UNIT 1 PRINCIPLES OF ORGANIC

FARMING
Structure
1.0 Objectives
1.1 Introduction
1.2 The Science of Modem Farming
1.3 Development of Organic Farming
1.3.1 Role of International Organisations
1.4 What is Organic Farming
I .4.1 Definitions of Organic Farming
1.5 Concept of Organic Farming
1.5.1 Organic Concept
1.5.2 Holistic Concept
1.5.3 Living Soil Concept
1.5.4 Healthy Plant Concept
1.6 Principles of Organic Fanning
1.6.1 The Principle of Health
1.6.2 The Principle of Ecology
1.6.3 The Principle of Fairness
1.6.4 The Principle of Care
1.7 Let Us Sum Up
1.8 Key Words
1.9 Further References
1.10 Model Answers

1.0 OBJECTIVES
This unit aims at making you understand the importance of farming and organic
farming in particular. After studying this unit, you should be able to: distinguish
organic farming fio~nthe other farming systems and learn the objectives and principles
involved in organic farming.

1.1 INTRODUCTION
Farming is the intervention of man in the growth cycle of plants, animals or birds
to get utility products of choice at maximum levels and of highest quality. The
growing and caring of plants is called Crop Husbandry, and that of animals is called
animalhusbandry.
Farming is our most basic activity. It is considered as the backbone of Indian
economy. Farming not only nourishes the whole population, but also provides a
means of livelyhood to more than 60 per cent of our population. Our history, culture
and community values are embedded in fanning. Today when we thmk of farming,
what comes to our mind are long stretches of farm land, farmer tilling the field,
pumping water into fields, applying fertilizers or pesticides, plants with so many
 Organic Farming- An fruits, tractors with loads of farm produce, cross bred cows, a farm chicken,
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aquaculture, fish and so on. A more advanced image on this subject will be of the
small plantlets in conical flasks or test tubes, what we call Tissue culture, High
Yielding Varieties (HYV), Genetically Modified (GM) crops, Green House
farming and other techniques that increase the crop yields. So all these activities are
considered as the products of science that our scientists were able to develop
over a period of time and helped the growing population to meet their food
requirements.

1.2 THE SCIENCE OF MODERN FARMING

Now let us examine the Science of Modern Farming that enabled much of the
developments in the present day Agriculture. In independent India, more food
production was needed to meet the growing food demands of the population. This
increased demand for food had forced many countries like India to adopt various
improved techniques and cultural practices like the use of High Yielding Variety
.
seeds, chemical fertilizers and pesticides to increase the farm production. This surge
in production of foodgrains as a result of adopting HYVs, chemical fertilisers and
pesticides is what we called the "Green Revolution ". The objective behind Green
Revolution was the production of more food per unit of land within a short period
of time. Chemicals in the form of fertilisers and pesticides play a major role in Green
Revolution.

Plants nutrients are drawn up from soil for growth and development. There are
more than 90 elements present in the soil. According to the criteria of Essentiality
of Nutrients for plant growth, proposed by Arnon and Stout in 1952, only 16 are
considered to be essential for plant growth. Out of these, C (Carbon), H (Hydrogen),
0 (Oxgen), N (Nitrogen), P (Phosphorus), K (Potassium), Ca (Calcium), Mg
(Magnesium) and S (Sulfur) are called Macronutrients (required in large quantities)
and the remaining 7 elements - Fe (Iron), Mn (Manganese), Cu (Copper), Zn
(Zinc), B (Boram), Mo and C1. are called Micro nutrients or Trace elements
(required only in very small quantities). Among the macro elements - N, P and K
are called Fertilizer elements or Primary nutrients as they are most often
applied in the form of synthetic or mineral fertilizers, and Ca, Mg and S are called
Secondary elements which are applied in smaller quantities than primary nutrients
and required subsequent to primary nutrients.

