ORGANIC farming is the method used indigenously without disturbing the environment. The rapidly growing industrialization and the advanced technology have harmed the water courses and air. Disturbance in environmental cycle results into disasters and damages. In productive land, the increasing use of fertilizers and chemicals are resulting into unnatural and low nutritious foods.

Organic food and fibre are grown and processed through the system which relies on healthy rich soil to produce strong plants that resist pests and diseases. Organic farming prohibits the use of toxic and persistent chemicals in favour of more “earth-friendly” practices that work in harmony with the Nature.

In livestock, antibiotics are prohibited instead preventative measures are taken to keep animals healthy and productive. The organic production also prohibits the use of genetically-modified organisms (GMO’s).

In brief “organic practices” mean no use of pesticides to contaminate soil and water or injure farm workers, no chemical fertilizers to runoff and contaminate rivers, lakes, oceans and drinking water and a healthier and more sustainable environment for all.

An agriculture expert at the University of Karachi is justified in saying that no doubt, chemical fertilizers increase the fertility of soil and pesticides kill the pests and parasites of plants but their application subsequently degrades the soil structure and kills the beneficial micro-organisms.

The nitrogen fixing bacteria (root nodule bacteria) fixes atmospheric nitrogen and phosphorus-fixing fungi (mycorrhizae) live in farm field soil. And so do earthworms which churn and turn the soil, and hence are called natural tillers that are being killed due to the toxic and poisonous effects of the chemical fertilizers and pesticides.

There are other types of bacteria and fungi which bring about transformations of complex nutrient compounds into simpler forms which then become available to plants for absorption, followed by photosynthesis leading to production of the food.

During absorption of toxic and poisonous nutrient elements by the plants, they pass through the food chain into animals and eventually humans, causing health hazard. An organic farmer deems that organic practices include crop rotation which in turn prevents the depletion of soils. Pests too, are managed through crop rotation by eliminating breeding grounds built year after year with a continuous crop.

Planting cover crops, such as clover adds nutrients, prevents weeds, and increases organic matter in the soil. Soil with high organic matter resists erosion and holds water better, requiring less irrigation. Studies have shown that organic crops fare better than the non-organic crops in times of drought and stress.

Releasing beneficial insects to prey on pests helps in eliminating the need for chemical insecticides that remains in the soil for years or leach into water supply lines. Adding composted manure and plant waste help the soil retain moisture and nutrients. Just as falling leaves return nutrients to forest soil, composting replenishes the soil. Preventing illness and maintaining strong animals through good nutrition and minimal stress are keys to successful organic livestock farming.

The farmer uses drip irrigation system on his farm. He suggests this to others as this is a water saving method and prevents wastages.

Agriculturists suggest that to avoid the residual effects of chemical fertilizers and pesticides in the food chain, we should make judicious use of these toxic substances by determining the correct dosages after experimental trials before their application in farm field conditions.

All western countries who introduced these unnatural ways of production are now turning towards organic farming. Phenomenon of organic farming is being accepted all over the world as it is safe for health of human beings.

In October of 2002, the long awaited Congress-mandated National Organic Standards went into effect, requiring that all products labelled as organic meet stringent standards established by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA). Now in the US itself, consumers have the force of law behind all organic labelling claims, providing peace of mind that when something says it is “organic”, it will meet the strict standards set by the USDA.

According to these standards lands on which organic food or fibre are grown must not apply prohibited substances such as toxic and persistent chemical pesticides and fertilizers for three years prior to certification.

Farmers and processors must keep a detailed record of methods and materials used in growing or processing the organic products. A third party certifier approved by the USDA must inspect methods and materials, annually. All handlers and farmers are required to maintain an Organic Handling Plan detailing their management practices.

Under the USDA regulations for a product to be labelled as “organic” it must contain a minimum of 95 per cent organic ingredients. That means the ingredients in Stony Field Farm organic yogurts, ice cream and drinks - including milk, sweeteners, fruits, and nuts should all be certified.

Any product labelled as organic in the US, must contain a minimum of 95 per cent ingredients produced to the US National Organic Standards, and be verified, inspected and certified by an independent state or private organization that have been accredited by the USDA. Any product with the USDA seal must be a minimum of 95 per cent organic.

Certification includes inspections of farms and processing facilities, detailed record keeping, and periodic testing of soil and water to ensure that growers and handlers meet the standards. Certifiers inspect and verify an audit that traces all ingredients back to fields they are grown on. All Stony Field Farm products are third-party certified by the Quality Assurance International (QAI).

To raise awareness, people in western countries prefer organic farm products against high prices. Pakistan is a labour-abundant agrarian country blessed with all favourable conditions. Necessary alterations in agricultural policies and improvement in planning can boost the organic farming in our country, too.