Two Sides of Organic Farming

Organic farming is the most traditional, ethical, and eco-friendly way of farming. It is a system of agriculture that uses organically made fertilizers such as bio manure and organic pesticides to grow the crops. It strictly restricts the use of any synthetic products on crops. Organic farming includes the use of green manure, Vermicomposting, crop rotation, cattle waste, etc.

 But, as we say, ‘A coin has two sides’; organic farming also has two sides.

Side 1

This is the beneficial and sustainable side of organic farming.

• Keeps the land fertile. The strict prohibition of chemicals and synthesized fertilizers prevents the soil to give up its fertility. But on the other hand, processes like crop rotation, intercropping, and the use of bio manures help to increase the fertility of the land.
• Water conservation. Regular use of chemicals in conventional farming pollutes the underground water as well as the water in nearby water bodies. But in organic farming, bio manures and fertilizers add nutrients to the water.
• Less carbon. Organic farming reduces voluntary carbon emissions by not spraying or using any synthetic pesticides. And thus helps in controlling climate change.
• Maintains biodiversity. Organic farming never harms the flora and fauna in and around the agricultural land. It makes sure that the eco cycle is maintained by allowing natural predators. It also increases the disease resistance of the crop. By promoting natural biodiversity, organic farming restricts genetically modified seeds or organisms and replaces them with natural pollination.
• A service to Environment. Organic farming does a positive interaction environment and helps in
• Soil formation
• Soil stabilization
• Reducing carbon emission
• Nutrient cycle
• Balancing eco cycle
• Naturally developing seeds through pollination.
• Healthy and trustworthy products. The products from the organic farms are chemical-free and much healthier than any other products.

Side 2

The numerous benefits of organic farming to the environment as well as to us can leave a remark that organic farming is 100% sustainable.

But the truth is, it is not!

• Insufficient production. Organic farming is a natural and time-consuming process of agriculture and when the production is compared to the demand, organic products are not enough sufficient.
• Involuntarily contributes to the carbon footprint. The insufficient and slow production of crops leads to the establishment of new farmlands in order to increase production. For that, forests and the natural habitats of organisms are been destroyed. Many trees are cut to create farmlands. This action will increase the amount of carbon in the atmosphere. This carbon and gasses like methane and nitrous oxide from livestock manure pave the way to massive climate change.
• A Large amount of water. The only way to increase production in organic farming is to increase the area of farmland. Plenty of water is needed to hydrate the large area of the farm.

Organic farming is a really good method of agriculture. But you should also be aware of its other side.