Pest and Disease incidence in plants has become a major hindrance/bottle neck for
Crop production. Use of HYVs along with chemical fertilisers has increased the
menace by making plants more succulent and thereby attracting more pests and
disease causing pathogens. Toxic chemical pesticides1 Insecticides are used for
controlling pests and diseases. Diseases are mainly caused by plant pathogenic
fungus,bacteria or virus; these are also controlled by chemical fungicides, antibiotics,
bactericides etc. Most of these chemical pesticides are non-biodegradable and are
highly toxic in nature.

Prolonged and over dose of these chemicals are hazardous to human health, soil
and environment. The food we produce now contains the residues of toxic chemicals
that are harmful to our body. The air that we breath is not fresh, as it is highly
polluted with hannful chemicals. There are also unusual phenomenon like acid rain.

1 The excess chemical from the field get washed off by rain, reaches water bodies
and affects aquatic life. Water that is available for drinking purpose also contains Principles of Organic
Farming
traces of that chemicals and they can damage health and internal organs. It is
estimated that over 20,000 people die in India every year due to exposure to toxic
chemicals. Many new diseases are reported in humans, animals and plants. The
scientists are unable to resolve them.
Ecological imbalance and environmental pollution have adversely affected farming
and farm products. This calls for corrective farming practices that can produce
sufficient quantity of food without harming the environment. Here comes the
relevance of the Organic Farming which is a traditional, viable, low input using
and sustainable method of agriculture to produce healthy food. It also helps to
reduce environmental pollution and can strengthen the natural resource base. It
ensures sustainable farm production.

DEVELOPMENT OF ORGANIC FARMING

Throughout the 1950s, and 60s, the main trust of farming was on increasing the
crop and animal productivity so as to satisfy the immediateneeds of the growing
population and to attain food self-sufficiency. Organic Farming was not viewed very
favourably by the scientists or farmers. By the end of the 1980s and especially in
the 1990s, organic farming came to the forefront in response to the growing awareness
of environmental conservation issues. Many new organisations were formed by
producers, consumers and other groups interested in an eco-friendly lifestyle more
in tune with nature. These organisations draw up their own specifications governing
crop production, right from sowing to the final stage of reaching the consumers. It
was in the 1990s that organic farming really took off when the production grew up
along with the consumer interests in its products all over the world.

Today farmers in the developed and developing countries are encouraged to convert
their farms to Organic Farms. Organic Farming is one of the fastest growing
sectors of agricultural production and plays an important role as an alternative and
safe food production process. It includes all agricultural systems that promote
environmentally, socially and economically sound production practices. This system
assures the production of high quality food while conserving the soil fertility and
enhancing its fertility.

1.3.1 Role of International Organisations

The formation of the International Federation of Organic Agriculture
Movements (IFOAM) in 1972 gave an international framework to the discussion
and codification of collective principles and procedures of organic far&ng. It brings
together organisations from all over the world that are involved in organic production,
certification, research, education and promotion. Its specifications and standards
are indicative and act as guidelines to the state-of-the-art methods of production
and processing of organic products.

FA0 and WHO have declared that international guidelines on organically produced
food products should be considered important for consumer protection and trade
faditatation.

The Codex Alimentarius Commission, an international food standards body jointly

formed by FA0 and WHO, has developed guidelines for the production, processing,
Organic Farming- An processing, labeling and marketing of organically produced food. The Codex
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Guidelines are important for equivalent judgment under the rules of World Trade
Organization (WTO).

