Organic Farming: A Sustainable Approach of Agriculture

Abstract

The human population is increasing day by day, due to increasing natality and decreasing mortality, which is causing a decline in resources and increasing food scarcity. Global warming, climate change, and heavy chemical fertilizer use affect agricultural products’ productivity and quality. Using chemical fertilizers in agriculture is not environmentally friendly and is hazardous to human health and other organisms. To produce healthier and sufficient amounts of food for the growing human population in a sustainable way, it is necessary to adopt an eco-friendly farming method. Also, we need to focus on increasing the productivity of the land under cultivation with lower costs and higher efficiency of products with little or no damage to both humans and the environment. Compared to conventional farming, organic farming has a lower yield. Organic farms provide better quality with low variability for environmental sustainability, while conventional farms produce high crop yields. Organic farming systems have attracted increasing attention over the last decade because they are perceived to offer some solutions to the problems currently besetting the agricultural sector. Organic farming has the potential to provide benefits in terms of environmental protection, conservation of non-renewable resources, and improved food quality. Organic farming is a societal need, not only from the consumer’s perspective but also from a farmer’s point of view. For the transformation of rural agriculture into well-sustainable agriculture, organic farming might become a panacea that can build a plinth for sustainable agriculture, reimburse conversion costs, and maintain the sustainability of the soil.

Full text

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Organic Farming:
A Sustainable Approach of
Agriculture
Dr. Balram Sahu
Assistant Professor
Govt. Rani Durgwati College,
Wadrafnagar, Balrampur (CG) India
Ms. Laxmipriya Pradhan
Research Scholar
Plant Gene Expression Lab.,
CSIR-NBRI, Lucknow (UP) India
Abstract
The human population is increasing day by day, due
to increasing natality and decreasing mortality, which is
causing a decline in resources and increasing food scarcity.
Global warming, climate change, and heavy chemical
fertilizer use aect agricultural products’ productivity
and quality. Using chemical fertilizers in agriculture is not
environmentally friendly and is hazardous to human health
and other organisms. To produce healthier and sucient
amounts of food for the growing human population in a

Organic Farming: A Sustainable Approach of Agriculture 9
sustainable way, it is necessary to adopt an eco-friendly
farming method. Also, we need to focus on increasing
the productivity of the land under cultivation with lower
costs and higher eciency of products with lile or no
damage to both humans and the environment. Compared
to conventional farming, organic farming has a lower yield.
Organic farms provide beer quality with low variability
for environmental sustainability, while conventional farms
produce high crop yields. Organic farming systems have
aracted increasing aention over the last decade because
they are perceived to oer some solutions to the problems
currently beseing the agricultural sector. Organic
farming has the potential to provide benets in terms of
environmental protection, conservation of non-renewable
resources, and improved food quality. Organic farming is a
societal need, not only from the consumer’s perspective but
also from a farmer’s point of view. For the transformation of
rural agriculture into well-sustainable agriculture, organic
farming might become a panacea that can build a plinth for
sustainable agriculture, reimburse conversion costs, and
maintain the sustainability of the soil.
Keywords: Fertilizers, Agriculture, Environment, Non-
renewable resources
Introduction
In today’s world, where pollution and environmental
degradation have become major concerns, the need
for sustainable practices in all aspects of life, including
agriculture, is more crucial than ever. Traditional farming
methods that heavily rely on synthetic fertilizers and
pesticides contribute to environmental pollution and disrupt
the delicate balance of nutrients in the soil (Tudi et al. 2021;
Krasilnikov et al. 2022). However, there is an alternative
agriculture practice such as organic farming, which is an

