WHY SHOULD YOU CHOOSE ORGANICALLY GROWN FOOD?
Jan 04, 2021
Organic farming is an agricultural approach that promotes healthy food products harvested without the use of pesticides that harm humans and nature. Organic farming assures safe and healthy food besides making agriculture an eco-friendly activity. The practice of organic agriculture existed in India since ancient times. Unfortunately, these ancient organic farming methods were forgotten with the advent of fertilisers that help in easy and fast ways to maximise the yield the crop. But the use of these toxic fertilisers poisons the land, water and eventually results in deadly diseases. There is a need to revive organic farming on a large scale to provide nature nourished, medicinally rich food free from harmful chemicals. Organic agriculture methods not only help in getting safe and healthy food but also prevent environmental damage caused due to chemicals leaking into the soil and water sources, thus reducing pollution as well.
Organic food is grown without the use of pesticides, fertilizers
Farming as per the laws of nature using natural fertilizers and traditional methods is called Organic farming. It is also known as natural farming. No artificial chemicals are used in this method. There are two types of organic farming. In the first method, natural manure like cow dung, mixture of dry leaves, compost, mixture of neem leaves is used. This has been the traditional method used in Indian agriculture. In the second type of organic farming, a mixture made out of cow dung (Jeevamrutam) is used as natural fertilizer.
The five principles of organic agriculture are:
- No ploughing
- No use of chemical fertilizers
- No use of pesticides
- No removal of weeds
- No cutting of yield or saplings
Organic farming has been in existence since thousands of years
Organic farming methods began to progress in the early 19 th century. Sir Albert Howard, F.H. King, Rudolf Steener and few others believed that good yield can be achieved in farming with the use of fertilizers made out of cow dung and they achieved success by following the process. In 1940s J.I. Rodel and his son Robert proposed organic farming methods in a magazine called Organic Gardening and Farming. With Rachel Carson writing a book named Silent Spring, Organic farming gained further prominence. Japanese farmer Masanobu Fuku also worked hard for the popularity of Organic farming. In 1975 he published a book on the subject with the title Revolution with a Blade of Grass. His methods are also known as Fukuvaka methods or natural farming methods. In India, the efforts of Subhash Palekar from Maharashtra brought to fore the importance of Organic farming, in 1998. Many farmers in India started using these low-cost methods of farming.
According to the International Organic Agriculture Movements Federation, Organic farming methods protect the soil fertility equilibrium. This traditional farming method is aligned to the environment, life diversity, regional circumstances. This scientific, traditional yet innovative method of organic farming will further help the environment around it. Those involved in Organic farming also cultivate good relationships and lead quality life.
Natural farming method is the best choice for safe and nutritious food
Increasing the yield in line with the growing rate of population is not the only solution for mankind survival. Today the biggest challenge before the world is to increase the farm produce using traditional methods without losing nature equilibrium. Though Green Revolution increased the produce, the scientists agree that its after-effects on mankind have been negative. Against this backdrop, wherein pollution is so severe, it is difficult to do farming with chemical fertilizers and fossil fuels. These are not renewable either. In addition to getting costly in the future, these fuels and fertilisers are harmful for health. In such a situation Organic farming is the only ray of hope for the mankind.
Organic Vs Non-organic
It is essential to understand the difference between organic and non-organic food. Here is a quick glance at differentiating organic food from the non-organic.
Organic food | Non-organic food |
Nurtured in natural environment | Grown with use of chemicals and artificial fertilisers |
Not harmful to the environment | Harmful to the environment |
Safe to consume as chemicals are not used. | When consumed, the remnants of toxic chemicals tend to go into the body, leading to life threatening diseases. |
High nutrition, medicinal values. Rich in taste. | Nutrition is low |
Totally additive and preservative free | Additional preservatives are added to increase the shelf life |
We hope the information provided here guides you in making an informed choice while you purchase organic food products. It is always better to buy from authentic organic food sellers. You could also check naturesbox.in that works in harmony with nature to maintain the integrity of organically harvested, medicinally rich nutritious food.