Check Your Progress Exercise 1

1) Fill in the blanks.
I1
1) Farming is the ........................................................of man in the
........................................of plants, animals or birds to get utility
products of our choice.
2) Growing and caringof crops are called ................................... 1
3) ..................................is considered as the backbone of Indian economy. I
4)

5)
Use of ....................................... and ..................................... has
increased farm production which resulted in Green revolution.
Out of the 90 or more elements found in the soil, only .............. are
found to be essential for plant growth.
I
6) Criteria of essentiality were proposed by .................................and
.......................................... in ........................
7) The three elements N, P and K are called ...................................
8) ......................., ......................... and .......................... elements are
together called secondary nutrients.
9) Chemicals used to control pests are called .............................
10) Disease causing organisms are called ...................................
11) In plants, diseases are mainly caused by .......................................
................................... and ..................:................
12) Chemical pesticides are ............................. and ........................ in nature.
13) ............................ is considered as the fastest growing and an alternative
farming sector for safe food production process.
14) The International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements
(IFOAM),which spearhead the organic farming world over was
established in .......................................

for the production, processing, labeling and marketing of organically

produced food.
2) Match the following.
a) Iron - Secondary nutrient
b) Calcium - Fertilizer nutrient
c) Zinc - Macro nutrient
d) Carbon - Trace element
e) Potassium - Micro nutrient
3) Expand the following.
IFOAM, FAO, WHO, WTO, HYVs, GM crops.
 Principles of Organic
1.4 WHAT IS ORGANIC FARMING? Farming

The word 'organic', means 'living', 'earth friendly' or 'of plant or animal origin'.
It contrasts with the farming wherein chemical inputs are used. It also denotes the
produces that have been produced in accordance with certain norms and standards .
during cultivation, handling, processing and marketing stages. It is certified by a
I certifying body.

I
I
Sometimes the term 'organic agriculture' is used in place of 'organic farming'.
There is no difference in the meaning of these terms. In general, people consider
I that it is the kind of agriculture that is based on application of organic manures,
natural inputs, and pesticides of plant origin. For others, it denotes the agricultural
systems that follows the principles and logic of a living organism in which all
elements (soil, water, air, plants, animals, farmer etc.) are closely linked with each
other.

Organic Farming includes all agricultural system which promote production practices
that are environmentally, socially and economically sound. It considers the local soil
health as a key to the successful production. By respecting the natural capacity of
plants, animals and the landscape, it aims to optimize quality in all aspects of
agriculture and the environment. Thus, Organic Farming helps in attaining an eco-
friendly and sustainable farm production.

1.4.1 Definitions of Organic Farming

The coinage of the term 'organic farming' is credited to Lord Northbourne.
The term is derived from the concept of "the farm as (living) organism" which he
describes in his book 'Look to Land' (1940). He described organic fanning as a
holistic and ecologically balanced approach of agriculture.

. .. the term ' organic' is best thought of as referring not to the type of inputs
used, but to the concept of the farm as an organism, in which all the
components - the soil minerals, organic matter, micro organisms, insects,
plants, animals and humans - interact to create a coherent, self-regulating
and stable whole.

To define the concept of organic farming, we may refer to the definition developed
by the Codex Alimentarius, on the basis of inputs received from experts from
different countries.

According to the Codex, "organic agriculture is a holistic production management

system which promotes and enhances agro ecosystem health, including bidversity,
biological cycles and soil biological activity". It emphasizes the use of management
practices in preference to the use of on-farm inputs taking into account that regional
conditions require locally adapted systems. This can be accomplished by adopting
cultural, biological and mechanical methods whereever possible as against the use
of synthetic materials.

According to the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements

(FOAM), "organic agriculture is an agricultural system that promotes environmentally,
socially and economically sound production of food, fiber, timbe~etc. In this system,
soil fertility is seen as the key to successful production. Working with the natural
Organic Farming- An properties of plants, animals and the landscape, organic farmers aim to optimise
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quality in all aspects of agriculture and environment".

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has defined organic agriculture
as "an ecological production system that promotes and enhances biodiversity,
biological cycles and soil biological activity. It is based on minimal use of off-farm
inputs and relies on farm management practices that restore, maintain and enhance
ecological harmony".

Conceptually all these aspects and dimensions are integmted h&moniously in organic
farming and can be operationally defined as "the systematically and functionally
integrated and balanced farming system facilitating best yield expressions and
substantial automatic regeneration".

