Question Need guidance to start of organic farming in Shrigonda, A.Nagar, Maharashtra.
- Thread starter rajagdale
- Start date
padmanabhan_ganesan
Senior Member
What is organic farming?
Organic farming system in India is not new and is being followed from ancient time. It is a method of farming system which primarily aimed at cultivating the land and raising crops in such a way, as to keep the soil alive and in good health by use of organic wastes (crop, animal and farm wastes, aquatic wastes) and other biological materials along with beneficial microbes (biofertilizers) to release nutrients to crops for increased sustainable production in an eco friendly pollution free environment.
As per the definition of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) study team on organic farming “organic farming is a system which avoids or largely excludes the use of synthetic inputs (such as fertilizers, pesticides, hormones, feed additives etc) and to the maximum extent feasible rely upon crop rotations, crop residues, animal manures, off-farm organic waste, mineral grade rock additives and biological system of nutrient mobilization and plant protection”.
FAO suggested that “Organic agriculture is a unique production management system which promotes and enhances agro-ecosystem health, including biodiversity, biological cycles and soil biological activity, and this is accomplished by using on-farm agronomic, biological and mechanical methods in exclusion of all synthetic off-farm inputs”.
Need of organic farming
With the increase in population our compulsion would be not only to stabilize agricultural production but to increase it further in sustainable manner. The scientists have realized that the ‘Green Revolution’ with high input use has reached a plateau and is now sustained with diminishing return of falling dividends. Thus, a natural balance needs to be maintained at all cost for existence of life and property. The obvious choice for that would be more relevant in the present era, when these agrochemicals which are produced from fossil fuel and are not renewable and are diminishing in availability. It may also cost heavily on our foreign exchange in future.
The key characteristics of organic farming include
1
Protecting the long term fertility of soils by maintaining organic matter levels, encouraging soil biological activity, and careful mechanical intervention;
2
Providing crop nutrients indirectly using relatively insoluble nutrient sources which are made available to the plant by the action of soil micro-organisms;
3
Nitrogen self-sufficiency through the use of legumes and biological nitrogen fixation, as well as effective recycling of organic materials including crop residues and livestock manures;
4
Weed, disease and pest control relying primarily on crop rotations, natural predators, diversity, organic manuring, resistant varieties and limited (preferably minimal) thermal, biological and chemical intervention;
5
The extensive management of livestock, paying full regard to their evolutionary adaptations, behavioural needs and animal welfare issues with respect to nutrition, housing, health, breeding and rearing;
6
Careful attention to the impact of the farming system on the wider environment and the conservation of wildlife and natural habitats.
Organic farming system in India is not new and is being followed from ancient time. It is a method of farming system which primarily aimed at cultivating the land and raising crops in such a way, as to keep the soil alive and in good health by use of organic wastes (crop, animal and farm wastes, aquatic wastes) and other biological materials along with beneficial microbes (biofertilizers) to release nutrients to crops for increased sustainable production in an eco friendly pollution free environment.
As per the definition of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) study team on organic farming “organic farming is a system which avoids or largely excludes the use of synthetic inputs (such as fertilizers, pesticides, hormones, feed additives etc) and to the maximum extent feasible rely upon crop rotations, crop residues, animal manures, off-farm organic waste, mineral grade rock additives and biological system of nutrient mobilization and plant protection”.
FAO suggested that “Organic agriculture is a unique production management system which promotes and enhances agro-ecosystem health, including biodiversity, biological cycles and soil biological activity, and this is accomplished by using on-farm agronomic, biological and mechanical methods in exclusion of all synthetic off-farm inputs”.
Need of organic farming
With the increase in population our compulsion would be not only to stabilize agricultural production but to increase it further in sustainable manner. The scientists have realized that the ‘Green Revolution’ with high input use has reached a plateau and is now sustained with diminishing return of falling dividends. Thus, a natural balance needs to be maintained at all cost for existence of life and property. The obvious choice for that would be more relevant in the present era, when these agrochemicals which are produced from fossil fuel and are not renewable and are diminishing in availability. It may also cost heavily on our foreign exchange in future.
The key characteristics of organic farming include
1
Protecting the long term fertility of soils by maintaining organic matter levels, encouraging soil biological activity, and careful mechanical intervention;
2
Providing crop nutrients indirectly using relatively insoluble nutrient sources which are made available to the plant by the action of soil micro-organisms;
3
Nitrogen self-sufficiency through the use of legumes and biological nitrogen fixation, as well as effective recycling of organic materials including crop residues and livestock manures;
4
Weed, disease and pest control relying primarily on crop rotations, natural predators, diversity, organic manuring, resistant varieties and limited (preferably minimal) thermal, biological and chemical intervention;
5
The extensive management of livestock, paying full regard to their evolutionary adaptations, behavioural needs and animal welfare issues with respect to nutrition, housing, health, breeding and rearing;
6
Careful attention to the impact of the farming system on the wider environment and the conservation of wildlife and natural habitats.
padmanabhan_ganesan
Senior Member
Principles in Organic Farming
The four principles of organic agriculture are as follows:
Principle of health
Organic Agriculture should sustain and enhance the health of soil, plant, animal, human and planet as one and indivisible.
This principle points out 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.