10 Rural Development
eco-friendly approach that oers a natural way of crop
cultivation, utilizing organic resources that are enriched
with essential nutrients (Adamchak 2023; Gamage et al.
2023). Organic farming involves the utilization of organic
materials and techniques to enhance soil fertility, control
pests and diseases, manage weeds, and promote the overall
health and well-being of crops and livestock (Kalainith
2013; Cherlinka 2020). It is based on a set of principles that
promote sustainability, biodiversity, and environmental
stewardship and include the avoidance of synthetic inputs,
the promotion of biodiversity, the preservation of soil health,
and the responsible use of natural resources (Gamage et al.
2023).
Organic farming maintains ecological balance
by promoting natural cycles and minimizing human
intervention, recognizing the interconnectedness of plants,
animals, and microorganisms. Prioritizing soil health, organic
farmers utilize sustainable practices like crop rotation, green
manure, and natural fertilizers while avoiding synthetic
chemicals. They work to enhance biodiversity through
diverse habitats, preserving indigenous plant varieties,
and employing natural pest control methods (Muhie 2022;
Gamage et al. 2023). Organic farming oers numerous
advantages to agriculture, humans, and the environment,
making it a sustainable and responsible approach to food
production (Meemken and Qaim 2018; Gamage et al. 2023).
One of the primary benets is the promotion of soil health.
Organic farming practices use natural fertilizers, compost,
and crop rotation, enhancing soil structure and fertility,
and leading to healthier and more nutrient-rich produce
(Kalainith 2013; Cherlinka 2020). Additionally, organic
farming prioritizes the well-being of humans by producing
food free from synthetic pesticides and chemical residues.
This reduces the risk of exposure to harmful substances,

Organic Farming: A Sustainable Approach of Agriculture 11
leading to improved overall health and reduced instances
of pesticide-related health issues (Mie et al. 2017; Pathak
et al. 2022). Another advantage of organic farming is its
contribution to mitigating climate change. Organic farms
tend to sequester more carbon in the soil, acting as a carbon
sink and reducing greenhouse gas emissions (Paustian et al.
2019). Additionally, by avoiding energy-intensive synthetic
inputs, organic farming has a lower carbon footprint
compared to conventional agriculture (Shabir et al. 2023).
Moreover, organic farming encourages local and sustainable
food systems. It promotes the use of local resources, reduces
transportation distances for food distribution, and supports
small-scale farmers, thus contributing to the economic and
social well-being of rural communities (Holka et al. 2022).
Organic farming not only enhances soil health but also
provides numerous benets for both the environment and
human health (Smith et al. 2019; Adamchak 2023). Organic
farming is an agricultural approach that emphasizes the
use of natural and ecological processes to cultivate crops
and raise livestock. It is a sustainable and environmentally
friendly alternative to conventional farming methods that
rely heavily on synthetic inputs such as chemical fertilizers
and pesticides. In this chapter, we will delve into the
fundamental concepts of organic farming and explore its
principles, historical background, and the importance it
holds in promoting sustainable agriculture.
Historical background of organic farming
Understanding the historical roots of organic farming
provides valuable insights into its development and
evolution over time. In this chapter, we explored the early
origins of organic agriculture, including the contributions of
notable pioneers such as Sir Albert Howard, Rudolf Steiner,
and J.I. Rodale. We also examined the emergence of the

12 Rural Development
organic movement and the establishment of organic farming
standards and certications. The historical background
of organic farming dates back to various movements
and practices that have advocated for sustainable and
ecologically friendly agricultural systems. Here are some key
milestones in the development of organic farming adopted
from Tomaš-Simin and Glavaš-Trbić (2016) presented as a
ow chart:
Today, organic farming is practised worldwide and
is a signicant sector of the agricultural industry. Its
principles and practices continue to evolve as new research
and innovations emerge, with a focus on sustainability,
biodiversity, and the long-term health of ecosystems

