SWETCHA FOUNDATION - Organic Farming

Organic farming is more than a way of farming: it is a way of life enhancing agro-ecosystem health, biodiversity, and soil biological activity. Organic farming methods can produce even higher yields than conventional methods. Significant difference in soil health indicators and microbial abundance can be seen. The increased soil health in organic farms also results in considerably lower insect and disease incidence. Organic farming in intensive farms like in India has the potential to revitalize rural areas and their economies.

Advantages of organic farming

Reduces the level of pollution.
Reduces human and animal health hazards by reducing the level of residues in the product.
It ensures optimum utilization of natural resources for short-term benefit and helps in conserving them for future generation.
Reduces risk of crop failure.
Improves the soil physical properties such as granulation, good tilth, good aeration, easy root penetration and improves water-holding capacity and reduces erosion.
Helps in keeping agricultural production at a sustainable level by improving soil health.

Key Features of Organic Farming

Nutrient management in organic farming through

Organic manures and
Bacterial and fungal bio-fertilizers

Weed management and insect pest management in organic farming is done either manually or through biological methods without using chemical herbicides

Diseases management in organic farming is done through proper fertility management to crops through balanced supply of macro and micronutrients and adoption of crop rotation. One of the biggest rewards of organic farming is healthy soil that is alive with beneficial organisms. These healthy microbes, fungi and bacteria keep the harmful bacteria and fungi that cause disease in check.