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. In view of this it should avoid the use of fertilizers, pesticides, animal drugs and food additives that may have adverse health effects.
Principle of ecology
Organic Agriculture should be based on living ecological systems and cycles, work with them, emulate them and help sustain them.
This principle roots 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, pastoral and wild harvest systems should fit 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 in order 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 agricultural diversity. Those who produce, process, trade, or consume organic products should protect and benefit the common environment including landscapes, climate, habitats, biodiversity, air and water.
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 relationships 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 sovereignty and reduction of poverty. It aims to produce a sufficient supply of good quality food and other products.
This principle insists 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 in a way that is socially and ecologically just and should be held in trust for future generations. Fairness requires systems of production, distribution and trade that are open and equitable and account for real environmental and social costs.
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.
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. Consequently, new technologies need to be assessed and existing methods reviewed. Given the incomplete understanding of ecosystems and agriculture, care must be taken.
This principle states that precaution and responsibility are the key concerns in management, development and technology choices in organic agriculture. Science is necessary to ensure that organic agriculture is healthy, safe and ecologically sound. However, scientific knowledge alone is not sufficient. Practical experience, accumulated wisdom and traditional and indigenous knowledge offer valid solutions, tested by time. Organic agriculture should prevent significant risks by adopting appropriate technologies and rejecting unpredictable ones, such as genetic engineering. Decisions should reflect the values and needs of all who might be affected, through transparent and participatory processes.
The four principles of organic agriculture are as follows:
Principle of health
Organic Agriculture should sustain and enhance the health of soil, plant, animal, human and planet as one and indivisible.
This principle points out 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.
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. In view of this it should avoid the use of fertilizers, pesticides, animal drugs and food additives that may have adverse health effects.
Principle of ecology
Organic Agriculture should be based on living ecological systems and cycles, work with them, emulate them and help sustain them.
This principle roots 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, pastoral and wild harvest systems should fit 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 in order 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 agricultural diversity. Those who produce, process, trade, or consume organic products should protect and benefit the common environment including landscapes, climate, habitats, biodiversity, air and water.
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 relationships 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 sovereignty and reduction of poverty. It aims to produce a sufficient supply of good quality food and other products.
This principle insists 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 in a way that is socially and ecologically just and should be held in trust for future generations. Fairness requires systems of production, distribution and trade that are open and equitable and account for real environmental and social costs.
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.
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. Consequently, new technologies need to be assessed and existing methods reviewed. Given the incomplete understanding of ecosystems and agriculture, care must be taken.
This principle states that precaution and responsibility are the key concerns in management, development and technology choices in organic agriculture. Science is necessary to ensure that organic agriculture is healthy, safe and ecologically sound. However, scientific knowledge alone is not sufficient. Practical experience, accumulated wisdom and traditional and indigenous knowledge offer valid solutions, tested by time. Organic agriculture should prevent significant risks by adopting appropriate technologies and rejecting unpredictable ones, such as genetic engineering. Decisions should reflect the values and needs of all who might be affected, through transparent and participatory processes.
padmanabhan_ganesan
Senior Member
Basic Steps of Organic Farming
Organic farming approach involves following five principles:
1.
Conversion of land from conventional management to organic management
2.
Management of the entire surrounding system to ensure biodiversity and sustainability of the system.
3.
Crop production with the use of alternative sources of nutrients such as crop rotation, residue management, organic manures and biological inputs.
4.
Management of weeds and pests by better management practices, physical and cultural means and by biological control system
5.
Maintenance of live stock in tandem with organic concept and make them an integral part of the entire system
Organic farming approach involves following five principles:
1.
Conversion of land from conventional management to organic management
2.
Management of the entire surrounding system to ensure biodiversity and sustainability of the system.
3.
Crop production with the use of alternative sources of nutrients such as crop rotation, residue management, organic manures and biological inputs.
4.
Management of weeds and pests by better management practices, physical and cultural means and by biological control system
5.
Maintenance of live stock in tandem with organic concept and make them an integral part of the entire system
padmanabhan_ganesan
Senior Member
Steps to a Successful Organic Transition
The transition from conventional to organic farming requires numerous changes. One of the biggest changes is in the mindset of the farmer. Conventional approaches often involve the use of quick-fix remedies that, unfortunately, rarely address the cause of the problem. Transitioning farmers generally spend too much time worrying about replacing synthetic input with allowable organic product instead of considering management practices based on preventative strategies. Here are a few steps new entrants should follow when making the transition to organic farming:
A) Understand the basics of organic agriculture and the organic farming standards
Since organic production systems are knowledge based, new entrants and transitional producers must become familiar with sound and sustainable agricultural practices. Transitional producers should be prepared to read appropriate information, conduct their own trials and participate in formal and informal training events. As mentioned, switching from conventional to organic farming is more than substituting synthetic materials to organic allowed materials. Organic farming is a holistic system that relies on sound practices focused on preventative strategies. Since there are often few organic remedies available to organic producers for certain problems, prevention is the key element in organic production.