1.5 CONCEPT OF ORGANIC FARMING

The concept of organic farming is based on related aspects like 'organic concept',
'holistic concept', 'living soil concept' and 'healthy plant concept' where nature is
perceived to be more than just an individual element. Lri this farming system there
is dynamic interaction between soil, plant, human beings, animals, eco-system and
environment. It is more of a process based farming approach where the quality of
produce is given importance. Fanners are encouraged to convert their existing
farms into organic farms. A farmer willing to go in for organic Farming should further
understand the broad areas covering these concepts.

1.5.1 Organic Concept

The term 'organic' is not directly related to the type of inputs (fertilizers, HYV
seeds, labour etc) used, but refers to the concept of the farm as a living organism,
in which all the supporting factors such as the soil, micro organism, living creatures,
plants, animals and human beings - interact to create a healthy environment for the
plants and animals to grow and produce healthy food for the human being. Every
operation a farmer does in his farm is evaluated against ecological, economical and
social imperatives with an awareness of local and global implications.

1.5.2 Holistic. Concept

The 'holistic concept' is to view the agro-ecosystem as a whole in relation to the
farm. Fanners are aware that their action in one sphere can affect other parts of
the ecosystem for better or worse. They take advantage of the biological cycles and
interaction between animals, plants, soil and climate. These are fundamental to
enhance the ecosystem's productivity, health and efficiency. Basically organic farmers
attempts to work with natural cycles rather than disrupting them.

1.5.3 Living Soil Concept ,

The productive capacity of soil is linked with its health, which in turn is influenced
by the 'humus' or 'organic matter content'. The 'humus' is the most dynamic
component of a living soil. It plays an important role in shaping up the soil's
physical, chemical and biological properties Regular replenishment of 'humus' after
harvest of a crop and its maintenance at optional levels are of primary importance
into sustaining the productive function of the 'living soil'.
 Apart from being a store house of many plant nutrients, the 'humus' improves the Principles of Organic
Farming
soil structure, activates soil life, minimizes the leaching loss of nutrients and strengthm
natural resistance of plants against pest and diseases.

On the other hand, chemical fertilizers in the absence of 'humus' or inadequate

levels of soil organic matter, will impair soil structure, disturb soil biotics, cause
unfavourable changes in soil reaction and weaken the natural resistance of plants
against adverse agro-climatic conditions and pest and disease attack.
! 1.5.4 Healthy Plants Concept
In modern farming, the high yield varieties have displaced the diverse and locally
I
adapted indigenous cultivars. As .these high yielding crop varieties are with narrow
genetic base, they are more susceptible to pest and disease attacks compared to
the local indigenous varieties. This has resulted in a spurt in the incidence of pests
and diseases, necessitating increased use of pesticides. Prolonged use of the pesticides
against a particular insect helps it in developing resistance to these chemicals. It also
kills many of the naturally occurring predators and parasites, which are biological
pest control agents. In many cases, pests that caused minor damages in the past
have become major threat in the absence of natural enemies. This is termed as Pest
Resurgence.
I
Similarly, in plant diseases too, spraying of fungicides had resulted in building up of
resistance by harmful pathogens and micro organisms. The build up of higher levels
of these toxic chemical residues in the plant, food, atmosphere, soil, ground water
and other water bodies is the most serious health and environmental problems
associated with the continued use of chemicals.
Thus, the organic farming is not mere growing of plants and animals but it needs
i a thorough understanding of various principles and prudent management of on-fann
FI resources and proces.

r Check Your Progress Exercise 2

Note: a) Space is given below for answer.
b) Compare your answer with that given at the end of the unit.
1) Fill in the blanks

1) The word 'organic,' means .............................................

'2) In organic farming, ......................................................is considered as
the key to successful production.

3) .............................................coined the term Organic Farming.

