question_answer 16)

Identify the benefits and limitations of organic farming.

Answer:

Benefits of Organic Farming (i) Organic farming substitutes costlier agricultural inputs such as HYV seeds, chemical fertilisers, pesticides etc with locally produced organic inputs which are cheaper and thereby generate better returns on investment for farmers, (ii) Organic farming generates income through exports as the global demand for organically grown crops is increasing. (iii) Organically grown food has more nutritional value than food grown through chemical farming thus creating a positive effect on health. (iv) Organic farming is appropriate for India as organic farming is more labour intensive than conventional farming. (v) Organic farming promotes soil that are learning with life and rich in micro nutrients which can be used for decades to grow crops virtually year round in many parts of the world. Limitations of Organic Farming (i) Organic farming is labour intensive. Thus, it is beneficial for small farmers who has abundant labour in his/her family. (ii) Organic farming is very expensive, the farmer has to carry out the transition, modify the soil structure. (iii) Organic produce is not traded In many markets, marketing is difficult (iv) Organic food prices are not stable and keep fluctuating time to time, (v) Organic farming requires a lot of time as it requires greater interaction between a farmer and his crop for observation.