B) Identify resources that will help you
Existing organic farmers are generally very helpful in sharing valuable technical information. A good mentor should be able to provide transitional producers with knowledge, practical experience and suggest appropriate reading materials. Mentors are able to identify some of the most important challenges transitional farmers will be confronted with. Mentors may also help source production materials that are otherwise difficult to find. Producers should also contact agrologists, veterinarians and other agricultural and financial consultants, in order to learn ways to improve their current farming practices.
The Internet is a valuable source of information, especially to new organic farmers. A broad range of reading materials are available from many organic/ecological organizations such as the Organic Agriculture Centre of Canada (OACC), the Atlantic Canadian Organic Regional Network (ACORN), the Canadian Organic Growers (COG), the Certified Organic Associations of British Columbia (COABC), the National Sustainable Agriculture Information Services/Appropriate Technology Transfer for Rural Areas (ATTRA), the Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE), and the Agri-réseau/agriculture biologique- Quebec. Consider joining an organic organization or network to access these valuable resources and establish good working contacts.
C) Plan your transition carefully
Develop a transitional plan with clear and realistic goals. The plan should clearly identify various steps to be taken in making the transition to organic and be sure to include realistic timeframes. Identify your strengths and weaknesses. Consider ways to address any weaknesses, while building on strengths. The business side of the transitional plan should contain a multiple year budget and an effective/realistic marketing strategy. Make sure your list of expenses is comprehensive. Include all prerequisites to begin the transition; such as, mechanical weeding equipment, specialized composting equipment and applicators, additional handling equipment dedicated to the organic products, and processing equipment. Although the demand for organic products is continually growing, growers need to make sure they have a reliable market for the organic products they plan to produce.
Careful planning is very important. During the early part of the transitional period, yields are often depressed and premium prices for certified organic products are generally not yet obtainable. Use realistic yields and prices when evaluating the feasibility of your project.
In some instances, it is preferable to continue using conventional measures early on in the transitional process in order to avoid dramatic yield reduction which could jeopardize the financial well-being of the operation. Farmers who are planning to convert their livestock operation should consider certifying their fields first. This allows time to learn more about organic livestock management requirements while, at the same time, starting to produce organic feeds.
Although organic certifiers generally want to see the entire farm become organic, certifiers generally allow new entrants several years of transition time before the whole farm is fully certified.
Parallel production is the simultaneous production, processing or handling of organic and nonorganic crops, livestock and other products of a similar nature. Although this type of activity is highly discouraged by certifiers, some allow it, especially during the transition period. If permitted to practice parallel production, producers must be prepared to deal with significant record keeping in order to ensure traceability and organic integrity.
D) Understand your soils and ways to improve them
Since soil is the heart of the organic farming system, it is crucial that new entrants understand the various characteristics and limitations of the soils found on their farm. Soil suitability may vary significantly from one field to the next. Fields with good drainage, good level of fertility and organic matter, adequate pH, biological health, high legume content, and with less weed and pest pressure, are excellent assets. Often these fields are the first ones ready for transition and certification.
Many tools exist to assess soils. Soil chemical, physical and biological analyses, soil survey and legume composition field assessments, and field yield histories are very important and should be considered early in the transition. Unhealthy soils require particular attention.
If farmers plan to grow crops without raising any livestock, it may be necessary for them to source allowable soil amendments such as composted manure, limestone, rock dust, and supplementary sources of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and micro-nutrients. Even with the best of crop rotations that include green manure crops like legumes (nitrogen fixing crops), transitional growers will be challenged if they want to obtain optimal yields without additional livestock manure, compost and/or other off-farm soil inputs. When these inputs are scarce or expensive, producers may benefit from integrating livestock on their farm.
Let’s not forget, under organic production, farmers must be able to recycle nutrients through proper nutrient management practices: recycling through good manure and compost utilization, crop rotations, cover crops (green manure, catch, and nitrogen fixing crops), and by reducing nutrient losses due to leaching, over-fertilization, as well as poor manure and compost management (storage, handling, and spreading).
E) Identify the crops or livestock suited for your situation
Before growing a crop or raising any livestock, consider the following: degree of difficulty to grow or raise the product organically, land and soil suitability, climate suitability, level of demand for the product, marketing challenges, capital required, current prices for conventional, transitional and organic products, and profitability over additional workload.
F) Design good crop rotations
Once the crops are chosen, carefully plan the crop rotation(s) and select the most suitable cover crops (green manure, winter cover crops, catch crops, smother crops, etc.). Crop rotations are extremely important management tools in organic farming. They can interrupt pest life cycles, suppress weeds, provide and recycle fertility, and improve soil structure and tilth. Some rotational crops may also be cash crops, generating supplemental income.
On some farms, land base availability may be a limiting factor when planning your crop rotations. The transitional plan should, therefore, include crop rotation strategies. Responding to external forces such as new market opportunities may also have a significant impact on crop rotations, so farmers need to consider the effect that growing new crops has on their crop rotations and land base availability.
G) Identify pest challenges and methods of control
It is important to know the crop’s most common pests, their life cycles and adequate control measures. For instance, Colorado potato beetle may be a pest of significant importance when growing potatoes; cucumber beetles in cucurbitaceous crops (cucumber, squash, and melons); flea beetle in many seedlings crops; clipper weevil and Tarnish Plant Bug in strawberry crops.