4) The term Organic farming is derived from the concept of
...................................................
5)' "Look to Land" is a book written by ......................................;.
6) Organic Farming emphasizes the use of management practices in
preference to the use of .................I..................inputs.

7 ) Expanded form of USDA is .................................;........................

Orgadc Fanning- An The productive capacity of soil is linked with its ..............................
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8)
which in turn is influenced by .........................................content of soil.

9) ................................is the most dynamic part of a living soil.

10) .......................content in the soil minimizes the leaching loss of nutrients.

11) Prolonged use of chemical pesticides has resulted in the development of

........................................by pests to these chemicals.
12) In modem farming, ...................................ha's displaced. the diverse
and locally adapted indigenous cultivars.

13) The conversion of a minor pest to a major one, in the absence of natural
enemies is termed as ............................................

14) Regular replenishment of ........................................and its maintenance

at optimal level are of primary importance in sustaining soil productivity.

15) Organic farming is a process based farming where the .....................of

produce is given more importance.
2) Answer the following
-1) What is Organic Farming?

............................................................................................................
2) Define organic 'farming.

............................................................................................................
3) Give the USDA definition of organic farming.

4) Mention the main concepts of organic farming.

5) Explain the 'living soil concept' of organic farming.

 Principles of Organic
6 ) What do you meant by pest resurgence? Farming
.............................................................................................................
............................................................................................................
............................................................................................................
7 ) Explain the development of pest resistance against chemicals.
............................................................................................................
............................................................................................................
............................................................................................................
8) What are the beneficial effects of humus in the soil?
............................................................................................................
............................................................................................................
............................................................................................................
'

1.6i PRINCIPLES OF ORGANIC FARMING

1.6:
The Principles of Organic farming reflect the potential contribution this farming
system could makes to the world, and holds out a vision of how all agricultural
system should function in the larger context. The four principles as delineated by
F O A M are:
The Principle of Health
The Principle of Ecology
The Principle of Fairness
The Principle of Care
Each principle is articulated through a statement followed by an explanation. These
principles are to be used as a whole. They are composed as ethical'principles to
inspire action.

1.6.1 The Principle of Health

Organic Agriculture should sustain and enhance the health of soil, plant,
animals, humans and the planet as a whole.

This principle underscores that the health of individuals and communities cannot-be
separated from the health of ecosystems . Healthy soil produces healthy crops that .
foster the health of animals and people. Health is the basis of the wholeness and
& A

integrity of living systems. It is not simply

- the absence of illness, but the maintenance
-

of physical, mental, social and ecological well-being. Immunity, resilience and

regeneration are key characteristics of health.

Organic agriculture, enhances the health of ecosystem and organisms. In particular,

it is intended to produce high quality nutritious food that helps to ensure preventive
healthcare and well-being. In view of this it should avoid the use of harmful fertilizers,
pesticides, animal growth drugs and food additives that may have a bearing on

13
 An
~rganic~arming- 1.6.2 The Principle of Ecology
Overview
Organic Agriculture should be based on living ecological systems and cycles.
It should also support and sustain the ecosystem and environment.
This principle anchors organic agriculture within living ecological systems. It states
- that production is to be based on ecological processes and recycling. Nourishment
and well-being are achieved through the ecology of the specific -production
environment. For example, in the case of crops this is the living soil; for animals,
it is the farm ecosystem; for fish and marine organisms, the aquatic environment.
Organic farming and pastoral and wild harvest systems should fit in the cycles and
ecological balances in nature. These cycles are universal but their operation is site-
specific. Organic management must be adapted to local conditions, ecology, culture
and scale. Inputs should be reduced by reuse, recycling and efficient management
of materials and energy to maintain and improve environmental quality and conserve
resources.
Organic agriculture should attain ecological balance through the design of farming
systems,establishment of habitats and maintenance of genetic and agricultut-aldiversity.
Those who produce, process, trade, or consume organic products should protect
and nourish the common environment, including landscapes, climate, habitat,
biodiversity, air and water.