Organic Farming: A Sustainable Approach of Agriculture 13
Components of organic farming
Organic farming is oen associated with environmental
sustainability and healthier food production. While it may
not always match conventional farming’s immediate yield
levels, organic farming can still achieve satisfactory crop
yields by employing various components and techniques.
Some of the components of organic farming that contribute
to beer crop yields are as follows:
Soil health: Maintaining healthy soil is crucial in organic
farming to support robust plant growth, improve crop
yields, and promote overall sustainability. Organic farmers
employ various practices to nurture and enhance soil
health. Healthy soil in organic farming can be maintained
by composting, cover cropping and green manure, crop
rotation, reduced tillage, mulching, avoiding synthetic
chemicals, integrating livestock, crop residue management,
minimizing soil compaction, soil testing and nutrient
management, encouraging biodiversity, etc. (Soni et al.
2022). By implementing these practices, organic farmers
can maintain healthy soil, which is essential for sustainable
and successful organic farming systems. Healthy soil not
only benets the crops but also contributes to a healthier
environment and improved long-term agricultural
productivity (Handayani and Hale 2022).
Crop selection: The choice of crops can signicantly
impact the output of organic farming. Selecting appropriate
crops that are well-suited to the local environment and
align with organic farming principles can lead to beer
yields, improved soil health, and overall success in organic
agriculture. Adaptability to climate and soil conditions,
disease and pest resistance, crop rotation and complementary
planting, companion planting, nitrogen xation, duration
of growth cycle, market demand and value, diversity for

14 Rural Development
resilience, seed quality and source, etc. are some important
aspects that aect the output of organic farming (Soni et
al. 2022). Thus, crop selection is a critical aspect of organic
farming that can signicantly impact output. By carefully
choosing appropriate crops, organic farmers can enhance
yields, promote soil health, and create a more sustainable
and resilient farming system.
Biofertilizers: Long-term use of chemical fertilizers
damages not just to human health, but also the condition of
the soil when used excessively. Microora and microfauna
are negatively impacted by the prolonged usage of
pesticides in soil. So, a substitute approach is necessary
for the ecology as a whole. Microbes play a key role in
this because they boost soil productivity by increasing the
availability of micronutrients in the soil, which boosts crop
yield. As biofertilizers, several benecial microorganisms
such as bacteria, fungi, and algae are employed (Soni et al.
2022).
Bio-pesticide: Biopesticides are biological substances
that produce toxins poisonous to plant-invading pests.
Alkaloids, phenolics, terpenoids, and other secondary
metabolites are created as eective biopesticides against
worms, insects, fungi, and other pests. Nematodes, fungi,
insects, and other pests are inhibited in their growth
by biopesticides, which also destroy them. Pyrethrum,
nicotine, neem, margosa, and rotenone are a few examples
of biopesticides (Santhoshkumar et al., 2017).
Vermicompost: Certain earthworm species are employed
in vermicomposting, where they are fed organic waste
materials and produce vermicompost in the form of
granules (cocoons) following digestion. Earthworms
and microorganisms must be employed under moderate
environmental conditions for vermicomposting. According
to Santoshkumar et al. (2017), vermicompost is a rich source

Organic Farming: A Sustainable Approach of Agriculture 15
of micronutrients, macronutrients, phytohormones, and
microbiota that are crucial for plant development.
Waste Recycling: Recycling organic waste is crucial for
sustainable agriculture since it reduces the need for costly
and hazardous chemical fertilizers. Composting, anaerobic
digestion, and thermo-chemical treatments (catalytic,
pyrolytic, and hydrothermal) of farm and domestic wastes,
including trimmed branches, straw, and leover portions
of fruits and vegetables, result in maximal recycling. As a
result, fewer conventional chemical fertilizers and other
energy sources are used. Organic waste also includes
substantial amounts of household trash, industrial waste,
and waste from MCD (Santhoshkumar et al. 2017; Migliorini
and Wezel 2017).
Water management: Proper water management ensures
that soil moisture is maintained at optimal levels. Adequate
soil moisture is essential for seed germination, root
development, and overall crop growth (Hou et al. 2022).
Organic farmers use mulching and other water retention
techniques to reduce evaporation and maintain soil moisture
(El-Beltagi et al. 2022). Ecient water management ensures
that crops have access to adequate moisture, which can
positively impact yields, particularly in regions prone to
drought (Bodner et al. 2015).
Methods of organic farming
There are many organic farming techniques, with
the majority of aention going to crop rotation, livestock
integration, cover cropping, agroforestry, aquaponics,
companion planting, intercropping, integrated pest
management, vermicomposting, biological fertilizers, bio-
pesticides, organic manure management, and many more
(Dhiman 2020; Bhujel and Joshi 2023). In this chapter, we
discussed few of them in brief.