There are several measures available to reduce pest pressure: crop rotation, variety selection, sanitation, floating row covers, catch crops, flamers, introduction of beneficial insects, bio pesticides, and inorganic pesticides. Transitional growers should be prepared to use and experiment with some of these options. When considering a new type of production, discuss pest issues with your agrologists, IPM specialists and/or other existing organic producers to optimize your chances of success.
Availability of organic supplies has improved significantly over the past few years. New pest control products containing B.t., spinosad, kaolin clay are effective and currently available to organic growers. It is often reported that the types of weeds found on the farm evolve with time as growers change the way they grow their crops and control their weeds. By keeping track of the weed population, growers will be able to refine their crop rotations and improve their control measures.
The transition from conventional to organic farming requires numerous changes. One of the biggest changes is in the mindset of the farmer. Conventional approaches often involve the use of quick-fix remedies that, unfortunately, rarely address the cause of the problem. Transitioning farmers generally spend too much time worrying about replacing synthetic input with allowable organic product instead of considering management practices based on preventative strategies. Here are a few steps new entrants should follow when making the transition to organic farming:
A) Understand the basics of organic agriculture and the organic farming standards
Since organic production systems are knowledge based, new entrants and transitional producers must become familiar with sound and sustainable agricultural practices. Transitional producers should be prepared to read appropriate information, conduct their own trials and participate in formal and informal training events. As mentioned, switching from conventional to organic farming is more than substituting synthetic materials to organic allowed materials. Organic farming is a holistic system that relies on sound practices focused on preventative strategies. Since there are often few organic remedies available to organic producers for certain problems, prevention is the key element in organic production.
B) Identify resources that will help you
Existing organic farmers are generally very helpful in sharing valuable technical information. A good mentor should be able to provide transitional producers with knowledge, practical experience and suggest appropriate reading materials. Mentors are able to identify some of the most important challenges transitional farmers will be confronted with. Mentors may also help source production materials that are otherwise difficult to find. Producers should also contact agrologists, veterinarians and other agricultural and financial consultants, in order to learn ways to improve their current farming practices.
The Internet is a valuable source of information, especially to new organic farmers. A broad range of reading materials are available from many organic/ecological organizations such as the Organic Agriculture Centre of Canada (OACC), the Atlantic Canadian Organic Regional Network (ACORN), the Canadian Organic Growers (COG), the Certified Organic Associations of British Columbia (COABC), the National Sustainable Agriculture Information Services/Appropriate Technology Transfer for Rural Areas (ATTRA), the Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE), and the Agri-réseau/agriculture biologique- Quebec. Consider joining an organic organization or network to access these valuable resources and establish good working contacts.
C) Plan your transition carefully
Develop a transitional plan with clear and realistic goals. The plan should clearly identify various steps to be taken in making the transition to organic and be sure to include realistic timeframes. Identify your strengths and weaknesses. Consider ways to address any weaknesses, while building on strengths. The business side of the transitional plan should contain a multiple year budget and an effective/realistic marketing strategy. Make sure your list of expenses is comprehensive. Include all prerequisites to begin the transition; such as, mechanical weeding equipment, specialized composting equipment and applicators, additional handling equipment dedicated to the organic products, and processing equipment. Although the demand for organic products is continually growing, growers need to make sure they have a reliable market for the organic products they plan to produce.
Careful planning is very important. During the early part of the transitional period, yields are often depressed and premium prices for certified organic products are generally not yet obtainable. Use realistic yields and prices when evaluating the feasibility of your project.
In some instances, it is preferable to continue using conventional measures early on in the transitional process in order to avoid dramatic yield reduction which could jeopardize the financial well-being of the operation. Farmers who are planning to convert their livestock operation should consider certifying their fields first. This allows time to learn more about organic livestock management requirements while, at the same time, starting to produce organic feeds.
Although organic certifiers generally want to see the entire farm become organic, certifiers generally allow new entrants several years of transition time before the whole farm is fully certified.
Parallel production is the simultaneous production, processing or handling of organic and nonorganic crops, livestock and other products of a similar nature. Although this type of activity is highly discouraged by certifiers, some allow it, especially during the transition period. If permitted to practice parallel production, producers must be prepared to deal with significant record keeping in order to ensure traceability and organic integrity.
D) Understand your soils and ways to improve them
Since soil is the heart of the organic farming system, it is crucial that new entrants understand the various characteristics and limitations of the soils found on their farm. Soil suitability may vary significantly from one field to the next. Fields with good drainage, good level of fertility and organic matter, adequate pH, biological health, high legume content, and with less weed and pest pressure, are excellent assets. Often these fields are the first ones ready for transition and certification.
Many tools exist to assess soils. Soil chemical, physical and biological analyses, soil survey and legume composition field assessments, and field yield histories are very important and should be considered early in the transition. Unhealthy soils require particular attention.
If farmers plan to grow crops without raising any livestock, it may be necessary for them to source allowable soil amendments such as composted manure, limestone, rock dust, and supplementary sources of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and micro-nutrients. Even with the best of crop rotations that include green manure crops like legumes (nitrogen fixing crops), transitional growers will be challenged if they want to obtain optimal yields without additional livestock manure, compost and/or other off-farm soil inputs. When these inputs are scarce or expensive, producers may benefit from integrating livestock on their farm.