1.6.3 The Principle of Fairness

Organic Agriculture should build on relationships that ensure fairness with
regard to the common environment and life opportunities

Fairness is characterized by equity, respect, justice and stewardship of the shared

world, both among people and in their relations to other living beings.

This principle emphasizes that those involved in organic agriculture should conduct
human relationship in a manner that ensures fairness at all levels and to all parties
- farmers, workers, processors, distributors, traders and consumers. Organic
agriculture should provide everyone involved with a good quality of life and contribute
to food security and reduction of poverty. It aims to produce a sufficient quantity
of good quality food and food products. '

This principle would insist that animals should be provided with the conditions and
opportunities of life that accord with their physiology, natural behavior and well-
being. Natural and environmental resources that are used for production and
consumption should be managed iri such a way that is socially and ecologicallyjust
and should be held in trust for future generations. Fairness require system of
production, distribution and trade that are open and equitable and account for real
environmental and social costs.

1.6.4 The Principle of Care

Organic Agriculture should be managed in a precautionary and responsible
manner to protect the health and well-being of current and future generations
and the environment.
14
Organic Farming- An 2) .What is the Principle of health in organic farming?
Overview
...........................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................
3) What is the role of organic farming according to the principle of health?
...........................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................
4) What can be done to reduce the inputs?

............................................................................................................
5) Explain principle of fairness.
...........................................................................................................
...................:......................................................................................e

............................................................................................................
6) State the principle of care.

1.7 LET US SUM UP

Global awareness of health and environmental issues and concerns over the
quality and sustainability of agricultural production have led us to focus on organic
farming. From the traditional farming to a more scientific farming method, the
concepts and principles of organic farming are well defined and internationally
accepted. Organic method of farming is now considered as the best option to
ensure air,water and soil around us unpolluted, leaving the environment safe for the
present and future generations.

1.8 KEY WORDS

crop : Crop is defined as assembly or aggregates of
useful plants which man can know how to use.
Or Plants grown by mans for food, fibre, timber
etc.
Soil : A dynamic natural body forming the outer layer of
earth crust composed of mineral, inorganic matter,
organic matter, both living and non living components,
water and gases. Soil serves as a natural medium for
the growth of plants.
Soil Fertility . The ability of the soil to supply nutrients to the plants Principles of Organic
Farming
growing in it.
Macronutrients The nutrients which are req& by plants in relatively
larger quantity e.g.: Nitrogen(N), Phosphorus(P),
Potassium (K), Calcium(Ca), Magnesium (Mg) and
Sulphur(S)
Micronutrients The nutrients which are r e q d by plants in relatively
smaller quantity. These are also called trace
elements. e.g.: Iron (Fe), Manganese (Mn), Copper
(Cu), Zinc (Zn), Boron (Bo), Molybdenum (Mo)
and Chlorine (Cl).
Organic Matter Animals and plant remains in various stages of
decomposition, such as green manures, stable
manures, leaf mould and well decomposed matter
like humus.
Organic Manures Organic wastes or by-products like excreta of
animals, and birds, litter, crop residues etc either
decomposed, treated or fresh forms used to enrich
soil fertility. Examples of Bulk manures are Farm
Yard Manure and compost. Examples of
concentrated manures are oil cakes, and meals of
blood, meat, bone, fish, horns and hooves.
Fertilizers Any organic or inorganic material of natural or
synthetic origin added and mixed with soil to supply
certain essential elements and make it richer to
stimulate plant growth.
Biofertilizers Carrier based living organisms like bacteria, algae
which symbiotically/ associative or non-symbiotically
fixes atmospheric nitrogen for plant use or may contain
fungus which solubilise the fixed phosphate and make
it available to plants. E.g.: Rhizobium,Azospirillum,
Azotobacter, Bacillus etc are nitrogen fixing and
Mycorrhiza, Aspergillus and Pencillium are phosphate
solubilisers.
Bioherbicides These are usually native pathogens cultured artificially
and spreaaon unwanted plants (weeds) to destroy
them
Mixed Farming It is a combination of crop production with a
significant amount of livestock raising. e.g.: crops,
dauying and poultry.
External Input Farming materials such as fertilizers, manures,
pesticides, seeds etc that a farmer gets from outside
for his agricultural activity. It is also called off-farm
inputs.
Organic Farming- An Green House : These are man made structures for growing plants
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under artificial conditions favourable for the growth
of plant.
Codex Alimentarius : (Latin, meaning Food Law or Code) is a collection
of internationally adopted food standards, the purpose
of which is to protect the health of consumers and
ensure fair practices in the food frade.
Humus
derived from decomposed plants and animal tissue
by the action of various soil micro-organisms. It is a
very fertile material for plant growth.
1
Indigenous Knowledge : Local knowledge unique to a given culture or
society.
Pest : Living organism which is in anyway disruptive to the
growth of crops or animals, or which may cause
trouble to stored produce. That is, any organism
detrimental to man or its properties.

