Haldwani (Uttarakhand): In today's date, organic farming is gradually replacing the conventional methods of agriculture due to its high nutritional value. Organic farming not only has many environmental benefits and is good for the soil and climate, but the study reveals that farmers can make more money with this method as customers are willing to pay more for the same.
In recent years, people have started the consumption of organic food, mainly due to their general awareness about the harmful effects of conventional methods of agriculture, where chemical fertilizers are used indiscriminately. The trend of staying fit and healthy has evolved the concept of organic farming. Organic farming effectively eliminates the use of harmful additives, which results in several key benefits to one's health.
One such example is Narendra Mehra's organic farming of mangoes. Hailing from Gaulapar of Haldwani, Mehra, a progressive farmer produces organic mangoes in his orchard and is earning huge profits. With at least 110 mango trees in his orchard, Narendra Mehra has been practising organic farming for many years.
Narendra Mehra's organic farming of mangoes will not only help the common people but it can show a path to the farmers who use chemical fertilizers and pesticides to generate huge profits.
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"I use organic manure which is good for health. Red ants on my trees is an indication that my technique is purely organic. This is because ants cannot survive if chemical fertilizers are used. Presence of ants prevent various diseases which afflict the mango trees", said Mehra.
He went on to add, "This year trees have bore mangoes in January which shows that yield is going to be good this year. I grow organic mangoes as it is good for people's health".
With rapid production, modern agricultural methods have proved to be a blessing to the developing world but they have serious consequences as preservatives, chemical fertilisers, pesticides are part and parcel of it. Framers across the globe are stressing on the need for organic farming and use of organic manure not only to reduce pollution but also to escalate the fertility of the soil. If compared with the conventional method, the organic practice of farming uses less water and capital investment.
At present, when the world is facing a severe climate and water crisis, organic farming can prove to be a blessing in disguise. It increases the underground water table and does not pollute the environment. Use of organic manure improves the quality of soil and increases its water retention capacity.
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If done in a proper manner, it can be an effective and efficient method of water conservation due to less evaporation and farmers can get better value for organic products in a competitive market. People are concerned about various health and environmental issues and as a result of which, the inclination towards sustainable, organic farming methods will continue to grow.
