Organic farming: Nurturing healthy soil ecosystems

New Delhi: Organic farming is an agricultural approach that eschews synthetic chemicals like pesticides, fertilizers, and genetically modified organisms. Instead, it relies on natural techniques, raw materials, fertilizers, pesticides, etc. to cultivate crops. The core principle of organic farming is to nurture plants by fostering healthy soil ecosystems. This method relies on ecological principles, biodiversity, and cycles adapted to local conditions rather than the use of synthetic chemicals and genetically modified organisms. The focus is on maintaining healthy soil, ecosystems, and people. Organic farming shares a lot of similarities with traditional farming techniques. Though they are different, one can grasp traditional farming knowledge for a more sustainable approach.

In the early 20th Century, the modern organic farming movement started as a reaction to the industrialization of agriculture. Between the mid to Late 20th Century, during the post-World War II era there was a surge in the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, leading to increased productivity but also concerns over environmental and health impacts. In 1960s and 1970s there were counterculture movements in Europe and North America played a crucial role in promoting organic farming as part of a broader ecological and sustainable living ethos. From Late 20th Century to Present, there is a significant rise in consumer demand for organic products, leading to the establishment of certification bodies and regulatory frameworks. The USDA Organic label was established in 2002. Since then, the organic farming sector has continued to grow, driven by concerns over food safety, environmental sustainability, and health.

India has a long history of traditional farming practices that are essentially organic. Traditional Indian agriculture relied on natural inputs like manure, crop rotation, and intercropping. The “Vrikshayurveda,” an ancient Indian text on agriculture, outlines sustainable farming practices that align closely with modern organic principles.  Sir Albert Howard’s work in India from 1905 to 1924 was pivotal. His observations of Indian farming methods influenced his development of composting techniques and soil health principles, which he later brought to the West.  Sir Albert Howard often called the “father of modern organic agriculture,” emphasized the importance of maintaining soil fertility through composting and natural processes. The Green Revolution in the 1960s introduced high-yielding variety seeds, chemical fertilizers, and pesticides to increase food production, which also led to concerns about soil degradation, water scarcity, and health issues. The adverse effects of the Green Revolution spurred interest in sustainable and organic farming practices.

The organic farming movement in India gained momentum between the 1980-1990, with pioneers like Bhaskar Save, promoting natural farming methods. The establishment of organizations like the Indian Organic Farmers Producer Company (IOFPC) and the Organic Farming Association of India (OFAI) helped support and spread organic farming practices.

Presently Government initiatives and schemes like the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) and Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) have supported the growth of organic farming in India. States like Sikkim have become fully organic, and regions like Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and parts of the Northeast are promoting organic agriculture. The rise in consumer awareness and demand for organic products has led to an increase in the area under organic cultivation and the number of certified organic farmers.

Contribution to Agriculture, Floriculture, and Horticulture

Increased Income: Organic farming practices reduce the need for expensive chemical inputs, thus lowering production costs and increasing profitability for farmers. The demand for organic products domestically and internationally boosts income through exports.

1. Environmental Benefits: Organic farming is environmentally friendly, reducing pollution and improving soil health, which is crucial for sustainable agriculture.
2. Enhanced Quality and Nutritional Value: Organic products are often perceived as healthier and more nutritious, which increases their market value.
3. Support for Allied Sectors: Government schemes like RKVY support various allied sectors, promoting integrated agricultural development and encouraging organic practices in floriculture and horticulture.
4. Environmental Health: By avoiding synthetic chemicals, organic farming practices help reduce pollution and conserve water and soil health, contributing to a healthier environment for all. This ecological benefit supports overall public health by maintaining cleaner air, water, and soil. Organic farming’s emphasis on soil health and biodiversity can lead to more resilient ecosystems that are better able to support human health and well-being​. Organic farming is being used as home gardening and kitchen gardening since ages. Use of organic farming in plant nurseries for flowers and kitchen gardens is also on the rise. Organic farming in plant nurseries and kitchen gardens involves using natural methods to grow healthy, vibrant plants without synthetic chemicals. These traditional methods focus on soil health, natural pest control, and sustainable practices.

Organic farming and traditional farming share a common lineage, both rooted in time-honored practices that cherish the land and aim for sustainability. Yet, there exists a delicate divergence between them. Traditional farming may embrace synthetic chemicals to bolster growth and ward off pests, whereas organic farming steadfastly relies on nature’s own remedies—compost, green manures, and biological pest control. The essence of organic farming lies in nurturing soil health and maintaining ecological harmony, often validated by stringent certification standards. Thus, while they walk parallel paths, organic farming wends its way with a distinct, eco-conscious ethos.

A recollection of some of the organic and traditional farming methods used in home gardens and nurseries is presented below:

1. Soil Preparation and Soil Health

Composting: Use well-decomposed organic matter to enrich the soil. Compost improves soil structure, moisture retention, and nutrient content.

Green Manure: Grow cover crops like clover or alfalfa and incorporate them into the soil to add organic matter and nutrients.

To make manure, compost vegetable peels, fruit scraps, coffee grounds, and eggshells in a 2:1 ratio of greens (nitrogen-rich) to browns (carbon-rich) and turn regularly to aerate. For a natural pesticide, blend garlic, onion scraps, and chili peppers with water in a 1:1:1 ratio, strain, and spray on plants, while diluted vinegar (1 part vinegar to 3 parts water) can be used as a weed killer.

Crop Rotation: Rotate crops annually to prevent soil depletion and reduce pest and disease buildup.

Intercropping: Plant complementary crops together to enhance soil fertility and deter pests. For example, planting beans with corn provides nitrogen to the soil.

