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Advantages & Disadvantages of Organic Farming Ultimate Guide

Have you thought about how a farmer produces anything that we eat? Recently, farmers worldwide have understood the importance of producing organically on the farm. However, there are lakhs of farmers who are still producing through various other production approaches other than organic farming.

Now, whether you should start organic farming on your farm or not, right? Don’t worry; this article is your answer to every question. Learn about the advantages and disadvantages of organic farming before you start doing it.

Also, we have secret information for you (if you are a farmer), but for that, you must have to read this article till the end. 

What is Organic Farming?

Organic farming is a farming concept under which the food crops you take to the table are produced using approved natural techniques without using synthetic chemicals on the crops or incorporating GMOs into the production process. This is a natural approach to farming and will work in harmony with the land and all the aspects related to farming and, in essence, your health.

This is one of the natural methods of cultivation whereby organic farmers use recommended practices such as rotation of crops, use of organic manure, and biocontrol of pests and diseases to nourish their crops, hence making every bite you take to have a burst of every nutrient that you can think of.

Advantages of Organic Farming

Here’s the list of remarkable benefits of organic farming in India:

#1. Nutrient-dense and Flavorful Produce

Organic produce, fruits, and vegetables are grown on healthy soil; hence, they are capable of realizing their full taste. These crops do not require synthetic fertilizers and are rich in vitamins, minerals, and other antioxidants that nature has to offer.

#2. No Harmful Chemicals Usage

Industrial farming today utilizes a combination of synthetic chemicals, including pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers, that may end up in the food you consume and the water you drink. Organic farming does not use such dangerous chemicals. Hence, you, your family, and the environment are shielded from health complications and pollution.

#3. Environmental Preservation

Organic farming is all about maintaining a natural system of agriculture that does not harm the soil or the environment as a whole. Organic farms do not use synthetic input and pesticides and thus create a sanctuary for pollinators, beneficial insects, and wildlife that enhance ecosystem services and improve ecosystem health.

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#4. Soil Conservation

A healthy soil base is of effectual importance for an improved and sustainable farming method, and organic farming is all about the soil. Such practices as the use of cover crops, crop rotation, and natural manure, which are among the various types of agricultural practices in India, all serve to enrich the soil, conserve it from washing away, and serve future generations’ fertility needs.

#5. Water Conservation

Beyond that, organic farming practices are less likely to demand much water and, at the same time, provide special attention to the management of small concave features that control water infiltration. Also, since there is no use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, water pollution is avoided, hence protecting water resources.

#6. Climate-Friendly Practices

Organic farming cultivation has been found to be efficient in that it does not harm the natural environment in the way that usual methods do. Synthetic fertilizers are products of highly energetic processes; organic farming prohibits their use and advocates for such as crop rotation and minimum turning of the soil; hence, it aids in climate change management.

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#7. Ethical and Humane Treatment of Animals

Before animals and their produce can be classified as organic, there are a few conditions regarding animal welfare that must be fulfilled. Organic farmers highly consider the welfare of animals as they provide the animals with adequate space to move and be healthy without hormonal enhancement or antibiotics.

#8. Supports Local Communities

In this respect, organic farming can become one of the means through which local economic and social systems are strengthened. By choosing to consume organically farmed fruits, vegetables, or other farm produce directly from farmers or through CSA shares, one becomes a stakeholder and a customer with regard to the food basket.

Besides the advantages of organic farming, it’s important to note that it requires careful planning, management, and a deep understanding of natural processes.

Disadvantages of Organic Farming

Organic farming comes with certain challenges and disadvantages; here’s the list:

#1. Lower Yields

The very first disadvantage of organic farming is that farming yields less than conventional agriculture. This, however, is important since although organic farmers who do not use Artificial fertilizers and pesticides may have some problems with pest and disease control, weeds, and soil fertility, they will be able to offer less yield per unit area.

#2. Higher Production Costs

Organic farming practices are normally more difficult and, hence, are expensive to carry out. Some of the factors that could result in a variation in the operation cost include the timing operations, intensity, and direction of operations, the type of operations such as manual weeding and natural pest control, the frequency of the operations, and the type of inputs such as the organic fertilizer.

#3. Certification and Compliance Costs

Farmers wishing to produce something that they will label as organic and sell in the market need to undergo certification and meet some conditions that the state sets. This is because the approach can be expensive and time-consuming, thus placing an extra cost factor on organic farming ventures.

#4. Vulnerability to Pests and Diseases

As for organic farms, synthetic pesticides are not allowed to be used in the rearing of the farms. Hence, the farms could be easily affected by pests and plant diseases. Farmers generally apply natural pest control, which is not effective in severe outbreaks and leads to crop losses.

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#5. Limited Availability and Higher Prices

The demand for organic products is much higher than the actual supply due to certain barriers, and therefore, the prices for these products are also high. This can reduce the availability of organic foods to those who might be financially strained due to the higher prices.

#6. Longer Transition Period

It is not easy for a regular farmer to start organic farming. Farmers need to bear the costs of organic agriculture, and the crop can only be sold as organic once the farmers have been in the process for several years. Consequently, this transition period could be financially difficult for farmers.

#7. Skilled Labor Requirements

Organic farming techniques are more challenging to master than traditional farming because they are still developing their methods in many states. The farmers need to know how to control pests using natural mechanisms, how to execute crop rotation, and so on, which some may not need to learn.

#8. Climate and Weather Challenges

Organic farming usually enjoys good weather and climate; hence, it is very sensitive to weather conditions. Weather conditions like drought, flood, or change in climate have negative effects on the production and productivity of organic crops.

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When you know the advantages and disadvantages of organic farming, you can decide whether to grow organic foods or not.

How can Krishispray help you with organic farming?

If you are a farmer and want to switch to organic farming but need more knowledge and implements, you should consult an agricultural professional.

You can visit Krishispray to find farm sprayers. Krishispray is a sprayer manufacturer that has a wide range of spray machines, agriculture spray pump, spray guns, spray nozzles, etc, for all your spraying and farming needs. Whether you are doing organic farming or traditional farming, you need a perfect sprayer, and Krishispray is a one-stop solution for sprayers, spray nozzles, spray guns, and more. 

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