ORGANIC

FARMING
BY
MANSOOR AHMAD (247)
SUBMITTED TO
DR. SHAHEEN SHAH
DEPARTMENT OF AGRONOMY
DEFINITION
• Organic farming is a production system that sustains the health of soils, ecosystems and
people. It relies on ecological processes, biodiversity and cycles adapted to local conditions,
rather than the use of inputs with adverse effects.
USES OF ORGANIC FARMING
• Organic farming uses ecologically based pest controls and biological fertilizers derived largely
from animal and plant wastes and nitrogen-fixing cover crops.
• Organic farming uses fewer pesticides, reduces soil erosion, decreases nitrate leaching into
groundwater and surface water, and recycles animal wastes back into the farm.
• Organic farming originated early in the 20 th century in reaction to rapidly changing farming
practices.
• Certified organic agriculture accounts for 70 million hectares (170 million acres) globally,
with over half of that total in Australia.
• Biological pest control, mixed cropping, and the fostering of insect predators are encouraged.
RANKING OF COUNTRIES IN ORGANIC
FARMING
Here is a ranking of countries by the amount of land dedicated to organic farming .

Australia: 53 million hectares

India: 4.73 million hectares

Argentina: 4.06 million hectares

• United States: Over 2.1 million acres
RANKING COUNTRIES OF ORGANIC
FARMERS
Here is a ranking of countries by the number of organic farmers ²:

India: 650,000

Uganda: 191,000

Mexico: 170,000

Philippines: 166,000
• Tanzania: 149,000
WHY DO WE GO FOR ORGANIC FARMING
We go for organic farming for several reasons:

Environmental protection: Organic farming promotes ecological balance, conserves

biodiversity, and reduces pollution.

Health benefits : Organic produce is free from harmful chemicals, pesticides, and synthetic
fertilizers, making it a healthier choice.
• Climate change mitigation : Organic farming practices like agroforestry, permaculture,
and regenerative agriculture help sequester carbon and reduce greenhouse gas emissions
WHY DO WE GO FOR ORGANIC FARMING
Soil conservation : Organic farming practices like crop rotation, composting, and cover
cropping improve soil structure, fertility, and overall health.
• Water conservation : Organic farming methods like mulching and cover cropping help
reduce water evaporation and retain soil moisture.
• Promotes biodiversity : Organic farming practices like agroecology and permaculture
encourage diverse crop rotation, supporting a wider range of plant and animal species.
• Sustainable agriculture : Organic farming is a sustainable and long-term approach to
agriculture, prioritizing the well-being of both people and the planet.
WHY DO WE GO FOR ORGANIC FARMING
Supports local communities : Organic farming often involves local, small-scale farming,
which supports local economies and communities.

Increased crop yields : Organic farming methods like crop rotation and polyculture can lead
to higher yields and more resilient crops.
• Reduced chemical use : Organic farming avoids synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and
herbicides, reducing chemical exposure for farmers, consumers, and wildlif
PROBLEM OF ORGANIC FARMING AND IT’S
CONTROL
Some of the problems of organic farming and their control measures are:
• 1 Pest and disease management*: Organic farming relies on natural methods to control
pests and diseases, which can be challenging.
• Control measures: Crop rotation, biological pest control, cultural controls, and
Resistant varieties
PROBLEM OF ORGANIC FARMING AND IT’S
CONTROL
Yield reduction : Organic farming often results in lower yields compared to conventional
farming.

Control measures: Improved crop varieties, optimal crop rotation, and efficient water
management.

High labor costs: Organic farming requires more manual labor, increasing labor costs.
• Control measures: Mechanization, efficient farm planning, and labor-saving technologies.
PROBLEM OF ORGANIC FARMING AND IT’S
CONTROL
4. Marketing and certification challenges : Organic farmers face difficulties in marketing
and certifying their products.

Control measures: Developing market channels, certification programs, and labeling

schemes.

