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.