Question

Discuss `Organic Farming' as a sustainable alternative.

Hint:

Sikkim became the world's first fully organic state in 2016. The Indian government promotes organic farming through schemes like \textbf{Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY)}.

Answer 1

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Organic farming is a method of crop and livestock production that involves much more than choosing not to use pesticides, fertilizers, genetically modified organisms, antibiotics, and growth hormones.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
1. Environmental Sustainability: It relies on natural inputs like compost, green manure, and biological pest control. This prevents soil degradation and water pollution caused by chemical runoff.
2. Soil Health: It maintains the biological diversity of the soil, making it more fertile over the long run compared to conventional farming which often exhausts soil nutrients.
3. Consumer Health: Since no synthetic chemicals are used, the produce is considered safer and more nutritious for consumers.
4. Economic Aspect: While initial yields might be lower, organic products command higher prices in international markets, providing better income for farmers in the long term.
Step 3: Final Answer:
Organic farming is a sustainable alternative because it restores ecological balance and ensures the production of healthy food without depleting natural resources.