What is Organic farming – definition, characteristics, benefits and principles  
 
The introduction of chemicals into agriculture made many people curious about what they could achieve. The seeds have not fallen. At first the land was good. The damage caused by chemical fertilizers is unprecedented. The insects have not yet developed resistance to the chemicals. Technology is spreading around the world as it is seen as a revolution in agriculture. 

Fast forward to today and many people are looking forward to gardening again. This is after we learned that conventional farming methods cause many problems, including health-related diseases such as cancer, pollution, soil and water damage and their effects on livestock. 

Agriculture is a process that involves growing trees and raising animals in a natural way. This method involves the use of organic materials, avoiding the use of synthetic materials to maintain the fertility of the soil and the balance of the environment, thus reducing pollution and waste .

 In other words, organic farming is a method of farming that involves growing and maintaining crops without the use of synthetic fertilizers or pesticides. Additionally, no genetically modified ingredients are allowed. It is based on agricultural principles with ecological balance such as crop rotation, green grass, weed control, pest control, mineral supplements and stones. Agriculture uses pesticides and fertilizers if it is considered natural and avoids the use of various petrochemical fertilizers and pesticides. 

The International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movement (IFOAM), an international organization established in 1972 for the organization of organic agriculture, defines the goals of organic agriculture as follows:
 
“Organic Agriculture is a production system that preserves the health of the soil, the environment and the population. It relies on ecological systems, biological diversity and acceptable cycles in local conditions, instead of using harmful inputs. Agriculture combines tradition, innovation and science for the benefit of the environment and promotes fair relations and a good quality of life for everyone involved…”

The difference between organic and conventional farming

 In conventional farming, before planting, the farmer will use a strong chemical to treat or disinfect his field to get rid of any existing pesticides. It will use fertilizers from petroleum to fertilize the soil. On the other hand, the organic farmer must prepare and enrich his soil before planting by spreading natural fertilizers such as manure, bone meal or shellfish fertilizer.
 
Before planting the seeds, the conventional farmer will spray the seeds with fungicides and pesticides to keep insects and pests away. Chemicals are also added to the irrigation water to prevent insects from stealing the planted trees. On the other hand, the organic farmer will not soak his seeds in a chemical solution or water the newly planted seeds with chemically treated water. Of course, it will not pour water in the city, which is often chlorinated to kill bacteria. It will depend on natural rainfall or harvested and stored rainwater for use during the dry months.

 If the fruit has grown and it is time to clear the weeds, the farmer will use a herbicide to kill the weeds. organic farmer would not use such chemicals to get rid of weed problems. Instead, he will remove the soil from the garden, even if he is working hard. Better yet, organic farmer can use a flame to clear the weeds or by using animal to eat away the weed. 

When it come to consumption, it means that anyone who eats the products of the conventional farmer will put pesticides and waste products into the body, which can lead to the development of dangerous diseases like cancer. People understand that health is important to them and that is why they are now turning to organic products in record numbers.

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Reasons for organic farming

 The planet’s population is increasing and feeding the world is becoming increasingly difficult. Now is the time to plant seeds and produce food for all. The Green Revolution and its chemical-based technologies are losing their appeal as distribution declines and returns become unsustainable. Pollution and climate change are other negative impacts caused by the use of chemicals from fossil fuels. Regardless of our food choices, organic food is the best choice you can make, and that means following organic farming practices.

Here are the reasons why we should adopt organic farming methods: 

1. To get the benefits of nutrients

 Foods from organic farms are rich in nutrients such as vitamins, enzymes, minerals and other micronutrients compared to those from farms. In fact, food is managed and served as a sustainable practice. In fact, some previous researchers have collected and tested vegetables, fruits and grains from organic farms and farms. The conclusion is that food from organic farms is more nutritious than that from commercial or conventional farms. The study went on to show that five servings of these fruits and vegetables from organic farms provided enough vitamin C. However, the same fruits and vegetables did not produce the same ratio.

2. Stay away from GMOs
 
Statistics show that genetically modified (GMO) foods are dramatically damaging the food supply, with effects far beyond our understanding. What makes them such a big threat is that they are not labeled. So, sticking to organic food from natural sources is the only way to reduce these serious effects of GMOs.

3. Natural and good taste

 Those who have tasted organically farm food will testify that they are very tasty and healthy. The natural and superior taste comes from well-balanced soil and food. Nutritional farmers often prioritize quality over quantity.

 4. Direct support to farming

Buying food products from farmers is an investment that pays off in the future. Traditional farming methods have benefited from subsidies and tax breaks from many governments in recent years. This led to an increase in commercially produced foods that contributed to the outbreak of dangerous diseases such as cancer.

 It is time for the government to invest in agricultural technology to reduce these problems and save the future. It all starts with buying food products from reputable organic sources.

 5. Save different types of agriculture

 These days it is unusual to hear stories about extinct species, and it should be cause for concern. In the last century alone, about 75 percent of agricultural biodiversity was wiped out. Going to some type of farm is a recipe for future disaster. A classic example is the potato. There are different types available in the market. Today, one type of potato dominates.
 
