Advantages and Disadvantages of Organic Farming

Organic Farming is a method of crop and livestock production that involves much more than choosing not to use pesticides, fertilizers, genetically modified organisms, antibiotics and growth hormones. Organic farming is defined as a production system which works with localized conditions to create products that integrate biological, cultural, and mechanical practices which promote biodiversity.

There are several required components which must be included with the farming process for the crops generated to be labeled as organic. Biological controls must be used, including crop rotation and disease management, instead of chemical controls. The agricultural system must have an emphasis on biodiversity placed on the surrounding environment. 

 

 

Farmers are also learning the benefits of organic farming and are willing to pay the higher price of producing crops through organic farming. India is the largest producer of organic based products, while Australia has the largest proportion of organically farmed land.

Advantages of Organic Farming

- Organic foods are free of harmful pesticides, antibiotics, and additives.
- They have less of any environmental impacts than conventional farming
- Farmers can reduce their production costs since they don’t have to spend a lot of money on chemicals and fertilizers.
- They improve plant growth and physiological activities of plants.
- In the long term, organic farms save energy and protect the environment.
- More animals and plant can kive in the same place in a natural way which increases biodiversity.
- Organic farming practices help to reduce water pollution.
- Food tastes better and is poison-free.
- The nutritional value is higher in organic foods.

Disadvantages of Organic Farming

- Organic foods are more expensive because farmers do not get much out of their farms as much as conventional farmers.
- Marketing and distribution are not efficient because organic foods are prepared in a smaller amount.
- Organic foods have shorter shelves life because they are not treated with waxes or preservatives. 
- Organic Farming cannot produce enough food that the world’s population needs to survive.