16 Rural Development
Crop Rotation: Crop rotation in organic farming is a
sustainable practice where dierent crops are systematically
planted in a sequence on the same piece of land over
time. This method oers numerous benets, including
improved soil fertility, beer pest and disease control,
and reduced weed growth. By diversifying crops, organic
farmers manage nutrients more eectively, disrupt pest life
cycles, and promote a healthier soil structure (Reza et al.
2016). Dierent crops also release specic compounds that
naturally deter pests and pathogens, reducing the need
for synthetic chemicals. Crop rotation plays a vital role in
enhancing soil health, increasing resilience to environmental
conditions, and supporting overall farm sustainability
(Barbieri et al. 2017).
Livestock integration: Livestock integration in organic
farming involves the intentional combination of crops and
animals within the farming system. This practice plays a
crucial role in sustainable agriculture, as it allows for the
ecient utilization of resources and promotes ecological
balance. Livestock provide valuable inputs such as manure
for composting, which enriches the soil and enhances crop
productivity. In return, integrating crops into livestock
grazing areas can oer a diverse and nutritious diet for
the animals. Moreover, some livestock species can serve
as natural pest controllers, reducing the need for synthetic
pesticides. This symbiotic relationship between crops and
livestock contributes to improved soil health, reduced waste,
and a more resilient and self-sustaining farming ecosystem
(Kyomo and Chagula 1983; Patel et al. 2021).
Cover cropping: Cover cropping in organic farming is a
practice where specic plant species, called cover crops, are
intentionally grown to cover and protect the soil between
main crop seasons or during fallow periods (Scavo et al. 2022).
These cover crops are usually fast-growing, non-harvested

Organic Farming: A Sustainable Approach of Agriculture 17
plants that oer numerous benets to the soil and overall
farm ecosystem. They help prevent soil erosion, suppress
weed growth, and enhance soil fertility by xing nitrogen,
adding organic maer, and improving soil structure. Cover
crops also promote biodiversity, aract benecial insects,
and provide a habitat for microorganisms (Martinez et al.
2020). When the cover crop is eventually incorporated into
the soil through ploughing or mulching, it adds valuable
nutrients, improving the soil’s health and productivity. This
sustainable practice plays a crucial role in maintaining soil
health, conserving resources, and supporting long-term
agricultural sustainability (Baldwin and Creamer 2006;
Crystal-Ornelas et al. 2021).
Agroforestry: Agroforestry is a sustainable land-use system
in organic farming that involves the deliberate integration
of trees or woody plants with agricultural crops and/or
livestock (Rosati et al. 2021). It combines elements of both
agriculture and forestry to create a diverse and productive
farming environment. The trees provide numerous benets,
such as improving soil structure, preventing erosion, and
acting as windbreaks and shelterbelts to protect crops and
livestock. They also contribute to increased biodiversity,
providing habitats for benecial insects and wildlife (Rosati
et al. 2021; Santos et al. 2022). Additionally, agroforestry
systems can yield multiple products simultaneously, like
fruits, nuts, timber, and fodder, enhancing farm resilience
and income diversication. This approach promotes
sustainable land management, carbon sequestration, and
long-term environmental sustainability while supporting
the principles of organic farming (Burgess et al. 2022).
Aquaponics: Aquaponics is an innovative and sustainable
farming technique that combines aquaculture (sh
farming) with hydroponics (soilless plant cultivation). In
an aquaponics system, sh are reared in a tank where their

