Organic agriculture is a holistic farming system that depends on the natural processes and inputs to sustain soil health, regulate pests, and generate healthy crops without the application of synthetic chemicals. It focuses on ecological balance, biodiversity preservation, and soil health in the absence of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), synthetic fertilizers, and pesticides.
Central practices of organic agriculture are crop rotation, composting, green manuring, biological pest control, and mulching. These methods serve to improve soil structure, favor beneficial microorganisms, and enhance long-term yields. Livestock in organic production are kept under humane conditions on organic feed without the use of growth hormones or antibiotics.
Organic agriculture is picking up in India, with mounting consumer pressure for chemical-free food and government campaigns promoting natural farming. Sikkim, now the first completely organic state, is an example of the success of organic adoption on a large scale. Organic agriculture also benefits small-scale farmers by cutting down input costs and opening premium market access.
In addition to food production, organic farming promotes environmental health by limiting pollution, conserving water, and promoting biodiversity. Organic farming is also involved in climate change mitigation through increasing carbon sequestration in soils. Overall, organic farming presents a complete solution for sustainable agriculture and rural development.