Organic Farming and Waste Management: An agricultural process that uses biological
fertilizers and pest control acquired from animal or plant waste, as its central theme
group of B.E students had visited GKVK Agricultural College. They will also make an
excerpt either as a documentary or a photoblog describing organic farming, its
implementation in GKVK, E-waste campaign and household waste management.
NAME OF THE STUDENT : MADHUMITHA M
USN NO : 1VI23IS057
SEM / SEC : 3/A
SUBJECT CODE : BSCK307
NAME OF THE FACULTY MENTOR : Ms. MANJUSHREE
DATE OF SUBMISSION : 24/12/2024
AGENDA
Introduction to Organic Farming.
Organic method of farming.
Benefits and Challenges of Organic farming
Technologies in Organic Farming
E-waste management.
Household wet waste management.
Signature of the Faculty Mentor
Organic Farming and Waste Management
3.1 ORGANIC FARMING
Organic farming focuses on using natural fertilizers and pest control methods
derived from plant or animal waste. It emerged as a response to the harmful
effects of chemical pesticides and synthetic fertilizers. This approach prioritizes
sustainability, ecological balance, and the health of both ecosystems and crops.
By avoiding synthetic chemicals and GMOs, organic farming relies on natural
inputs and biological processes, promoting environmentally friendly practices
and fostering resilient agricultural systems.
A geo-tagged group photo in GKVK Campus
GKVK (Gandhi Krishi Vigyana Kendra) Agricultural College, located in
Yelahanka, Bengaluru, is a premier institution under the University of
Agricultural Sciences. It is renowned for its research, education, and extension
activities in sustainable agriculture, organic farming, and rural development
Page No-1
3.2 ORGANIC METHOD OF FARMING
A Geo-tagged photo in Criyagen Agri and Biotech
1. Crop Diversity: Nowadays a new practice has come into the picture which is called
Polyculture in which a variety of crops can be cultivated simultaneously just to
meet the increasing demand for crops..
2. Soil Management: After the cultivation of crops, the soil loses its nutrients and its
quality depletes. Organic agriculture initiates the use of natural ways to increase the
health of soil. It focuses on the use of bacteria that is present in animal waste which
helps in making the soil nutrients more productive to enhance the soil.
3. Weed Management: Weed is an unwanted plant that grows in agricultural fields.
Organic agriculture pressurizes on lowering the weed rather than removing it
completely.
4. Controlling other organisms: There are both useful and harmful organisms in the
agricultural farm that affect the field. The growth of such organisms needs to be
controlled to protect the soil and the crops. This can be done by the use of herbicides
and pesticides that contain less chemicals or are natural. Also, proper sanitization
of the entire farm should be maintained to control other organisms.
5. Genetic Modification: Genetic modification is kept away from this kind of
agricultural setup because organic farming focuses on the use of natural ways and
discourages engineered animals and plants
Page No-2
3.3 ROLE OF INDIA IN FOOD PRODUCTION TO THE
WORLD
A Geo-tagged photo of a talk on organic farming and waste management.
India is a global leader in food production, being the largest producer of milk, jute,
and pulses. In the agricultural year 2022-23, the country achieved a record food grain
production of approximately 329.7 million metric tons, including 135.8 million metric
tons of rice and 110.6 million metric tons of wheat. It also ranks as the second-largest
producer of rice, wheat, sugarcane, cotton, and groundnuts, as well as fruits and
vegetables. Additionally, India plays a significant role in the global supply of spices,
poultry, and plantation crops. However, challenges such as climate change and
fluctuating monsoon patterns pose ongoing threats to agricultural productivity.
3.4 Benefits of Organic Farming
• Environmental Sustainability: By eschewing synthetic chemicals, organic
farming promotes biodiversity, conserves water, and mitigates soil erosion,
contributing to long-term environmental sustainability.
• Soil Health: Organic practices nurture soil structure, fertility, and microbial
activity, fostering resilient ecosystems that support plant growth and nutrient uptake.
• Human Health: Organic produce is free from pesticide residues and GMOs,
reducing exposure to potentially harmful chemicals and promoting health and well-
being.
Page No-3
• Animal Welfare: Organic standards mandate humane treatment of livestock,
including access to outdoor spaces and organic feed, aligning with ethical principles
of animal welfare.
• Community and Local Economy: Organic farming often occurs on a smaller
scale, with local operations, fostering community engagement, and supporting local
economies.
3.5 CHALLENGES OF ORGANIC FARMING:
Promoting organic farming in India faces numerous challenges that demand attention.
Foremost among these is the pervasive lack of awareness among farmers regarding
the advantages of organic practices. Many continue to rely on chemical fertilizers and
pesticides due to ignorance about their detrimental effects on soil health and
ecosystems. Furthermore, the inadequate infrastructure for organic farming poses a
significant hurdle.
Essential facilities such as compost pits and vermicompost units are scarce in many
regions, hindering the widespread adoption of organic methods. Additionally, there
is a dearth of trained personnel and certification agencies needed to oversee and
regulate the organic food market effectively
Page No-4
3.6 SEASON AND CLIMATE FOR HARVESTING
A geo tagged photo in GKVK Farmland
Climate and the changing seasons play a vital role in the way crops grow and are
harvested. For example, during the Kharif season (June to October), the monsoon
rains are essential for crops like rice, maize, and cotton, which need plenty of water
to thrive. In the Rabi season (November to April), cooler temperatures and less rain
help crops like wheat, mustard, and barley to grow, as they prefer drier, colder
conditions. The Zaid season (March to June) is the time for summer crops like
cucumbers and melons, which benefit from the warm weather and longer days.
