A comprehensive look at the environmental, health and agricultural benefits of embracing organic farming over conventional practices

Agriculture and farming have a long history. Agriculture is the most basic kind of human activity, encompassing both crop production and animal domestication. Agricultural land is thus the most basic of the world’s vast and varied resources, and it is from it that the world’s population is fed and sheltered. Agriculture is the main economic structure for many developed and developing countries. India is a global agricultural powerhouse. It is the world’s largest producer of milk, pulses, and spices, and has the world’s largest cattle herd (buffaloes), as well as the largest area under wheat, rice and cotton. It is the second-largest producer of rice, wheat, cotton, sugarcane, farmed fish, sheep & goat meat, fruit, vegetables and tea. The country has some 160 m ha under cultivation of which some 63 percent are rainfed (roughly 100m ha) while 37 percent are irrigated (60m ha). In addition, forests cover some 81m ha of India’s land. Agriculture farming in India is a century-old activity and is currently the highest contributor to the GDP of India. Agriculture and allied sectors remain the third largest contributor to the country’s GDP contributing about 22% and farmers constitute 58% of India’s population. Agriculture is the primary source of income for the mentioned percentage of the population. The Indian food industry also aims to grow by leaps and bounds. Already, the Indian food market stands as the 6th-largest globally with food processing covering over 32% of the country’s food industry. Thus, we see that India is enriched by both traditional and commercial forms of agriculture.
Keeping in mind the importance of agriculture it is important to have an environmentally friendly and sustainable technique of farming so that agriculture and agricultural land can be conserved for future generations. For sustainable growth and development of agriculture, the best type of farming is organic farming.
Organic farming is all about working with nature instead of against it. It focuses on using natural methods to maintain soil fertility, control pests, and promote overall ecosystem health. Organic farming involves using natural materials and techniques to grow crops and raise livestock. Unlike conventional farming, organic farming avoids synthetic chemicals and focuses on sustainable practices. It promotes biodiversity, soil health, and animal welfare. Organic farmers use techniques like crop rotation, composting, and natural pest control methods. It’s a great way to produce food while taking care of the environment.
Organic farmers avoid the use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Instead, they rely on techniques like crop rotation, cover cropping, composting, and biological pest control. This approach helps to preserve soil quality, reduce pollution, and support biodiversity. Organic farming also emphasizes the well-being of animals, promoting their natural behaviours and providing them with organic feed. It’s a sustainable and environmentally friendly way to produce food.
There are many reasons that make organic farming better than conventional farming, a few of the reasons and key points why organic farming is considered a better alternative to conventional farming are given below:
1. Environmental Benefits: Organic farming practices help protect the environment by reducing soil erosion, preserving biodiversity, and minimizing water pollution. By avoiding synthetic chemicals, organic farmers contribute to healthier ecosystems and promote sustainable agriculture.
2. Healthier Food: Organic farming prioritizes the use of natural fertilizers and pest control methods, resulting in food that is free from synthetic pesticides, herbicides, and genetically modified organisms (GMOs). This means that organic produce is often considered healthier and safer for consumption.
3. Soil Health: Organic farming focuses on building and maintaining soil health through practices like crop rotation, cover cropping, and the use of organic matter such as compost. This helps to improve soil structure, fertility, and nutrient content, ensuring long-term sustainability.
4. Animal Welfare: Organic farming places a strong emphasis on the well-being of animals. Organic livestock are raised in humane conditions, with access to outdoor areas and organic feed. This promotes natural behaviours and avoids the use of growth hormones and antibiotics.
5. Sustainable Approach: Organic farming follows a holistic approach that aims to create a balance between agricultural production and environmental preservation. By minimizing the use of non-renewable resources and prioritizing natural processes, organic farming contributes to a more sustainable future.
Conventional farming on the other hand includes the use of harmful chemicals and synthetic substances like fertilizers, pesticides etc that cause more harm to agriculture, agricultural land and even crops. The use of fertilizers, especially synthetic ones, can pose several threats to the environment and human health. Here are a few key concerns:
1. Water Contamination and Pollution: Excessive use of fertilizers can lead to runoff, where the nutrients from the fertilizers enter water bodies like rivers and lakes. This can cause an overgrowth of algae, leading to a decrease in oxygen levels and harm to aquatic life. As I mentioned earlier, the runoff of fertilizers into water bodies can lead to water pollution. This can contaminate drinking water sources and expose humans to the harmful chemicals present in fertilizers.
2. Soil Degradation: Continuous use of synthetic fertilizers without proper management can lead to soil degradation. It can disrupt the natural balance of nutrients, decrease soil fertility, and reduce beneficial microorganisms, impacting long-term agricultural productivity.
3. Health Risks: Synthetic fertilizers may contain harmful chemicals that can contaminate food crops. Prolonged exposure to these chemicals can have adverse effects on human health, including potential risks of toxicity and certain diseases.
4. Ecosystem Disruption: The excessive use of fertilizers can disrupt natural ecosystems by altering the nutrient balance and favouring the growth of certain plant species over others. This can harm native plants, reduce biodiversity, and impact the overall ecological balance.
5. Chemical Exposure: Synthetic fertilizers often contain harmful chemicals such as pesticides and herbicides. Prolonged exposure to these chemicals can have adverse effects on human health, including potential risks of toxicity, respiratory issues, and skin irritations.
6. Contaminated Food: When synthetic fertilizers are used excessively or improperly, they can contaminate food crops with chemical residues. Consuming such contaminated food may pose health risks, especially if these chemicals are ingested over a long period of time.
7. Occupational Hazards: The improper handling and application of synthetic fertilizers can pose risks to farmers and agricultural workers. Direct contact with these chemicals without proper protective measures can lead to health issues, including skin and respiratory problems.
It’s important to note that the risks associated with fertilizers can be mitigated through proper usage, safety measures, and adherence to regulations. Organic farming, which avoids synthetic fertilizers, is often considered a safer alternative for both the environment and human health. Organic farming relies on natural fertilizers like compost and manure, which are less likely to cause environmental harm. Organic farmers also adopt practices like crop rotation and cover cropping to maintain soil fertility naturally. There is a very effective and successful future for organic farming in the coming years as organic crops are more healthy and naturally grown as compared to conventional crops. There are large scopes of organic farming as it is cheap and does not include the use of toxic substances, drugs, etc.
The writer is pursuing an MSc in Earth Sciences at IGNOU, New Delhi. He can be reached at [email protected]

Shiekh Bilal