5. Limited access to credit and inputs: Organic farmers often lack access to credit and
organic inputs.
• Control measures: Financial institutions offering credit to organic farmers, and availability
of organic inputs.
PROBLEM OF ORGANIC FARMING AND IT’S
CONTROL
6.Climate change : Organic farming can be vulnerable to climate change impacts like drought
and extreme weather events.

Control measures: Agroforestry, conservation agriculture, and climate-resilient crop varieties.

7.Limited scalability : Organic farming can be difficult to scale up to meet large-scale

commercial demands.
• Control measures: Developing large-scale organic farming models, and aggregating small-
scale farmers.
PROBLEM OF ORGANIC FARMING AND IT’S
CONTROL

8.Lack of standardization : Organic farming practices and standards can vary widely.

Control measures: Developing and implementing standardized organic farming practices and
certification.

9.Limited research and extension*: Organic farming often receives limited research and
extension support.
• Control measures: Increased investment in organic farming research and extension services.
PROBLEM OF ORGANIC FARMING AND IT’S
CONTROL
10.Soil degradation*: Organic farming can be vulnerable to soil erosion and nutrient
depletion.
• Control measures: Conservation tillage, cover cropping, crop rotation, and organic
amendments
ADVANTAGES OF ORGANIC FARMING
The advantages of organic farming include

Healthier animals and healthier meat: Organic farms do not use cramped conditions or poor
quality food for animals.

No additives: Organic farms do not use food additives, preservatives, flavorings and
colorings, which can be harmful to health.
• Better for the environment: Organic farming methods like agroforestry, permaculture, and
regenerative agriculture help sequester carbon and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
ADVANTAGES OF ORGANIC FARMING
No GMOs: Organic farms do not use genetically modified organisms (GMOs), which are a
cause for concern because of unknown health effects and possibilities for contamination.
• No chemical pesticides : Organic farms only use natural methods of pest control, ensuring
harmful chemicals aren’t entering the body.
• Supports local communities : Organic farming often involves local, small-scale farming,
which supports local economies and communities.
ADVANTAGES OF ORGANIC FARMING
Increased crop yields: Organic farming methods like crop rotation and polyculture can lead
to higher yields and more resilient crops.

Reduced chemical use: Organic farming avoids synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and
herbicides, reducing chemical exposure for farmers, consumers, and wildlife.
• Promotes biodiversity: Organic farming practices like agroecology and permaculture
encourage diverse crop rotation, supporting a wider range of plant and animal species.
• Sustainable agriculture: Organic farming is a sustainable and long-term approach to
agriculture, prioritizing the well-being of both people and the planet.
DISADVANTAGES OF ORGANIC FARMING
Some disadvantages of organic farming include:
• Lower yields: Organic farming methods can result in lower yields compared to
conventional farming methods.
• Higher labor costs : Organic farming requires more manual labor and careful attention,
increasing labor costs.
• Higher cost of organic inputs : Organic seeds, tools, and other inputs can be more
expensive than conventional alternatives.
• Weather and pest vulnerability : Organic farming methods can leave crops more
vulnerable to weather conditions and pests.
DISADVANTAGES OF ORGANIC FARMING
Limited availability of organic inputs: Organic inputs may not be readily available or
accessible in all areas.

Time-consuming certification process : Obtaining organic certification can be a lengthy and

bureaucratic process.
• Limited market access : Organic produce may not have equal access to markets and
distribution channels.
• Higher prices for consumers : Organic produce is often more expensive than
conventionally grown produce.
DISADVANTAGES OF ORGANIC FARMING
Limited scalability: Organic farming methods can be difficult to scale up to meet large-scale
commercial demands.

Lack of standardization: Organic farming practices and standards can vary widely, making it
difficult to ensure consistency and quality.

Dependence on natural resources: Organic farming relies heavily on natural resources, such
as compost and manure, which can be limited in supply.
• Limited use of technology: Organic farming often eschews modern technological
advancements, which can limit efficiency and productivity.
THANK YOU