1.9 FURTHER REFERENCES

Alvares, C. (1996) The Organic Farming Source Book. The other India Press,
Mapusa, Goa.

Gupta, M. (2004). Organic Agriculture Development in India. ABD publishers,

7
Jaipur, India.

Sharma, A.K. (2002). A Handbook of Organic Farming. Published by Agro bios

(India), Chopasani road, Jodhpur, India.

1.10 MODEL ANSWERS

: Check Your Progress Exercise 1

1) Fill in the blanks

1) Interference, growth cycle ,
2) Crop husbandary
3) Farming l Agriculture
4) HYVs and Chemical fertilizers
5) 16
6) Arnon and Stout
7) Fertilizer elements
8) Calcium, Magnesium and Sulphur
9) Pesticides
 10) Pathogens Principles of Organic
Farming
11) Fungi, Bacteria and Virus
12) Non-biodegradable and highly toxic
13) Organic farming

15) The Codex Alimentarius

Match the follswing
a) Iron - Trace element
b) Calcium - Secondarynutrient
c) Zinc - Micro nutrient
d) Carbon - Macro nutrient
e) Potassium - Fertdkanutrient
3) Expand the following
1) IFOAM - International Federation of Organic Agriculture
Movements
2) FA0 - Food And Agriculture Organisation
3) WHO - World Health Organisation
4) WTO - World Trade Organisation
5) HYVs - High Yielding Varieties
6) GM crops - Genetically Modified crops.
Check Your Progress Exercise 2
1) Fill in the blanks
1) 'Of plants and animal origin'
2) Soil fertility
3) Lord ~orthbAurne
4) 'The farm as an organism'
5) Lord Northbourne
6) On-farm inputs
7) United States Department of Agriculture
8) Health, organic matter
9) Humus
10) Humus
11) Pest Resistance
12) HYVs
13) Pest Resurgence
14) Humus
15) w t y
Organic Fanning- An 2) Answer the following
Overview
1) Organic farming is an ecofriendly type of farming based on the application
of organic manures and other natural inputs for crop production. It
considers farm as an organism and takes local soil fertility as the key to
successful production. It reduces environmental pollution and ensures
sustainable farming. Organic farming is intended to produce good quality
and nutritious food, sufficient to feed the whole population.
According to the Codex, "Organic agriculture is a holistic production
management system which promotes and enhances agro ecosystem
health, including biodiversity, biological cycles and soil biological
activity. It emphasizes the use of management practices in preference
to the use of on-farm inputs, taking into account that regional conditions
require locally adapted systems. This can be accomplished by adopting
cultural, biological and mechanical methods whereever possible as
against the use of synthetic materials, to fulfill any specific function
within the system.