Let’s not forget, under organic production, farmers must be able to recycle nutrients through proper nutrient management practices: recycling through good manure and compost utilization, crop rotations, cover crops (green manure, catch, and nitrogen fixing crops), and by reducing nutrient losses due to leaching, over-fertilization, as well as poor manure and compost management (storage, handling, and spreading).
E) Identify the crops or livestock suited for your situation
Before growing a crop or raising any livestock, consider the following: degree of difficulty to grow or raise the product organically, land and soil suitability, climate suitability, level of demand for the product, marketing challenges, capital required, current prices for conventional, transitional and organic products, and profitability over additional workload.
F) Design good crop rotations
Once the crops are chosen, carefully plan the crop rotation(s) and select the most suitable cover crops (green manure, winter cover crops, catch crops, smother crops, etc.). Crop rotations are extremely important management tools in organic farming. They can interrupt pest life cycles, suppress weeds, provide and recycle fertility, and improve soil structure and tilth. Some rotational crops may also be cash crops, generating supplemental income.
On some farms, land base availability may be a limiting factor when planning your crop rotations. The transitional plan should, therefore, include crop rotation strategies. Responding to external forces such as new market opportunities may also have a significant impact on crop rotations, so farmers need to consider the effect that growing new crops has on their crop rotations and land base availability.
G) Identify pest challenges and methods of control
It is important to know the crop’s most common pests, their life cycles and adequate control measures. For instance, Colorado potato beetle may be a pest of significant importance when growing potatoes; cucumber beetles in cucurbitaceous crops (cucumber, squash, and melons); flea beetle in many seedlings crops; clipper weevil and Tarnish Plant Bug in strawberry crops.
There are several measures available to reduce pest pressure: crop rotation, variety selection, sanitation, floating row covers, catch crops, flamers, introduction of beneficial insects, bio pesticides, and inorganic pesticides. Transitional growers should be prepared to use and experiment with some of these options. When considering a new type of production, discuss pest issues with your agrologists, IPM specialists and/or other existing organic producers to optimize your chances of success.
Availability of organic supplies has improved significantly over the past few years. New pest control products containing B.t., spinosad, kaolin clay are effective and currently available to organic growers. It is often reported that the types of weeds found on the farm evolve with time as growers change the way they grow their crops and control their weeds. By keeping track of the weed population, growers will be able to refine their crop rotations and improve their control measures.
padmanabhan_ganesan
Senior Member
Under organic livestock management, cattlemen must provide attentive care that promotes health and meets the behavioral needs of various types of livestock. With good herd health practices, farmers rarely need to rely on conventional medicine. Organic cattlemen should, however, try to familiarize themselves with alternative remedies such as herbal/aroma therapies, homeopathy,and immune system promoters.
H) Be ready to conduct your own on-farm trials
Successful organic farmers continuously try new and/or innovative management practices. Practices such as cover cropping, inter-planting, and use of various soil and pest control materials need to be evaluated regularly by organic farmers. Be prepared to try new approaches.
I) Be ready to keep good records
Record keeping is one of the most important requirements to maintain organic integrity. Farmers are expected to keep detailed production, processing and marketing information. This information includes everything that enters and exits the farm. Third party, independent inspectors require farmers to present the above mentioned documentation when inspecting the farm operation. Once the record-keeping requirements are understood and the reporting procedure established, paperwork becomes routine.
J) Avoid these common mistakes
• Underestimating the need for good transitional and marketing plans.
• Underestimating the need to fully understand the Organic Standard. Organic producers must understand the standard in order to know what is permitted and prohibited.
• Failing to think prevention. Transitional farmers should consider improving their crop rotation, soil and crop management skills, livestock management practices (feeding program, heard health program, grazing system, housing facilities, and husbandry).
H) Be ready to conduct your own on-farm trials
Successful organic farmers continuously try new and/or innovative management practices. Practices such as cover cropping, inter-planting, and use of various soil and pest control materials need to be evaluated regularly by organic farmers. Be prepared to try new approaches.
I) Be ready to keep good records
Record keeping is one of the most important requirements to maintain organic integrity. Farmers are expected to keep detailed production, processing and marketing information. This information includes everything that enters and exits the farm. Third party, independent inspectors require farmers to present the above mentioned documentation when inspecting the farm operation. Once the record-keeping requirements are understood and the reporting procedure established, paperwork becomes routine.
J) Avoid these common mistakes
• Underestimating the need for good transitional and marketing plans.
• Underestimating the need to fully understand the Organic Standard. Organic producers must understand the standard in order to know what is permitted and prohibited.
• Failing to think prevention. Transitional farmers should consider improving their crop rotation, soil and crop management skills, livestock management practices (feeding program, heard health program, grazing system, housing facilities, and husbandry).
padmanabhan_ganesan
Senior Member
Conventional Vs Organic Farming
Organic and conventional agriculture belonged to two different paradigms. The fundamental difference between the two competing agricultural paradigms as follows
Conventional Farming
Organic Farming
Centralization
Decentralization
Dependence
Independence
Competition
Community
Domination of nature
Harmony with nature
Specialisation
Diversity
Exploitation
Restraint
In contrast, several agro-ecologically based researchers stress more the fluid transition between conventional, integrated and organic farming, as an outcome of different assessments of economic, ecological and social goals. Consequently, technique strategies such as integrated pest management of balanced nutrient supply might improve conventional agriculture to such as an extent that it may appear unnecessary to strictly ban pesticides and mineral fertilizers as required by organic standards.