Banana Peels: Buried banana peels provide potassium, which is crucial for flower and fruit development.

Citrus Peels: Citrus peels can be composted or used as a natural pest repellent. The oils in citrus peels can deter ants and other insects.

2. Seed Selection and Sowing

Heirloom Seeds: Use seeds from traditional varieties that are adapted to local conditions and have natural resistance to pests and diseases.

Seed Saving: Save seeds from the healthiest plants for future planting, ensuring the preservation of beneficial traits.

3. Natural Fertilization

Vermicomposting: Use earthworm castings to provide a nutrient-rich fertilizer for seedlings.

Organic Mulch: Apply organic mulches like straw, leaves, or grass clippings to retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and add nutrients as they decompose.

4. Pest and Disease Management

Companion Planting: Plant flowers that attract beneficial insects or repel pests. For example, marigolds can deter nematodes, and lavender can repel moths.

Neem Oil and Soap Sprays: Use neem oil or insecticidal soap sprays to manage pests without harming beneficial insects.

Biocontrols: Introduce natural predators like ladybugs or lacewings to control aphids and other pests.

Herbal Teas and Extracts: Use teas made from garlic, onion, or chili to deter pests.

Physical Barriers: Use nets, row covers, or plant collars to protect young plants from insects and birds.

Handpicking: Manually remove pests like caterpillars, snails, and beetles.

Insecticide: Chili peppers can be used to make a spicy spray that repels a variety of insects. Blend hot peppers with water, strain, and spray on affected plants.

5. Water Management and Conservation

Rainwater Harvesting: Collect rainwater to irrigate plants, reducing dependence on groundwater.

Drip Irrigation: Use drip irrigation systems to deliver water directly to the plant roots, minimizing water wastage.

Traditional Methods in Kitchen Gardens

Mulching: Apply organic mulch around plants to retain moisture and reduce the need for frequent watering.

Water plants deeply and less frequently to encourage deep root growth.

6. Beneficial Plantings

Herb Spirals: Create herb spirals to maximize space and create a microclimate for various herbs.

Pollinator Gardens: Plant flowers like sunflowers, lavender, and zinnias to attract pollinators, which are essential for fruit and vegetable production.

Using raw materials from the kitchen as inputs for organic farming is a sustainable and cost-effective way to enhance soil fertility, manage pests, and promote healthy plant growth.

Some Additional Tips for Organic Farming at Home:

1. Beneficial Microbes: Adding a small amount of yogurt to the soil can introduce beneficial bacteria, improving soil health and plant growth.
2. The key to successful organic farming on a home terrace is to start small, choose low-maintenance plants, and utilize sustainable gardening practices. With minimal effort and cost, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of fresh, organic produce right from your own terrace.
3. Choose the right plants: Opt for vegetables, herbs, and small fruits that thrive in containers and require minimal maintenance, such as tomatoes, peppers, leafy greens, radishes, and herbs.
4. Prepare the soil: Fill your planter boxes or containers with high-quality, well-draining organic potting mix. Add compost to provide essential nutrients for the plants.
5. Maximize space: Use vertical gardening techniques like trellises or cages to grow climbing plants and save space on your terrace.
6. Implement water-efficient methods: Use drip irrigation or self-watering planters to minimize water usage and maintain consistent moisture levels.
7. Embrace natural pest control: Introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs or lacewings to manage pests organically. Use organic pesticides sparingly if necessary.
8. Compost kitchen waste: Create a small compost bin on your terrace to recycle food scraps and produce nutrient-rich compost for your plants.
9. Rotate crops: Alternate the placement of different plant types to prevent soil depletion and disease buildup.
10. Invest in quality tools: Acquire essential gardening tools like hand trowels, pruners, and a watering can to make your tasks more efficient.
11. Start small and expand gradually: Begin with a few containers or raised beds, and then slowly increase the scale of your organic farming as you gain experience.

Some common benefits of Organic Farming

4Organic farming eliminates the need for costly fertilizers, pesticides, or high-yielding variety (HYV) seeds, thus reducing additional expenses.

4By utilizing inexpensive and locally sourced inputs, farmers can achieve a substantial return on investment.

4The significant demand for organic products both in India and internationally leads to increased income from exports.

4Organic products are more nutritious, flavourful, and healthier compared to those produced with chemicals and fertilizers.

4Organic farming avoids the use of chemicals and fertilizers, making it environmentally sustainable.

The Indian Government has taken initiatives which collectively aims to transform Indian agriculture into a more sustainable, productive, and profitable sector, ensuring long-term environmental and economic benefits​. The National Centre for Organic and Natural Farming under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare plays a crucial role in promoting organic farming by implementing the National Project on Organic Farming. The Jaivik Kheti Portal serves as a marketplace for organic produce, facilitating the sale and promotion of organic products. Initiatives like the Prakritik Kheti Khushal Kisan Yojana in Himachal Pradesh aim to reduce cultivation costs and enhance farm income through natural farming practices.

Conclusion

Organic farming brings a tapestry of benefits, from nurturing rich, vibrant soils to fostering diverse ecosystems. It takes from the environment and gives back to it and helps replenish the earth for better growth of plants. It steers clear of synthetic chemicals, instead embracing nature’s own methods. The variety in organic farming includes mixed farming, crop rotation, and agroforestry, each weaving its own unique pattern in the landscape.  For those tending to plant nurseries, organic farming is a harmonious approach, offering an eco-friendly way to cultivate fruits, vegetables, and more. It enhances soil fertility, conserves water, and promotes healthier plants that thrive without the harsh touch of chemicals. Ultimately, organic farming not only nourishes the earth but also yields bountiful, wholesome produce, connecting growers with the essence of nature.

Shivangi Shankar