Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Benefits of Organic Farming
• Makes agriculture more rewarding, sustainable, and respectable
• Sustains soil fertility by preventing the loss of soil and leaching of minerals
• Protects and enriches biodiversity—micro-organisms, soil flora and fauna,
plants and animals
• Requires less water and promotes water conservation
• Improves and maintains the agro ecosystem and natural landscape for
sustainable production
• Depends mostly on renewable on-farm resources
• Encourages consumption of renewable energy resources—mechanical and
other alternate sources of fuel
• Includes domestic animals as an essential part of the organic system, which
helps maintaining soil fertility and also increases the income of farmers
• Ensures pollution-free air, water, soil, food, and natural ecosystems
• Improves agro-biodiversity (both varieties and crops)
• Protects and enhances traditional knowledge in farming, processing, and
seed improvement, leading to its protection for the future generations
• Reduces the cost of production through locally suitable methods and inputs
• Produces an adequate quantity of nutritious, wholesome, and best-quality
food and develops a healthy food culture
• Reduces food mileage and, thereby, carbon emission
The State Government has seized on the importance of organic farming
and realized the health hazards and un-sustainability of chemical farming, as
it clearly states in its Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan that the state has to
have an organic farming policy to protect its rich biodiversity and thus sustain
various livelihoods dependent on this precious resource.
Organic Farming Policy, Strategy, and Action Plan
Objectives
1. Make farming sustainable, remunerative, and respectable
2. Enhance natural soil fertility and productivity
3. Ensure soil and water conservation
4. Ensure agricultural biosecurity and food and nutritional security
5. Create and ensure domestic markets for organic products, controlled by the
farmers
6. Avoid the use of agrochemicals and other hazardous material and ensure
chemical-free water, soil, air, and food