However, there is scientific that organic agriculture differs from conventional agriculture not only gradually but fundamentally. Implementing organic methods consequently seems to provide a new quality in how the agro-ecosystem works. This functioning cannot be explained by summing up single ecological measures. Organic farming seems to improve soil fertility in a way and to an extent which cannot be achieved by conventional farming even if the later consistently respects some ecologically principles.
Organic agriculture is one of several to sustainable agriculture and many of the techniques used (e.g. inter-cropping, rotation of crops, double digging,, mulching, integration of crops and livestock) are practiced under various agricultural systems. What makes organic agriculture unique, as regulated under various laws and certification programmes, is that:
1) almost all synthetic inputs are prohibited and 2) Soil building crop rotations are mandated.
The basic rules of organic production are that natural inputs are approved and synthetic inputs are prohibited, but there are exceptions in both cases.
Certain natural inputs determined by the various certification programmes to be harmful to human health or the environment are prohibited (e.g. arsenic). As well, certain synthetic inputs determined to be essential and consistent with organic farming philosophy, are allowed (e.g. insect pheromones). Lists of specific approved synthetic inputs and prohibited natural inputs are maintained by all the certification programmes and such a list is under negotiation in codex. Many certification programmes require additional environmental protection measures in adoption to these two requirements. While many farmers in the developing world do not use synthetic inputs, this alone is not sufficient to classify their operations as organic.
Modern Farming
Today's chemical farms have little use for the skilled husbandry which was once the guiding principle of working the land. The emphasis today is solely on productivity - high input in exchange for high returns and productivity (mostly diminishing now however for farmers worldwide). Four important considerations - what happens to the land, the food it produces, the people who eat it and the communities which lose out - are overlooked.
Land exhaustion
The constant use of artificial fertilizer, together with a lack of crop rotation, reduces the soil's fertility year by year.
Fertilizers
High yield levels are produced by applying large quantities of artificial fertilizers, instead of by maintaining the natural fertility of the soil.
Nitrate run-off
About half of the nitrate in the artificial fertilizer used on crops is dissolved by rain. The dissolved nitrate runs off the fields to contaminate water courses.
Soil erosion
Where repeated deep ploughing is used to turn over the ground, heavy rains can carry away the topsoil and leave the ground useless for cultivation.
Soil compaction
Damage to the structure of soil by compression is a serious problem in areas that are intensively farmed. Conventional tillage may involve a tractor passing over the land six or seven times, and the wheelings can cover up to 90 per cent of a field. Even a single tractor pass can compress the surface enough to reduce the porosity of the soil by 70 per cent, increasing surface run-off and, therefore, water erosion. In the worst cases, the surface run-off may approach 100 percent - none of the water penetrates the surface
Agricultural fuel
As crop yields grow, so does the amount of fuel needed to produce them. European farmers now use an average of 12 tons of fuel to farm a square kilometre of land; American farmers use about 5 tons (1987 figures).
Biocide sprays
The only controls used against weeds and pests are chemical ones. Most crops receive many doses of different chemicals before they are harvested.
Cruelty to animals
On most "modern" farms, all animals are crowded together indoors. Complex systems of machinery are needed to feed them, while constant medication is needed to prevent disease. The cruelty involved in managing, breeding, growing and slaughtering farm animals today is unimaginably repulsive and horrifying.
Animal slurry
With so many animals packed together in indoor pens, their manure accumulates at great speed. It is often poured into lagoons which leak into local watercourses, contaminating them with disease-causing organisms and contributing to algae-blooms.
Imported animal feed
Many farms are not self-sufficient in animal feed; instead they rely on feed brought into the farm. This often comes from countries which can ill afford to part with it.
Stubble burning
In countries where stubble is burned, large amounts of potentially useful organic matter disappear into the sky in clouds of polluting smoke
Loss of cultivated biodiversity
Large and other chemical farms tend to be monocultures growing the same crop and crop variety
Threat to indigenous seeds and animal breeds and species
Native cultivars and animal breeds lose out to exotic species and hybrids. Many native animal breeds are today threatened with extinction. The same holds true for many indigenous plant varieties which have disappeared within the space of one generation.
Habitat destruction
Agribusiness farming demands that anything which stands in the way of crop production is uprooted and destroyed. The wild animals and plants which were once a common sight around farms are deprived of their natural habitat and die out.
Contaminated food
Food, both plant and animal products, leaves the farm contaminated with the chemicals that were used to produce it.
Destruction of traditional knowledge systems and traditions
Rural indigenous knowledge and traditions, both agricultural and non-agricultural, is invariably connected to agriculture and agricultural systems.
Control of agriculture inputs and food distribution channel
The supply and trading in agricultural inputs and produce is in the hands of a few large corporations. This threatens food security, reducing the leverage and importance of the first and the last part of the supply chain - the farmer and the consumer.
