Organic Farming for Sustainable Agriculture: A Review

Abstract

Organic farming unites all agricultural systems that maintain ecologically, socially and economically advisable agricultural production. For ensuring sustainable agriculture, organic farming aggregates following practices i.e. optimization of land use and crop structure; efficient use of available organic fertilizing resources; agro-technical methods to protect crops from weeds; crop rotation; soil-protecting technologies for planned chemical land reclamation; preservation of agricultural and biological diversity at farms and its efficient utilization; stabilization of agro-landscapes through uniform system of field-protecting forest belts; facilitation of proper use and preservation of water resources; usage of renewable resources; harmonious balance between crop and animal production through integrated farming and utilization of indigenous technical knowledge. Hence, high-yielding varieties are being used with infusion of irrigation water, fertilizers, or pesticides. This combination of high-yielding production technology has helped the country develop a food surplus as well as contributing to concerns of soil health, environmental pollution, pesticide toxicity, and sustainability of agricultural production. Certified organic products including all varieties of food products including basmati rice, pulses, honey, tea, spices, coffee, oilseeds, fruits, cereals, herbal medicines, and their value-added products are produced in India. Non edible organic products include cotton, garments, cosmetics, functional food products, body care products, and similar products. The production of these organic crops and products is reviewed with regard to sustainable agriculture in northern India. Organic farming provides macronutrients and micronutrients to the plants and also improves soil physical, chemical and biological characteristics of soil.