Is organic farming the way out?

Organic farming is the model of farming that uses organic resources thus making it an eco-friendly practice. That said, organic farming does not use chemical pesticides and chemical fertilisers. With the growing awareness of the harmful effects of pesticides in the form of high morbidity and life-style diseases, there is a growing clamour for organic farming. Moreover, the need to conserve soil from the impact of chemical pesticides and the consequent run-off resulting in eutrophication and water pollution has given precedence to the adoption of organic farming.  Several states like Sikkim and Kerela have adopted organic farming on a wide scale.

However, it is a proven fact that the productivity of organic farming is much lower and that more organic resources would be required to ensure that there is no substantial decrease in productivity. This may lead to disproportional increase In prices of organic commodities thus making it unaffordable for the common man. Moreover, in the context of India, availability of land is a critical factor. India’s arable land is 2.4 percent of the total arable land in the world. With such scarce resources, India has to feed 1.25 billion of people which comprises 15 to 16 percent of world’s population.

Thus, what is required is a balanced approach that makes a judicious use of organic methods and science and technology.

Smart cities

Smart cities are those cities that strive to promote citizens’ engagement through information and communication technology(ICT) and a well-to-do urban service delivery system. The central government has proposed an outlay of 48000 crore over a period of five years to develop 98 smart cities across the nation. The remaining 48000 crores would be mobilized by the states as well as the private sector.

The reasons for developing smart cities are primarily two-fold. First, it would shift the already existing employment burden in agricultural sector towards non-agricultural sector. The agricultural sector is reeling under disguised unemployment. So, the construction sector in smart city plan would readily absorb the labour force thus providing employment to the needy sections of the society.

Second, the creation of employment opportunities would boost internal demand in the economy resulting in the sectoral growth of the manufacturing sector. It would ultimately help us to realize the ‘Make in India’ concept  that the nation aims to achieve. The smart cities would also indirectly attract foreign investments like FDI in the economy.

However, promoting urban governance holds the key for the success of ‘smart city’ initiative. That said, the central, state and the local government must work in tandem to implement the urban-centric programs. The urban bodies ought to be well-equipped and adequately staffed so as to implement the programs in an efficient and time-bound manner.