Challenges And Opportunities For Organic Agriculture And The Seed Industry PDF Download

The concept of quality food has witnessed a considerable change in the recent years. It now refers not only to the characteristics of the end product, but the methods of production, processing and transportation also play an equal role. Consumers in developed and developing countries have now become more health conscious and are willing to pay more for the clean, healthy and natural food. This is due to the regular and increasing use of various chemical pesticides and synthetically produced fertilizer sand disease control measures in agricultural practices, those are not only adversely affecting the natural resources and soil fertility but also the health of human beings. This gravity of depleting soil health and environmental hazards have drawn the attention of scientists and policy makers to find out a way for sustainable and eco friendly farming system in the various a climatic conditions worldwide, keeping in view the needs of the present and future generations. A number of different farming systems and technique be grouped under the umbrella of sustainable agriculture. All of these systems have in common that they reduce or avoid the use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers, reject genetically modified organisms and work with natural cycles in order to manage pests and improve soil fertility. In view of resurgence of interest in alternate sustainable agriculture in recent years, organic farming has been considered to be a viable option in most of the countries. Organic farming is not about just farming minus chemicals. It is actually about our agricultural traditions and practices, local seeds, regional values, environment, animal welfare, communities, sensible energy use, soil and water conservation and more. It is also about us and our family, our health and our welfare. Importantly, it is also about the farmer, his livelihood, his food productivity and security. Organic farming is thus considered as a movement dirted towards the philosophy of "Back to Nature. "Organic agriculture is the cultivation of crops without chemical pesticides, synthetic fertilizers or genetically-modified organisms. Organic farmers rely primarily one renewable resources and on-farm inputs such as compost, manure and bio-pesticides. Soil fertility is maintained and pests are managed through alternative strategies, such rotation, crop diversification, cultivation of legumes, and mechanical or biological pest control. Organic livestock is nurtured on organically grown fodder, without the use of antibiotics or growth hormones. In organic food processing, no ionizing radiations, food additives or growth promoters are allowed. More than an inventory of techniques, organic agriculture is intended as a holistic and systemic approach to agriculture.