3) The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has defined

organic agriculture as "an ecological production system that promotes
and enhances biodiversity, biological cycles and soil biological
activity. It is based on minimal use of off-farm inputs and on farm
management practices that restores, maintain and enhance ecological
harmony".

4) The concept of organic farming is based on 'organic concept', 'holistic

concept', 'living soil concept' and 'healthy plant concept' where nature
is perceived to be more than just an individual element.

5) The productive capacity of soil is linked with its health which, in turn,
is influenced by the 'humus' or 'organic matter content'. The 'humus'
is the most dynamic component of a living soil which is having a
profound influence on its physical, chemical and biological properties.
Regular replenishment of 'humus' after harvest of a crop and its
maintenance at optional levels are of primary importance in sustaining
the productive function of the 'living soil'.

6) Prolonged use of the pesticides against insects not only reduces the
number of pests but also kills naturally occurring predators and
parasites, which are biological pest control agents. In such cases,
pests that were considered as minor and had no economic importance
in the past have become major pests in the absence of natural enemies.
This is termed as Pest Resurgence

7) Prolonged,.useof the pesticides against a particular insect has helped

in developing resistance by these pests to the applied chemicals. This
acquired resistance is inherited to the next generation of insects.also.
Hence the farmers are forced to use higher dose of same pesticide
or other pesticides of higher toxicity. All these will result iq mass
destruction of natural enemies and hence causing ecological imbalance
along with environmental pollution.
 Principles of Organic
Check Your Progress Exercise 3 Farming

1) Fill in the blanks

1) Health

2) Immunity, resilience and regeneration

3) High quality and nutritious

4) Ecological processes and recycling

5) Reuse, recycling and efficient management

6) Sufficient, good quality

7) Open and equitable

8) Precaution and responsibility.

2) Answer the following

1) The four principles of Organio Farming as delineated by IFOAM

are:

The Principle of Health

The Principle of Ecology

The Principle of Fairness

The Principle of Care

The Principle of Health underlines that the health of individuals and

communities cannot be separated from the health of ecosystems.
Healthy soils produce healthy crops that foster the health of animals
and people. Health is the wholeness and integrity of living systems.
It is not simply the absence of illness, but the maintenance of physical,
mental, social and ecological well-being. Immunity, resilience and
regeneration are key characteristics of health. So in organic farming
we should avoid the use of fertilizers, pesticides, animal drugs and
food additives that may have adverse health effects.

3) The role of organic agriculture, whether in farming, processing,

distribution, or consumption, is to sustain and enhance the health of
ecosystems and organisms from the smallest in the soil to human
beings. In particular, organic agriculture is intended to produce high
quality nutritious food that contributes to preventive health care and
well-being.

4) Inputs should be reduced by reuse, recycling and efficient management

of materials and energy in order to maintain and improve
environmental quality and conserve resources.
Organic Farmine An 5) Fairness is characterized by equity, respect, justice and stewardship
Overview
of the shared world, both among people and in their relations to
other living beings.This principle emphasizes that those involved in
organic agriculture should conduct human relationships in a manner
that ensures fairness at all levels. It should provide everyone involved
with a good quality of life, and contribute to food sovereignty and.
reduction of poverty. It aims to produce a sufficient supply of good
quality food and other products.This also insists that animals should
be provided with the conditions and opportunities of life that accord
with their physiology, natural behavior and 1-yell-being. Fairness
requires systems of production, distribution and trade that are open
and equitable and account for real environmental and social costs.

6) Organic agriculture is a living and dynamic system that responds to

internal and external demands and conditions. Practitioners of organic
agriculture can enhance efficiency and increase productivity, but this
should not be at the risk of jeopardizing health and well-being. This
principle states that precaution and responsibility are the key concerns
in management, development and technology choices in organic
.agriculture. Organic agriculture should prevent significant risks by
adopting appropriate technologies and rejecting unpredictable ones.
Decisions should reflect the values and needs of all who might be
affected, through transparent and participatory processes.

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