and consumption should be managed in such a way that is socially and ecologically just and should be held in trust for future generations. Fairness requires a system of production, distribution, and trade that is open and equitable and accounts for real environmental and social costs.

• The Principle Of Care

Organic Agriculture should be managed in a precautionary and responsible manner to protect the health and well-being of current and future generations and the environment.

Organic agriculture is a living and dynamic system that responds to internal and external demands and conditions. Practitioners of organic agriculture can enhance efficiency and increase productivity, but this should not be at the risk of jeopardizing health and well-being. Consequently, new technologies need to be assessed and existing methods reviewed. A good understanding of the ecosystem and agriculture is a must for exploiting it.

This principle also states that precaution and responsibility are the key concerns in management, development, and technology choices in organic agriculture. Science is necessary to ensure that organic agriculture is healthy, safe, and ecologically sound. However, scientific knowledge alone is not sufficient. Practical experience, accumulated wisdom, and traditional and indigenous knowledge that are tested over time offer valid solutions. Organic agriculture should prevent significant risks by adopting appropriate technologies and rejecting unpredictable ones, such as genetic engineering. Decisions should be transparent and participatory and reflect the values and needs of all who could be affected.