18 Rural Development
waste produces ammonia-rich water (Kumar et al. 2020).
This nutrient-rich water is then circulated to a hydroponic
grow bed where plants, usually vegetables or herbs, grow
without soil. Benecial bacteria in the grow bed convert the
ammonia into nitrates, which serve as natural fertilizer for
the plants. The plants, in turn, lter the water, removing
toxins for the sh. This symbiotic relationship creates
a closed-loop system where both sh and plants thrive
without the need for synthetic chemicals (Kumar et al.
2020; Bhujel and Joshi 2023). Aquaponics conserves water,
requires less space, and can produce high yields of both sh
and crops in a sustainable and organic manner (Fruscella et
al. 2021).
Signicance and benets of organic farming
The core principles of organic farming, which include
health, ecology, fairness, and care, ensure sustainable
development and the preservation of natural resources.
Organic farming holds signicant importance in various
aspects, including environmental, social, economic, and
health-related areas. Here are some key areas where organic
farming demonstrates its signicance:
Environmental preservation: Organic farming prioritizes
the use of natural processes, minimizing the use of synthetic
chemicals and promoting ecological balance (Holka et al.
2022). It helps reduce soil erosion, protects water quality
by minimizing runo, conserves biodiversity by creating
habitats for benecial insects, birds, and wildlife, and
reduces greenhouse gas emissions by promoting carbon
sequestration in the soil (Tudi et al. 2021).
Soil health and fertility: Organic farming methods focus
on building and maintaining healthy soil. By using organic
fertilizers, compost, cover cropping, and other soil-enhancing
techniques, organic farmers promote soil structure, nutrient

Organic Farming: A Sustainable Approach of Agriculture 19
cycling, and microbial activity (Krasilnikov et al. 2022). This
results in improved soil fertility, increased water-holding
capacity, reduced erosion, and enhanced overall soil health,
which are vital for sustained agricultural productivity.
Food safety and quality: Organic farming prohibits the use
of synthetic pesticides, GMOs, and growth hormones. As a
result, organic food is generally free from chemical residues,
genetically modied ingredients, and articial additives
(Cherlinka 2020; Pathak et al. 2022). Organic farming also
emphasizes the use of organic feed for livestock, ensuring
the production of meat, dairy, and eggs that are free from
antibiotics and growth promoters. These factors contribute
to the production of safer and higher-quality food for
consumers.
Human health and nutrition: The avoidance of synthetic
pesticides and the promotion of organic practices contribute
to reducing the exposure of farmers, farm workers, and
consumers to potentially harmful chemicals (Mie et al.
2017). Organic food oen contains higher levels of certain
nutrients, antioxidants, and benecial compounds, which
may have positive eects on human health (Pathak et al.
2022). Furthermore, organic farming’s emphasis on diverse
cropping systems and agroecological principles supports
healthy ecosystems and can contribute to increased dietary
diversity.
Economic viability and rural development: Organic farming
oers economic opportunities for farmers. Organic products
oen command premium prices in the market, providing
farmers with beer nancial returns. Organic farming also
encourages local and small-scale agriculture, promoting
sustainable rural development, and fostering stronger
connections between farmers and consumers (Soni et al.
2022).

20 Rural Development
Conservation of water resources: Organic farming promotes
water conservation through practices like drip irrigation,
rainwater harvesting, and soil management techniques that
enhance water retention. By minimizing chemical runo
and the contamination of water bodies, organic farming
helps protect freshwater resources and aquatic ecosystems
(El-Beltagi et al. 2022).
Consumer demand and market growth: Consumer
awareness and demand for organic products have
been steadily increasing, creating a growing market for
organic produce (Jensen et al. 2011; Smith et al. 2019).
This demand incentivizes more farmers to adopt organic
farming practices, leading to increased adoption rates and
expansion of organic agriculture. The market growth in
organic farming also encourages innovation, research, and
investment in sustainable agricultural practices (Gamage et
al. 2023).
Status of organic farming in India
The organic food industry is rising and is growing
very fast ensuring high protability. Food security
needs to be addressed with the growing population and
decreasing supply of resources which is why there is
a need to increase the production but in a feasible and
sustainable manner (Pozza and Field 2020). Maintaining
a clean and green environment is equally important, thus
environmental sustainability needs to be maintained which
can be achieved through organic farming. There needs to
be an improvement in health as the consumption can lead
to many diseases such as cancer, and infertility which
happens when the toxic residue remains in the body, thus
the safety of humans and animals is of utmost priority. The
strike of balance between the environment and livelihood
becomes immensely important due to the risks caused by
conventional agriculture practices (FAO 2021).