This is a dangerous situation because if pests destroy the remaining varieties of potatoes that exist today, we will not have any more potatoes. This is why we need organic farming methods that produce disease and drug resistant crops to ensure a sustainable future.

6. To prevent antibiotics, drugs and hormones in animal products

 Milk and commercial meat products are often contaminated with hazardous substances. A statistic published in an American newspaper revealed that more than 90% of the chemicals people eat come from meat and dairy products. According to a report from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the majority of pesticides consumed by humans come from poultry, meat, eggs, fish and dairy products since animals and birds that – produce these products that sit on top of the food.
 
This means that they are fed foods that contain chemicals and toxins. Medicines, antibiotics and growth hormones are also injected into these animals, so it is transferred directly to meat and dairy products. Additive hormones from farm-raised fish, beef and dairy contribute significantly to chemical exposure. And these chemicals come from many problems like genital cells, the danger of cancer and other causes.

The main characteristics of organic farming

•   Protect soil quality by using organic matter and promote biological activity .

• Indirect supply of nutrients in the field for the soil micro-assessment.

•   Nitrogen fixation in soil using legume.

•  Prevention of weeds and pests depends on methods such as crop rotation, biological diversity, carnivore, organic fertilizers and appropriate chemicals, temperature and biological.

•  Animal husbandry, housekeeping, nutrition, health, breeding and reproduction

•  Take care of the environment as a whole and protect habitats and wildlife.
  

Four principles of organic farming 

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1. Health standards

 Organic agriculture should contribute to the health and well-being of the soil, plants, animals, people and the planet. It is the maintenance of mental, physical, environmental and social well-being. For example, it provides people with pollution and nutritious food, which is free of chemicals.

2. The principle of equality

Upholding justice is evident in maintaining justice and fairness in the shared world, both among humans and among other living things. Agriculture provides a good livelihood and helps reduce poverty. Natural resources must be used wisely and preserved for future generations.

3. Principles of environmental balance

 Productive agriculture must be modeled on biological systems. The organic farming method will be compatible with the ecological balance and cycle.

 4. Standards of care

 Careful and efficient agriculture must be used to benefit current and future generations and the environment. Unlike modern, conventional farming methods, agriculture does not rely on synthetic chemicals. It uses natural and organic methods to increase soil fertility, such as microbial activity that promotes plant nutrition. 

Second, many crops grown in organic farms promote diversity, which increases productivity and stability and contributes to good agricultural practices. Traditional farming methods that use monoculture destroy soil fertility. organic_farming_in_backyard
 

Why is modern agriculture unsustainable?

•   Loss of soil fertility due to excessive use of chemical fertilizers and lack of crop rotation. 

• Nitrate water during the rainy season pollutes the aquatic environment.

•  Soil erosion due to deep plowing and heavy rains. 

• more fuel is required for cultivation.

• Use of toxic biocides to control pests and weeds. Abusing animals in their homes, feeding, breeding and slaughtering.

• Loss of biodiversity due to monoculture. 

• Native animals and plants are losing opportunities for diversity and hybridization.

 
Benefits of organic food and agricultural products

1. Better nutrition

Compared to the foods grown in ancient times, nutritious foods are much more abundant in food. The nutritional value of food is determined by its mineral and vitamin content. Agriculture improves soil nutrient transfer to plants and animals.

2. Helps us stay strong

 Organic food does not contain any chemicals. This is because farmers do not use chemicals at any stage of the growing process like their colleagues. Organic farmers use natural farming methods that do not harm humans or the environment. These foods prevent dangerous diseases such as cancer and diabetes. 

3. Non-toxic
 
Organic Farming does not use toxic chemicals, pesticides or herbicides. Research shows that a large proportion of people exposed to pesticides used in agriculture have developed diseases such as cancer. As farming avoids these toxins, it reduces the diseases and illnesses that result from them. 

4. Organic food is very true

 For a product to be considered organic food, it must have quality control and well-studied natural processes. The same rules apply to international markets. This is a big win for consumers because they are getting good organic food. These positive reviews and reviews clear out the quacks who want to profit from the organic food label by shipping commercially produced foods instead.

5. The price is low

 
There is a misconception that organic food is expensive. The truth is that they are really cheap because they don’t need expensive pesticides, insecticides and herbicides. In fact, you can get organic food directly from the source at a very reasonable price.

6. Enhanced Taste

 The quality of food is also determined by its taste. Meat foods are usually tastier than other foods. The sugar content in fruits and vegetables makes them sweet. The quality of fruits and vegetables can be measured using the Brix test. 

7. Organic farming methods are Eco friendly
 
In commercial farms, applied chemicals seep into the soil and contaminate nearby water sources. This event affects plant, animal and human life. Therefore, agriculture does not use these harsh chemicals; the environment remains protected.

 8. Longer shelf life
 
Organic plants have more metabolic and repair structures in their cells than conventional plants. This makes it possible to store organic food for a long time.