Organic Farming
The word organic has a number of connotations attached to it. The definition cannot be narrowed to a particular area of study; in fact, the word “organic” spreads over a larger range of areas where it can be applied. The basic definition, however, remains the same because the derivation of the meaning of the word is unanimously universal. Organic is derived from or relates to, living organisms. In the simplest sense of the word, organic is simply organic matter obtained from the use of living organisms.
Anything that involves the use of fertilizers or pesticides which are strictly and solely obtained from animal or vegetable origin are organic in nature.
Raised or carried out without the use of drugs, hormones or synthetics chemicals deems products to be organic in nature, example being organic Cattle rearing. Lifestyle of people can also be organic if it is close to nature or simple and healthy. Organic farming is described as an ecologically balanced approach to farming which does not rely on artificial means to yield products. It is basically not treated with any kind of chemicals or at the most, the minimum amounts of chemicals are used. Foods which are organic are usually believed to be free of artificial additives and processed with the least use of artificial methods.
Surveys and studies have revealed the environmental effects of organic farming and the consensus across these surveys is that organic farming is less detrimental for the following reasons:
1 – Organic farms do not consume or release synthetic pesticides into the environment, which may prove harmful for soil and aquatic life.
2 – They are capable of maintaining a diverse eco system and a balanced one.
3 – Uses less energy and produce less waste.
4 – Adds fertility to soil
5 – Provides boosts the natural resistance of plants and animals against diseases by encouraging the number of natural organisms to flourish.
Apart from benefiting the environment, it is also accredited to organic farming that it increases the yield. However, there are certain critics who refute it by claiming that organic farming can feed a meager number of people compared to the world population and that too after destruction of eco systems and an excess waste of resources. A rebuttal to this statement shows that materials needed for organic farming are easily accessible than those used in conventional farming, and thus organic methods could produce enough food to sustain the world population. The fact of the matter is, that organic farming may benefit the yield in some countries while it may not do the same in others, depending on how developed a country is and obviously because of the availability of materials needed in organic farming. Studies also reveal that organic farming is more energy efficient.
Moreover, organic products are known to have more nutrients as compared to conventionally grown products. Since the soil quality improves as a result of organic farming better taste is also attributed to organic products for this reason.
As given above, organic products are more improved and provide many benefits to the consumers. Usually all organic products have similar characteristics. All such products are free from the use of any synthetic chemicals and are extremely original in nature. Generally organic products are more costly and higher demands of these products are directly related to higher incomes. A number of other factors determine the demand for organic products and the need for an organic lifestyle. The propensity to buy organic products has been related to people’s concern to external or direct personal effects of their usage.