Organic Farming: A Sustainable Approach of Agriculture 21
More than 72.3 million hectares of land were cultivated
organically in 2019 (Karunakaran 2021). This indicates that
organic farming is progressively increasing in popularity
across the world. With more than 2.3 million hectares of
organic farming in 2019 (Karunakaran 2021), an increase
from 41,000 hectares of organic land in 2002 (Das et al. 2020),
India is one of the world’s top producers of organic food.
Following the establishment of the National Programme for
Organic Production (NPOP) in 2001 under the Agricultural
and Processed Food Products Export Development
Authority (APEDA), of the Ministry of Commerce and
Industry, India recorded organic production of 14,000 tons
in 2002, of which only 85% were for export (Karunakaran
2021). Given that the product was intended for export,
it received a low grade, mostly because of a number of
diculties, including insucient biomass, inconsistencies
in government policies to assist organic farming, a lack of
knowledge, insucient nancial support, a low yield, etc.
(Karunakaran, 2021). The National Mission for Sustainable
Agriculture was established to support organic farming
when the Indian government passed its rst organic farming
policy later that year (DAC Report 2017; Manid 2021). A
large portion of the country now has organic certication,
including Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra,
Gujarat, Karnataka, Odisha, Sikkim, and Uar Pradesh, as
a result of the policies, institutions, and programmes that
have been introduced (Karunakaran, 2021; Bhujel and Joshi
2023).
Necessity for organic farming
Nature will continue to be rich and pure thanks to organic
farming. According to research, compared to traditional
farming, there are around 30% more animals and plants
near ecological production areas. This is due to the absence

22 Rural Development
of pesticides and the sparing use of fertilizer. The COVID-19
pandemic has altered how people view organic food; now,
the emphasis is on safety and on wholesome, nutritious
food that can help you develop a strong immune system. It
is time to discuss nutritional security rather than only food
security, which solely includes carbs. Organic food is said
to be the best option out of all the healthy food alternatives
available. Therefore, since the start of the epidemic,
demand for organic food has increased. Foods cultivated
organically oen have greater amounts of antioxidants,
specic micronutrients, less toxic chemicals, pesticides, and
fertilizers, beer avour, and—most importantly—help to
conserve the environment and maintain ecological balance.
Challenges and future perspectives
While organic farming holds great promise for
sustainable agriculture, there are still challenges to overcome.
Limited access to organic inputs, lack of knowledge and
training, and the need for policy support are some of the
barriers faced by organic farmers. However, with increasing
consumer demand for organic products and growing
awareness about the environmental and health benets,
the future of organic farming looks promising. Continued
research, innovation, and policy support will be crucial in
further advancing organic farming practices and ensuring a
sustainable and resilient food system for future generations.
Conclusion
Organic farming is a holistic and sustainable approach
to agriculture that addresses the environmental, economic,
and health challenges faced by conventional farming. By
prioritizing soil and environmental health, organic farming
provides a natural and ecient way to cultivate crops while
preserving natural resources and promoting biodiversity

Organic Farming: A Sustainable Approach of Agriculture 23
conservation. The signicance of organic farming lies in its
ability to ensure food security, promote climate resilience,
and oer safe and healthy food choices for consumers. With
the integration of advanced technologies and continued
research, organic farming has the potential to revolutionize
the agricultural sector and contribute to a more sustainable
and resilient future. Embracing organic farming practices is
not only benecial for farmers and the environment but also
for the well-being and health of future generations.
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