What is Organic?
Organic agriculture means the process of developing a viable and sustainable agroecosystem.
The most crucial word in the definition of Organic is sustainable and ecosystem.
We generally ask for certification but do not understand what standards are referred for certification. Organic cultivation is not only limited to the specific crop, soil, water and fertiliser or pesticide. It also talks about the genetic variations, biodiversity within a particular region and multi-crop cultivation.
Myths about Organic!
"NO GMO" is becoming a tagline for promoting Organic.
Almost all organic sellers claim this feature as their top feature. In reality, no GMO seeds are allowed in India for grains, vegetables or fruits.
My produce is residual free.
Another marketing gimmick. Residue-free farming practices do use chemical fertilisers and pesticides.
I do organic farming.
It's not only about one field; it's also about neighbourhood fields. One farmer may not be using chemical fertilisers or pesticides, but what about neighbourhood farmers? All neighbourhood farmers must come together and do organic farming then; only the product will become organic.
How can I get authentic organic food produce?
Organic is a process, not a product. The best way to get organic produce is to start interacting with farmers, not traders or resellers. Ask questions to farmers, not the person who is at a counter. Unless we educate farmers and make them aware of the importance of organic farming, they will not understand the topic's sensitivity.
All farmers are moving towards organic farming because many business houses are committing them additional income, and no one educating them why organic?
In 1972 all Indian farmers adopted the green revolution technique to get additional output and additional income; no one knew why the green revolution and the pros n cons of the same.
Similarly, organic cultivation is taking the same shape as the green revolution and failing in many places. Any person attends an organic farming workshop, and then he becomes a trainer.
It is required to educate the farmer properly on the importance of organic farming. Else at some point, it will lose its basic idealogy.