3.6.1 Organic Fertilizers
In organic farming, natural fertilizers like compost and manure enrich the soil
with essential nutrients and improve soil structure. Bone meal and fish emulsion
provide slow-release phosphorus and nitrogen, while seaweed offers micronutrients
and growth-promoting compounds. Green manure, such as clover or alfalfa, is
grown and plowed back into the soil to add organic matter and nitrogen.
Page No-5
3.7 TECHNOLOGIES IN ORGANIC FARMING:
Precision Agriculture: This technology uses GPS, sensors, and data analytics
to monitor crop health and optimize the use of natural resources. By analyzing
soil moisture, nutrient levels, and pest presence, farmers can apply organic
inputs like fertilizers and pesticides more efficiently, reducing waste and
environmental impact.
Drone Technology: Drones are increasingly used in organic farming for tasks
such as crop surveillance, pest detection, and even applying organic fertilizers.
Drones can capture aerial images that help farmers assess crop health and
make more informed decisions, ensuring that interventions are targeted and
minimal.
Automated Irrigation Systems: Smart irrigation systems, which use soil
moisture sensors and weather data, allow farmers to deliver water precisely
when and where it is needed. This reduces water waste and ensures optimal
growing conditions for crops without the use of synthetic chemicals.
Biological Pest Control: Technologies in biological pest control involve the
use of software and apps that help farmers identify pests and diseases, predict
their spread, and recommend organic alternatives for pest management. This
helps reduce reliance on chemical pesticides and promotes biodiversity.
Composting Machines: Modern composting technologies use aerobic
digesters or machines to speed up the decomposition of organic waste,
converting it into rich compost or organic fertilizers. These machines are
efficient, energy-saving, and help reduce the environmental impact of waste
disposal
Page No-6
3.8 WASTE MANAGEMENT
Waste management encompasses a series of processes aimed at handling waste materials in a
manner that is both safe and environmentally sustainable. Given the vast quantities of waste
generated globally each day, effective waste management is critical to safeguarding human health
and preserving the environment. A fundamental principle of waste management involves
minimizing waste generation at its source. This can be achieved through various means such as
promoting recycling, composting organic materials, and encouraging the use of reusable
products. By reducing the volume of waste produced, the burden on waste processing and
disposal facilities can be significantly alleviated.
E-waste management can be done by reducing, reusing, or repairing electronics to extend their
lifespan before disposal. Recycling should be done through certified centers that safely extract
valuable materials and dispose of hazardous substances. Adhering to local regulations and
promoting awareness about the environmental impact of improper disposal are key steps in
responsible e-waste management.
3,
3.9 CHALLENGES IN WASTE MANAGEMENT
Rapid Urbanization: Urban areas generate a significant portion of the
world's waste, straining existing waste management infrastructure and
resources.
• Lack of Infrastructure: Many regions, especially in developing countries,
lack adequate facilities for waste collection, treatment, and disposal.
• Inefficient Waste Sorting: Inadequate waste sorting practices hinder
recycling efforts, leading to increased landfill usage and resource wastage.
• Consumer Behavior: A culture of overconsumption and single-use
products contributes to the proliferation of waste, challenging waste
reduction initiatives.
• Illegal Dumping and Pollution: Improper disposal practices, including
illegal dumping and littering, degrade the environment and harm
ecosystems.
4 . Innovative Solutions in Waste Management
• Circular Economy: Transitioning from a linear to a circular economy
promotes resource efficiency, emphasizing recycling, reuse, and reducing
waste generation.
• Advanced Waste Treatment Technologies: Technologies such as
anaerobic digestion, pyrolysis, and plasma gasification offer sustainable
alternatives to traditional waste disposal methods.
• Public Awareness and Education: Educating communities about waste
reduction, segregation, and the importance of responsible consumption
fosters behavioral change and enhances waste management practices.
• Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR): Implementing EPR policies
holds manufacturers accountable for the lifecycle of their products,
encouraging eco-design and waste reduction.
• Community Engagement: Engaging communities in waste management
initiatives, including decentralized composting and community recycling
programs, promotes local ownership and sustainability.
4. 1 3R PRINCIPLE
The 3Rs principle helps avoid and reduce the amount of waste we throw out. It is
an effective practice to conserve natural resources and energy. It also helps in cost
reduction for communities. You can build a healthier planet The "3 Rs" of waste
management – Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
1. Reduce: The first "R" emphasizes the importance of reducing waste at its
source. This entails adopting practices and acts that aim to limit the amount of
waste generated in the first place
2. Reuse: The second "R" focuses on the concept of reuse, which involves
extending the lifespan of products and materials by finding alternative uses for
them. Reusing items instead of discarding them after a single use helps conserve
resources and reduce waste. Examples of reuse include repurposing containers
for storage, repairing and refurbishing old furniture or electronics, and donating
gently used clothing and household items.
3. Recycle: The third "R" emphasizes the importance of recycling as a means of
diverting waste from landfills and conserving valuable resources. Recycling
involves collecting, sorting, and processing materials such as paper, glass, plastic,
and metal to manufacture new products. By recycling materials instead of
disposing of them as waste, valuable resources can be recovered and reused in
the production process, reducing the need for raw materials extraction and energy
consumption.
Report submitted on:24/12/2024
Student Signature
MADHUMITHA M
9|Module 4
