Organic farming is a way of
agriculture that relies on ecosystem management rather than external
agricultural inputs. This approach excludes the use of synthetic inputs, such as
synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, veterinary drugs, and genetically modified
organisms (GMOs), and usually subscribes to the principles of sustainable
agriculture. Its theoretical basis emphasizes soil health as the foundation for
successful production. Its proponents believe that healthy soil, maintained
without the use of man-made fertilizers and pesticides, and livestock raised
without drugs, yields higher quality food than conventional, chemical-based
agriculture.
1.Organic
farming does not use artificial (synthetic) chemicals like pesticides and
fertilizers. It relies on composting, intercropping/ mixed cropping, crop
rotation, to build soil fertility, soil and water conservation as well as
biological methods to control weeds and pests.
2.Organic farming produces safe and nutritious food
as it helps prevent soil pollution by stopping risky chemical reactions in the
soil and avoiding produce contamination, as well as soil erosion, by wind and
rain.
3.Organic farming reduces dependence on
non-renewable resources. It recycles by-products from households, agriculture
and other human activities.
1.To produce food of high nutritional
quality in sufficient quantity.
2.To encourage and enhance biological cycles within
the farming system, involving micro-organisms, soil, flora and
fauna, plants and animals.
3.To maintain and increase the long-term fertility
of soils.
4.To avoid all forms of pollution that may result
from agricultural techniques.
5.To maintain the genetic diversity of the
agricultural system and its surroundings, including the protection of plant and
wildlife habitats.
6.To allow agricultural produces an adequate return
and satisfaction from their work including a safe working environment.
Methods of organic farming vary. Some farms follow the strict production
guidelines of a particular regulatory code, others develop their own independent
systems. However, all organic systems share common goals and practices:
• no use of synthetic fertilizers or pesticides, and no GMOs;
• protection of the soil (from erosion, nutrient depletion, structural
breakdown);
• promotion of biodiversity (e.g. growing a variety of crops rather than a
single crop);
• no drugs (e.g. antibiotics, hormones), and access to outdoor grazing, for
livestock and poultry.
For more
information, please e-mail to us :
ckchong2004@yahoo.com
- Mr. Chong Chee Koon, student in Education agriculture of science, UPM.
wlaiwo78@yahoo.com
- Miss Wong Lai Woan, student in Education agriculture of science, UPM.
