ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES

19B13BT211
TOPIC-ORGANIC FARMING A SAFE OPTION FOR
ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION

TEAM
MEMBERS
SARTHAK AGARWAL-9923103183-F7
SHRESHTHA SINGHAL-9923103173-F7
HARSHVARDHAN SINGH-9923103168-F7
SHAURYA GOYAL-9923103164-F7
 ACKNOWLEDGMENT

I would like to sincerely thank my respected

teacher, Mrs Monika Shukla, for providing me
with the opportunity to work on this insightful
project. Their guidance, suggestions, and
encouragement throughout the project were
instrumental in completing this research
successfully.
I extend my gratitude to my college for offering
the resources and a learning-friendly environment
that helped me explore the topic in depth. Special
thanks to my classmates for their healthy
discussions and support during the data collection
and analysis stages.
 INTRODUCTION
Organic farming is a holistic approach to agriculture that emphasizes
the use of natural inputs and environmentally sustainable practices. In
a world facing increasing environmental degradation, global warming,
and food insecurity, organic farming emerges as a crucial strategy to
mitigate environmental harm and promote human and ecological
well-being.

This method avoids synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and genetically

modified organisms (GMOs), and instead, relies on crop rotation,
composting, green manures, and biological pest control. Organic
farming aims to enhance soil fertility, maintain ecological balance,
and provide safe, nutritious food.
 OBJECTIVES
The main goals of this project are as follows:

1.​ To Understand Organic Farming:​

Learn the definition, history, and key principles of organic
farming. Understand how it differs from other farming systems
and how it supports environmental and human health.
2.​ To Analyze Environmental Benefits:​
Explore how organic farming contributes to reducing pollution,
improving soil quality, preserving biodiversity, and mitigating
climate change.
3.​ To Compare Organic and Conventional Farming:​
Create a detailed comparison highlighting the impact of both
farming systems on the environment, soil, water, and health.
4.​ To Promote Awareness:​
Encourage awareness among students, teachers, and community
members about the importance of sustainable agriculture and
how individual choices can make a difference.

These objectives serve as the foundation of this report and guide the
research and analysis conducted.
 WHAT IS ORGANIC
FARMING?
Organic farming is a system that integrates ecological, biological, and
mechanical practices to promote environmental health and biodiversity. The
central idea is to work with nature rather than against it. This farming method
avoids the use of synthetic chemicals and GMOs, focusing instead on natural
inputs and methods.

Instead of using chemical fertilizers, organic farmers enrich the soil with
compost, animal manure, and green manure. Pest control is achieved through
natural predators, traps, or organic pesticides derived from plant and mineral
sources. Moreover, organic farmers practice crop rotation and intercropping to
enhance soil fertility and reduce pest outbreaks.
 PRINCIPLES OF ORGANIC
FARMING
Organic farming is based on four main principles defined by IFOAM
(International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements):

1.​ Health:​
Organic agriculture sustains and enhances the health of soil, plants,
animals, humans, and the planet. It aims to produce nutritious food
without harming ecosystems.
2.​ Ecology:​
It should be based on living ecological systems and cycles. Farming
practices must fit local conditions, ecology, and culture, promoting
sustainability and harmony with nature.
3.​ Fairness:​
Fairness involves respect for all life forms and equitable relationships.
Organic farming should provide a good quality of life for farmers and
workers and promote social justice.
4.​ Care:​
Organic farming must be managed in a precautionary and responsible
manner. It should safeguard the health and well-being of current and
future generations and the environment.

These principles serve as ethical foundations and guide every aspect of organic
agricultural practices.
 METHODS USED IN
ORGANIC FARMING
Organic farming employs a variety of eco-friendly methods:

●​ Crop Rotation:​
Alternating crops in the same field over time prevents pest buildup and
improves soil health.
●​ Green Manuring:​
Planting cover crops (like legumes) and then plowing them back into the
soil adds nutrients and improves soil structure.
●​ Composting:​
Decomposed organic matter such as kitchen scraps and animal waste is
used as a natural fertilizer, enriching the soil with nutrients and microbes.
●​ Biological Pest Control:​
Instead of chemicals, farmers use beneficial insects (like ladybugs or
parasitic wasps) and natural deterrents to manage pests.
●​ Mulching and Intercropping:​
Techniques like using organic mulch help retain moisture and suppress
weeds, while intercropping increases biodiversity and reduces pest
infestations.