Threat to individual farmers
Chemical agriculture is a threat to their livelihoods and changes their lifestyles, unfortunately not for the better.
Organic and conventional agriculture belonged to two different paradigms. The fundamental difference between the two competing agricultural paradigms as follows
Conventional Farming
Organic Farming
Centralization
Decentralization
Dependence
Independence
Competition
Community
Domination of nature
Harmony with nature
Specialisation
Diversity
Exploitation
Restraint
In contrast, several agro-ecologically based researchers stress more the fluid transition between conventional, integrated and organic farming, as an outcome of different assessments of economic, ecological and social goals. Consequently, technique strategies such as integrated pest management of balanced nutrient supply might improve conventional agriculture to such as an extent that it may appear unnecessary to strictly ban pesticides and mineral fertilizers as required by organic standards.
However, there is scientific that organic agriculture differs from conventional agriculture not only gradually but fundamentally. Implementing organic methods consequently seems to provide a new quality in how the agro-ecosystem works. This functioning cannot be explained by summing up single ecological measures. Organic farming seems to improve soil fertility in a way and to an extent which cannot be achieved by conventional farming even if the later consistently respects some ecologically principles.
Organic agriculture is one of several to sustainable agriculture and many of the techniques used (e.g. inter-cropping, rotation of crops, double digging,, mulching, integration of crops and livestock) are practiced under various agricultural systems. What makes organic agriculture unique, as regulated under various laws and certification programmes, is that:
1) almost all synthetic inputs are prohibited and 2) Soil building crop rotations are mandated.
The basic rules of organic production are that natural inputs are approved and synthetic inputs are prohibited, but there are exceptions in both cases.
Certain natural inputs determined by the various certification programmes to be harmful to human health or the environment are prohibited (e.g. arsenic). As well, certain synthetic inputs determined to be essential and consistent with organic farming philosophy, are allowed (e.g. insect pheromones). Lists of specific approved synthetic inputs and prohibited natural inputs are maintained by all the certification programmes and such a list is under negotiation in codex. Many certification programmes require additional environmental protection measures in adoption to these two requirements. While many farmers in the developing world do not use synthetic inputs, this alone is not sufficient to classify their operations as organic.
Modern Farming
Today's chemical farms have little use for the skilled husbandry which was once the guiding principle of working the land. The emphasis today is solely on productivity - high input in exchange for high returns and productivity (mostly diminishing now however for farmers worldwide). Four important considerations - what happens to the land, the food it produces, the people who eat it and the communities which lose out - are overlooked.
Land exhaustion
The constant use of artificial fertilizer, together with a lack of crop rotation, reduces the soil's fertility year by year.
Fertilizers
High yield levels are produced by applying large quantities of artificial fertilizers, instead of by maintaining the natural fertility of the soil.
Nitrate run-off
About half of the nitrate in the artificial fertilizer used on crops is dissolved by rain. The dissolved nitrate runs off the fields to contaminate water courses.
Soil erosion
Where repeated deep ploughing is used to turn over the ground, heavy rains can carry away the topsoil and leave the ground useless for cultivation.
Soil compaction
Damage to the structure of soil by compression is a serious problem in areas that are intensively farmed. Conventional tillage may involve a tractor passing over the land six or seven times, and the wheelings can cover up to 90 per cent of a field. Even a single tractor pass can compress the surface enough to reduce the porosity of the soil by 70 per cent, increasing surface run-off and, therefore, water erosion. In the worst cases, the surface run-off may approach 100 percent - none of the water penetrates the surface
Agricultural fuel
As crop yields grow, so does the amount of fuel needed to produce them. European farmers now use an average of 12 tons of fuel to farm a square kilometre of land; American farmers use about 5 tons (1987 figures).
Biocide sprays
The only controls used against weeds and pests are chemical ones. Most crops receive many doses of different chemicals before they are harvested.
Cruelty to animals
On most "modern" farms, all animals are crowded together indoors. Complex systems of machinery are needed to feed them, while constant medication is needed to prevent disease. The cruelty involved in managing, breeding, growing and slaughtering farm animals today is unimaginably repulsive and horrifying.
Animal slurry
With so many animals packed together in indoor pens, their manure accumulates at great speed. It is often poured into lagoons which leak into local watercourses, contaminating them with disease-causing organisms and contributing to algae-blooms.
Imported animal feed
Many farms are not self-sufficient in animal feed; instead they rely on feed brought into the farm. This often comes from countries which can ill afford to part with it.
Stubble burning
In countries where stubble is burned, large amounts of potentially useful organic matter disappear into the sky in clouds of polluting smoke
Loss of cultivated biodiversity
Large and other chemical farms tend to be monocultures growing the same crop and crop variety
Threat to indigenous seeds and animal breeds and species
Native cultivars and animal breeds lose out to exotic species and hybrids. Many native animal breeds are today threatened with extinction. The same holds true for many indigenous plant varieties which have disappeared within the space of one generation.
Habitat destruction
Agribusiness farming demands that anything which stands in the way of crop production is uprooted and destroyed. The wild animals and plants which were once a common sight around farms are deprived of their natural habitat and die out.
Contaminated food
Food, both plant and animal products, leaves the farm contaminated with the chemicals that were used to produce it.
