Ever since the beginning of human civilization agriculture has played an important role. Ever increasing population and changes in life style forced scientists and farmers to develop technologies, which excessively depend upon use of synthetic chemical inputs, such as fertilizers and pesticides.
The Green Revolution based on High Yielding Varieties which require heavy doses of chemical inputs and irrigation, helped our country to tide away the serious gap between the demand and supply of food grains. No doubt it was a great success story but that success has taken a heavy toll of ecosystem.
Non-judicious use of chemical inputs for boosting crop production has unleashed havoc and is posing danger to whole ecosystem. It has not only polluted soil and water to the point of health hazards but affecting the quality of food products.
Organic farming is seen as a solution to this problem, but it is still not fully understood by the farmers and their mentors.
This book aims at clarifying different aspects of organic farming. There are 20 chapters in this book, the first being essentially introductory in nature. Success of organic farming depends upon the replenishment of social fertility. The common notion that nutrients are given to the plant crop has to be changed. The fact is nutrients are to be given to the soil and that too in a balanced way -- needs to be emphasized. Taking this into consideration a chapter on soil world has been included. The success of commercial organic farming depends upon a certification from recognized certified agency and hence a chapter on soil world has been included. For the benefits of organic farmers chapters on 'Present Indian Scenario' and 'International Scenario' have been included. Post harvest technology is the most neglected activity in India and hence has been covered in details. Economics of organic farming, frequently asked questions by farmers, do's and don'ts etc. have also been discussed. |