These techniques are not only sustainable but also help reduce dependence on
external inputs.
 BENEFITS OF ORGANIC
FARMING FOR
ENVIRONMENT
Organic farming has numerous environmental benefits:

●​ Improves Soil Health:​

Use of organic compost and green manure enriches soil, increases organic
matter, and improves water retention.
●​ Reduces Water Pollution:​
Since it avoids synthetic chemicals, organic farming minimizes
contamination of groundwater and nearby rivers.
●​ Supports Biodiversity:​
Organic farms often harbor more species of plants, insects, and animals
due to less disturbance and fewer chemicals.
●​ Reduces Greenhouse Gas Emissions:​
Organic systems typically use less fossil fuel energy and sequester more
carbon in the soil through composting and cover cropping.
●​ Promotes Ecological Balance:​
Natural pest control and diverse cropping systems foster a balanced
ecosystem.

By avoiding harmful inputs and nurturing nature, organic farming plays a vital
role in protecting our environment.
 COMPARISON WITH
CONVENTIONAL
FARMING
Organic farming and conventional farming differ significantly in their approaches and impacts on the
environment. One of the primary differences lies in the use of chemicals. Organic farming avoids
synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, relying instead on natural compost and biological pest control. In
contrast, conventional farming heavily uses synthetic chemicals to enhance crop yield and control
pests, which can lead to soil degradation and water pollution.
In terms of soil health, organic farming enriches the soil through natural methods such as crop
rotation, green manuring, and composting. This results in improved soil structure and fertility over
time. On the other hand, conventional farming may deplete soil nutrients due to repeated use of
chemical inputs and monoculture practices.
Lastly, while organic farming may involve higher labor and costs due to its intensive practices and
certification requirements, it provides healthier food options and contributes to long-term
sustainability. Conventional farming is usually less labor-intensive and more cost-effective in the short
term but may incur hidden environmental and health costs in the long run.
CHALLENGES IN ORGANIC
FARMING
Despite its benefits, organic farming faces several challenges:

●​ Lower Yields Initially:​

Organic farms may produce less yield than conventional ones in the short
term, especially during the transition phase.
●​ Higher Labor Requirements:​
Manual weeding, pest control, and composting require more effort
compared to chemical-based solutions.
●​ Limited Access to Inputs:​
Availability of organic seeds, compost, and approved natural pest control
methods can be limited in many regions.
●​ Certification Process:​
Getting certified as an organic farm can be expensive and
time-consuming, especially for small-scale farmers.
●​ Market Limitations:​
Organic products are often more expensive, limiting accessibility for
some consumers. Farmers may also lack proper market access.

Addressing these challenges through education, government support, and

infrastructure can make organic farming more accessible.
 CONCLUSION
Organic farming represents a promising path toward a more
sustainable and environmentally friendly future. It avoids the
harmful effects of chemical fertilizers and pesticides and
instead relies on time-tested natural methods. This not only
benefits the environment but also improves soil fertility,
preserves biodiversity, and produces healthier food.
While organic farming comes with its set of challenges,
especially regarding cost and labor, the long-term
environmental and health benefits outweigh these drawbacks.
By choosing and supporting organic farming practices, both
farmers and consumers can contribute to a cleaner, greener
planet.
Promoting organic agriculture on a large scale requires
awareness, education, policy support, and community
engagement. It is a collective responsibility to protect our
natural resources for future generations.
 REFERENCES
 FAO – Food and Agriculture Organization:
[Link]​
Reliable source for global food and agriculture statistics and
practices.
 IFOAM – Organics International: [Link]​
The global umbrella organization for the organic farming
movement.
 Organic India: [Link]​
Provides information about organic products and farming
practices in India.
 Books:
●​ Organic Farming for Sustainable Agriculture by Uma
Kanjirath
●​ Sustainable Agriculture by John Mason