Destruction of traditional knowledge systems and traditions
Rural indigenous knowledge and traditions, both agricultural and non-agricultural, is invariably connected to agriculture and agricultural systems.
Control of agriculture inputs and food distribution channel
The supply and trading in agricultural inputs and produce is in the hands of a few large corporations. This threatens food security, reducing the leverage and importance of the first and the last part of the supply chain - the farmer and the consumer.
Threat to individual farmers
Chemical agriculture is a threat to their livelihoods and changes their lifestyles, unfortunately not for the better.
I understand that this is relatively old post but in current scenario it is very relevant because of extensive use of harmful chemicals in pesticides, weedicides and fertilizers. These harmful chemicals results in pollution and effects directly on agriculture. Organic farming can be profitable, and organic food appeals to consumers as both a healthy and ethical choice. Beyond money and ethics, though, organic farming practices result in numerous environmental benefits like
1. Organic Farming Discourages Environmental Exposure to Pesticides and Chemicals
Pesticide and chemical use results in many negative environmental issues:
[*=1]Pesticides allow disease resistance to build up in plants, weeds, plant-eating-insects, fungi and bacteria.
[*=1]Pesticides and chemicals sprayed on plants contaminate the soil, water supply, and air. Sometimes these harmful pesticides stick around for decades (maybe longer).
[*=1]Synthetic chemicals also discourage smart farming practices such as cover crops and crop rotation, which in turn, may cause other harmful environmental problems like erosion.
To grow healthy food, you must start with healthy soil. If you treat soil with harmful pesticides and chemicals, you may end up with soil that cannot thrive on its own. Natural cultivation practices are far better than chemical soil management.
3. Organic Farming Helps Combat Erosion
Not only does organic farming build healthy soil, but it helps combat serious soil and land issues, such as erosion. A major study comparing adjoining organic and chemically treated wheat fields showed that the organic field featured eight more inches of topsoil than the chemically treated field and also had only one-third the erosion loss.
If you aren't concerned about erosion; you should be. Erosion issues are extremely serious, affecting the land, food supply, and humans. However, organic farming practices do help discourage erosion from occurring.
4. Organic Farming Fights the Effects of Global Warming
Rodale Institute Farming Systems Trial is America’s longest running, side-by-side comparison of conventional and organic agriculture. The trial, running since 1981, has shown that a healthy organic agriculture system can actually reduce carbon dioxide and help slow climate change. In fact, the Rodale research shows that:
5. Organic Farming Supports Water Conservation and Water Health
Dwindling water supplies and poor water health are very real threats. When our water supply is at risk, people and the planet end up suffering.
American Rivers notes that a major water pollution threat to U.S rivers is runoff from non-organic farms, such as harmful pesticides, toxic fertilizers, and animal waste. Organic farming helps keep our water supplies clean by stopping that polluted runoff.
Organic farming also helps conserve water. Organic farmers, in general, tend to spend time amending soil correctly and using mulch - both of which help conserve water. Cotton, an in-demand crop, requires a lot of irrigation and excess water when grown conventionally. However, organic cotton farming needs less irrigation and thus conserves water.
6. Organic Farming Discourages Algae Blooms
Algal blooms (HABs) result in adverse effects on the health of people and marine animals and organisms. Algal blooms also negatively affect recreation, tourism and thus, local and regional economies. While there is more than one cause of algal blooms, a primary human-based cause of algae blooms is runoff from the petroleum-based fertilizers often used in conventional farming.
PLANTING YOURSELF ON THE ROAD TO SUCCESS REQUIRES A SMART SITE AND SMART MARKETING.
Many people are drawn to starting a small organic farm out of a desire to do good for the environment, promote healthy eating and lead a simpler life. However, farming is hard work and requires the same skills and commitment to succeed as any small business. Here are some tips to plant you on the road to making a living as the owner of a small organic farm.
1. FIND THE RIGHT LOCATION FOR YOUR ORGANIC FARM
The first step to a successful organic farm is finding land with fertile soil, good drainage, and access to sufficient good-quality water for irrigation
2. RIGHT AGRICULTURAL PRACTICE
Good agriculture practice(GAP) are specific method which meet sustainable agriculture goals. Practitioners of sustainable agriculture seek to integrate three main objectives into their work: a healthy environment, economic profitability, and social and economic equity. It include methods to promote soil health, minimize water use, and lower pollution levels on the farm. Consumers and retailers are concerned with these agricultural practices and look for “values-based” foods that are grown using methods promoting farmworker wellbeing, that are environmentally friendly or that strengthen the local economy.
3. BEGIN DIRECT MARKETING
Most small organic farmers rely on direct marketing rather than selling to wholesalers or grocery store merchandisers. For example, Love Is Love farms a wide range of produce from arugula to sweet potatoes, which it sells at markets, to local restaurants and to members of its community-supported agriculture (CSA) program. Members subscribe to a CSA and receive a selection of seasonal produce twice a week.
4. SEEK A MENTOR AND START NETWORKING
It plays a very important role in organic farming because checking online and networking with other local farmers to find programs and trade groups in your area that provide education in both general farming skills and organic agriculture.
HAPPY ORGANIC FARMING!
Last edited:
pramoliya
Member
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